High-scoring forwards, stout defender up for MVP award

Two high-scoring forwards and a veteran defender have been shortlisted for the MVP award in the top domestic pro football league.

The K League Classic, the first division competition, announced on Tuesday that Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors striker Lee Dong-gook, Suwon Bluewings forward Santos and FC Seoul defender Cha Du-ri will vie for the 2014 MVP honors.

Lee and Santos are tied for the league lead at 13 goals apiece.

Lee scored his 13 goals in 31 matches, helping Jeonbuk clinch the league championship earlier this month, with three matches remaining in the season.
 
Lee, 36, has been ruled out for the season, however, with a leg injury, and Santos, the 28-year-old Brazilian in his fifth South Korean season, could claim the sole possession of the lead.

Suwon plays its final match of the season on Sunday.

Cha, 34, has enjoyed a career renaissance with FC Seoul, a team he joined last year after long stints in Germany and Scotland.

Cha has helped FC Seoul finish second in the FA Cup and reach the semifinals at the AFC Champions League.

Choi Kang-hee, who guided Jeonbuk to the league title, is the favorite to win the Coach of the Year award.

He is up against Choi Yong-soo of FC Seoul and Seo Jung-won of Suwon.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for Dec. 1 in Seoul. (Yonhap)