match Match Schedule & Results

[Reserves]
GK:1, Louis YAMAGUCHI
DF:3, Kento HARA
MF:28, Manato SHINADA
FW:9, Takuma YAMAGUCHI, 12, Mikio YAMASHITA

○Match Report
"Just the fact that the opponent is Verdy is enough to boost the players' motivation without us having to do anything," Coach Okuhara said the day before the match. The adidas CUP 2013, the 28th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship held in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, has now entered the Round of 16. This knockout tournament is full of tension, as losing means elimination. Every team is mentally prepared to win each match in pursuit of the ultimate goal: becoming the best in Japan. Additionally, FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa has one more big reason why they absolutely cannot lose. The opponent is Verdy. That says it all. So far this season, they have faced each other four times in official matches, with a record of 1 draw and 3 losses. The question is, if not now, then when will they win? This Tokyo Derby flashpoint kicked off at 1:00 p.m. at Obihiro no Mori Athletic Stadium.

“Let’s show what we have built up in Fukagawa and fight,” the players sent off by Coach Okuhara showed their spirit from the start and aggressively approached the opponent’s goal. Then, the first joy came suddenly. At 2 minutes, they earned a free kick near the center circle in the opponent’s half, and Sugioka headed the ball from Kaneda to score!! Fukagawa got off to a good start. Although I mentioned the first “joy,” the players’ faces showed smiles immediately after the goal, but once the match resumed, their expressions tightened as if the “joy” had been a lie. Yes, they had suffered many frustrating defeats against Verdy so far. At the same time, they knew Verdy’s strength all too well. This one goal would influence the flow of the match but would not decide anything. The players, understanding this, showed no complacency whatsoever. However, just three minutes later, the opponent quickly equalized, and the match returned to square one. As if expecting such a tough battle, the players raised their voices and aggressively charged back into Verdy’s territory. At 6 minutes, this time from a right corner kick by Takeuchi, Sugioka headed in another goal!! Fukagawa took the lead again and controlled the pace of the match. Against Verdy, who passed the ball well, the entire team pressed in coordination, forcing them to play long balls. By pushing the defensive line up firmly, they did not allow play in dangerous areas. Because they knew their opponent well, their tasks were clear. They played fiercely even in close ball contests, showing plenty of fighting spirit. At 19 minutes, they forced an own goal and went into halftime with a 3-1 score!!

Halftime. Despite having a 2-goal lead, there was no relaxed atmosphere on the bench at all. "They don’t care about a 2-goal difference. That’s why the next goal is crucial. If we let them score the next goal, the momentum might shift to them. But if we score it, the momentum will come to us," the coach instructed the players, who pushed forward again as the second half began. The chants from the stands echoed, "♪ Attack, attack, Oku (Okuhara) Tokyo~." Fukagawa united their spirit and attacked.

Naturally, Tokyo Verdy, chasing a two-goal deficit, increased their passing speed as the clock progressed and pressed forward. The difficult moments clearly increased compared to the first half. However, it was the DF line that held firm there. Undeterred by Verdy’s strong attacking power that had caused them frustration many times before, they actively maintained a high defensive line. There were moments when the back was targeted, but Okazaki used his sharp reading to cover and prevent danger. Even when pressed, they did not retreat. Always forward. By keeping the defensive line high, the coordination in defense improved, and the shots Verdy took were mostly from mid-range. They did not allow entry into dangerous areas, showing excellent defense. In situations where they were deeply pressed, GK Hirosue broke through with powerful long kicks, and Fukagawa’s players all fulfilled their roles accurately, advancing the match. The result of everyone’s efforts came at the 66th minute. Uchida intercepted a pass, dribbled forward, and calmly finished to make it 4-1!! Fukagawa, having taken the “next goal,” completely took control of the flow and moved toward true joy!! In their fifth meeting this season, they finally defeated their greatest rival, and that too on the national tournament stage.
Smiles once again appeared on the players' faces.

Fukagawa, having won the Tokyo Derby in Obihiro, has finally advanced to the Round of 16. The next match will be held on Dec 22 (Thu), after a one-day break, at Obihiro Forest Ballpark B Ground, kicking off at 1:00 p.m. against Avispa Fukuoka U-15, competing for a spot in the top 4.

Also, thank you very much for your strong support today from far away in Obihiro and from Tokyo as well.
We appreciate your continued support in the next match as well.