Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Sydney: FC Seoul coach Choi Yong-soo blamed crucial lapses in concentration as FC Seoul lost Wednesday's AFC Champions League semi-final second leg 2-0 to Western Sydney Wanderers to miss out on a second consecutive final appearance.
Goals in each half from Mateo Poljak and Shannon Cole at Parramatta Stadium handed tournament debutants Western Sydney a 2-0 aggregate win following a goalless draw in the Korean capital a fortnight ago.
Poljak crucially netted after just three minutes to put the visitors on the back foot before Cole added a decisive second just after the hour mark.
"That goal changed the game. I didn't expect to concede such an early goal. We didn't concentrate for the goals and this cost us," said Choi, who saw his side lose last year's final on away goals to China's Guangzhou Evergrande.
"We came here with many difficulties. We have faced a tough campaign in the domestic competition.
"We feel very disappointed that our campaign is over, but we enjoyed our time and I think we have a bright future in front of us."
Choi had started with attacking spearheads Maurico Molina and Everton Santos, while Spaniard Osmar Barba was recalled.
But FC Seoul once again failed to find the net and extended their goalless run to over four matches in the AFC Champions League.
"In the last few matches we weren't able to score goals," added Choi.
"Just to score just one goal could have made the difference, but because of this factor, our title hopes are over."
And Western Sydney will now face Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal in the final, with the first leg set to take place on October 25 in Australia.
"They are a very competitive team with good qualities. Offensively and defensively they are very well organised," said Choi.
"I hope they will become champions. They are representing East Asia. I congratulate the Wanderers for their achievement so far."
Photo: WSG