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.
A, the first goal was with my right foot instead of my preferred left foot. Still, I think it was good that I was able to relax my body and take a good shot. For the second goal, I didn't make contact with the cross, but I think I managed to push it in well. I believe both goals were good goals filled with my feelings.
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 the match, I have to produce results and numbers. That's why I approached this match thinking about how I could score goals, and I think that showed in a positive way during the game.
Q: There was also a chance to score the third point.
We had many chances, but we couldn't score the third goal. As training continues, I want to practice shooting more so that I can 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 engage if there is a chance to play in any position. I believe it is important to be a player who can play anywhere, not just focused on being 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 feel that there are still many technical shortcomings in practice. Players like Keigo HIGASHI and those older than me are teaching me with great care, so I do feel that I am gradually improving technically. I also have a sense of leveling up in other finer aspects.
Q: There are about 2 weeks left in the camp.
A, I believe that practice matches serve as an opportunity to appeal for a spot in the games. I want to leave results there, score many goals in practice, and showcase my strengths in post play and involvement in goals to prepare for the season opener.
Q: Are you not tired?
Yes, that exists (wry smile). Still, I will just do my best.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
