On the Nov. 26 episode, 30 hopefuls from across entertainment and sports hit the pitch to vie for a roster spot ― including KARA’s Nicole, former Miss A member Min, SeeYa vocalist Lee Boram, trot phenom Kim Tae-yeon, Lotte Giants’ buzzy cheerleader Mok Na-kyung and national team wrestler Jang Eun-sil, who competed on "Physical: Asia."
Contestants made their entrances showing off their love for the game, with even a three-time applicant returning for another shot ― instantly amping up the room. With skill, personality and made-for-TV charisma, the field raised expectations for "Kick a Goal"’s next breakout rookie.
The tryouts featured a shuttle run and individual drills, followed by mini scrimmages to gauge game sense. Based on test results, coaches sorted players into three tiers ― Split A, B and C ― before a 5-on-5 matchup. The soccer newbies in Split C even fumbled basic shin guard placement, strapping them to their knees and cracking up the room, then rallied with, “We can climb anytime ― let’s show it with our energy,” charging into an all-out-attack, all-out-defense style that echoed the show’s early days.
Up top, Split A set a different tone from the get-go, sketching formations and debating tactics like seasoned players. Play-by-play announcer Bae Sung-jae noted, “These players clearly have the athleticism and stamina,” while coach Baek Ji-hoon added, “You could put this group into a "Kick a Goal" match right now,” calling them game-ready. Who will emerge as the rookie to shake up the league?
The 30-player mini match airs Nov. 26 at 10:20 p.m. KST on SBS’s "Kick a Goal".
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)