'Hyundai Steel blocked its solo lead'WK League KSPO won its first championship in 14 years since its foundation'Happiness'

Sep 27, 2024

Hwacheon KSPO squad that achieved regular wins in the 2024 WK League season. Photo courtesy of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation

Hwacheon KSPO, the women's soccer team of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, won the title for the first time in 14 years since its foundation in the '2024 Debelon WK League'.

Hwacheon KSPO is led by Choi Yoo-jung (32), who scored two goals in the final 28th round of the WK League 2024 away game at Changnyeong Sports Park in Gyeongnam on the 26th, Moon Eun-joo (24) of the first winning goal, and Wi Jae-eun (28) of the additional goal It won a 4-0 victory over Changnyeong WFC.

As a result, Hwacheon KSPO, which recorded 16 wins, 8 draws and 4 losses (56 points), beat second-place Suwon FC Women (15 wins, 8 draws and 5 losses, 53 points) by 3 points to win the regular league. This is the first regular league championship since the club's foundation in 2011 and the WK League history that has prevented Incheon Hyundai Steel, which has ruled as an absolute powerhouse, from losing 11 consecutive games.

Last season, Hwacheon KSPO had the experience of leading the way throughout the season and unfortunately giving up the championship to Hyundai Steel in the final round. However, this season, despite the difficulties of main players such as Shin Na-young and Lee Soo-bin advancing to overseas leagues in the middle of the season, the team achieved a valuable achievement of winning its first regular league with its strong organizational power.

KSPO players, including coach Kang Jae-soon (far left) and Choi Soo-jin (second from left), are happy in front of the winning cake. Photo courtesy of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation

The top contributor to this victory was veteran striker Choi Yoo-jung, who scored nine goals and five assists, recording the most offensive points in the team. Choi Yoo-jung also scored two goals in this game, contributing to the team's victory.

In addition, Choi Soo-jin (37), the eldest sister who has been protecting the Hwacheon KSPO since joining in 2011, Min Yoo-kyung (29), vice captain Jung Ji-yeon (28), mercenary Asna (36) and Choi Jung-min (25) who scored eight goals contributed greatly to the victory.

Coach Kang Jae-soon said in an interview shortly after winning the championship, `I'm so thrilled to win the first championship and happy to share a glorious moment with the players.'"I hope this victory will help our women's soccer to diversify and grow together.' Coach Kang has been steadily developing the team by leading the team for 14 years as the team's first manager.

After a month-long break, the WK League will resume with a playoff between second-ranked Suwon FC and third-ranked Gyeongju KHNP at Suwon Stadium on Nov. 2. The playoff winning team will play a home-and-away championship match against Hwacheon KSPO. The first round will be held at the playoff winner's home on Nov. 5, and the second round will be held at the main stadium of Hwacheon Sports Park on Nov. 9.

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