Welcome and confront the top-ranked Kashima at home!

　In the 10th round, facing Kashima Antlers, who are currently in first place, with only 2 days of rest since the previous Oita match. However, the team is in a state of complete disarray. Lucas, Toda, and Suzuki Nori were injured in the Oita match. But Manager Hara stated, "I don't want to use injured players as an excuse. Today, the players on the pitch will come together as one and show our strengths." The lineup includes Kondo Yu, who will make his first start of the season, at the forefront, Baba in the attacking midfield, and Sakai on the left side as a full-back. Kobayashi, who is also making his first appearance this season, is on the bench, and the team is united in their efforts to break their losing streak and defeat Kashima.

　Kashima, despite losing to C Osaka in the previous match, is in first place with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. They have scored 17 goals and conceded 7, resulting in a goal difference of +10. Their strength lies in their balanced ability to connect attacks seamlessly from a solid defense. In this match, midfielder Fernando is suspended, and forwards Alex Mineiro, Nozawa, and Fukai are injured, similar to Tokyo, putting them in a difficult situation. Rookie forward Okazaki and second-year midfielder Masuda made their first starts. However, Coach Hara analyzed the situation, saying, "Using young players and taking care of injured players is a luxury in terms of player selection." They aim to take advantage of this opportunity and make a statement against the top team.

　A sunny Ajinomoto Stadium gathered 43,000 spectators in the stands. Manager Hara said before the match, "I want to express my gratitude for this tremendous support. I want to live up to the expectations." Of course, the players also had the same feelings and kicked off at 16:03.

Taking On The Leaders

Two days after the Oita game, league-leading Kashima Antlers visited Ajinomoto Stadium for the 10th match of the season. TOKYO were struggling with injuries: Lucas, Kanazawa, and Toda were the latest victims. Manager Hara refused to use the recent spate of injuries as an excuse, though. "I want the team we send out to play as a unit and show the best aspects of our game," he commented before kick-off. Striker Yusuke Kondo made his first start of the season, as did Baba in a withdrawn role just behind him, while Sakoi played at left back. Kobayashi appeared on the bench for the first time this year as TOKYO attempted to put recent results behind them, unite, and take on the Antlers.
Kashima were surprisingly beaten at home by Cerezo in their previous game but still held on to top spot with a W7 D1 L1 record for 22 points. Solid defense and good balance are the main characteristics of this team. Holding midfielder Fernando was suspended while strikers Alex Mineiro, Fukai, and Nozawa were injured. Rookie Koroki made his debut, as did second-year midfielder Masuda. "The Antlers are looking after their injured players and promoting youngsters to the first team to have a look at them," commented manager Hara.
Over 40,000 people flocked to the stadium. "We are very grateful for this tremendous support," he added, "We really want to answer the fans' expectations."
The game began shortly after 4pm on a glorious afternoon in west Tokyo.

Allowing the first goal while trying to grasp the pace...

　Supported by the cheers from the stands from the start, the Tokyo players showed a forward-leaning attitude. Just 30 seconds in, Ishikawa took a powerful middle shot. In the 2nd minute, Jean intercepted an attack from Kashima with a solid defense. From there, they connected, and Sakai passed to Yusuke Kondo, who had broken out on the right side. Kondo dribbled past the opposing defender and charged towards the goal, creating a chance but unfortunately could not take a shot. In the 3rd minute, Miyazawa directly aimed for a free kick earned on the right side of the Kashima area. In the 6th and 7th minutes, they had more free kick opportunities, but Miyazawa and Ishikawa could not convert. In the 8th minute, Ishikawa received a switch from Miyazawa, cut in from the right, and shot, but it went straight to the GK. In the 14th minute, from a quick attack, Yusuke Kondo became the pivot, and Miyazawa sent a pass to Ishikawa, who ran down the right side. Ishikawa fought hard to win a corner kick but could not bring it to a finish.

　Kashima had not created any real chances until the 17th minute. FW Suzuki received a long feed from MF Aoki and kept the ball near the left end line. Left fullback Ishikawa, who had moved up to support, crossed the ball early. FW Okazaki's header from the far post grazed the bar and bounced back, and Homma, who was following up, pushed it in with a header. Tokyo conceded the opening goal while they were gaining momentum.

　The game gradually shifted to Kashima's rhythm. Kashima passed the ball around in the defense line and patiently waited for attacking opportunities, displaying a relaxed style of play. In the midst of this, they created a chance from a set piece in the 27th minute. Kondo Yu, with his back to the goal, connected with Miyazawa's free kick from the right side, but the shot veered to the left. In the 35th minute, Kashima stole the ball in the opponent's half and quickly transitioned to attack. Kaji, who had moved up the center, boldly attempted a dribble shot, but it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper in the upper right corner of the goal.

　However, in the 41st minute, Tokyo kept the ball on the left side and Kashima MF Masuda made a strong dash towards the center and passed the ball to FW Okazaki with perfect timing. Okazaki, riding on his speed, unleashed a powerful shot that went over the hands of Doi and hit the crossbar. Honyama, who picked up the rebound freely, scored a precise goal, resulting in a goal. They conceded a second goal from a similar play by the same combination as the first goal, and went into the second half trailing by two points.

TOKYO Start Well But Concede Early

TOKYO flung themselves at the Antlers straight from the kick off as though propelled forward by the thunderous waves of noise emanating from the stands. Ishikawa registered the first shot with only 30 seconds on the clock, Kondo latched onto a neat through ball from Sakoi and dribbled his way into the area in the 2nd minute and Miyazawa belted a free kick fractionally wide of the post a minute later. Two further free kicks within shooting range were given away by the Antlers but TOKYO were unable to hit the target. Livewire Ishikawa stung Sogahata's palms with a well struck drive in the 8th minute and battled tenaciously down the right wing to win a corner in the 14th minute.
Antlers took the lead in the 17th minute, completely against the run of play. Suzuki chased a long hoof to the byline and succeeded in keeping the ball in play, then rolled it back to midfielder Ishikawa. Ishikawa played a deep cross to the far post where Koroki attempted to cushion a header over Doi. The ball hit the bar and fell for Motoyama to nod home and give his team the lead with their first attack.
The goal changed the complexion of the game at a stroke. The Antlers were content to retain possession, playing the ball around the backline and building slowly into attack. Kondo had a brief glimpse of goal in the 27th minute but shot wide following Miyazawa's free kick. In the 35th minute Kaji dribbled forward and shot but Sogahata held his effort comfortably.
The killer blow came in the 41st minute. Masuda held the ball up on the right before rolling it into the path of the onrushing Koroki. Koroki lashed a fierce drive against the bar and Motoyama, unmarked inside the area, hammered the rebound into the roof of the net to double the lead. The first period ended 0-2.

Danilo and Kobayashi create opportunities, but unfortunately suffer defeat

　In the second half, we approached with a change of mindset. In the 48th minute, we won a free kick and then a left corner kick, but we couldn't convert them into chances. In the 50th minute, we substituted Baba with Danilo. However, in the 54th minute, Kashiwa's right full-back, Ari, made a breakthrough and Sakai fouled him inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. Kashiwa's forward Suzuki missed the penalty, and we avoided conceding an additional goal.

　Afterwards, in the 57th minute, Kobayashi, who made his first appearance this season, was substituted for Sako. Kobayashi was placed on the left front line and launched a fierce attack with a 3-back formation. In the 59th minute, Danilo, who stole the ball inside the opponent's territory, boldly turned towards the goal and dribbled, forcefully shooting the ball which hit the lower left post! Jean followed up on the rebound but was offside... It was difficult to score a goal. Afterwards, they tried to create chances from corner kicks and free kicks, but their efforts were not decisive and they couldn't bring it to a crucial scene.

　In the 66th minute, Danilo passed to Kobayashi on the left side from Miyazawa. Kobayashi took a bold shot, but the goalkeeper caught it weakly. In the 71st minute, Kashima replaced forward Okazaki with midfielder Honda in the defensive strategy. Tokyo also made a fierce counterattack by replacing Kondo with Mashima in the 75th minute and pushing Jean to the front line. They repeatedly launched speedy attacks centered around Ishikawa, but couldn't find a decisive blow against Kashima's solid defense, with the defenders pulling back and the midfielders defending with the expectation of fouls. They didn't give up until the end and tried to score a goal with an all-out effort, but ultimately failed to convert any of the 8 corner kicks and set plays. They suffered a 0-2 defeat against Kashima's skillful game management, resulting in their 6th consecutive loss.

　【Player Comments】《Jean》"We conceded a goal before we could score, and from there, the opponent pulled back, and we couldn't create any chances. In the end, I moved up to the front line, which is not my usual position, and I played wanting to score and win, but it wasn't enough. I will do my best and want to achieve results next time." 《Yusuke KONDO》"By chasing the ball, we made Kashima tired. The distance from the midfield became too far, and in that gap, they passed the ball around us. I tried to make corrections, but I was too focused on my own issues and fell behind. Even when Nao broke through, I couldn't get up and finish it off... I think not being able to convert the early chances affected us in the end." 《Kobayashi》"I was fired up. I tried to compete on the side while fluidly changing positions with Nao. However, the opponent pulled back, and in a situation where they were controlling the vertical positions, it was difficult to break through with dribbling. Since we couldn't achieve results, I don't know if there will be another chance, but if there is, I want to do my best to regroup."

　【Summary of Coach Hara's Press Conference】 "The supporters cheered for us more than ever, and to respond to their support, I talked to the players about playing a good match and approached the game with that mindset. I think we showed that attitude at the start. Although it didn't take a beautiful shape, we actively attacked and earned free kicks and corner kicks. However, after conceding the first goal, we suddenly became timid. We couldn't pass the ball forward and seemed afraid in duels. At halftime, I told them not to be afraid and to push the ball forward more. In the second half, we brought in Danilo and Kobayashi, and since Yusuke Kondo also cramped up, we moved Jean up front and brought Mashima in the back. Rather than focusing on balance, we aimed for each individual to carry the ball forward and pick up the loose balls. I think that attitude was more evident than in the first half. Although we haven't been getting results, we cannot ignore the support of these fans. The team must unite and fight with our heads held high. We have to hold on and get through this. If we don't play the kind of gritty soccer we did in the second half, we won't be able to change things."

　[Summary of Coach Cerezo's Press Conference] "It was a wonderful first half. Since Tokyo is at home, I expected them to come at us aggressively, and if they fell behind, they would attack in the second half as well. I emphasized to the players that a score of 2-0 is very dangerous. Naturally, Tokyo brought in forwards to score. The timing of when to solidify our defense was a key point. I was a bit worried when Danilo came in, but he often plays in the gap between the DF and the defensive midfielder, so we made sure to catch him there. He is a technically skilled player, but I thought it wouldn't be a problem as long as our DF stayed close to him even if he entered the penalty area. Tokyo took risks by using three DFs, with Miyazawa and Kaji taking on wing-back roles, which made them quite aggressive. Honda, who came in to contain Danilo, worked hard. Instead of marking him man-to-man, we made sure that Aoki would mark him based on the ball's position, which helped us suppress their central attacks. We were also able to manage the sides of Miyazawa and Kaji with substitutions. Fortunately, Tokyo's frequent use of long balls made it easier for our DF to respond. We had to be cautious of Tokyo's Ishikawa, but I think Tatsuya Ishikawa managed to contain him in the first half. In the second half, there were moments when Ali's side was broken down as he drifted left, but Ali was unfamiliar with Ishikawa, which caused some confusion in his response. I thought it would be easier to defend by bringing in players who know Tokyo's players well, and we were able to manage that with substitutions. We thoroughly instilled the awareness to regain the points lost from the previous match, and that showed well in this game. We were also able to respond to loose balls during set plays. Each player adhered to the agreements. Scoring two goals in the first half made things a bit easier, but against a team like Tokyo that plays aggressive football, it was a score we had to be cautious about. By enduring the first 15 to 20 minutes, we were able to hold on until the end."

Danilo, Kobayashi Shine But TOKYO Fall

TOKYO began the second period in a positive mood, winning a free kick and a string of corners but were unable to trouble Sogahata. Danilo replaced Baba in the 50th minute. Antlers then won a penalty in the 54th minute as Sakoi upended Ari inside the area. Suzuki chipped the ball wide of the goal and failed to extend the lead.
Kobayashi replaced Sakoi in the 57th minute as TOKYO went in search of a goal to give them some hope of saving the game. Kobayashi moved to the left of the attack and TOKYO switched to a three back system. In the 59th minute Danilo wriggled through the Antlers defense and cracked a low shot against the post; Jean was given offside as he desperately stretched to snare the rebound.
TOKYO were enjoying the lion's share of possession, winning corners and free kicks but were unable to create a clear opening. Danilo set up Kobayashi in the 71st minute but his shot was weak and straight at Sogahata. The Antlers replaced Koroki with defensive midfielder Honda in the 71st minute and switched to a defensive mode. TOKYO withdrew Kondo, sent on defender Masushima, pushed Jean up into attack and attempted to use Ishikawa's speed to unsettle the Antlers defense. The visitors defended in depth and resorted to illegal means to prevent TOKYO having a clear sight of goal. TOKYO won 8 corners and free kicks in the second half alone but all came to naught and the Antlers superior skills won the day. It was TOKYO's 6th consecutive defeat.


Players' comments
Jean:
"They scored when we couldn't then settled back and defended deeply. Striker is not my usual position but I'll do anything for the team and we desperately needed a goal. We'll do our best to get a result in the next game".

Kondo:
"Kashima tired us out chasing after the ball. I was isolated from the midfield and they kept possession very well. Ishikawa made some openings but I couldn't get on the end of them. Not taking those early chances really hurt us today".

Kobayashi
"We were really up for this game. We tried to use Ishikawa's movement and sudden changes in positioning to unsettle the Antlers defense on the wings but they were playing so deeply it was very difficult. Dribbling through was tough as well. I don't know if I'll get another chance but if I do I'd like to make amends for today's game".


F.C.TOKYO manager Hara:
" The support we receive from the fans is always superb but today was extra special and we really wanted to play a good game for them. The players attitude showed in the way we started the game. It wasn't particularly great play but it was very positive and we had some chances from corners and free kicks. After the first goal we lost our spirit, stopped playing the ball forward and going in hard to win it. At half time I told the team not to be afraid and to get the ball forward more. In the second half we sent on Danilo and Kobayashi, replaced Kondo as he had an injury, moved Jean to the front line and put Masushima into defence. Rather than worrying about the balance we just wanted to get the ball forward and fight for the loose balls. We just can't win at the moment; the players will have to get their heads up and play through this difficult period. The way we played in the second half wasn't pretty but maybe that's what we have to do right now".

Antlers manager Toninho Cerezo:
" We played a great first half. We had expected TOKYO to really attack us and were prepared to go into the second half behind. 2-0 is a dangerous score, as I told the players. Obviously TOKYO were going to add players to the attack in the second half and the key point for us was when to move into defensive mode and protect the lead. I was a little worried when Danilo came on as he's a good player and operates in the space between the defence and the holding midfielders. If we could stick tight to him then I thought he wouldn't be such a problem, though. We sent on Honda not to man mark Danilo but to work in tandem with Aoki, depending on where the ball was. Honda moved well and did a good job today. We also managed to suppress TOKYO along the flanks. We were relieved when they started playing the long balls as that was no problem for our defence and we dealt with it comfortably. TOKYO's Ishikawa is a dangerous player but our Ishikawa played him out of the game in the first half. In the second half Ari had some trouble coping with Ishikawa on the left as he doesn't know the player; we thought it was best to use substitutes who know the TOKYO team well. After losing the last game we were determined to take the three points today and that showed in the performance. All the players performed their tasks thoroughly and that's why we won".