Gimcheon Commerce U-18 records best result since team’s inception, ‘winning streak continues’
The Gimcheon Commerce U-18 team is on the rise, posting its best results since its inception.
Gimcheon Commerce U-18 currently sits in sixth place in Group B with three wins, two draws, and two losses in the first half of the K League Junior National High School Soccer League. The team finished last year’s 2022 K League Junior League in the second half of the lower division with just one win out of 10 matches, but there is no sign of that now.
The 2023 K League Junior League will play the first 10 matches of the first half of the season, followed by the second half of the season in the upper division for the first through sixth place finishers in each group. It’s a crucial time for Gimcheon Commerce U-18, who have just four matches left in the first half of the season. They will step up their preparations for the remaining four matches and aim for their first top split since their inception.
Gimcheon Commerce U-18 will host Jeonbuk Hyundai U18 in the ‘2023 K League Junior U-18 Group B’ on May 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jeonbuk Hyundai Clubhouse.
Gimcheon Commerce U-18 head coach Park Tae-min said, “The players’ confidence has increased a lot after winning against a strong team. However, for youth players, the content is more important than the result. We will focus on helping our third-year players get into the universities they want to attend.”
It’s been a string of good news this season. On March 28, Gimcheon Commerce U-18 GK Lee Si-heon was named to the third training squad for the 2023 AFC U17 Asian Cup. This was a first for Gimcheon youth. His performance at the ’24th Baekwoongi National High School Football Tournament’ in February led to his call-up to the national team.
Gimcheon Commerce U-18 competed in the Baekwoongi National High School Football Tournament in February and finished as runners-up. Lee conceded just one goal in six games from the qualifiers to the semifinals. In the quarterfinals against Seogwipo Football Center, he made two saves in the penalty shootout to help the team advance to the quarterfinals, and in the semifinals, he kept a clean sheet against powerhouse Ulsan Hyundai. In addition to showcasing his individual skills as a goalkeeper, Lee also contributed to the team’s run to the final 스포츠토토.
“I was happy to be part of the national team training for the first time,” said Lee. It’s a shame that I didn’t show my full potential, but I’m only a sophomore, so I’m sure I’ll get another chance. I will focus on the league and show my growth.”
Lee Si-heon hasn’t been named to the training roster since, but he will continue to create opportunities by playing in the ongoing K League Junior National High School Soccer League.
Gimcheon Commerce U-18, who are riding high after winning the Gyeongbuk Provincial Football Championship, are also aiming to qualify for the national tournament. The 104th National Sports Games, scheduled to be held in October, will select provincial representatives through summer qualifiers.
Gimcheon Sangmu U18 head coach Park Tae-min cites center backs Shim Yeon-won and Kim Jung-hoon as key points. Shim, the captain, was recognized for his performance at the Baekwoongi High School Football Tournament, where he won the Most Valuable Player award. Kim Jung-hoon is a big man at 187 centimeters, but his speed makes him an excellent defender. These two players will be responsible for the central defense of Gimcheon Sangmu U-18.