Korean Footballers Abroad Weekend Listing/Midweek recap + K League Listing 9/30-10/1

Last weekend before international break. Korean Footballers Abroad has a midweek recap + weekend listing, let’s start there:

Could be thin action this weekend

Son Heung Min — Looked sloppy all day, even relative to his teammates who were also showed a lack of precision. Missed a wide open header from just a few feet away, and his passes were not accurate. He did have one nice shot that was a small deflection away from going in but it wasn’t a great showing. I’d expect Son on the bench this weekend given short rest.

Koo Ja Cheol — I’d expect him to be out with a concussion.

Ji Dong Won — Maybe he makes the squad this weekend with Koo out.

Lee Chung Yong — Maybe he warms the bench with Benteke out.

Ki Sung Yueng — Scheduled for reserve action.

Kwon Chang Hoon — We’ll see how much defensive failing ODO is willing to take, but I’d expect KCH to sit as an offensive option off the bench.

Lee Seung Woo — Was his cameo a sign of a bigger role? Verona doesn’t really have much to lose at this point… hopefully he’s at least moved up to a legit option off the bench.

Suk Hyun Jun — We will see if he’s a late option off the bench.

Tavern Owner here: Initially I agreed with Korean Footballers Abroad that Son had a bad day at the office. But on second viewing of Son’s performance, it wasn’t as negative as my initial impressions and I found more positives to Son’s game on Tuesday.  Certainly he should have done better with that gold plated service to head in front of goal in the first half. And he had some questionable touches during various moments in the match. But he did have his share of positive contributions including a quality shot with a tight angle after Kane provided for Son to run at the keeper right after the start of the 2nd half.  Take a look at his ball touch summary:

Korea FA Cup Semifinals

K League Classic Side Ulsan just managed to separate themselves from non-league side Mokpo City 1-0 in the 2nd half of the Korea FA Cup semifinal on Wednesday.  Ulsan moves on to the title match while they wait for the other semifinal: K-League Challengers Busan IPark take on Suwon Bluewings on October 25th.

Which segues naturally to the K-League Classic – only 2 rounds left before the split (relegation half and champions half).

Saturday Sept 30

Jeonnam Dragons 2:00 AM FC Seoul	Pohang Steelers 2:00 AM Sangju Sangmu
Daegu 2:00 AM Incheon

Sunday October 1

Jeju 2:00 AM Gwangju	Gangwon 2:00 AM Ulsan
Suwon Bluewings 2:00 AM Jeonbuk

All times are in Eastern Time