South Korea had little steel industry to speak of in 1968 when Pohang Iron and Steel Company was founded under the Park regime's second five year plan. POSCO subsequently become a huge power in the international steel market, and a major player in the decline of steel production in the US and UK. In 1973 they started a company soccer team. Over the years POSCO FC became POSCO Dolphins, POSCO Atoms, and ultimately Pohang Steelers.
Pohang Steelers play at the Pohang Steel Yard, a 25,000 seat stadium built in 1990. Their colours are red and black, worn in the style of the Beano's Dennis the Menace. The four stars atop the team logo represent the club's championship seasons of 1986, 1988, 1992 and 2007. They have also won the AFC Champions League three times, in 1997, 1998 and 2009.
Last season they finished second in the league table. The K-League holds a playoff for league championship, but Pohang lost in the semi-finals. The Steelers were also eliminated in the semi-finals of the Korean FA Cup, and the quarter-finals of the league cup. But their strong standing earned them a spot in the qualifying playoff for this year's AFC Champions League. They beat Chonburi of Thailand 2 - 0 and moved on to Group E, with Adelaide United, Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan, and Gamba Osaka. Pohang finished third in that group and did not advance to the final 16.
After 13 league games Pohang sit seventh with 5 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses. Their top scorers are both imports, Ianis Zicu from Romania and Derek Asamoah of Ghana. Today they host Gyeongnam FC, another red and black club. [Gyeongnam win 1 - 0.]
Elsewhere in soccer. Yesterday UCD hosted Phoenix FC in the second round of the FAI Cup. This evening Montreal Impact play Colorado Rapids in Commerce City, CO. Mito HollyHock visit Machida Zelvia tomorrow. [UCD 3 - 1 Phoenic FC. Cup holders Sligo Rovers were eliminated by Monaghan United.] [Colorado win 3 - 2.] [Machida 0 - 0 Mito.]
Is Toronto FC the worst team in the world?
The Scottish Junior Cup final between Shotts Bon Accord and incumbent Auckinleck Talbot will take place tomorrow at Almondvale Stadium. [Shotts win 2 - 1.]
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