제 30 호 Kickoff of the 2026-1 SMCL: Eight Teams Compete for Glory at Sangmyung University
Kicker: SM NEWS
Kickoff of the 2026-1 SMCL: Eight Teams Compete for Glory at Sangmyung University
By Seung-su Kim, Cub-Reporter
Championship Group Photo
With the arrival of the new semester, a competitive spirit has taken over the Sangmyung University sports field. Organized by the university student council, the "2026-1 SMCL (SangMyung Champions League)" officially kicked off its spring season on March 30. This year's tournament brings together eight distinct teams—Canon, Saboom, Triple S, NS, HIEMU, IEMU, Yeok-Con FC, and FC Core—all vying for the campus championship. As the opening matches underway, the league is already drawing significant attention from the student body, setting the stage for a memorable season of campus sports.
Fierce Competition: Group Stage Results and Standings
he tournament began with an intense group stage, dividing the eight teams into two leagues to compete for a spot in the tournament bracket. In the 'Sang League,' Canon dominated the field, securing the top spot with 9 points, an impressive goal difference of 10, and a total of 13 goals. HIEMU followed in second place with 6 points to advance, while FC Core (3 points) and Saboom (0 points) were eliminated. Meanwhile, the 'Myeong League' saw a similarly fierce battle. IEMU claimed the top position with 9 points and an 8-goal difference, while NS secured its semifinal berth in second place with 6 points and a tournament-high 13 goals. Triple S (3 points) and Yeok-Con FC (0 points) finished their league journeys in third and fourth places, respectively.
The Road to the Finals: Semifinal Showdowns and Drama
With the top two teams from each league advancing, the tournament moved to the highly anticipated semifinals on May 13 at the Sangmyung University sports field. The first match between Canon and NS delivered an absolute thriller, ending in a 3-3 draw after regular time. Canon's Lee Ha-jin scored a brace, including a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time (50+3'), while Kim Do-hyun kept NS alive with two crucial goals. In the ensuing penalty shootout, NS displayed remarkable composure, edging out Canon 4-3 to book their ticket to the finals. In contrast, the second semifinal was a one-sided affair, as IEMU showcased a flawless performance to defeat HIEMU 5-0, powered by a brace from Kang Hyun-hoon and additional goals from Yang Dae-won, Kim Tae-woo, and Lee Jae-yul.
The Ultimate Clash: NS Crowned as the Grand Champion
Following the dramatic semifinal matches, the stage was set for a grand finale between NS and IEMU on May 27 to determine the ultimate campus champion. Drawing immense attention from the student body, the final clash lived up to its high expectations as both powerhouse teams locked horns in a fierce tactical battle. After a grueling and tightly contested match, regular time ended in a 1-1 draw, forcing the final into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Replicating their clinical composure from the semifinals, NS edged out IEMU 4-3 in the shootout to officially claim the championship trophy.
Ultimately, the 2026-1 SMCL has proven to be much more than a mere series of football matches. Over the past two months, the tournament has successfully transformed the Sangmyung University sports field into a vibrant hub of passion and community spirit. It provided a rare and valuable opportunity for students from different departments to step away from their demanding academic routines, gather together, and build lasting friendships through sports. With NS crowned as the new champion, the true success of this league lies in how it has revitalized the campus atmosphere and united the student body under a shared spirit of sportsmanship.
Sources:
@smu_gyeol
@smcl_2026
