Review of the 1st Round 1st Round match against Nara Club
The 1st Round 1st Round match against the away team Nara. Despite being up against a J3 club, we approached the game with the mindset that "the enemy in front of us is the strongest enemy," resulting in a match that turned out to be more challenging than expected.
Nara Club attacks by connecting the ball while adopting a bold high press and high line tactics. Tokyo places Koki TSUKAGAWA at the forefront, while Keigo HIGASHI, who is positioned as a defensive midfielder, supports the build-up by dropping back to the final line. However, they are unable to break through the opponent's concentrated defense and struggle to create clear scoring opportunities.
The second half, which started scoreless, saw Leon NOZAWA come on for Seiji KIMURA, who was making his first start of the season, and a change to a four-back system. As head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI mentioned before the match, he wanted to consider making significant changes, and this was an attempt to shift the momentum by bringing clear changes to the pitch. Although this led to an increase in chances, Nara continued to fight aggressively without dropping their performance, regaining the initiative once again.
Despite creating dangerous scenes multiple times and relying on a solid defense and the opponent's mistakes to escape trouble, the match finally changes during the second half's added time.
In the penalty area, player Keiin Sato was knocked down from behind and awarded a penalty kick. Soma ANZAI powerfully kicked it with his right foot into the net, scoring the opening goal at a critical moment. The determination of number 7, entrusted with the captain's armband, decided the match, and after a tough battle, Tokyo secured their place in the 2nd Round.
<Preview of 1st Round 2nd Round>
The 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup, featuring all 60 clubs from J1 to J3, will be held in a tournament format. Tokyo will face J2's Omiya Ardija in the 2nd Round of the knockout-style 1st Round, away from home. The team is currently in a difficult situation, having gone seven league matches without a win, but they hope to turn the tide with a victory, transforming their accumulated experiences into confidence to move forward.
The match against Kashiwa Reysol in Sec. 10 of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, held at Japan National Stadium last weekend, saw Teruhito NAKAGAWA score his first goal of the season to take the lead. However, they allowed a heartbreaking equalizer during the additional time of the second half, resulting in a draw. It was a frustrating outcome as they missed out on victory while the clock was ticking down to about one minute remaining.
No one would have thought that a single victory would be this far away. However, the matches come. Regardless of the tournament, the stance of focusing firmly on the game in front of us and the opponent in front of us does not change. The fact that the opponent is from a lower category means nothing once the kickoff whistle blows. We can only overcome difficult situations by believing that results will come and having the determination to produce those results. The current situation teaches us that we cannot achieve victory unless we direct our arrows towards ourselves, strive for higher goals together, and move forward as one while communicating with each other.
We can only turn all our bitter experiences into nourishment. Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI says.
"Turning our strengths and abilities into a case study is important in any game. There are always challenges regardless of winning or losing, so addressing those issues leads to results, and I believe our depth will continue to grow. If our foundation is solid, those strengths will emerge even more. We must not neglect those areas."
What has passed does not change. We can only overcome this, turning painful memories and experiences into positives, making the times we couldn't win a period of preparation for the future.
Due to the congested schedule, it is expected that fresh players may be utilized. Since there are many capable players who have not had many opportunities to play, we should pay attention to who will take the pitch and what kind of performance they will show.
Omiya has returned to J2 League one year after being relegated to J3 League. With a significant change in management this season, they currently sit in second place with 19 points from 6 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, including a four-match winning streak at the start. They are aiming for a swift return to J1 League through hard work and attacking football.
For Tokyo, there is Manager Nagasawa, who has long served as a coach for the top team, U-23, and the academy; Head Coach Kina, who wore the blue and red uniform as a player; Coach Toda, and other familiar faces among the staff. Furthermore, there is a connection with Mr. Hara, who led Tokyo to its first club title in this tournament during the 2004 season (then called the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup) as the manager and now serves as the president. For players like Kento HASHIMOTO and Go HATANO, who played in the academy and U-23 teams, this match is also a confrontation with their mentor, Manager Nagasawa. As a club, facing members who supported an era, they want to show their well-developed form and 'repay their gratitude.'
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: The league matches have been challenging, but how do you view the cup matches?
A, there has been no change from our original thinking. For us, the important match is scheduled for Wednesday. Of course, the players are sincerely addressing the things we need to reflect on and the areas where we are lacking. Now, it is just about the results. It is important to believe in getting good results, believe in ourselves, and keep going.
Q: Please tell us your impression of RB Omiya Ardija.
A, the impression is that they are a very hard-working team. We need to surpass that, and as I conveyed similarly during the match against Nara Club, we must not look down on them. We demand to fight on the same level with a proper mindset. In the league match against Kashiwa Reysol, the result ended 1-1, which had both positive and negative aspects. There were parts we could not ignore, and we also reflected on repeating similar mistakes several times. I see the players trying hard in their daily training, and I am quite satisfied with that, but I spoke to the whole team about whether they will demonstrate that effort on the pitch or not. Everyone is approaching the next match with the same determination. Until we achieve a good flow and win results, we want to keep moving forward without giving up.
Q: How do the players' energy and expressions appear to the coach?
A, there is no strong impression that something has drastically changed, and each player understands the situation. I told the players that I want them to put forward the feeling of "I'll do it" themselves, determined to overcome this tough and difficult situation no matter what. Of course, that mindset also applies to me. I don't leave everything to the players; I believe it is important for me to also communicate decisively.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q: As the team has been distanced from victory, what do you think is necessary for you, Keigo HIGASHI?
A, there is a possibility that players who have not been involved in matches during the league so far will also participate, so first of all, we want to use this match as an opportunity to change the atmosphere for the better.
Q: A match against your former club is coming up.
A, I was with the team during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, so I am a bit worried whether the fans and supporters of RB Omiya Ardija remember me. However, I truly feel that I was able to grow a lot during that short period. I am really grateful, and if there are people who remember me, I want to show them a level of play that makes them think, "He has really grown."
Q: In the match against Kashiwa Reysol, I think there were moments when we rushed our attacks, scenes where we couldn't align our focus, and a lack of communication in defense.
A, there was a lack of overall awareness such as 'if this flow continues, we will do this,' and the aspect of how to manage the time with certain plays. It became half-hearted whether to go for the second goal or to defend firmly. Speaking of defense, while some issues could have been resolved through communication, I think individual awareness in specific situations was also insufficient.
Q: In terms of offense and defense, I think there are many expected roles for player Higashi.
A, we must do it thoroughly, and soccer is not just about offense. There is also the enjoyment in the defensive phase. By approaching it from various angles, you can understand the "depth of soccer." I believe that by knowing and deepening the "enjoyment of soccer" in both offense and defense, we can get closer to victory.
<Go HATANO>
Q: In the 1st Round match against Nara Club, you contributed to a victory without conceding any goals. What kind of performance do you want to show with the possibility of participating this time?
A, I am always ready to participate. I just need to step onto the pitch and express myself. In cup matches, the only way to show our efforts is through victory. I truly want to play with a focus on winning and to perform in a way that draws victory closer.
Q: I believe there is a strong awareness to change the atmosphere, including the tendency for the team to be down, in a positive direction.
A, after the recent match against Kashiwa Reysol, the players discussed among themselves, and this week's practice has been worthy of winning, including the intensity around the ball and the overall atmosphere. I believe it comes down to whether we can show this in the match or not, and we all want to play in a way that involves the entire stadium.
Q: This time, since the venue is a soccer-specific stadium, the distance to fans and supporters will be closer. While receiving their energy, won't you be able to showcase your own strengths as well?
A, I have also played at NACK5 Stadium Omiya two seasons ago, and I felt the closeness of the stands to the pitch, the cheers, and the intensity. I think I will be able to feel the fans and supporters even more closely than usual, which makes me even more motivated to do it for everyone.I want to enjoy soccer while also achieving results.
Q: Please tell us your impression or image of RB Omiya Ardija.
It is a very attacking club, and since I played under Coach Nagasawa, I have a sense of what kind of football they play. During my time there, he trusted me and even let me wear the captain's armband, and I believe I was able to grow because of that season. The following season, I made my J1 league debut, and I am very grateful for that. I want to show plays that make people think, "You've become impressive."
