1st and 2nd grade championship without 1 win...Sunmoon University, who directly faced the Japanese team, said, "I want to face off again, I can catch up with the gap between Korea and Japan."

1st and 2nd grade championship without 1 win...Sunmoon University, who directly faced the Japanese team, said, "I want to face off again, I can catch up with the gap between Korea and Japan."

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"There's a gap, but I think it's enough to catch up."

Coach Choi Jae-young, who led Sunmoon University to the 3rd College Football Championship for 1st and 2nd graders, repeatedly reflected on his disappointment. Sunmoon University lost to Kokushikan University 0-1 at the 1st and 2nd graders' championship held at Urayasu Stadium in Chiba Prefecture, Japan on Wednesday. The championship record for 1st and 2nd graders, which started in 2023, has now become one draw and two losses.

Sunmoon University has qualified for the championship by winning the 21st 1st and 2nd graders' competition, which concluded in Tongyeong in January. Sunmoon University is considered one of the strongest players in the university stage due to its clear color of building up under Choi's leadership. Sunmoon University also struggled considerably under pressure from Kokushikan University. Sunmoon University's first and only shot was made by Min Seo-deok in the 42nd minute of the first half.

In addition, Sunmoon University struggled with "unfamiliarity" and "variables." With the team away from Japan, the weather was not on the side of Sunmoon University in the first half. It rained and strong winds blew towards Sunmoon University's camp, often causing kickbacks. Choi also encouraged the team to "hold on through the first half."

On the contrary, the wind died down in the second half and they did not enjoy the advantage. The official ball used on the day was also a product of Mikasa, which was rarely used in Korea. Sunmoon University is said to have used the ball only one day before the game.

Amid a number of variables, Sunmoon University defended Kokushikan University's attack well, but gave up a header to Tatsuki Murakami in the 27th minute of the second half and fell to his knees without making up for it.

"It was an opportunity for the players to perform better and show off their competitiveness, which is a shame. As Kokushikan University played at home, its energy level and physical condition were good. I think it was a good experience," Choi said after the match. "I really wanted to win. As I represented Korea, I felt a sense of responsibility. I will try again."

Many analysts say that the "gap" between Korea and Japan has widened in recent years. However, Choi said, "It is true that Korean college football is in a difficult period. Even so, I don't think other Korean college teams will fall behind when they compete (with Kokushikan University). This situation was created due to poor conditions, but I think we can play well if we are on an equal footing." 먹튀검증

Defender Song Ho, the captain of Sunmoon University, also admitted, "There seemed to be a lot of variables, but we should have overcome them nonetheless. We lacked preparation," but added, "We really want to face off again. I think we can do better. I think the Japanese players are a little bit ahead of us in detail. I don't think there is that much difference. I think if we prepare well from an early age, we can catch up."