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】<Norio SUZUKI> "(The free kick goal) I kicked it aiming for the target. It was a lucky goal, but I’m very happy. For free kicks, I’m instructed to kick so that the ball goes on target, and even if it doesn’t go in, someone can follow up. I kicked as usual, it hit the wall, but I felt it might go in while the ball was floating. (The assist) There was a chance in the first half as well, and if I deliver crosses like that, players like Yoshiro ABE will definitely score. I kept trying to take on challenges and deliver crosses. It would have been better to score in the first half, but even if it’s 1-0, if we win, we can move up, so I didn’t get too tense and tried to score in the second half. I fought without overthinking. It’s been a while since I made plays leading to goals, and I want to consistently be involved in goals like this. Using teammates easily is still a challenge." <Yoshiro ABE> "There were chances in the first half too, so I’m glad I scored in the second half. Norio gave a good cross, so I just tried to jump earlier than the opponent in front. In the first half, I jumped without thinking and my head angle was off, so this time I paid attention to the angle. Fukuoka changed their lineup, so it was a tough match, but there were many close chances, so I thought if we scored one goal, we could win."

　[Summary of Manager Hara's Press Conference] "We had a very good match against Gamba last week, but with only three days between games, it was difficult to switch focus. Especially in the Emperor's Cup, it's always challenging to face J2 or JFL teams 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 almost everything. I told the players that they would be highly motivated, fresh, and active, and indeed, Fukuoka put up a strong fight for about the first 30 minutes of the first half. However, I expected the opponent to gradually tire, and believed that if we carefully used the wings as well as the center, chances would definitely come. In the first half, players like Kajiyama and Tadashi BABA held onto the ball too long or tried difficult plays, so at halftime I emphasized again, 'Keep it simple and use the wings.' At a good moment, Norio SUZUKI's cross was finished by Yoshiro ABE, and I think we regained our usual rhythm. I told the team to approach today’s match with the same mindset as a league game. First, we want to focus on this Emperor's Cup, then switch our mindset one by one for the remaining five league matches. We will do our best heading into the next match against the Kashima Antlers."

　[Summary of Fukuoka Manager Riki MATSUDA's Press Conference] "In the end, the difference in strength showed. While our team has good players, we wanted to showcase individual abilities, compensate for weaknesses and defensive aspects with team organization, demonstrate resilience, and aim for goals on the counterattack. I think we held up well in the first half. In the second half, we lost possession due to a build-up mistake, leading to a quick attack and a cross. The quality of the cross was good, but the side was broken down, and conceding there was painful. (Was this not the best lineup?) I do not consider this a B team. Due to the interval with the league matches, some players are injured or in poor condition. I told them to approach the game with the mindset of representing Avispa with players in good condition. There is no better opponent to confirm whether the organizational strength cultivated through daily training can be effective. I told them to focus on appealing their abilities and taking on the challenge. However, I believe this can only be achieved by winning."