Jo Hyeon-woo Achieves 100th Clean Sheet in K League 1, Credits Coach Shin Tae-yong for New Defensive Era

Jo Hyeon-woo, goalkeeper for Ulsan HD, has set a remarkable milestone, surpassing 100 clean sheets in K League 1.

Jo played a pivotal role on August 9, leading Ulsan to a 1-0 home victory against Jeju SK FC at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium by keeping his net untouched. He saved all four of Jeju’s shots on target, helping secure the first win for Ulsan under the new leadership of head coach Shin Tae-yong.

After the match, Jo expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It was my first experience working with Coach Shin Tae-yong in the K League, and I am glad it resulted in a great outcome. I will continue to prepare thoroughly for the remaining matches.”

Coach Shin Tae-yong, renowned for guiding national teams at varying age levels—including the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia—was a pivotal figure in Jo’s career. Shin was the coach who crucially provided Jo with the opportunity to establish himself as the first-choice national team goalkeeper.

The match was significant not only for Ulsan’s first victory under the new coach but also for Jo’s personal achievement. Jo’s 100th clean sheet in K League 1 makes him the seventh player in league history to reach this landmark. Furthermore, with a total of 134 clean sheets across both divisions, Jo now stands alone at fifth place, surpassing former coach Kim Yong-dae.

Particularly noteworthy is that this 100th clean sheet comes roughly three months after his last one, which was recorded against Gwangju FC on May 2.

Although Jo noted, “I don't focus much on individual titles, but reaching 100 clean sheets was extremely challenging,” he also shared, “Along with happiness comes a greater sense of responsibility.”

Despite the victory, Ulsan HD remains sixth in the league with 34 points, trailing league leader Jeonbuk Hyundai by 23 points—essentially ruling them out of title contention this season.

Consequently, Coach Shin has set a realistic new goal: finishing third to earn a place in the AFC Champions League. Reviving the team’s spirit and reclaiming the champion status that saw them secure three consecutive league titles have become urgent tasks.

Reflecting on the reunion with his former national team coach, Jo said, “Meeting Coach Shin again at Ulsan brought back memories from seven years ago during the World Cup. He has always been someone who instills positive energy and confidence in the team.”

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News, MNM Database