match Match Schedule & Results

[Reserves]
GK: 21, Koki ITO
DF: 36, Takuma ONISHI
MF: 7, Mutsusan KIM, 20, Yuya ITO, 27, Hiroki TAKAHASHI
FW: 18, Amos BOUZO

○Match Digest
On a chilly day under a cloudy sky that looked ready to rain at any moment, the Sec. 16 match of the 2012 Prince League Kanto Division 1 of the Prince Takamado U-18 Soccer League was held at the Chiba Prefectural Sports Center Toso Athletic Field. The opponent today, playing away, was JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-18, for whom this match was a crucial battle to remain in the Prince League Kanto Division 1. “Chiba will come to win at all costs to stay in the league. However, we, as the team chasing the top spot, have prepared thoroughly for this match. Both the starting members and the substitutes are fully committed to winning!!” With their hearts united, they headed onto the pitch.

From the start, Tokyo began at a slow pace and repeatedly approached the goal, but just missed the crucial final step to connect well. On the other hand, Chiba, tough in one-on-one battles and tenaciously clinging on even when their ball was cut off, gradually took control of the game's rhythm by targeting the space behind. However, with center backs Asano and Tokuda at the core, Tokyo did not allow Chiba's attacks, and left side back Kamoike continued to show devoted defense against the speedy opponent he was matched up with. The tightly contested flow continued, but Tokyo, without losing concentration, gradually drew the momentum away from Chiba, who had been unable to capitalize on their chances. Then, at the 43rd minute, Saito broke the deadlock. Using clever passing to approach the goal, Saito was fouled by an opponent and earned a free kick. Kawakami’s free kick was headed on by Asano, who was in the center, and Saito, running in from the right side, struck with his right foot to pry open Chiba’s goal!! The first half ended with the score at 1-0.

At halftime, Coach Motoyoshi and the team confirmed, "Saito scored at a good time, allowing us to go into the break with the lead. In the second half, the opponent will definitely tighten up. Let's take care of the spaces between defenders and the vulnerable areas behind, and continue to contest second balls and clearances. Especially in the back line, let's coordinate well and cover each other. Instead of being passive receivers, let's take the initiative and fight!!" Then they entered the second half.

Tokyo, having begun to regain their form, launched aggressive attacks to unsettle Chiba. Using both flanks and a fast-paced passing game, they bewildered Chiba, with Nozawa, Yajima, and Kawakami advancing to take shots. However, after around the 65th minute, Chiba managed to get behind the defense and took shots from the center. At these moments, Asano and Tokuda cleared effectively, and finally, goalkeeper Baba made a great save to stop the attempts. Then, at the 75th minute, Tamiya replaced Yoshida, and Aoki came on for Saito. At the 85th minute, Nagasawa was brought on for Kawakami. Although the combination of substitutes Aoki and Nagasawa created shooting opportunities and pressed forward, no additional goals were scored. Chiba increased their crosses and shots compared to the first half, but their lack of accuracy helped Tokyo hold on to Saito’s single goal and secure the victory.

Two consecutive wins without conceding a goal. Throughout this match, it became clear how important it is to maintain focus and respond tenaciously during difficult periods when scoring is tough and the game is closely contested. The league has two rounds remaining in December, and starting next week, the J Youth Cup qualifiers will begin. This will be the final tournament this season that offers a ticket to the national competition. We want to give our all and prepare thoroughly so that we can share smiles at the end.

Thank you very much for your passionate support for FC Tokyo U-18 today.
We appreciate your continued support in the future.