Vietnamese-origin striker 'saves the seat' of coach Lê Huỳnh Đức

At the most difficult moment of the season, when pressure was mounting, Vietnamese-origin players like Lee Williams and Patrik Lê Giang shone at the right time, helping Ho Chi Minh City Police Club overcome the crisis and reduce pressure on coach Lê Huỳnh Đức.

The 1-0 victory on the field ofHong Linh Ha Tinhin round 20 was not merely about 3 points. It was like a "life-saving buoy" for a team that had just gone through a forgettable streak with 3 consecutive losses and 10 conceded goals.

In that context, confidence was shaky, pressure was surrounding, and coach Lê Huỳnh Đức's seat also began to be questioned. But it seems this season, Vietnamese-origin players were chosen to rescue the former national team striker.

On Ha Tinh's field on the evening of April 26,Coach Lê Huỳnh Đứcdecided not to use captain Tiến Linh. The Vietnamese-origin playerKhoa Ngôwho had often been the "hero" for the club also could not make a difference in the last 4 matches.

Ho Chi Minh City Police Clubhad to find another solution. And Lee Williams unexpectedly became the highlight. In the 12th minute, the 19-year-old striker utilized his height well to score a tricky header, the only goal of the match. That was Lee Williams's third goal after 12 matches.

If Lee Williams was the one who opened the door to victory, then Patrik Lê Giang was the one who firmly kept it shut. After a streak of consecutive conceded goals, the Vietnamese-origin goalkeeper had a solid performance, contributing to helping the home team keep a clean sheet.

This minimal victory therefore carries much greater significance than the scoreboard. It ended the disappointing streak, brought Ho Chi Minh City Police Club back to the top 5 with 29 points, and more importantly, almost ensured the relegation survival goal.

But above all, it helped coach Lê Huỳnh Đức "keep his seat" during the turbulent period, potentially creating a foundation for him to continue rebuilding the team for the next season.