match Match Schedule & Results

[Reserves]
GK: 30, Katsuya MATSUSHIMA
DF: 38, Katsuya AIHARA
MF: -
FW: 24, Kenta OKUMA

○ Match Report
The 3rd match of the preliminary league in the 2013 J Youth Cup, the 21st J League Youth Championship, was held on a clear day at the home ground, FC Tokyo Kodaira Ground. The opponent was Kashiwa Reysol U-18, who had lost in the first round of the league. "Kashiwa, who needs to win this match to advance to the final tournament, will come to fight with the determination to absolutely win. In these 90 minutes, what can each player do to win? If we fall apart, it will be over today. This important game. Let’s get into it properly!" With this, the last battle of the preliminary league kicked off at 2:00 p.m.

Although a chance to finish was created early on through the combination of Tamiya and Nagasawa, Kashiwa, increasing their possession, took control of the game. Even when Tokyo tried to intercept with coordinated passes, Kashiwa built up play from the back line centered on their CB pairing, carefully linking passes and gradually pushing their line forward. However, even as Tokyo lost control and was pushed back into their own half, they did not allow space and each player showed a high defensive awareness. Trying to break this rhythm, at the 16th minute, Hasukawa made a move from the left side and won a free kick. Although the free kick was blocked by Kashiwa’s defenders, from here Tokyo began to show aggressive moves. Then, three minutes later at the 19th minute, Tamiya received a throw-in from Yamagishi on the right side, evaded the opposing defender, cut back near the goal line, and sent the ball to the center where Yajima reacted and struck with his right foot to score the opening goal!! Even after the goal, the encouraging voice of Kashiwa’s goalkeeper echoed, and while accepting Kashiwa’s possession dominance, Tokyo remained vigilant and patiently waited for their chance, launching attacks from ball recoveries. The first half ended 1-0 with Kashiwa holding the initiative and Tokyo countering, with no further clear chances after Yajima’s goal.

“Even if they have the ball, our defense is not collapsing. But we must not forget that Kashiwa will persistently push forward from here. Let’s stay focused and fight hard for the remaining 45 minutes,” the players were sent off by Coach Motoyoshi. They encouraged each other with “Let’s concentrate at the start of the second half!” and committed themselves fully to the remaining 45 minutes of battle.

Kashiwa advanced toward the Tokyo goal while maintaining a high defensive line and creating numerical superiority through precise passing. After the 55th minute, they penetrated near the goal and unleashed five consecutive shots from close range. However, Tokyo's defenders showed focused defense, blocking repeatedly with their bodies, and finally, goalkeeper Ohno made a great save to withstand the relentless attack. Aiming for an additional goal, at the 66th minute, Nagasawa intercepted the ball that Kashiwa had started passing after a throw-in on the left side. Yajima received it, held possession deep in Kashiwa’s territory, cut back, and sent the ball centrally where Tamiya came running in and powerfully struck to score the second goal!! Even when Kashiwa regained possession, Tokyo showed strength by continuing to believe in their style of play. At the 76th minute, Watanabe Ryu replaced Hasukawa, and at the 83rd minute, Satoh came on for Tamiya, with Watanabe Ryu and Satoh adding accents to the attack. Meanwhile, Kashiwa also brought in five fresh players, increasing their forward momentum and aiming for victory until the very end. In stoppage time, at 90+1 minutes, Shimodaira replaced Abe, and at 90+2 minutes, Yanagisawa came on for Takuya Watanabe. The substitutes fulfilled their assigned roles firmly, and the match ended at full time.

With a 2-0 victory, FC Tokyo U-18 secured first place in Group B. This marks their first advancement to the Final Round in two years, taking a significant step toward Nagai. “For the sake of our teammates who are sidelined due to injuries and to continue playing soccer together as this team for a long time, we cannot afford to lose from here on,” the players declared without hesitation, their eyes filled with strong determination. Believing in the “Tokyo style of soccer” that everyone has built together so far, and believing in themselves, they want to fight for victory with a strong spirit and relentless, earnest play until the very end, no matter who the opponent is.

Thank you very much for your warm support for the players today.
We kindly ask for your continued warm support for FC Tokyo U-18.