YU soccer team boldly competed against Sungnam FC of the K League Classic at the final 8 at the 2014 FA Cup.

YU soccer team boldly competing against Sungnam FC of the K League Classic at the final 8 of the 2014 FA Cup
(Photo = Korea Football Association)

 The YU soccer team, which is the best college soccer team, will have to take a break in their bold challenge at the FA Cup.

 The YU soccer team, which is led by the brilliant manager Kim Byeong-soo, barely lost to Sungnam FC of the K League Classic by 1-2 at the final 8 of the '2014 Hana Bank FA Cup' held at the Tancheon Stadium in Sungnam on the 13th. It was not a lop-sided match. YU came onto the pitch against the professional home team using a 'five-back' tactic. Their game was not bad. The 'lop-sided win' that the Sungnam coach promised was broken by the strong resistance of YU. Unfortunately, they let up a couple of goals. We will now have to wait for the next to see a college team make it to the semi-finals at the FA Cup for the first time ever.

 However, the YU team did their best in the 90 minute match and the great strategist, Manager Kim, sincerely encouraged the team. "We lost, but we did all we could." Kim added, "This is not the end. Though we are disappointed, I hope that the players will mature even more through this experience."

 Upon hearing news of the disappointing loss, YU President Noh Seok-kyun said, "They were not the best when the first started. But, Manager Kim Byeong-soo's excellent leadership, trust of students, and the undying passion of the students and their respect for the manager has shown new possibilities for college soccer." Mr. Noh added, "Our soccer team that is made up of character, progressiveness, creativity, and expertise are truly exemplary 'Y-type human resources'."

 At one time the YU soccer team was always last place. But after Kim Byeong-soo stepping in as the manager and head coach in 2008, everything changed. In his third year at the 2010 Autumn College Football Federation Cup, YU took home the trophy for the first time in 33 years. After winning the 2012 Spring Federation Cup, they also won the U League last year, thus standing on the pinnacle of college soccer. The YU soccer team is currently on a nine-game winning streak in the U League and also became the third ever college team to make it to the final 8 in the FA Cup that is joined by both amateur and professional teams. YU has become a football powerhouse graduating professional soccer players such as Shin Jin-ho (Al-Siliya), Lee Myung-joo (Al-Ain), Kim Seung-dae and Son Joon-ho (Pohang), and Lim Chae-min (Sungnam).

 The FA Cup (Football Association Cup) is a tournament to find the best Korean team among all teams registered in the Football Association, whether professional or amateur. Korea has held the national football tournament joined by all adult football teams including semi-pro and college teams since 1946. However, with the launching of the professional football league in 1983, the national football tournament became a tournament only for amateur teams. Thus, many people began raising their to voice to establish the FA Cup to determine the best soccer team in Korea, whether professional or amateur, and thus, the FA CUP began in 1996 hosted by the KFA.

 YU made it to the final 8 after beating KORAIL on the 11th of last month through a shoot-out in which they ousted KORAIL 5-4 after a 1:1 tie in the final 16 match of the 2014 FA Cup. Prior to YU making it to the final 8 in the FA Cup, Dongguk University made it in 1998 and Honam University made it in 2006.

YU soccer team that won the 2013 Cafe Bene U League College Championships