Ansan Greeners Mid-Season Review in K League 2: Hope Amidst Adversity

Ansan Greeners entered the K League 2 World Cup break with six straight defeats, and hopes of qualifying for the playoffs long gone. So, what is there to consider about the Green Wolves for the remainder of 2026?

After 14 games in 2026, Ansan Greeners have the same record as at this stage in 2025: Wins - 3, Draws - 2, Losses - 9, Goals Made - 14, Goals Conceded - 25. The biggest difference is that they are ranked 15th rather than 14th, so what is there to talk about Ansan for the rest of the season?

Reason for Optimism
One of the most optimistic views of Green Wolves' position is that they look much more capable of achieving more with this squad, and it could be argued that they have been a little unlucky in some games. A missed penalty that proved to be the last kick in the match against Paju is a typical example of Ansan's near miss. Hartzell's team twice had equalizers ruled out, both times by very close decisions, so Ansan could have had a few better points and perhaps been a little closer to their opponents in the middle of the table.

Imports like Lima, Machop Chol and Hartzell have shown quality in some areas, although not quite consistently, and Lee Seung-bin has again been one of the busiest goalkeepers this season, recording the highest number of saves of any goalkeeper so far... although that has only resulted in one clean sheet. Jeong Hyun-ah is slowly starting to make his mark on the team, despite only starting twice, and looks set to contribute more as the season progresses. Hartzell and Obradovic have also put together a fearsome aerial defence, registering 3.8 and 2.3 clearances per game respectively, as well as the ability to move the ball out of defence.

However, Ansan struggled against direct attacking play, and with Cho Ji-hun regularly missing out, perhaps due to a loss of pace, there was a clear lack of organizational head when the team was under attack. Coupled with a lack of attacking sharpness, Ansan has scored the second lowest number of goals this season, and that is a recipe for another season filled with adversity. But don't worry... because relegation was canceled after licenses for 5 K League 3 applicants were rejected, and the terrible playoff scenario against local K3 team Siheung is no longer an issue.

Realistic Expectations
It is very difficult to put a positive spin on a club that entered the World Cup break with six consecutive defeats, and just one clean sheet in 14 games. A 4-1 opening win over Gimhae turned out to be a deceptive start, and a good second half performance against Jeonnam Dragons looks less impressive when considering the disastrous season they have endured. Any hope of making the playoffs seemed dead and buried. Clubs like Hwaseong, Daegu and Gimpo all have much better consistency or quality, or both. Asan looks to be an outside bet to make the playoffs, and with a much higher budget and much better on-field performance, the top half of K League 2 looks like a different league altogether.

Back in May, Ansan traveled to Daegu and actually looked the more dangerous team in the first half. Was able to survive a brutal opening 15 minutes and then took control of the match, with Lima almost opening the scoring. The second half was a different story as Ansan crumbled and lost 0-3. This was the best representation of the season, the team looked composed and dangerous at times, but throughout the 90 minutes there only seemed to be one end to the scenario.

However, recent local elections are likely to bring changes to the resident clubs, and the acquisition of Pohang's aging but still quality winger, Kim In-sung, means Ansan fans can dream this season. As long as that dream doesn't include a final league position in the single digits.