The K League was full of records this week, both positive and negative ones.
Vietnam's V League has produced some interesting results, while the most surprising upset took place in Taiwan.
K League
Seoul and Incheon form a rivalry named The Gyeongin Derby, which stands for the 'Seoul – Incheon corridor', a road of 49 kilometres between the two cities. Although it is not well known as the East Coast Derby or the Super Match, this matchup always contained some bad blood.
This year, both teams have been struggling. Seoul is suffering from five successive defeats so far. Two losses this week against Sangju Sangmu (0-1) and Ulsan Hyundai (0-2) have worsened their situation. Lack of quality upfront and injuries in the backline are among the reason for this 'professional collapse'. It is the first time in 23 years that Seoul is losing five consecutive games, dating back to the times that Seoul was called 'Anyang LG'.
Meanwhile, Incheon's situation is even worse. After getting beaten by two promoted teams, Gwangju FC and Busan IPark, 1-2 and 0-1 respectively, their 'pointless' record has extended to six games - for the very first time in the Blue-Black's history. It is essential to note failing to get points against two newcomers would play as a massive disadvantage in the relegation battle.
Another team that is drastically declining is Seongnam FC. Since May 31, when they narrowly beat FC Seoul, the Magpies have lost next four matches. Especially this week, they failed to grab a goal against Ulsan and Suwon Samsung (0-2). The positive start of the season has now vanished.
Unlike these two clubs, Ulsan Hyundai has the best start so far.
This week, they hammered Gangwon FC 3-0 and Seoul, as mentioned. Including these two games, Ulsan hasn't conceded a single goal in the last four matches and won each one of these games. You have to trace back to 1986 to recall when they set such a record.
The Horang-I are still the only undefeated team in K League 1, yet they are one point behind the league topper Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
K League 2
Jeonnam Dragons were the only unbeaten team but failed to keep the record against powerhouse Daejeon Hana Citizen. Two Brazilian forwards, Andre Luis and Bruno Baio, netted a goal in 46th and 88th minute and helped the Citizens to conquer the top spot of the table. Baio's first goal for Daejeon, fatefully, came out against his former team.
The only North Korean player currently in the league, An Byong-jun of Suwon FC, again successfully terrorized the K League 2 defences, this time against FC Anyang. His opening goal in the 3-2 victory has strengthened his position at the top of the scoring table. Thank's to An's effort in the 10th minute, an own goal in 16th minute and Mo Jae-hyun's fine strike in the 32nd minute, Suwon FC beat Anyang despite conceding two in the remainder of the match.
V League
In Vietnam, Song Lam Nghe An climbed up to the top of the league after defeating Ha Noi FC 1-0. 20-year-old youngster Dang Van Lam stood as a hero by scoring the winning goal in the 57th minute. Second-placed Becamex Binh Duong and third-placed Ho Chi Minh City FC grabbed easy victories as well, against Quang Nam (2-1) and Viettel (3-0) respectively. Vietnamese international Nguyen Cong Phuong celebrated the renewal of his contract with Ho Chi Minh City FC with a goal in the 61st minute.
TFPL
In Taiwan, Taipei Red Lions shocked Taiwanese football fans yet again, this time, with a victory. The victim of Red Lions's first win of the season was the reigning champions Tatung FC. Guatemalan-born Gerardo Rabre was undoubtedly the man of the match, scoring both goals in 42nd and 57th minute. It's a historical benchmark that all Red Lions players and staff would remember.
In Ming Chuan and NTUS's 'University Derby', NTUS hammered Ming Chuan 6-0 with a hat-trick hero Chen Po-yu's effort. Taichung FUTURO beat Hang Yuen 1-0 and secured the top spot, and Taipower stayed at the second after a thrilling 3-2 win over Taiwan Steel.
