match Match Schedule & Results

[Reserves]
GK: 1, Rui Yamaguchi
DF: 3, Kento Hara; 27, Shuto Okaniwa
MF: 10, Takumi Nagura
FW: -

○ Match Report
The adidas CUP 2013, the 28th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship held in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, after a one-day rest, finally started the knockout stage on the 19th. Since the losing team is eliminated at this stage, the atmosphere at the venue is noticeably different from the first round. With the words from Coach Okuhara before the match, "Let's show on the field what we have built up. It's not about the opponent, but about playing our own soccer!", the players raised their spirits and took to the field. The Round of 32 match for FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa against Buddy Junior Youth from Kanagawa Prefecture kicked off at 1:00 p.m. at Obihiro City Green Park A Ground.

At 4 minutes, Fukagawa first gained a clear chance. A direct free kick was awarded from a position slightly to the left side of the penalty area. Shinada kicked the ball powerfully towards the opponent’s goal, but unfortunately it hit the crossbar and no goal was scored. Then at 11 minutes, Suzuki aimed after receiving a pass from Shinada but couldn’t hit the target. At 13 minutes, Hanya carried the ball forward and took a shot, but it went straight to the opposing goalkeeper. Since losing was not an option in this match, the start was somewhat cautious, but even so, Fukagawa attacked aggressively and pressed the opponent. However, Buddy is also a team that advanced through the first round, so they have strength. Although Buddy was often on the defensive, they coordinated their intentions precisely when in possession and launched simple yet powerful counterattacks. Especially, their attacks from the right side, where they placed speedy players, were sharp, occasionally creating chances from there. The game developed with Fukagawa attacking and Buddy sharply pushing back, but as time passed, Fukagawa began to miss good opportunities. Despite dominating with 13 shots to Buddy’s 3 in the first half, their finishing was weak and no goals were scored. The first half ended 0-0.

To completely change the atmosphere, Coach Okuhara said this at halftime: "If you lose, your summer is over." Reaffirming that this was a match they could not afford to lose, Fukagawa launched an even fiercer attack in the second half.

At the 42nd and 43rd minutes, Suzuki drove continuously toward the opponent’s goal, showing great determination, and at the 46th minute, Sugioka, who broke through after exchanging passes with Hanya, calmly delivered the final pass. Takeuchi, also composed, calmly slotted the ball into the goal to score the long-awaited opening goal!! Perhaps gaining confidence from shaking the net, Fukagawa’s attacks became sharper. Attacking more aggressively than in the first half, at the 52nd minute, Kaneda carried the ball on a counterattack and carefully crossed it from the right side to the center, where Takeuchi connected with his left foot to make it 2-0!! At the 64th minute, substitute Oda powerfully converted a penalty kick he earned himself to score the third goal!! He scored the decisive goal that sealed the victory. What was very impressive in this match was the performance of the substitutes. Every player was aggressive from their first play and asserted their presence by emphasizing their characteristics. All five players brought momentum, and each substitution revitalized the team’s attack. Then the final whistle blew. Fukagawa, who took 27 shots in total over both halves, overcame a tough battle and secured advancement to the next round.

After the match, the only words Coach Okuhara said to gather the players were the following.

"Tomorrow's opponent is Verdy. I have nothing more to say."

Yes, the next Round of 16 match will be against Tokyo Verdy Junior Youth, arguably their biggest rival. Although they have faced each other four times in official matches this season, the record stands at one draw and three losses, with no wins. This match is likely one of the key moments of the tournament. The Tokyo Derby against Tokyo Verdy Junior Youth will take place tomorrow (the 20th) at 1:00 p.m. at Obihiro Forest Athletics Stadium.

Also, thank you very much for your strong support today from far away in Obihiro and from Tokyo.
We appreciate your continued support going forward.