Ulsan HD Manager Kim Hyun-seok emphasized the power of being a "one team" after halting the unstoppable six-game winning streak of league leaders FC Seoul.

Ulsan defeated Seoul 1-0 thanks to a late winning goal by Shim Sang-min in their Hana Bank KLeague 1 2026 Round 28 home match held at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium today (Sept. 8).

With this victory, second-place Ulsan reached 44 points, narrowing the gap with runaway leaders FC Seoul (59 points) to 15 points and keeping their slim hopes of a dramatic title comeback alive.

While FC Seoul has been displaying virtually "unbeatable" form, they tend to shrink when facing Ulsan.

Following their away win against Seoul in July, Ulsan secured consecutive victories over them.

Ulsan took the upper hand in their head-to-head record for the season with two wins and one loss.

After claiming a hard-fought victory, Manager Kim credited his players first, saying, "I wanted to play a game without losing, and the players brought us the victory with their great skills and dedication to the team."

In Round 27 against Jeju SK, Ulsan previously managed to secure a crucial point with a draw despite being outnumbered.

Even though few goals were scored today, an intense battle unfolded, and Ulsan maintained their concentration until the very end to pull off the winning goal.

As the season enters its final stretch, the cohesion of Ulsan's players is shining brightly.

Manager Kim explained, "Since taking charge of the team ahead of the season, I have emphasized being a 'one team.' This is the source of our team's strength."

At the core of this "one team" are veterans like center-back Jung Seung-hyun, who puts his body on the line in every match.

Manager Kim said, "Veterans have their part to play, and younger players have theirs. Whenever difficulties arise, veteran players step up on the front lines, and their role is immensely important in driving us forward as a 'one team.'"

On this day, Ulsan's "ace" Lee Dong-gyeong delivered a sharp left-footed cross that set up Shim Sang-min's headed winning goal.

Lee currently leads the league's offensive point standings outright with 9 goals and 9 assists.

When asked about Lee—who also leads in assists—challenging for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second consecutive season, Manager Kim explained, "(I told Lee) not to get obsessed with those things, but if he dedicates himself to the team, he will naturally be able to become MVP. He is approaching every match with that exact mindset."

He added with a sense of expectation, "I wouldn't dare guarantee it, but I think he is fully capable of achieving that feat (winning the MVP)."

Meanwhile, FC Seoul Manager Kim Gi-dong, whose five-game winning streak was snapped, vowed, "We've faced crises along the way, and I knew another hurdle would come. We will bounce back and show that we won't let this turn into a losing streak."

FC Seoul's next match will be an away game against third-place Jeonbuk Hyundai.

(Photo courtesy of Korea Professional Football League, Yonhap News)