Lee Jae-sung scores for Mainz in 2-1 loss to Dortmund

Lee Jae-sung appears in an image posted on Mainz 05's official Instagram account after scoring a goal in a Bundesliga game against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Lee Jae-sung of FSV Mainz 05 scored his third Bundesliga goal in a game against Borussia Dortmund at Mewa Arena in Mainz on Wednesday.

The Korean midfielder’s goal, however, was not enough to save Mainz from a 2-1 loss.

Lee started the game as a central midfielder and scored a header from a corner in the second minute. Just when Mainz thought they could play the rest of the first half with an early lead, Lee’s team conceded an equalizer to Julian Ryerson two minutes later.

Mainz appeared to struggle with a lack of cohesion in the defense as they allowed a number of shots after that equalizer. Luckily though, they did not concede any more goals and ended the first half 1-1.

Mainz tried to find that breakthrough in the second half and attempted multiple shots but could not score a single goal. It was the same for Dortmund, who also missed a number of chances despite having more possession, with both sides appearing to struggle to adjust after the long Bundesliga break.

A draw between the two sides seemed like the end result, but Mainz allowed Giovanni Reyna of Dortmund to break the tie in the 93rd minute.

It was yet another loss for Mainz, who have been winless in their past six league fixtures.

Wednesday’s loss keeps the team in 12th place in the 18-team Bundesliga table with 20 points.

Despite the loss, Lee received a 7.37 rating on football statistics website WhoScored.com.

Mainz will play their next league game against Vfl Bochum at their home stadium in Mainz on Saturday.

That game against Bochum, who sit in 16th place, may be a much-needed chance for Mainz to record their first victory of the year. Mainz’s last victory was in October last year against FC Cologne.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]