match Match Schedule & Results

[Reserves]
GK: 21, Koki ITO
DF: 19, Keisuke AOKI
MF: -
FW: -

○ Match Digest
The first match of the group stage of the "2012 J Youth Cup 20th J League Youth Championship" was held at Fukagawa Ground under sunlight so hot it was hard to believe it was late October. The opponent was Mito Hollyhock Youth, who have steadily improved year by year, winning the U-18 Ibaraki Prefecture League and advancing to the promotion/relegation playoffs for the Prince League Kanto Division 2. Awareness of "mental focus" is important. Even if a good rhythm cannot be established, resorting to individual play and getting frustrated will give the opponent the rhythm. The players united with the shared awareness to align their mindset and win this match! The team that is mentally stronger wins! The intense match kicked off at 1:00 p.m.

Although Tokyo held possession, they faced a well-organized Mito team that formed a solid defensive block by sitting deep, making it difficult for Tokyo’s attacks to connect smoothly. However, as Mito aimed for counterattacks mainly down the left side, Tokyo’s impenetrable defense, centered around the back line, denied them any freedom. During this period of endurance, Tokyo patiently continued to connect passes while looking for chances, finally breaking through Mito’s goal at the 25th minute. From central player Yajima, the ball was passed to Saito and Kawakami, who surged up the right side, and finally, the ball struck by Saito’s right foot as he cut inside centrally pierced the net for the opening goal!! Then, three minutes later at the 28th minute, Nihei received a pass from Saito to Yajima, dribbled forward, and took a shot. When this shot rebounded off the post, Saito, who had followed up near the goal, calmly tapped it in to add a second goal!! Leading 2-0 and gaining momentum, Tokyo shook Mito’s defense with Kawakami’s effective side switches and actively took shots, but despite the opposing goalkeeper’s excellent saves, they could not score a third goal, ending the first half continuing to press toward Mito’s goal.

At halftime, it was confirmed with Coach Motoyoshi, "We made a good start to the match, moving the ball simply while inserting wedges, and managed to score. However, just connecting passes doesn’t necessarily improve the rhythm. The next goal will be crucial. Let’s effectively use side changes, have variations like aiming behind when moving forward, and think about who goes where and what kind of passes to use." The players encouraged each other, saying, "Two goals lead is still risky. Let’s aim for an additional goal! Let’s tighten up our defense!" and headed back onto the pitch for the second half.

In stark contrast to the one-sided game that Tokyo dominated in the first half, from the start of the second half, Mito increased their forward momentum in an attempt to score a goal. Tokyo, on the other hand, did not allow them to reach the finishing stage and instead started their attacks as their own possession. Despite being two goals down, Mito did not give up, showed no fear, and kept fighting back. However, in the 66th minute, Nihei, who had been working hard as the left SH, had to be substituted due to a leg cramp and was replaced by Nagasawa. Then, in the 73rd minute, Iwata came on for Saito, who had scored two goals in the first half, and in the 76th minute, Takahashi replaced Kawakami. The deadlock was broken in the 84th minute. Kamoike broke through on the left side and played a one-two with Nagasawa. Receiving the return pass, Kamoike unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from the center!! He scored the much-desired third goal!! Then, in the 88th minute, receiving a large side change from the right from Yajima, Koizumi dribbled in cutting through, and finally Iwata pushed in the fourth goal!! He struck a comeback goal after injury!! In the 89th minute, Yamagishi replaced Yoshida, and Onishi replaced Tokuda. In stoppage time at the 92nd minute, Yajima chest-controlled a long ball from Onishi, Nozawa flicked it to the left, and Nagasawa dribbled in and fired a beautiful shot that shook the net for the decisive fifth goal!! They celebrated a 5-0 victory in their first match of the J Youth Cup.

FC Tokyo U-18 demonstrated their determination by embodying what they wanted to do without yielding to Mito’s momentum and tenacity. This marked their third consecutive clean sheet victory in league matches, but they cannot afford to be satisfied if they aim to reach even higher. As they head into the next away match against Kashima Antlers Youth, they want to thoroughly address the finer issues and continue preparing diligently.

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