Tuesday 28 April 2009

Daejeon Sources: Chuva Signs for Citizen

Various sources within the club are claiming that K-League top scorer and former Daejeon favourite Adriano Chuva has agreed to rejoin Citizen. Sources claim that out of favour striker Eric Obinna will have his contract terminated by mutual consent to allow for the arrival of the Brazilian forward. Any move for Chuva however would presumably have to be put on hold until the summer transfer window opens.

Chuva, who will be most remembered by Citizen fans as the man who scored the winner against Suwon to seal a play-off place, moved to Chunnam from Daejeon at the end of the 2007 season. He currently tops the K-League goal chart with 6 goals from 5 starts.

Monday 27 April 2009

Report: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 4 - 2 Daejeon Citizen

by Liam Birch at Jeonju World Cup Stadium

Daejeon slumped to a dismal defeat in Jeonju this past Sunday afternoon after a rampant second half display from the hosts. It wasn't the result that was particularly surprising but more so the manner in which it came about. Manager Kim Ho will surely be having nightmares following a dire second half defensive performance from Citizen.

Daejeon lined up with Chi Chi playing the lone striker role, with last season's leading scorer Park Sung-Ho again out on the left wing. Ko Chang-Hyeon had recovered enough to claim a starting place whilst Babel was again deployed just behind the midfield quartet.

Both sides made a bright start, with some particularly poor refereeing decisions going against Daejeon. However, ominous signs were evident from the outset, with Jeonbuk's counter attacking pace causing all sorts of problems in the Daejeon defence. On 18 minutes, Edinho secured a free kick on the edge of the area that he sublimely tucked away to give Jeonbuk the lead.

Daejeon battled away for the remainder of the half with very little end product. Chi Chi in particular was guilty of two glaring misses. The first, a free header that he directed harmlessly over the bar, and the second where, with a clear sight on goal, he tamely shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Whatever plan Kim Ho had for the second half was blown completely out of the water by a quick double just after the restart. An excellent Edinho cross left Tae-uk with a tap in before former Middlesboro flop Lee Don-Gook excellently volleyed in from the edge of the area. In truth, it was terrible defending for both goals and a worrying sign for things to come.

Daejeon were thrown a lifeline midway through the half when a defensive mishap from Jeonbuk allowed Park Sung-Ho to calmly fire Daejeon back into the match. Any hope of a comeback was short lived however as the excellent Edinho crossed inch perfectly onto the head of Luis to restore Jeonbuk's three goal cushion.

Daejeon would score a conselation goal when Ko Chang-Hyeon fired a trademark free kick over the Jeonbuk wall and into the top left hand corner on 90 minutes.

In all, it was a terribly poor performance and the 4-2 scoreline really flatters Daejeon. Jeonbuk look a decent side and could well be a safe bet for a playoff position. Daejeon on the other hand must have rather more modest goals for the season, as a basement battle looks more and more likely by the week.

Daejeon MOTM: Ko Chang-Hyeon

Thursday 23 April 2009

Preview: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs Daejeon Citizen

26th April 2009
Jeonju World Cup Stadium
3.00pm

High flying Jeonbuk host Daejeon Citizen this Sunday in a game that they will feel confident of taking 3 points from. Jeonbuk have made an excellent start to the season as they find themselves just 2 points off early pace-setters Gwangju Sangmu. Daejeon on the other hand have had a mixed start to the season. After a heavy loss on opening day, they have shown glimpses of form, particularly in the 2-0 victory over Daegu. They currently find themselves in 10th position in the K-League.

Jeonbuk come into this game on the back of a credible 1-1 draw with 2007 champions Pohang, whilst Daejeon suffered an unlucky 2-1 reverse at the hands of Seongnam. Jeonbuk are unbeaten in 2009 whilst Daejeon Citizen have recorded just the one league victory this year. No surprises then that Jeonbuk are the clear favourites with the bookmakers. Bet365.com have a Jeonbuk win priced at 3/5 whilst Daejeon are priced at 17/5.

Daejeon suffered a 3-1 reverse here last season. Park Sung-Ho missed a first half penalty for Daejeon and Jeonbuk made them pay with a ruthless 2nd half display.

Match report and photographs to follow on Monday.

FA Cup 1st Round Draw - Cheonan City

Daejeon Citizen will play Cheonan City in the first round of the FA Cup. The game will be played at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on May 13th. Kick off time is due to be announced at a later date.

Gangwon 3 - 0 Daejeon Citizen (Peace Cup)

Daejeon slipped to a poor defeat on Wednesday evening as new boys Gangwon eased to a comfortable 3-0 victory. The loss leaves Daejeon bottom of their group but still within touching distance of the top two.

Tuesday 21 April 2009

Preview: Gangwon FC vs Daejeon Citizen

In my excitement it appears that I completely forgot about the Peace Cup game tonight where Daejeon Citizen will travel to league new boys Gangwon hoping to build on the 2-1 victory over Chunnam last time out in this competition.

The Peace Cup (or Hauzen Cup as it was previously known) is the Mickey Mouse competition of Korea, where teams will rarely play their strongest eleven. I have often said that Daejeon should attempt to take this competition seriously as it presents a viable opportunity for silverware.

I expect to see a full strength side tonight, so that should mean Brazilian imports Chi Chi and Babel starting. The one player that may be rested is Ko Chang Hyeun, who was substituted with a minor knock during the 2-1 defeat by Seongnam on Saturday.

Kick off is 7pm in Gangwon.
Welcome to my Daejeon Citizen blog.

I shall endeavor to update frequently with news and personal match reports written by yours truly. Look out for my preview of this weekend's clash with Jeonbuk soon.