Training Match on January 18
On the 18th, the 7th day of the Okinawa camp, we held our first practice match of the season against Meiji University at Kaigin Field Kunigami (30 minutes x 3 periods) and won 10-0.
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI sent the players out with the intention of keeping the entire team compact, saying, "Let's move the ball so much that the opponent becomes like a mannequin and can't defend."
In the 4th minute of the first half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA scored the opening goal, becoming the first player to score under the new system, igniting a goal rush. After that, an own goal added another point. Ewerton and Marcelo RYAN also scored, ending the first half with a 4-point lead.
In the second match, goals were scored by Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who is in his first year as a professional, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA. In the third match, YAMAGUCHI scored his second goal of the day, followed by a trainee and Keita ENDO. Finally, Leon NOZAWA scored, leading to a double-digit score and a victory in their first external match.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project 'FOCUS ON'. On the 7th day of camp, this photo captures a soccer girl gazing enviously at the pitch. On this day, during a practice match against Meiji Gakuin University held at Kaigin Field Kunigami, the local Kunigami FC Quinas served as ball persons. As they supported ball retrieval behind the goal before the match, they were wide-eyed in front of the Okinawa-born goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. With great ambition, the local hero who rose to the Japan national team has become a source of big dreams for the children.
CAMP VOICE vol.7 Taiyo YAMAGUCHI
In the first practice match of the season against Meiji University, Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, in his first year after being promoted to the top team, scored two goals. The first goal came when he received a pass from Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA inside the area and struck the ball into the left side of the goal with his right foot. Additionally, he leaped to connect with a cross from Keita ENDO on the left side, shaking the net for his second goal. After the team secured a resounding 10-0 victory, a recorder was pointed at Yamaguchi.
Q, you scored 2 goals in your first external match. Please review each goal.
For the first goal, it was not with my strong left foot, but with my right foot. Even so, I was able to relax my body well and take a good shot, so I think it was good. For the second goal, I didn't make perfect contact with the cross, but I think I was able to push it in well. I believe both goals were heartfelt and good goals.
Q: It seemed like you were very conscious of the timing and location when entering the goal area.
A, I believe that in order to play in matches, the only way is to produce results and numbers. That's why I approached this game thinking about how I could score goals, and I think that helped me perform well in the match.
Q: There was also a chance to score the third point.
A, we had many chances, but we couldn't score the third goal. Training will continue from now on, so I want to practice shooting more and be able to score more goals.
Q: You played on the right side and as a forward in this match. Do you want to be able to handle any position?
A, I want to actively take on the challenge as long as there is a chance to play in a match, regardless of the position. I believe it is important to become a player who can play anywhere, not just as a forward, so I want to work towards that.
Q: A week has passed since the camp started, and I have seen many seniors receiving advice.
A, I still feel that there are many technical shortcomings during practice. Keigo HIGASHI and players older than me kindly teach me in detail, so I have a sense that my technical skills are gradually improving. I also feel that other small aspects are leveling up.
Q: There are about 2 weeks left in the camp.
A, I believe that practice matches are an opportunity to showcase yourself in order to play in official games. I want to achieve good results there, score many goals in practice, and highlight my strengths such as post play and involvement in goals to prepare for the start of the season.
Q: Are you not tired?
A, that happens (bitter smile). Even so, I will just do my best.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
