match Match Schedule & Results

[Reserves]
GK:30, Kazuki Takase
DF:27, Sota Hasukawa
MF:24, Takuya Uchida
FW:

○Match Report
[Continuing the Build-Up and Inheriting the History]

"Let's fully demonstrate the culmination of Tokyo 2015 on the best stage! Let's show the blue-red spirit!!!"

The Prince Takamado U-18 Soccer League 2015 Premier League EAST is finally at its last match.
Sec. 18 comes in a slightly difficult situation where the possibility of winning the championship is gone, but staying in the league is already secured.

This week's opponent is 2nd place Aomori Yamada High School (11 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses, 36 points; top-ranked Kashima Antlers Youth has 37 points), who still have a chance to win depending on results at other venues.
They also have players already signed to professional contracts, making them a very tough team.
In the previous away match, although they took the lead with an own goal, they conceded two goals in the second half and lost 1-2.
Tokyo wants to secure a victory at home.

Tokyo will field the same starting eleven as the previous match this week as well. Additionally, Sugiyama, who has been performing well in the T2 League, has been included in the squad for the first time and is aiming for playing time.

Coach Sato reaffirmed what he has been saying throughout the year: "Everyone on offense and defense, ball challenges, hard work, and unity."
He emphasized the team's continuous development and inspired the players with his opening remarks.
He sent the players out onto the pitch.

With about 440 fans and supporters from both teams watching, the match kicked off with Aomori Yamada High School starting the game.

《First Half》
Tokyo entered the match with heightened spirits, but it was Aomori Yamada who started the game with even greater intensity.
From the very beginning, they took control with fierce play and momentum.
Just three minutes after kickoff, a long throw from the left side was deflected near the near post and flowed to the far side, where a powerful shot rattled the side netting, but it was outside the goal.
Just when it seemed they had avoided conceding a goal.
Once again, the left side was broken through, and as the defenders desperately threw their bodies to block the shot, the ball’s trajectory slightly changed and was swallowed into the goal.
After that, Tokyo still struggled to gain control and continued to be pushed back by the opponent’s momentum.
However, from around the 15th minute, they gradually took control of the ball and began to calm the game, and Tokyo started launching counters with a mix of long and short passes from their build-up play.
At the 20th minute, after winning the ball deep on the right side of their own half, a long vertical pass was played. Sato received it, dribbled forward, and connected to the inside.
In the end, Abe skillfully evaded the opponent and approached the goal, but was unable to take the shot.
Furthermore, at the 23rd minute, from a one-two between Sato and Okuma, and again at the 30th minute with Koyama, Okuma, and Ikiji breaking through with passing play, they launched a powerful attack from the left side.
As Coach Sato said during the match, "This jab will start to have an effect," the equalizing goal was born from the left side.
In the 44th minute, just before the end of the first half, the ball was passed to Koyama, who broke through behind the left side, and while competing with the opposing DF, he delivered a low cross to the near post.
Here, Sato, the top scorer in the Premier League EAST ranking, entered and connected with a direct left-footed shot, shaking the net to equalize.
The first half ends with the score tied, and the teams head into halftime.

《Halftime》
As usual, the players communicate with each other.
"Everyone is communicating well. Our chances come from counters. We are also creating chances from the sides. Let's go as far as we can," Coach Sato encourages the players.
Both teams made no substitutions and entered the second half.

《Second Half》
From the very start, Tokyo applied intense pressing to try to seize the momentum, but they could not fully gain control.
Still, at the 50th minute, Okaniwa delivered a cross from the right side, and the ball flowed directly to the left side.
Kiji picked up the ball and crossed it near the goal line to the near post, but Okuma's header couldn't connect, and the ball went back to Okaniwa on the right side.
Seeing that his marker was loose, Okaniwa unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but it went wide of the target.
Unable to seize the momentum, Tokyo gradually began to be pushed back.
Despite Yamaguchi's excellent defense and the DF line centered around Watanabe desperately protecting the goal, the opposing team scored the go-ahead goal in the 76th minute.
To change the momentum, Tokyo brought in Sugiyama and Shinada to alter the rhythm.
After that, Tokyo continued to launch attacks but struggled to mount a substantial offensive, and the match developed into an open contest.
At the 84th minute, Nishimoto, who was on the bench for the first time since Sec. 10 against Kashima, was sent onto the pitch as a target man to increase attacks using long balls.
Furthermore, from around the 87th minute, the system was changed to 4-4-2, switching the forward line to captain Watanabe and Nishimoto, with Sato on the left and Sugiyama on the right, launching a power play.
In response, Aomori Yamada immediately brought in a tall defender, intensifying the pressure.
Then, in the 88th minute, Sato connected with a cross from Sugiyama but failed to score.
At the 90th minute, Watanabe and Nishimoto made free runs to meet a cross from Sato on the right side, but just missed connecting.
Then, in the 90+4th minute, Aihara received a cross from Okaniwa on the far side from the right side and passed it to Abe.
Abe skillfully dribbled past the opponent and took a shot, but the ball was blocked by the crossbar.
Tokyo pressed towards the goal until the very end but could not score the equalizer, resulting in a 1-2 defeat.

With today's match, the entire schedule of the Prince Takamado U-18 Soccer League 2015 Premier League EAST has concluded.
FC Tokyo U-18 finished in 5th place with <18 matches, 7 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses, 30 goals scored, 14 goals conceded, 26 points>.
Also, Sato, who scored one goal today, became the top scorer of the Premier League EAST and WEST combined with a total of 16 goals this season.

The T2 League match against Horikoshi High School on Wednesday, December 9 will be the last official match of this season.

[Player & Staff Post-Match Comments]
Coach Sato
"The players worked hard, but I wanted to see them win and send them off on a high note. I hope the current first and second years take in the example set by these third years and become an even better team. The third years sincerely faced soccer and many of them are honest players. Regarding the match, it was a scenario where Aomori Yamada High School exploited gaps, while FC Tokyo could not fully capitalize on openings. We wanted to play our game more calmly, but the match opened up, and we couldn’t play the mature style of soccer we aimed for. However, the players showed grit until the very end and truly did well. I have nothing but gratitude. Thanks to the players’ efforts, we were promoted to the Premier League and were able to compete on stages like the national tournament. I want to express my gratitude once again."

Player Yamaguchi
"(What have you improved on this past year?) In the past, I used to get caught up in a single play, but now I’ve learned to switch my focus. I always pay attention to the finer details to protect the goal and think logically from practice onward. I believe being able to move instinctively in the final moments is the result of the effort I put in during regular training. (A message to the fans and supporters who have cheered for you throughout the year) Thank you for your support over the past three years. I am truly grateful for the constant warm encouragement. Although the stage will change from now on, I would be happy if you continue to support me. Thank you very much for these three years."

Player Aihara
"(What have you improved on this past year?) Last year, I focused on holding the ball, facing forward, and challenging opponents, but this year I have become able to play while being aware of my surroundings. (What instructions did you receive when you came on as a substitute?) Since there was little time, I was told to push forward, but I couldn’t do it very well. (Message to the fans and supporters who have supported you throughout the year) My time at FC Tokyo is coming to an end, but I want to show how much I have grown during my four years at university."

Player Koyama
“The start of the match was poor, but gradually we found our rhythm and were able to attack from the sides. However, as a whole team, things didn’t go well, and the opponent scored when it mattered. (What have you improved on over the past year?) Last year, as a second-year student, I hesitated to carry the ball myself, but now I can do it with confidence. I have become able to take on opponents directly. (Message to the fans and supporters who have supported you throughout the year) We received support at every tournament and even from far away, which helped us perform beyond our own abilities. Playing in an atmosphere close to a professional match is something I consider a personal asset. I would be happy to have your support at university as well.”

Player Watanabe
"(What have you grown in this past year?) As captain, I led the team and spoke up at important moments. I have grown as a person, including in my private life. Technically, by watching last year’s captain Onishi, I believe I have improved in heading. I have also become calmer in build-up play and improved my long passes. It was a fulfilling year. (What kind of team was it this year?) A team with a clear switch between ON and OFF. Off the field, we joked around, but on the field, regardless of grade, we could speak strictly to each other. I think we were very united. (Message to the fans and supporters who cheered for you throughout the year) Personally, thank you for supporting me for six years. I received warm support from many supporters. I hope you will continue to support us, and I would be happy if you warmly support next year’s FC Tokyo U-18 as well."

Player Yanagi
"(What have you improved on this past year?) I believe I have grown mentally and my overall play has become more stable. I used to have ups and downs in my performance and some weaknesses, but I think I have improved in those areas. (Message to the fans and supporters who have supported you throughout the year) The three years went by in the blink of an eye. I didn’t want to have any regrets, but unfortunately, I do. I want to overcome this frustration with the TOP team. I am very grateful to all the fans and supporters for their warm support. I want to stand on the Ajinomoto pitch as soon as possible, so I ask for your continued support."

Player Abe
"(What have you improved on this year?) I think my mental preparation for matches has improved compared to the beginning of the league. I was able to score in important matches like the J Youth Cup game against Kobe Univ, but in today's match, I hit the bar and made some passing mistakes in the build-up, so I want to improve on those. (What kind of team was this year?) Outside of practice, we got along well regardless of grade, and there was a clear distinction between ON and OFF. (Message to the fans and supporters who have supported you throughout the year) Thank you for your passionate support at all times. Feeling that support during matches made me think, 'Let's do our best!' Thank you for the best support."

Player Okuma
"The opponent was fighting for the championship and scored first, but from there we gradually managed to play our own game. However, in the second half, the opponent took control and we couldn't hold out. (What have you grown in over the past year?) Last year, I relied on the third-year students, but this year I had many responsibilities as the oldest member. However, I was often substituted, so I want to build my body to be able to play continuously for 90 minutes and achieve results. (Message to the fans and supporters who have supported you throughout the year) Thank you very much for coming to support us no matter how far away, and many people rushed to the home games, which gave us strength. I am very grateful."

Player Nishimoto
"(What instructions did you receive when you came on as a substitute?) Since there was little time left, I was told to fight up front, which ignited my fighting spirit. I just gave it my all. (What have you grown in over the past year?) Even when I couldn’t play in matches, I was able to contribute to the team and consistently prepare well without wavering toward my goals. (Message to the fans and supporters who have supported you throughout the year) I have been with FC Tokyo since elementary school, and I believe the Blue-Red Spirit is stronger than anyone else’s. Although the results were not what the players and fans/supporters hoped for, I want to work hard on the next stage to repay this gratitude and return to Ajinomoto Stadium."

Player Sato
"The opponent was fighting for the championship, so it was a somewhat difficult match for us. Since it was the last match for the third-year students, we approached it with strong determination. Even after conceding a goal, I was determined to score myself, but the opponent had more momentum. (About the scoring scene?) During the time I scored, I was able to break down the left side with few touches several times. Player Koyama sent me good balls many times this season, so I trusted and ran in. In the past, I sometimes hurried and missed shots, but this time I was able to score, which I think shows my growth throughout the season. (Message to the fans and supporters who have supported us throughout the year) Not only this year but also since my first year, your support has been a great strength for me. Thanks to all of you, I was able to keep producing results. I want to repay this by becoming a professional, and I will continue to do my best step by step from now on."

Player Suzuki
“We secured our place in the league, but not being able to win or claim the championship made this a somewhat difficult match, and I feel regretful. In the first half, the opponent had momentum, but gradually we were able to maintain possession of the ball. I thought, ‘We can go for the second half too!’ but the opponent scored, and although we had chances, the difference was in finishing ability. (What have you improved on this year?) Compared to the start of the season, my physical condition has become more competitive, but the quality of my attacking play declined in the latter half of the season. (Message to the fans and supporters who have cheered you on throughout the year) I’m sorry that the final match ended like this. Next year, I want to work hard to always be able to win.”