In a thrilling encounter at the Tancheon Sports Complex on June 6, 2025, Suwon Samsung continued their impressive run in the K League 2 by edging past Seongnam FC with a dramatic 2-1 victory. The match, part of the 15th round of the 2025 season, saw Suwon maintain their unbeaten streak, now stretching to 12 games, as they closed the gap on league leaders Incheon United.
The game was tightly contested from the outset, with both teams eager to assert dominance. Suwon, currently second in the league with 31 points from nine wins, four draws, and two losses, came into the match with momentum, having recently secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Bucheon FC. Their sights were firmly set on narrowing the four-point deficit behind first-place Incheon United, who have played one more game.
Suwon's starting lineup featured a blend of attacking prowess and defensive resilience, including key players such as Iljutcemko, Sarapich, Paulo, Kim Ji-hyun, Choi Young-jun, Lee Kyu-seong, Lee Geon-hee, Kwon Wan-gyu, Leo, Lee Ki-je, and goalkeeper Yang Hyung-mo. Veteran defender Hwang Seok-ho, acquired just a day prior in the summer transfer window, was named among the substitutes, signaling Suwon's intent to bolster their defensive options.
Seongnam FC, on the other hand, struggled with form, sitting eighth in the table with 18 points, having endured an eight-game winless streak comprising three draws and five losses. Their lineup included new summer signings Yang Han-bin and Lee Jae-woong, who made their first appearances before the home fans alongside stalwart forward Huise, whose eight goals this season have been a rare bright spot for the team.
The match's opening goal came early in the eighth minute when Sarapich delivered a precise cross from the right flank into the penalty area. Paulo capitalized on the opportunity, firing a shot that deflected off a defender and found the back of the net, giving Suwon a deserved 1-0 lead. This early strike set the tone for a fiercely competitive game.
Seongnam responded with determination, pressing forward and creating chances from set pieces and wide areas. Their efforts paid off in the 33rd minute when a VAR review confirmed a foul by Suwon's Lee Geon-hee inside the penalty box, awarding Seongnam a penalty kick. Huise stepped up confidently and converted in the 37th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 and reigniting hopes for the home side.
As the match progressed into the second half, Suwon made tactical substitutions to maintain their intensity and control. Bruno Silva, Park Seung-soo, and Kang Hyun-muk were introduced to refresh the squad and sustain pressure on Seongnam's defense. Despite Seongnam's valiant efforts, the game remained poised on a knife-edge, with both teams striving for the decisive breakthrough.
Drama unfolded deep into stoppage time. In the 48th minute of added time, Suwon earned a crucial free-kick just outside the penalty area after Paulo was fouled inside the arc box. Lee Ki-je took charge of the set piece and delivered a masterful curling shot with his left foot that eluded goalkeeper Yang Han-bin, nestling into the corner of the net. The stunning strike sealed a 2-1 victory for Suwon, sparking jubilant celebrations among the away supporters and extending their unbeaten streak.
Coach Byun Sung-hwan's side now trails Incheon United by four points but holds the advantage of having played one fewer match, keeping the title race very much alive as the season approaches its critical stages.
Meanwhile, Seongnam's woes continued as the defeat extended their winless run to eight matches, leaving them rooted to eighth place. Despite Huise's persistent attacking contributions, the team struggled to convert opportunities into points, highlighting the challenges they face in reversing their fortunes.
Adding to Suwon's season narrative was the recent signing of veteran defender Hwang Seok-ho, who joined the club on June 5, 2025. The 1989-born defender brings valuable experience from his stints in Japan, China, and last season with Ulsan Hyundai, where he contributed to their third consecutive league title. Despite limited playing time at Ulsan this year due to injury and tactical decisions, Hwang expressed optimism about his move to Suwon.
In an interview before the match, Hwang reflected, "Just last week, I was preparing for the Jeonbuk Hyundai and Hyundai Derby, but now I find myself continuing my career in a different environment. I think this is also part of a professional player's destiny." He added, "I thought I would be going to the Club World Cup in the United States with Ulsan, but the transfer to Suwon happened suddenly. Fortunately, I have many familiar teammates here, so I am adapting quickly." Hwang highlighted his motivation for the transfer, citing the need for more playing time and a fresh challenge in K League 2. "I believe Suwon is a team capable of promotion this year, and while I regret missing out on the Club World Cup, I am excited about my future here," he said.
Hwang's presence is expected to strengthen Suwon's defense, which, despite their attacking firepower, has shown vulnerability to counter-attacks and crosses this season. "Coach Byun Sung-hwan has asked me to lead the defense and bring composure, while also supporting the team's build-up play to maintain possession and advance the ball more comfortably," Hwang explained. He is eager to integrate fully with the squad and contribute to their promotion push.
Looking ahead, Suwon Samsung's blend of youthful talent and seasoned veterans like Hwang Seok-ho positions them as serious contenders in the K League 2. Their recent performances underline a team growing in confidence and cohesion, with the dramatic victory over Seongnam serving as a testament to their resilience and ambition.
Elsewhere in the league, Chungnam Asan secured a 2-0 victory over Chungbuk Cheongju, with goals from Han Kyo-won and Kim Jong-min propelling them to seventh place and extending their unbeaten run to four matches. In contrast, Chungbuk Cheongju remains mired in a six-game winless streak, highlighting the competitive challenges faced by several teams in this tightly contested league.
As the 2025 K League 2 season unfolds, Suwon Samsung's pursuit of the title and promotion spot promises to deliver more excitement and drama, with the team demonstrating the quality and determination necessary to challenge the league's best.
