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Only Ulsan HD can do it.

One step closer to the final. Ulsan will host Yokohama Marinos (Japan) in the first leg of the 2023-2024 Asian Champions League (ACL) quarterfinals on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Munsu Soccer Stadium.

It's a momentous occasion. Ulsan and Yokohama will honor the late Yoo Sang-chul together. The Ulsan legend has Yokohama blood in his veins.

He played 142 games in nine seasons with Ulsan, leading the club to the top of the K League (1996, 2005), Super Cup (2006), and A3 Champions Cup (2006). He also has strong ties to Yokohama. He played there from 1999 to 2000 and 2003 to 2004, and ended his career with Ulsan in 2005.

Yoo passed away on June 7, 2021, after battling pancreatic cancer. Ulsan organized a memorial match against Seongnam FC on June 20 that year to honor the late player. A 'Wall of Dedication and Memory' was set up behind the S8 pillar in the Munsu Soccer Stadium. Fans continue to visit the wall at every home game.

At the time, the Yokohama supporters showed their support with placards and wished him a speedy recovery. They also prayed for him when he unfortunately passed away.

Ulsan, with the agreement and cooperation of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Yokohama, will hold the Yoo Sang-cheol Memorial Event at the first leg of the ACL quarterfinals. Korean and Japanese soccer fans will be able to purchase merchandise (mufflers, T-shirts, etc.) featuring Yoo's life and history on the day of the match at Munsu Soccer Stadium. Additional booths will be set up for both Ulsan and Yokohama fans to purchase.

The items will also be available to fans in Japan as part of Ulsan's UHDFC SHOP overseas shipping program, which has been in place since this season. It is expected to increase the influence and recognition of the Ulsan club.

The Yokohama club will not receive any royalties for the production of merchandise, the emblem used in the memorial event, or the assets provided. The "Wall of Dedication and Memory" will be open for Japanese away fans traveling to Ulsan.

With the help of the bereaved family, Yoo's jersey from his time with Ulsan and Yokohama will be displayed in the 'Wall of Dedication and Memory' area. After ensuring security and safety, the Yokohama away fans will also be able to pay their respects here for a period of time.

Before kickoff, a tribute video will be played on the big screen for fans and players from both teams to watch. The video will reminisce about the late player's life and record during his time with Ulsan and Yokohama. Ulsan players will wear T-shirts and mufflers on this day.

After kickoff, the first six minutes of the match will feature a memorial call and applause. The Ulsan Supporters Churyong Warriors will lead a 60-second standing ovation, Yoo Sang-cheol will make six cheer calls, and each subcommittee will perform.

Ulsan said, "This is an 'international fan-friendly activity' that only Ulsan can do. It is a collaboration between the front offices of the two clubs to honor the bonds of the first match and mark the beginning of a lasting exchange. It also aims to revitalize the meaning and essence of the ACL."

Ulsan will be making its first appearance in Asia since 2020. They need to win the first leg to ease the pressure of the second leg away from home (7 p.m. on the 24th). The motivation is clear. With one win in the two quarterfinal matches, Ulsan will qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.

Along for the ride will be Ulsan and the original multiplayer train that made Korean soccer history.

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