South Korean national team midfielder Bae Jun-ho (22, Stoke City) continued his strong form by scoring his third goal of the season.
Bae started as an attacking midfielder in Stoke City's 2024-2025 English Football League Championship (second division) Round 37 home match against Ipswich Town at the bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent on March 10 (local time). He found the net in the 44th minute of the first half when his team was already leading 1-0. Bae capitalized on a loose ball after an opposing defender lost possession under pressure, converting a one-on-one opportunity with a right-footed shot.
The goal was Bae's second in league play this season and third in all competitions.
He had last scored on February 15, netting the opening goal in Stoke's FA Cup fourth-round match against Premier League side Fulham, a game they lost 1-2. This latest goal came 24 days after that strike.
Bae's attacking contributions this season now stand at six—two goals and three assists in the league, plus one FA Cup goal.
Despite his impressive goal, Bae could not celebrate a victory. Stoke City squandered a 2-0 lead, conceding consecutive goals in the second half to draw 3-3.
With one draw and two losses in their last three matches, Stoke remain in 15th place among 24 teams with 48 points (13 wins, 9 draws, 15 losses).
Ipswich maintained fourth place with 65 points (18 wins, 11 draws, 7 losses).
Bae's performance has raised expectations for his inclusion in the upcoming March international window. Head coach Hong Myung-bo will announce the national team roster on March 16 for matches against Ivory Coast (March 28) and Austria (April 1).