G League All-Star Game Thriller: Team "B"EST Edges Out Team "A"CE in Penalty Shootout
The G League All-Star Game was a spectacle of skill and excitement, pitting Team "A"CE against Team "B"EST in a historic matchup featuring the largest roster in All-Star history. With nine players per side, coaches Baek Ji Hoon (Team "A"CE) and Jo Jae Jin (Team "B"EST) ensured a balance of physicality and opportunity, delivering a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Final Score: Team "A"CE 3 - 3 Team "B"EST (Penalty Shootout: 3-4)
The game ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, with Team "B"EST clinching victory in a tense penalty shootout. Let’s dive into the action-packed moments and key performances that defined this unforgettable clash.
Match Highlights
First Half: Team "B"EST Takes Control
- 5': Team "B"EST’s Kyung Hee set the tone early with a stunning midfield strike. After receiving a pass from Seo Gi during a kick-in, Kyung Hee’s long-range shot soared into the top corner, putting "B"EST ahead 1-0.
- 14': A defensive error by Team "A"CE cost them dearly. As Ha Yan and Ji An (playing as goalkeeper) attempted a build-up from the back, Mashima intercepted and set up Seo Gi, who returned the ball for Mashima to score, making it 2-0.
Second Half: Team "A"CE’s Comeback
- 17': Mashima struck again, capitalizing on another defensive mistake by stealing the ball from goalkeeper Ji An and firing it into the net. Team "B"EST led 3-0.
- 18': Team "A"CE responded quickly. Ha Yan, now in goal, rolled the ball to Ji An, who unleashed a powerful shot from near the halfway line to beat substitute goalkeeper Kathy, pulling one back at 3-1.
- 21': Ji An continued her scoring spree. Bo Ram’s clever nutmeg on Jin Kyung led to a precise pass to Ji An, who slotted the ball past the defense to make it 3-2.
- 23': With the momentum shifting, Yoo Jeong intercepted a pass during Team "B"EST’s build-up and fed Ji An, who completed her hat-trick with a clinical finish into an empty net, leveling the score at 3-3.
Penalty Shootout: "B"EST Seals the Win
After a goalless 5-minute extra time, the match went to penalties. Team "B"EST held their nerve, converting four of their five attempts, while Team "A"CE missed two, resulting in a 4-3 shootout victory for "B"EST.
Key Performers
- Kyung Hee (Team "B"EST): Named MVP, Kyung Hee’s spectacular goal and composure in the shootout earned her an electric bike as a prize.
- Ji An (Team "A"CE): The star of the comeback, Ji An’s hat-trick showcased her clinical finishing and relentless drive.
Lineups
Team "A"CE (Manager: Baek Ji Hoon, 2-2 Formation):
Chae Yeon (GK), Ha Yan (Captain), Ji An, Yoo Jeong, He In, Substitutes: Bo Kyung, Bo Ram, Hee Jung, Seung Hye
Team "B"EST (Manager: Jo Jae Jin, 2-2 Formation):
Kyung Hee (GK), Jin Kyung (Captain), Kyung Seo, Seo Gi, Mashima, Substitutes: Saori, Euddeum, Min Seo, Kathy
Match Details
- Duration: Two 15-minute halves, followed by 5-minute extra time.
- < marvellousPost-Match Penalty: As per a pre-game agreement, Team "A"CE’s coach Baek Ji Hoon bowed deeply to Team "B"EST’s coach Jo Jae Jin after the loss.
What’s Next?
The G League action continues with an exciting matchup in the Championship Tournament: FC Actionista vs. FC Balladream in Round 6, Match 1. Stay tuned for more thrilling moments!