The Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels scored a dramatic comeback victory against the Suwon FC Women on November 26, at Incheon Namdong Stadium in the second leg of the 2023 WK League championship final, led by Son Hwa-yeon’s hat trick. With the win, the Red Angels secured their 11th consecutive WK League title.
Red Angels celebrate their 11th WK League title (Source: ⓒKFA)
Although the Red Angels suffered a 1-3 defeat in the first leg of the championship final, held at the Suwon Sports Complex on December 19, they were able to secure a decisive victory in the second leg on their home turf with a score of 6-2, thanks to Son Hwa-yeon who netted three goals in the first half alone. By consolidating the scores from the two legs, they were able to stage a dramatic comeback and claim the WK League title with a combined score of 7-5.
In the match, the Red Angels took the lead with a set-piece goal just 7 minutes into the game. Subsequently Son Hwa-yeon’s “hat-trick show” unfolded. In the 23rd minute of the first half, a teammate penetrated deep into the goal area on the right, delivering a cutback that Son converted with a non-stop shot, extending the lead to 2-0. In the 38th minute, when the Suwon FC goalkeeper parried a shot, Son, who was lurking in front of the net, headed in an additional goal. Just 2 minutes later, Son Hwa-yeon completed her hat trick with a diving header from a cross coming in from the right.
Completing the first half with an aggregate score of 5-3 from the first and second legs, the Red Angels faced a setback as Suwon FC scored just 1 minute into the second half. Nevertheless, in the 23rd minute of the second half, the Red Angels bypassed two Suwon FC defenders, and in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, executed a composed shot, extending their lead to 5-1.
Later in the second half, in the 41st minute, Suwon FC narrowed the gap to a 2-5 score. However, 45 minutes into the second half, a well-placed penetrating pass near midfield was connected to the goal, sealing the victory with a score of 6-2.
Since 2013, the Red Angels have never missed winning both the regular season and postseason titles. Their impressive milestone of 11 consecutive championships has reaffirmed their status as a “super dynasty.” Despite remaining in third position until the final stages of the highly competitive regular season, the Red Angels secured a dramatic victory in the ultimate match, orchestrating yet another “comeback triumph” by unleashing a storm of 6 goals in the second leg of the championship final.