K League continues this weekend, despite the international break looming, with the hotly contested second division heading into Round 19.
Match of the Round
Jeonnam Dragons vs. Incheon United
With Incheon United sitting 10 points clear at the top of K League 2 heading into Round 19, this weekend the onus is on fourth-place Jeonnam Dragons to try to reopen the title race. Both teams drew last time out, and so will be keen to return to winning ways. Incheon bundled home a late equaliser away to neighbours Gimpo FC with Mun Ji-hwan on hand to restore parity, but did so at a huge cost with the midfielder being injured in the process and facing a year on the sidelines. Jeonnam also fought back to earn a point, having found themselves 2-0 down away to Chungbuk Cheongju. Likewise, the Dragons' equaliser came deep into injury time. Ha Nam pulled one back on 71 minutes before Go Tae-won got the Dragons out of jail in the 96th minute.
The draw for Incheon extended their unbeaten run to 15, while Jeonnam's draw meant it's now four games without a win. Both teams have landed a similar number of shots on target this season, with Incheon racking up 79 and Jeonnam 72. Likewise, for passes in the final third, with Incheon at 1,198 and Jeonnam at 1,113. This weekend's game should provide plenty of final third action and shots on target.
Team of the Round
Hwaseong FC (vs. Bucheon FC 1995)
A 1-0 home win over Seongnam FC has moved Hwaseong FC to within just a point of 10th place and firmly looking up. Their fourth win of the campaign, and second in their last five, came via a late, late Woo Je-wook header into the top corner from a Park Ju-yeong cross. Both had been brought on and combined to devastating effect, and to spark pandemonium among the supporters and on the Hwaseong bench. The battle is on now to avoid the so-called K League 2 wooden spoon - finishing in last place. Hwaseong have a four-point cushion over 14th-placed Cheonan and take on a promotion-chasing Bucheon FC 1995 side next, who moved into third place.
Player of the Round
Gonzalo Fornari, Busan IPark (vs. Gimpo FC)
Gonzalo Fornari's late, late strike against Suwon Bluwings last time out rescued a point for Busan IPark. His sixth goal of the season kept the Royals in the top five and within just a point of third place as the K League giants look to return to the top flight. The 25-year-old Brazilian has been a key player for Busan this season, registering three assists as well, to rack up nine goal involvements in 17 appearances. Busan tend to win, or at least pick up points, when Gonzalo scores, and his goal involvements have been the difference in Jo Sung-hwan's men earning nine points extra; the difference between being in fifth or as low as ninth. Up next for Gonzalo and Busan is Gimpo FC away.
Elsewhere in K League 2 Round 19
Chungnam Asan will be looking to continue their good form (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) when hosting a Suwon Samsung Bluewings side looking to bounce back from the late draw with Busan and maintain their grip on second place.
Gyeongnam FC and Ansan Greeners meet while locked on the same number of points and looking to move away from the wooden spoon battle and into midtable. Ansan are the form team with two wins and two draws from their last five, Gyeongnam have lost their last four.
Chungbuk Cheongju have at least begun to end their losing streak and pick up points, albeit in the form of draws. After two straight stalemates, the Lions take on the Leopards of Seoul E-Land, who're looking to end a run of five without a win and move back into the playoff places.
Seongnam FC in ninth with one win in 11 take on Cheonan City, a side that's on a run of three unbeaten with two wins. Another win for Kim Tae-wan's side could move them off the foot of the table.
K League 2 Round 19 Fixtures
Saturday 5th July
Chungnam Asan (7th) vs. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2nd) - 19:00
Gyeongnam FC (10th) vs. Ansan Greeners (11th) - 19:00
Chungbuk Cheongju (13th) vs. Seoul E-Land (6th) - 19:00
Jeonnam Dragons (4th) vs. Incheon United (1st) - 19:00
Sunday 6th July
Seongnam FC (9th) vs. Cheonan City (14th) - 19:00
Hwaseong FC (12th) vs. Bucheon FC 1995 (3rd) - 19:00
Gimpo FC (8th) vs. Busan IPark (5th) - 19:00
