Continuing the momentum from the league matches, we are going for the Emperor's Cup!

　Today is the Emperor's Cup, the last tournament of this season. In the 4th Round, which is the first appearance for J1 teams, we will face Avispa Fukuoka from J2. Fukuoka is currently in 2nd place in the J2 league and is in the midst of a promotion battle to J1. Moreover, they have a tough schedule this week with three matches in the league and the Emperor's Cup, and on the 6th (Sunday), they have a match against Yokohama FC, so they have made significant changes to their lineup today. They are coming in with a young squad averaging 23.6 years old.

　In contrast, Tokyo, after a fierce game against Tokyo V and G Osaka in the league, is facing a match just three days later. "To be honest, the players are fatigued," said Coach Hara. However, he firmly stated, "I don't want to disrupt the current rhythm and momentum of the team." In place of Toda, who injured his foot in the previous match against G Osaka, Noriyuki SUZUKI will enter as left midfielder, and the rest of the lineup will be the same as in the G Osaka match. Additionally, after the match against Omiya in Sec. 26 on October 1, Kaji, who had been away from the team, will also be on the bench.

　Coach Hara expressed concern, stating, "Fukuoka's fresh players have high motivation, which is actually scary." Every year, in the first match of the Emperor's Cup, they struggle against teams categorized as underdogs, so they want to win at all costs. "In the league matches, we have reduced the number of goals conceded, scored goals, and have been able to come from behind and achieve consecutive wins. We will continue to play good soccer and aim to win the Emperor's Cup," Coach Hara said, aiming to maintain the good rhythm of the league and make a strong start to fight through to the Final Round on New Year's Day.

Unable to convert the scoring opportunity, ending the first half at 0-0

　The match started at Ajinomoto Stadium at 1 PM with Fukuoka's kickoff, as the morning sunshine began to fade. Tokyo dominated possession from the start. With Lucas as the focal point in the front line, they utilized the pitch width and created chances with quick passing, but were unable to break through Fukuoka's concentrated defense.

　In the 16th minute, they launched a series of attacks, and from Noriyuki Suzuki's dribble to the center, Yoshiro ABE and Kajiyama created a chance, but they couldn't finish. In the 20th minute, Kanazawa took a powerful long shot, but it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper's great save. In the 26th minute, Noriyuki Suzuki's left cross found Yoshiro ABE free for a big chance. However, this also did not result in a goal. Time passed with opportunities being created one after another, but none converted.

　On the other hand, Fukuoka received a right cross from the tall FW Ota in the 12th minute, and FW Kugisaki slid in to shoot towards the goal as Dohi came out. It was a moment of concern, but the ball went wide to the left. Since then, Fukuoka has solidified their defense and launched counterattacks, but Tokyo has also benefited from the opponent's lack of coordination and avoided any major crises.

　Nevertheless, Fukuoka fought hard in defense. Towards the end of the first half, when fatigue was evident, Tokyo threatened Fukuoka's goal with corner kicks and set pieces, but they were thwarted by a determined defense. As a result, Fukuoka's strong performance shone in the first half, and they went into the second half scoreless.

A solid victory with goals from Yoshiro ABE and Norio SUZUKI!

　In the first half, Kanazawa felt tightness in his left leg and was substituted for the second half by Kaji. Fujiyama was shifted to left back, allowing for better ball control as they pressed towards the Fukuoka goal. In the 52nd minute, after a cut from Moniwa, Fujiyama connected the play, and a speeding Noriyuki Suzuki surged up the side, delivering a pinpoint cross in front of the goal. Yoshiro ABE made a perfect header! With a fast and sharp attack, they broke through the Fukuoka defense and scored the opening goal.

　Tokyo, while creating chances but unable to score, dispelled the unpleasant atmosphere when in the 57th minute, Lucas was fouled and Norio SUZUKI aimed directly for the free kick. The powerful left-footed kick hit the opposing defender, changing its course and resulting in a goal! They quickly added another point.

　After that, they maintained control of the match with a calm approach. In the 60th minute, Sasa was brought on to replace Lucas. They became more aggressive towards the goal, but in the 62nd minute, Yoshiro ABE's powerful shot from outside the area was blocked by a great save from the GK, resulting in a corner kick. In the 63rd minute, Noriyuki Suzuki broke through on the left side, passed back to Yoshiro ABE, whose shot was deflected, but Baba picked up the rebound and shot again. However, it went wide to the right of the goal. In the 76th minute, Kaji surged in from the side and took a well-aimed ground shot towards the bottom right corner of the goal, but it was saved by the GK, resulting in a corner kick. In the 79th minute, Yoshiro ABE made a negative pass from the right side, which Sasa received in front of the goal and shot, but this too was blocked by the GK.

　In the 80th minute, Kurizawa was brought on for Baba. In the 82nd minute, Fukuoka, trying to pull one back, had MF Arimitsu break through to the goal from a quick restart and took a shot, but Doih extended his leg for a nice save! Although Fukuoka was given a shooting chance from the rebound, Tokyo's defense cleared it, escaping the danger. The match ended 2-0. Although they couldn't score an additional goal, it was a solid victory, advancing them to the 5th round against Urawa Reds.

　【Player Comments】《Noriyuki SUZUKI》"(The free kick that led to the goal) was kicked to go into the frame. It was a lucky goal, but I'm really happy. I have been instructed to kick the free kick so that it goes into the frame, and even if it doesn't go in, someone can follow up. I kicked it as usual, and it hit the wall, but I had a feeling that it might go in when the ball was floating. (The assist) There were chances in the first half, and if I can deliver it like that, a player like Yoshiro ABE will definitely score. I was focused on taking risks and delivering crosses. It would have been great to score one goal in the first half, but as long as we win, whether it's 1-0 or not, we can move up, so I tried not to be too tense and aimed to score in the second half. I fought without overthinking it. It had been a while since I made plays that led to goals, and I want to consistently be involved in plays that lead to such goals. Using those around me easily is a challenge." 《Yoshiro ABE》"There were chances in the first half, so I was glad to score in the second half. A good cross came from Noriyuki, so I tried to jump in front of the opponent as quickly as possible. In the first half, I jumped in without thinking, and my head angle was off, so this time I paid attention to the angle. Fukuoka changed their lineup, and it became a difficult match, but there were many close chances, so I thought if we could score one goal, we could do it."

　[Summary of Coach Hara's Press Conference] "We had a very good match against Gamba last week, but with only three days between matches, it was difficult to switch gears. Especially in the Emperor's Cup, there is always the challenge of facing J2 or JFL opponents in the early rounds. Considering Fukuoka's condition and schedule, I thought they might change their lineup... but I was a bit surprised that they changed it quite a bit. That said, their motivation was high, and I told the players they would be fresh and moving well, and indeed, Fukuoka put up a good fight for about the first 30 minutes. However, I believed that as the opponent would gradually tire, and if we used the sides carefully and not just the center, chances would definitely come. In the first half, players like Kajiyama and Tadashi BABA held onto the ball too much or tried to do difficult things, so at halftime, I reiterated to 'keep it simple and use the sides.' I think we regained our rhythm when Noriyuki SUZUKI's cross was converted by Yoshiro ABE at a good time. We said we wanted to approach today with the same mindset as in the league. First, we want to focus on this Emperor's Cup, and then switch our mindset for the remaining five league matches, one by one. We want to work hard towards the next Antlers match."

　[Summary of Coach Matsuda's Press Conference] "In the end, the difference in strength was evident. While we have good players in our team, I wanted to showcase individual abilities, and where we fell short, we compensated with our organizational strength, demonstrating resilience and aiming for goals on the counter. I think we held up well in the first half. In the second half, we lost possession due to mistakes in our buildup, leading to a quick attack and a cross. The quality of the cross was good, but being broken down on the sides and conceding there was painful. (Was it not the best lineup?) I do not consider it a B team. With the interval from the league matches, there are players with injuries or poor conditions. I wanted the players in good condition to approach this with the mindset of representing Avispa. There is no better opponent to confirm whether the organizational strength cultivated in daily training can hold up. I told them to focus on showcasing their abilities and challenging themselves. However, I believe this can only be achieved through winning."