match Match Schedule & Results

[Reserves]
GK:30, Katsuya MATSUSHIMA
DF:3, Shunji GOKATSUDE, 38, Katsuya AIHARA
MF:8, Yuya ITO, 22, Ryu WATANABE
FW:32, Ryo SATO

○Match Digest
The match against Maebashi Ikuei High School, originally scheduled for Sep 15 (Sun), was postponed due to severe weather, resulting in a nearly two-week break before facing Yokohama F. Marinos Youth in Sec. 14. The opponent, Yokohama F. Marinos, is the team that won the adidas CUP 2013 Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18) this summer. The match on the 8th (Sun) against Yamanashi Gakuin University High School showed changes in the team and individual players reflected in the results, but whether they have truly changed will be tested from here. FC Tokyo U-18 kicked off at 1:00 p.m. at the away venue, Yokosuka Leaf Stadium, under clear blue skies.

The match started with Yokohama FM taking the first shot, but goalkeeper Ohno made a solid save. Whenever the opponent got the ball, each player marked tightly, allowing no freedom, and Tokyo played aggressively while calmly looking for chances, gradually gaining control of the flow. At the 8th minute, Nagasawa dribbled forward and passed the ball to Yajima up front, kicking off a relentless attack. The third-year duo Kamoike and Yajima advanced with vertical combinations, while the midfielders Takahashi and Abe served as the starting points for diverse attacks involving flowing passing plays by Sasaki and Hasukawa. In the earlier phase, Nagasawa’s selfless movements, which created time and space for teammates and bewildered the opposing defenders by sharing the same image with everyone, also paid off. However, it must not be forgotten that the fearsome aspect of Yokohama FM, the summer champions, is their speed. Even when Tokyo was dominant, there were moments when the ball was lost and Yokohama FM launched fast attacks that penetrated into the penalty area. The second line players diligently tracked back, and finally center backs Takuya Watanabe and Onishi blocked firmly with their bodies. Then, at the 25th minute, Sasaki received a long feed from Takuya Watanabe and scored the opening goal with a beautiful looping shot from the left side!! Although Tokyo continued to control the game, the last five minutes of the first half saw Yokohama FM’s strong desire to finish the half well fully emerge. Whether clearing or blocking forward, the opponents kept entering the area and repeatedly took shots. However, goalkeeper Ohno stopped them with multiple fine saves. The first half ended with a clean sheet.

At halftime, we confirmed the teamwork from the first half and the ideas for offense and defense going into the second half, saying, "We entered the match well, established a rhythm, and shaped the game. Let's value the start of the second half. The opponent will aim for quick counterattacks. Let's thoroughly check our defense." We then prepared for the second half.

In the focused second half, Tokyo showed no gaps from the start, maintaining a high defensive awareness while aiming for additional goals, keeping a high line and demonstrating forward momentum. Yajima’s hold-up play shone brilliantly, expanding chances through coordinated movement, and gradually each play ended with a shot. Of course, they carefully managed Yokohama FM’s counters, quickly switching between offense and defense. At the 61st minute, Takahashi, having successfully won the ball, sent it forward without hesitation, where Nagasawa ran in, dribbled through, and delivered the final pass to Sasaki in the center. Despite having the opposing defender on his back, he struck the ball to score the long-awaited second goal!! Then, five minutes later at the 66th minute, Onishi flicked Nagasawa’s left corner kick with his head, and finally, Takuya Watanabe, positioned near the near post, headed in the third goal, his first in the league!! Tokyo made substitutions at the 81st minute, replacing Hasukawa with Aoki, and at the 84th minute, replacing Takahashi with Kawakami, maintaining their energy and increasing their options. Shortly after, although they conceded a goal to Yokohama FM, who were carefully circulating the ball and looking for chances, at the 86th minute Nagasawa was replaced by Tamiya, and at the 92nd minute Yajima was replaced by Okuma. The substitutes maintained solid marking handovers, securing a 3-1 victory!!

"Our defensive awareness has changed" (Player Kamoike)
We have become able to hold firm during the opponent's possession, and by calling out to each other during practice and clarifying each other's decisions, this has been demonstrated on the pitch and has led to victory. This was especially evident during the periods when we conceded many goals, and the strong determination of the players, which was fully visible after conceding, limited the goals allowed to just one. These factors have connected to each play being performed with confidence, and "the atmosphere has shifted to one where we can win. It feels like a 'winning habit' has emerged" (Player Nagasawa)

FC Tokyo U-18 has risen to 5th place in the league provisional standings after this round. The next match will be back at home against Ichiritsu Funabashi High School, currently 3rd place in the Premier League promotion playoff zone. “We suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat in our previous encounter. They are a strong team that won the Summer Inter-High Championship, but we cannot afford to lose here. We will prepare well over the next two weeks and face them with confidence,” said the players with smiles, clearly focused on the upcoming match.

Thank you very much for your warm support for the players today as well, from places such as Yokosuka and Tokyo.
We kindly ask for your continued warm support for FC Tokyo U-18.