By Kim Tong-hyung
Staff Reporters
Song Chung-hyun struck twice and Sandro Hiroshi added another goal as the Chunnam Dragons trounced the Pohang Steelers 3-1 in Pohang Sunday to clinch their second consecutive FA Cup title.
The Dragons, which took the first leg of the finals 3-2 in Gwangyang a week earlier, looked determined to make a statement against the K-League champions in front of their home crowd at the Steelyard Stadium.
Despite only needing to avoid defeat, Huh Jung-moo's side was aggressive out of the gate and rewarded for their all-out style minutes before first-half whistle.
Song broke the stalemate in the 35th minute when he collected a pass from Lee Sang-il just inside the box, shook off a defender, and unleashed a screamer that smacked the crossbar before bouncing into the net.
Steelers manager Sergio Farias, hoping to become the first coach to lead his team to the K-League and FA Cup titles in the same season, replaced struggling forward Cleber Schwenck Tiene with Hwang Jin-sung at the start of the second half to add pace to his attack.
The move seemed to pay off immediately, with Hwang knocking in the equalizer in the 48th minute, capitalizing on a deflected shot by Ko Ki-gu.
However, the Dragons refused to convert to a defensive mode and Song came through once again in the 80th minute, sliding to connect on an excellent cross by Kim Chi-woo to silence the crowd.
Sandro sapped the competitive will out of the Steelers three minutes later by whipping a left-footed volley that goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong had no business touching.