Match Review
The first match of the J.League YBC Levain Cup at the "away" NHK Spring MitsuzawaFootballStadium. With a 3-day interval since the match against Verdy in the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 8 held last weekend, 7 players were changed in the starting lineup for the match against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama.
The goalkeeper Tsuyoshi KODAMA made his first appearance of the season, and the final line consisted of four players from the right: Soma ANZAI, Masato MORISHIGE, Kanta DOI, and Shuhei TOKUMOTO. Soma ANZAI, who received a red card in the match against Verdy, will be eligible to play in this match as the suspension applies to the next league match. The central midfielders are Riki HARAKAWA and Kei KOIZUMI, with Tsubasa TERAYAMA positioned as the attacking midfielder. Jaja Silva is on the left wing, Keita ENDO on the right wing, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA is the lone striker.
Additionally, this match has different league and tournament regulations, with 9 players registered on the bench. Teppei OKA, Ryunosuke SATO, and Leon NOZAWA were on the official match bench for the first time this season.
1st HALF - Koshigaya's first goal in blue and red opens the scoring
The blue-red eleven entered the field to the chant of "Take the Cup!" The match continued with Tokyo holding the ball and pushing forward from the early stages.
The first shot came in the 6th minute of the first half. From Harakawa's right corner kick, Jaja aimed with his left foot at the loose ball contested in the center, but it went wide to the left of the goal.
The match changed in the 13th minute of the first half. Player Anzai, who boldly attempted to break through on the right side, was fouled and earned a free kick. At this moment, player Kobayashi ran in to meet the ball sent by player Harakawa with his right foot. He powerfully connected with a header at the near side, scoring the long-awaited first goal in an official match for the blue-red team, giving them the lead.
In the 21st minute of the first half, Terayama headed a right cross from Endo, and in the 23rd minute, after applying aggressive pressure on the opposing goalkeeper to win the ball, Jean aimed for the goal, but both attempts unfortunately went just left of the goal.
While launching an offensive, a momentary lapse led to a major crisis. In the 27th minute of the first half, after being broken down on the right side and allowing a cross, a header was directed towards the goal, but player Kodama made a save from close range. Just as it seemed the rebound would be pushed in, player Doi blocked the opponent's decisive shot, and the team managed to withstand a series of dangerous situations with focused defense.
The additional goal was scored in the 39th minute of the first half. On the left side, players Kogashi and Tokumoto connected the ball, which was received by Harakawa in the center, who executed a skillful controlled shot from near the penalty arc. The precise right-footed kick hit a defender who tried to block it, changing its course and sinking into the upper left of the goal, extending the lead to two points with his signature long-range shot.
2nd HALF - Additional points with two fine goals
The pace of Tokyo remains unchanged even as the second half begins.
In the 5th minute of the second half, player Koshigaya brought the ball in from the right side and took a shot. In the 8th minute of the second half, player Terayama struck a floating pass from behind directly in the penalty area, but unfortunately, it went just over the goal. The exciting moments continued, and the supporters in the blue and red section showed their enthusiasm.
In the 15th minute of the second half, Ryunosuke SATO and Kosuke SHIRAI were brought in to replace Koizumi and Kogashi. 17-year-old SATO made his official match appearance since April of last season, and there were multiple calls of "Ryunosuke" as he entered the pitch.
The decisive third goal came in the 16th minute of the second half, just after the substitution. A ground cross from the left side was cut by the opposing defender with a sliding tackle, and the player who was aiming for the loose ball on the left side was Endo. He smoothly slotted a direct shot with his left foot from a difficult angle, scoring a fine goal for Tokyo and extending their lead to three goals for the second consecutive official match.
In the 24th minute of the second half, Leon NOZAWA was brought in as a left winger, and Teppei OKA made his debut in Tokyo as a center back. The formation was changed to move Taira SHIGE up to the defensive midfielder position.
In the 33rd minute of the second half, player Tokumoto unleashed a powerful shot with his favored left foot from long range, exciting the stadium, but it just went over the bar. Furthermore, in the 35th minute of the second half, player Sato broke through the right pocket with a vertical pass from player Anzai and took a shot. They are creating decisive scenes repeatedly.
In the second half's added time, player Jaja made a powerful dribble, slicing through the center of the pitch and breaking through vertically, then struck with his right foot for the fourth goal. The joy of the number 70, who finally scored, ran straight to the goal behind the stand to share the happiness with the fans and supporters gathered at Mitsuzawa.A.
Despite facing several critical moments, the team showed focused defense and achieved a clean sheet. The fresh members each showcased their strengths, making a strong start towards becoming league cup winners for the fourth time.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Tsuyoshi KODAMA
DF Soma ANZAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Kanta DOI/Shuhei TOKUMOTO
MF Tsubasa TERAYAMA (24th minute: Teppei OKA) / Keisuke KOIZUMI (15th minute: Kosuke SHIRAI) / Riki HARAKAWA
FW Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA (15th minute: Ryunosuke SATO) / Keita ENDO (24th minute: Leon NOZAWA) / Jaja Silva
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Kashif BANGNAGANDE
MF Takahiro KO
FW Kota TAWARATSUMIDA/Teruhito NAKAGAWA
GOAL
13th minute of the first half: Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA / 39th minute of the first half: Riki HARAKAWA / 16th minute of the second half: Keita ENDO / 45+3 minutes: Jája Silva
<Y.S.C.C. Yokohama>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Michiya OKAMOTO
DF Hanabusa Minoru/Van Ierden Sean/Takahiro NAKAZATO (substituted in 37th minute: Ryotaro YAMAMOTO)
MF Ohtake Yushin (substituted in 20th minute: Atsushi KIKUTANI)/Shuto KOJIMA (substituted in 20th minute: Takuya Hatanosuke)/Yasuto FUJITA
FW Rikuto HASHIMOTO/Oniye Ogochukwu (substituted in 0th minute: Jorn PEDERSEN)/Ryohei WAKIZAKA (substituted in 41st minute: Kikiya Fujishima)/Koji OKUMURA
SUBS
GK Chris TAKAHASHI
DF Hiroto OKOSHI/Haruki OSHIMA
MF Yusei OTAKE
GOAL
―
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A was able to deliver a high-intensity performance, and the game unfolded exactly as requested. Within that, they did well to control the game while taking on various challenges. There were times when patience was required, but it was good that they did not concede during those periods and instead created chances and scored. The players worked with dedication and delivered a professional performance. As a result, scoring 4 goals and sending fans and supporters home with smiles is important. We will also prepare thoroughly for the next match.
Q: Various players participated, but what were the factors that contributed to their performance?
A, I think all the players fought well. They were able to demonstrate what they practiced and prepared for the match. There were many moments to take on challenges, but they played while adjusting well. It is important to ensure that anyone who plays can perform in the same way, and that the 11 players wearing this uniform can fight hard no matter who they are. Within that, the team showed on the pitch the football mentality, high playing intensity, and the performance we aim to achieve.
Q: Kanta DOI played in the defensive midfielder position for the first time in a professional official match. I think it is difficult to change positions from center back to defensive midfielder during the match, but how do you evaluate him throughout the game?
A, I think they did very well. Even after changing position from center back to defensive midfielder, they continued to play well. I believe they demonstrated their talent. They are a player who works hard in practice and continues to grow during training. He moved to the defensive midfielder position, and Teppei OKA took the center back position, and they fought well. Also, I am pleased that Ryunosuke SATO played and performed well. Leon NOZAWA also took a side position and became a starting point for the attack. I think the players who appeared really fought hard. The match could have easily seen a few more goals scored. We want to make good preparations for the tough match coming up this weekend after just three days of rest.
[Player Interview]
<Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA>
Q, your first goal in Tokyo has been scored. Please review the goal scene.
A, Since I am not tall, I thought I could only rely on tactics near the goal, and when a good ball came there, I was able to skillfully connect with a header.
Q: Please tell us what you were consciously working on, given that the players in the front line are different from the last match against Verdy.
Since I was in a formation where I played as a two-top with Tsubasa TERAYAMA or in a vertical relationship, I focused on moving further forward and tried to draw the opposing center backs to allow Tsubasa TERAYAMA to receive the ball as freely as possible. Conversely, if the opponent pressed Tsubasa TERAYAMA, I played while preparing to receive the ball myself. I think we were able to build a good relationship today. However, there were no scenes leading to a goal from that, so I need to be more conscious and work on that.
Q: Your playing time has increased since coming here. Isn't your condition and sense of play improving?
A, that's right. However, my sense of match rhythm is still lacking. Unless I improve coordination with the whole team, it will be difficult to score against J1 League teams in league matches, so we need to build that up starting from practice.
Q: After a series of matches, we will return to league play in three days. With players missing from the U-23 Japan national team, please tell us again about your desire to compete in consecutive matches.
As I play in the foremost position, I have to contribute to the team by scoring goals. Since we don't have players like Kuryu MATSUKI or Ryotaro ARAKI who can score goals, I want to firmly score and lead the attack. I also want to show my strengths and adapt to the team.
<Jája Silva>
Q, please review the game. It was the first match as a starter and the first full appearance since joining Tokyo.
A, it was my first full 90-minute appearance. From the moment I found out I would be in the starting lineup, I had been eagerly looking forward to today's match. First of all, I would like to thank Peter CKLAMOVSKI, the coach, for giving me the opportunity to start. I am most pleased to have been able to show results.
Q: It was a magnificent super goal from a dribbling breakthrough. Please reflect on the scoring scene, including the interplay with the opposing defender.
A, the position where I received the ball was in my preferred area and range. I am good at one-on-one challenges, and I was able to swing my right foot effectively while skillfully reading the timing and the movements of the opposing defender. Since coming to Japan and joining Tokyo, I had the frustration of not being able to score goals. To be honest, I was also impatient to score a goal quickly. Amid that, there were plays that didn’t go well, like missing chances in the first half, but I am truly happy to have been able to score a goal in today’s match.
Q: After scoring, you ran over to the fans and supporters. What were your thoughts at that moment?
A, the support from Tokyo's fans and supporters is truly wonderful and has been a great encouragement, perhaps the best in my soccer career. Today's goal was born thanks to their support. It became an unforgettable day. The upcoming match against FC Machida Zelvia this weekend is also a game we cannot afford to lose. I want to improve so that I can show my play and contribute to goals in the match against Machida as well.
<Shuhei TOKUMOTO>
Q: This season, after playing in many positions, I finally got to play in my main position.
A, there was a perspective that could only be seen because I have played in many positions. The pass to Tsubasa TERAYAMA in the second half was a play that was possible precisely because I had played as a defensive midfielder. With my personality, I can play any position without reluctance, so I think that aspect has borne some fruit.
Q: The left side was the starting point for many attacking scenes. What were you conscious of in your involvement in the attack?
A, I was confident that I could calmly get rid of any press when the ball came to me, so I focused on preparing before receiving the ball and on my first touch. In doing so, I think I was able to effectively use the defensive midfielder to switch play to the opposite side. I believe this is because, having experience as a defensive midfielder, I am good at observing my surroundings.
Q. The players in the previous position were changing fluidly, but what were you focusing on in defense?
I teamed up with about three players, but since it was a problem that could be solved with words, I was trying very hard to communicate. I played with a strong determination that if I conceded a goal, I would no longer be able to participate in the league matches.
Q: The league match is coming up this weekend. What kind of play do you want to show as an individual?
A, while waiting for the opportunity to play, my strength is being able to stay in good condition at all times, so I want to make a strong impression starting from practice at Kodaira Ground.
<Ryunosuke SATO>
Q: This was your first official match of the season. What were you focused on during the game, and what were you able to express on the pitch?
A, since I entered the pitch midway through the second half, I focused on not neglecting defense and pressing from the front line, and fighting tenaciously for the team. In doing so, activating the attack by effectively utilizing my teammates is also my personal strength, so I believe I was able to express that strength.
Q: There were many plays where you took a position like a playmaker and controlled the attack from the center.
A, Jája Silva and Leon NOZAWA have speed as their strength, and I was able to play while considering the characteristics of each player. We communicated on the pitch and I think we were able to express the combinations we had been focusing on in practice matches and daily training.
Q, the support that seems to reflect the expectations of fans and supporters enveloped the stadium.
A, the Ryunosuke call was clearly heard on the pitch, and I was really happy. Quite some time had passed since I signed the professional contract, but finally being able to stand on the official match pitch allowed me to feel the expectations and thoughts of the fans and supporters. I'm not sure if I should say "Thank you for waiting," but I believe this is just the start, so I want to continue doing my best.
