match Match Schedule & Results

[Reserve]
GK:1, Norihito Otsuka
DF:-
MF:8, Kai Ishizuka, 14, Shuta Hori, 23, Kengo Ohira
FW:11, Yoshikazu Kajitani, 12, Tetsuo Shabashu, 31, Kei Komatsu

○Match Digest
Rain continued from early morning. The adidas CUP 2014 29th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-15) tournament, held in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, took a one-day rest, and finally the first match of the final tournament Round of 32 started. The first must-win battle was a rainy match against JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-15. Chiba had already faced them twice this season in the Kanto Youth (U-15) Soccer League Division 1, winning both matches with scores of 4-0 and 2-1, but as Coach Okuhara said before the match, "I felt the team strength had significantly improved by the second match," it was expected to be a tough game.

　But that was exactly what they wanted. "Let's believe in what we have built up this summer!" Encouraged by the coach during the pre-match meeting, the players boldly and aggressively approached the opponent's goal once again on this day.

　Right after the start, GK Takase kicked the ball, and Yoshida made a one-touch pass to Fukino, creating a chance. They handled the rain-soaked pitch without any trouble and moved the ball steadily. At the 15th minute, Shinada fired a mid-range shot with his left foot, threatening the opponent's goal.

　The match shifted at the 22nd minute. After Fukino was fouled in the opponent's territory and earned a direct free kick, Shinada took the kick, and Yoshida boldly leapt to head the accurately delivered ball into the net to score! Despite attacking, they had struggled to break down the opponent's defense, but they succeeded in taking a valuable opening goal from a set piece.

　It was hoped that the team could take control and advance the match, but just six minutes after scoring the opening goal, they conceded. From a corner kick, the opponent powerfully headed the ball in, bringing the match back to square one. The precision of the kick and the power of the header—both were of high quality, reminding us once again that Chiba is a formidable opponent. This was the first goal conceded by Fukagawa in this tournament.

　Entering the second half, although the match was evenly balanced, there was an undeniable sense that Chiba was overpowering them with their momentum, especially with their powerful dribbling at key moments. However, the center backs, Kagiyama and Shinohara, who have been the key players in advancing this far in the tournament, once again demonstrated solid and tenacious defense. Despite conceding their first goal of the tournament that day, there were still several dangerous moments afterward, but they blocked them with their bodies and showed toughness that kept their composure intact. In response, the surrounding players also began to show greater strength in ball contests, effectively countering Chiba’s powerful and speedy attacks.

　"Today will be a test of endurance!" Coach Okuhara declared before the match, and the game unfolded exactly as he said. The players responded to his words by chasing the ball with patience and persistence.

　And their efforts bore fruit brilliantly. In the 75th minute, Shinohara calmly struck the second goal with his right foot from a left corner kick taken by Shinada! The team united to defend the remaining time and celebrated the final whistle with joy. Fukagawa triumphed magnificently in this tough battle!

　The next match is on the 20th (Wed). The venue is the same, Obihiro Forest Ballpark A Ground. The opponent fighting for a spot in the Round of 8 is JFA Academy Fukushima U15, who advanced by defeating Sagan Tosu U-15 Karatsu 3-1. Since they already faced each other on the second day of the group stage and ended in a 0-0 draw, this will be another tough match against a formidable opponent.

Thank you very much for your passionate support today as well, all the way from Obihiro, and in the rain no less. Tomorrow will be another tough battle, but we kindly ask for your continued support.