Smart Korea moves land Taggart, Antonis FA Cup glory

The Australian double act of Adam Taggart and Terry Antonis have picked up silverware in their debut season in South Korea, with Suwon Bluewings romping to FA Cup glory.

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Both started in Sunday night’s 4-0 thumping of giant-slaying third tier side Daejeon Korail after the first leg had finished goalless - Taggart racking up 73 minutes and Antonis 57.

It was the perfect send off for FIFA World Cup duty for Taggart, who claimed his first professional title with the victory.

The prolific marksman was influential in the win despite not adding to his tally of 17 goals in all competitions since joining the K League 1 club from Brisbane Roar.

“I’m over the moon to be a part of an FA Cup winning team here in my first year in Korea ... it has really topped off a great season and couldn’t be more proud of the effort from everyone today,” said Taggart before boarding a plane to the Middle East for Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Jordan.

“The main thing is that we’re going to the ACL next season, which is what this club deserves.”

Taggart is level pegging with Ulsan Hyundai’s Junior Negao for the Golden Boot with 16 goals apiece with just two games left.

If they finish tied, Taggart, 26, will take the gong by virtue of starting three fewer games than the Brazilian.

Antonis, who won an A-League championship with Melbourne Victory in 2018, was a sparking presence in the final as he made his 12th appearance for the club he joined in July, six of which have come off the bench.

“His ability to spread the play and his vision was crucial for us in opening up a team who had beaten four first division teams to get this far,” said a club official.

“He was important to us and has improved with each match.”

Taggart, who scored a double for Australia in last month’s 7-1 thrashing of Taiwan, looms as a key figure in Amman on Friday with Australia’s other in-form striker, Jamie Maclaren, sidelined with a hamstring injury.