Byun Sung Hwan joins Sydney FC

Byun Sung Hwan has signed for Australian League side Sydney FC. The defender made sixteen appearances for Jeju in 2008. He formerly played for Ulsan Hyundai.

Whilst not being a regular in the Jeju United side last season he did appear regularly in the Hauzen Cup where he made the highest number of assists of any player in the tournament.

(photo from jeju-utd.com)

Jeju brave the humidity to beat Busan

Jeju United 2-0 Busan I Park

Highlights video: www.jeju-utd.com (Internet Explorer only)

The hot and humid conditions weren't conducive to an exciting, fast paced game, however it was Jeju who had the greater energy. They were able to emerge victorious thanks to two goals in the last fifteen minutes from Cho Yong Hyung and Bang Seung Hwan.

A crowd of over 18,000 jammed in to the Jeju Athletics Stadium and witnessed a dull opening 75 minutes as both sides struggled to cope with the humidity and hot weather conditions. Of particular note was the return of Romulo who was the top goal scorer at Jeju last season. Whenever he touched the ball various "boos" and insults could be heard. Whether or not they had any effect on the player will remain unknown, however the Brazilian struggled to make a significant impact in the game and was substituted in the 51st minute. The former hero's only chance of note came on thirty seven minutes when he powered a shot from twelve yards straight at Kim Song Min who superbly parried the ball over the bar.

Jeju struggled to create chances throughout the game and often resorted to long balls aimed at Oveira. The striker did well on occasion but once again was caught offside more often that he should have been and did not receive adequate support from the Jeju midfield. Coach Arthur Bernardes will need to work on his midfield options as the side looks decidedly light weight in this area.

A goal came out of nothing with just fourteen minutes remaining when Cho Yong Hyung headed home a Choi Hyun Youn corner from twelve yards. A second goal was added by Bang Seung Hwan from the penalty spot after Oh Seung Bum was brought down in the area to give Jeju a convincing looking victory. In fact by the end of the game United could have scored four or five as Busan all but gave up. Lee Sang Ho in particular had an excellent long range effort in injury time saved by Choi Hyun.

The victory was made even sweeter by the five minute appearance of Kang Min Su who had been out injured for the last two months. He is likely to be eased back in to action over July and will be aiming to re-form his impressive defensive partnership with Cho Yong Hyung.

Jeju moved to within two points of a play-off place thanks to this victory and can look forward to Wednesday nights FA Cup game against Gwangju and next weekend's trip to Incheon United with confidence.


K-League Table

1 Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix 13 +12 29
2 FC Seoul 13 +9 26
3 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 12 +12 24
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4 Incheon United 12 +4 22
5 Gangwon FC 12 +4 19
6 Pohang Steelers 12 +2 16
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7 Chunnam Dragons 12 −3 16
8 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma 12 −2 15
9 Jeju United 12 −6 14
10 Busan I'Park 13 −3 13
11 Gyeongnam FC 12 −3 13
12 Ulsan Hyundai Horang-i 12 −3 12
13 Daejeon Citizen 12 −6 11
14 Suwon Samsung Bluewings 12 −6 10
15 Daegu FC 13 −11 7

Jeju United V Busan I Park Preview

Jeju United V Busan I Park - 3pm, Sunday 28th June 2009 (Jeju Athletics Stadium, Jeju City)

Jeju's top scorer from last season Homulo makes his return to the Island on Sunday as Jeju face Busan I Park in the K-League.

Homulo is likely to get a mixed reception from the home fans who were dazzled by his performance on the field last year but less so by his performance off it.

The K-League is exceptionally close this year. If Jeju can win they will leap frog their opponents in to within touching distance of the Play-Offs. After an impressive but unsuccessful performance at FC Seoul last weekend, Jeju will be confident.

Previous Meetings
Jeju and Busan have been equally matched over recent years and the results of their games reflect this with both sides having picked up two wins and two draws from the last six games.

29th October 2008 - Busan I Park 3-0 Jeju United
12th April 2008 - Jeju United 1-1 Busan I Park
14th October 2007 - Jeju United 1-0 Busan I Park
4th March 2007 - Busan I Park 0-1 Jeju United
5th November 2006 - Jeju United 0-1 Busan I Park
10th May 2006 - Busan I Park 0-0 Jeju United

Team News
Coach Arthur Bernardes will be able to pick virtually a first choice side for this game. Defender Kang Min Su may also make an appearance after having been injured for the last two months.

Keep an eye out for:
All eyes will be on Romulo (11) who was top scorer for Jeju last season. He is likely to feature at some point in the match even if he doesn't start.
Jung Sung Hoon (9) has scored five goals so far this season.
Defenders Kim Chang Soo (27) and Lee Gang Jin (7) were both involved with the most recent South Korea squad alongside attacker Yang Dong Hyun (18).

Bet365.com Odds
Jeju United - 13/10(2.30)
Draw - 2/1 (3.00)
Busan I Park - 19/10 (2.90)

Superb Jeju denied by last gasp Seoul

FC Seoul 2-1 Jeju United

Highlights video: http://www.jeju-utd.com (Internet Explorer only)

Jeju were just seven minutes away from a shock victory before late goals from Ko Myong Jin and Park Yong Ho allowed Seoul to snatch the three points. In an entertaining encounter arguments could be made that a draw, a Seoul win or a Jeju win would all have been fair results.

The onset of Korea's rainy season no doubt helped the players as the temperature was comfortable and the light drizzle was insufficient to majorly effect the game.

Both sides opened brightly, evidently refreshed after the international break. It was Jeju who created the first major opportunity on 8 minutes when Oh Seung Bum's long range pass played Oveira through on goal. Oveira promptly converted with a spectacular lob from 20 yards which looped over the keeper and in to the back of the net. Seoul World Cup Stadium went quiet as Jeju celebrated their shock lead.

FC Seoul dominated the entire game, however Jeju can take pride in the fact that they didn't sit back and defend - they kept launching counter attacks and created several opportunites. Oveira could have scored a second half way through the first half when once again he was played in on goal only to have his effort smothered by goalkeeper Kim Ho Jun.

Ultimately though the match will be remembered for FC Seoul's huge number of chances - one effort was cleared off the line, the woodwork was struck in both halfs and Han Dong Jin in the Jeju goal made a series of excellent saves.

Just as it had appeared Jeju had weathered the storm they were hit by a sucker punch when Ko Myong Jin scored from 20 yards. As both sides went for the victory it was FC Seoul who were successful as Park Yong Ho headed home the winner.

Jeju shouldn't be too downhearted though after an excellent counter attacking display which could on another day have led to three points. Whilst it could be said Han Dong Jin should have probably saved FC Seoul's two successful strikes, it would be unfair to criticise him after a series of excellent saves throughout the match.

Oveira once again looked strong up front, however needs to improve his positioning and reading of the game - he was caught offside more often than he should have been. His partnership with Bang Seung Hwan upfront did however look promising.

Next up is Busan on Sunday in Jeju City. If Jeju can put in another performance of this magnitude, they should be confident of getting the three points.

FC Seoul V Jeju United Preview

Jeju United V FC Seoul - 8pm, Saturday 20th June 2009 (Seoul World Cup Stadium)

Joint K-League leaders FC Seoul will enter Saturday's match as strong favourites. Underdogs Jeju are currently being given odds of 4/1 on picking up a shock three points.

Both sides will come in to the game refreshed after a three week break for internationals. Cho Young-Hyung returns to Jeju after being part of the South Korea squad which secured qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Jeju coach Arthur Bernardes has implemented a harsh training schedule for the side and will be hoping that this will improve the side's fitness and tactical awareness in this second half of the season.

Realistically, any kind of result would be a boost for Jeju. The main test will be over the next 7 weeks in which United have a run of seven winnable K-League games. It is these matches which will indicate whether or not Jeju have a chance of making the play-offs in November.

Previous Meetings

Jeju have an atrocious record against FC Seoul having drawn two and lost four of the last six league matches. Jeju will have to take confidence from last year's 2-0 victory at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the Peace Cup.

13th September 2008 - Jeju United 0-0 FC Seoul
20th April 2008 - FC Seoul 3-1 Jeju United
11th August 2007 - Jeju United 2-2 FC Seoul
18th March 2007 - FC Seoul 1-0 Jeju United
9th September 2006 - FC Seoul 1-0 Jeju United
25th March 2006 - Jeju United 0-3 FC Seoul

Team News

Kang Min Su is still suffering from injury and will miss the game. Gu Ja Cheol is suspended after having picked up three yellow cards.

Keep an eye out for:

Defender Kevin Hatchi (5) is a French defender signed from FC Mons in Belgium.
Midfielders Ki Sung Yong (21), Lee Chung Yong (27) and Kim Chi Woo (7)were all members of the recent South Korea national squad which secured qualification to the 2010 World Cup.
Montenegrin striker Dejan Damjanovic (10) will be FC Seoul's main threat up front - he has already scored five goals this season.

Bet365.com Odds
FC Seoul - 4/7 (1.57)
Draw - 13/5 (3.60)
Jeju United - 4/1 (5.00)

Jeju United to face Ulsan Hyundai in Peace Cup quarter finals

Jeju United have been drawn against Ulsan in the quarter finals of the Peace Cup. The match will be played over two legs on the 8th and 22nd July.

Jeju have won just 2 of their last 7 games against Ulsan so will go in to the tie as underdogs.

Should United win they will reach the semi finals of the competition, to be played in August.

This year's Peace Cup winners will be presented with a cheque for 100,000,000 won, with the runners up getting 50,000,000 won.

The full draw:

Busan V Seongnam
Jeju V Ulsan
Seoul V Incheon
Pohang V Suwon

Jeju United to face Gwangju Sangmu in the FA Cup 2nd Round

Jeju United have been drawn at home to Gwangju Sangmu Phoenix in the FA Cup. Gwangju have performed well above expectations in the league this season, however Jeju will be confident after already having beaten the army side 1-0 and 4-1 this year.

Match will be held on 1st July and is likely to be held in Seogwipo at 7pm.

The full draw:

Busan V Suwon
Goyang V Pohang
Jeju V Gwangju
Daejeon V Kyunghee University
Chunnam V Gangwon
Gyeongnam V Daegu
Jeonbuk V FC Seoul
Seongnam V Jungang University

In the event of a draw, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shoot out if necessary.