Cho Young-jeung

Cho Young-jeung (born 18 August 1954) is a South Korean former footballer who played as a defender. He won two Asian Games, and participated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Club career Cho was allowed to participate in tryouts for North American Soccer League (NASL) clubs by the Korea Football Association when the national team left for Los Angeles to train in February 1981. He joined Portland Timbers after having offers from four clubs. He played both football and indoor soccer for Portland Timbers, becoming the first Asian to play indoor soccer. In 1982, he made the cover of Kick, the official magazine of the NASL, and was selected for the first team of the NASL all-stars. He returned to his country after the K League was founded in 1983.

Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso was a newly-formed weak team in the K League when Cho joined it in 1984, and so he played as a forward or midfielder in unfamiliar positions if necessary. However, he scored nine goals in the 1984 season, and was selected as the Exemplary Award winner and one of the K League Best XI. He also scored in six consecutive games, becoming a record holder until Hwang Sun-hong broke the record in 1995.

Style of play Cho was considered as one of the best centre-backs in South Korea and the United States during the 1980s. He didn't have rapid pace and great stamina, but he was noted for his prediction, positional sense and team play. He also had a burly physique and so was skilled in tussle and tackle.

Career statistics Club

International

Results list South Korea's goal tally first. +List of international goals scored by Cho Young-jeung No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition1 18 February 1977 Al Ahli Stadium, Manama, Bahrain 28 3–0 4–1 Friendly

Honours Player ROK Navy Korean National Semipro League (Spring): 1978 Korean President's Cup: 1979

Lucky-Goldstar Hwangso K League 1: 1985

South Korea Asian Games: 1978, 1986 AFC Asian Cup runner-up: 1980 Afro-Asian Cup of Nations: 1987

Individual Korean FA Best XI: 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1986 Korean FA Most Valuable Player: 1977 K League 1 Best XI: 1984, 1986

Manager LG Cheetahs Korean League Cup runner-up: 1994