![South Korea forward Ji So-yun (10) attempts to head the ball in the second half during a U.S. women’s national team victory tour](https://equalizersoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/USATSI_13473282-scaled.jpeg)
Photograph credit score: Trevor Ruszkowski | USA TODAY Sports activities
I need to admit that when information first broke that Ji So-yun could be leaving the WK League in South Korea to play for the Seattle Reign, I had a response much like this:
In spite of everything, Ji was the string-pulling midfield artist who introduced Chelsea a lot silverware throughout head coach Emma Hayes’ time on the membership. Chelsea gained 5 league titles, 4 FA Cups, two League Cups and a Neighborhood Protect, and the crew made a Champions League remaining with Ji within the heart of the park.
Ji was, extra importantly, a press release made by Hayes about what Chelsea was going to be. Hayes had already introduced in Yuki Nagasato and Sofia Jakobsson the 12 months earlier than as huge worldwide signings, however Ji’s arrival in 2014 was totally different. Jakobsson was a No. 9, and Nagasato was a box-crashing No. 8. Hayes wanted somebody who might join the 2 — maybe discover areas from which neither would have heretofore thought-about viable to create probabilities. Chelsea had completed seventh in an eight-team league earlier than Ji confirmed up in west London. The membership was greater than a 12 months away from turning into totally skilled. A participant was wanted who couldn’t solely assist them win, however present how otherwise knowledgeable aspect might function.
Ji turned that participant — after which some. Chelsea shot to second place in 2014, denied as champions by a mere two-goal swing in purpose differential. Nagasato and Eniola Aluko every scored 5 targets and tied for third within the Golden Boot race, led by Ji’s playmaking. The next season, the membership totally professionalized and gained its first league title. The remainder, as they are saying, is historical past.
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