Cha Wins at Last after Nine Years

When Nardson’s fantastic volley shot struck the net, Suwon Samsung’s coach, Cha Beom-geon stood up with his arms held up and was as delighted as a kid. It was his first victory in four games since the opening of Samsung Hauzen 2004 K-League.

Suwon beat Daegu FC with a 1-0 score at Suwon World-Cup Stadium on May 5, as Seo Jeong-won headed the free kick of Kim Jin-woo and passed backwards and a rushing Brazilian Nardson scored with a right volley shot. It was Coach Cha’s first win in nine years in Korea.

Suwon marked one win, two draws, and one loss with the victory, but Daegu gave away the chance in which they could place first for the first time since they were formed.

Only Cha wasn’t pleased of the victory on the day. FC Seoul’s Coach, Cho Gwang-rae, who struggled after moving into Seoul, and Daejon Citizen’s Coach Choi Yoon-kyeom, who brought the blast last season, also smiled.

Seoul beat Gwangju Sangmoo (Army Athletic Corps) with 1-0 victory thanks to a goal by Kim Eun-joong at the 80 minute mark, capturing its first win after three straight draws.

Placing at the bottom with two draws and two losses, Daejon won a victory 2-0 as Brazilian Jiago scored at the 13 minute mark, and successfully knocked in the penalty kick which was caused by goalie Kim Yong-dae’s foul at the 37 minute mark.

Ulsan Hyundai edged out Incheon United by a 3-2 score with two goals by the excellent Brazilian striker, Dodo.

Second place in scoring last season, Dodo made his fourth goal this season, tying for first place with Daegu’s Fuweijong, who didn’t play because of an injury that day.

Sang-Ho Kim Jong-Koo Yang hyangsan@donga.com yjongk@donga.com