First preseason match of the season

With about two weeks to go before the league season kicks off, a preseason match will be held against Sagan Tosu. Under the guidance of coach Ranko POPOVIC, who has been in charge since last season, the team has adopted the slogan "C･O･A Football – Aiming for Further Evolution" as they start the season with the goal of winning the league title. Following the Okinawa camp, the team is currently in Miyazaki and Miyakonojo for training camp, where it has become an excellent opportunity for practical experience, even though it is an away match, to test new players and assess the team's condition so far.

Considering that there is a practice match against Ulsan Hyundai tomorrow and the players' condition due to the consecutive matches so far, we will approach the game with a fresh lineup. Although there will not be significant changes in the defense, the midfield will include Yonemoto and Tanabe, with VUCICEVIC and Ishikawa on the wings, and Kono playing as an attacking midfielder, with Hirayama as the lone striker. Additionally, new signing Nozawa and Abe, who has returned from Yokohama FC, will be on the bench. On February 14, it was announced that Chun Son LEE would join the team on loan from Southampton FC (England). As competition within the team intensifies, it will be crucial for the players to showcase their skills to survive. This is also part of the significance of this match.

On the other hand, Tosu made significant progress last season under the guidance of coach YOON Jong Hwan, finishing in 5th place as their style of football took hold. Many key players remain, and they are aiming for further improvement this season with solid defense and hard work as their weapons. The focal point of their attack remains FW Toyota.S, but the strength of Tosu lies in the understanding among all players to win the ball through high pressing and quickly launch counterattacks. With further improvement in quality, they should be able to compete for the top spots. Today, however, FW Toyota.S is absent due to health issues. Additionally, the key player in both defense and attack, MF Fujita, is also out due to injury, leading to new signings FW Roni and MF Jonathan starting in their places.

The match kicked off at 14:01 in Tokyo at BEST AMENITY STADIUM, under clear and refreshing weather.

Seizing control but allowing the first goal due to a momentary lapse

From the start of the match, Tokyo connected the ball well and looked for gaps in the opponent's defense. In the 3rd minute, Hirayama stole the ball from the opposing DF in the area and took a shot with his right foot, but it was caught by the GK. After that, Kono, Ishikawa, and Nemanja VUCICEVIC moved around freely to create chances. Conversely, Tosu, when they regained possession, quickly attempted to launch a counterattack, but the DF line responded well.

In the 21st minute, Hirayama switched sides to Ishikawa on the right. He dribbled forward and delivered a quick early cross, but Hirayama, who ran into the center, headed the ball over the bar. In the 26th minute, there was a throw-in from the right side. Tanabe quickly connected with Tokunaga, who crossed from a deep position on the right side into the goal area. Nema, who ran in, headed the ball, but it lacked power and went outside the left side of the goal.

Although they created attacking opportunities from the sides multiple times, they couldn't get to a shot. Then, in the 31st minute, Tosu floated a pass behind Tokyo's final line from near the halfway line. FW Roni quickly reacted and touched the ball before Gonda, scoring into an empty net. They had been progressing well in the match but conceded a goal from a single long ball. Tokyo wanted to counterattack, but gradually they couldn't pick up the second balls, allowing the opponent to take control. They created situations to shoot from set plays, but couldn't find the back of the net. They ended the first half one goal behind.

Watanabe, who came on as a substitute, scored a goal to secure the victory

Tokyo, after being urged by Coach Ranko POPOVIC to "absolutely turn the game around" at halftime, aggressively pressed from the front to win the ball back. In the 49th minute, Hirayama broke through on the left side and aimed with his right foot, but was blocked by the opposing DF. In the 58th minute, VUCICEVIC dribbled inside the left area, drawing in the opposing DF, and passed to Yonemoto who had moved up. He aimed directly from outside the area, but it just missed to the right of the goal.

After the 20-minute mark of the second half, the midfield gradually begins to pass the ball as desired, allowing for forward attacks. In the 66th minute, Kono switches the ball to the left side. Ota brings it inside and takes a shot with his right foot. In the 69th minute, Kono breaks through with a dribble from the right side, cutting inside after a combination play with Hirayama and takes a shot. They completely take control of the pace. Then, in the 74th minute, Morishige sends a long ball from near the halfway line. Hirayama holds off defenders in the left area and connects with VUCICEVIC behind him. They aim from here, but the opposing defender clears it just before the goal line. However, Ishikawa picks up the loose ball and takes a shot, which Kono touches to change its trajectory, and the ball flows into the bottom left of the goal, equalizing the score.

Tokyo substituted Nozawa for Kono in the 77th minute. Then, in the 80th minute, they brought in Watanabe for Ishikawa during a left corner kick situation, leading to a quick short corner from VUCICEVIC resulting in a shot-like cross. Watanabe, who had just entered the game, ran into the center and pushed it in with his chest for a goal. They achieved results with a one-touch play. After that, in the 87th minute, Abe was substituted for VUCICEVIC. They calmly responded to the opponent's counterattacks, and the match ended this way. They celebrated their first victory of the season in a preseason match.

[Player Comments]
《Kono》"(What about the scoring scene?) I touched it just a little (laughs). I personally didn't think my performance was good at all. Even so, I tried to keep my play as simple as possible to create flow with as few touches as I could. However, if I could break through with one-two passes closer to the goal... The distance between the players was good too. Still, there's a long way to go"
《Watanabe》"Even with injuries and not having the full squad, being able to produce results is good for building a winning habit. I pushed the goal in with my left chest... (laughs)"
《Hirayama》"First of all, I was focused on the results, so even though we conceded the first goal, it was very good to turn it around and achieve victory. The scoring scene was more thanks to Nema and Nao-san's efforts rather than my persistence."

【Summary of Coach Ranko POPOVIC's Press Conference】
I think it was a match as expected. Both teams were not in their top form during the preparation period, but it was a game where we showcased our strengths. Our team aimed to take control of the game from the start and create and convert chances.
I think we were in control for most of the match, but in the first half, we created chances but couldn't convert them. On the contrary, I believe the opponent managed to score their first shot on target.
I think it is commendable that we were able to come from behind to win despite conceding the first goal, and regarding the match content, we had more ball possession and chances, so I feel that it was good that this led to the result.
Even if we don't achieve results here, I have no intention of changing my mind, but today's victory must have given the players confidence.
I would like to express my gratitude for being able to play on a wonderful pitch during this time. I appreciate the excitement brought by the fans and supporters of both teams, and I want to thank the fans and supporters from Tokyo for coming all the way to cheer us on.

[Summary of the Press Conference of Sagan Tosu's YOON Jong Hwan]
"Many people came to the first official match of this season, but it ended in a very disappointing result. However, we were able to see both challenges and areas for improvement, as well as a sense of expectation, so I believe it was a game where we could feel both. (What are the specific challenges?) Continuing from last season, I think there are still challenges regarding ball possession time, unnecessary movements, and concentration."