Average 0.69 points per match

An average of 0.69 points per match... This is FC Tokyo's average goals conceded per match this season (as of Sec. 16). This is, of course, the best figure in J2, significantly ahead of Oita and Niigata's average of 1.00 goals conceded per match. In recent matches, they have achieved three consecutive clean sheet victories since the match against Oita on Apr 29 (Sec. 14), strongly impressing with their "solid defense Tokyo". Despite the tough situation of missing "right side craftsman" Umeyama due to injury in the match against Kofu (6/27) and "guardian deity" Horiike in the match against Sapporo (7/4), Komine, who returned from injury, has adequately covered for Umeyama, and Suzuki has safely filled in for Horiike. The central defense, solidified by the "iron wall" Sandro and the experienced Kobayashi, has not lost its stability. On the other hand, their opponent on this day, Omiya, is an attacking team boasting the third highest scoring ability in the league. With the impressive post play of Isoyama and the aerial strength of Okayama forming a "twin tower" in the forward line, the midfield orchestrated by former Reds player Iwase and new foreign player Mark, along with the involvement of Ujiie, who also participated in the recent World Youth, creates a powerful attack. In the first round, Tokyo endured Omiya's fierce attacks in the first half and scored two goals in quick succession when Omiya's energy dropped in the second half, securing victory. The question remains whether they can manage an efficient game again this time... A match that tests the strength of "solid defense Tokyo" is anticipated.

Kagami scores the opening goal!

The match, unlike the 1st round, saw Tokyo show aggressive attacks right from the start. On this day, Yukiho, who played as an attacking midfielder on the right, dazzled the opponents with his high individual skills, breaking through with dribbles at times and creating chances with wall passes with teammates on the right side. From the left, full-back Fujiyama showcased sharp dribbling breakthroughs cutting in from the side, creating opportunities with wall passes to Amaral and Kagawa. Perhaps inspired by the presence of Japan national team coach Troussier at the match venue, the passionate play of the two players fully demonstrated that they are players of outstanding level in J2. On the other hand, Omiya built their play with Iwase and Mark in midfield, using simple passing to target the feet of forward Isoyama and the head of Okayama, who moved widely left and right. Particularly, Mark's passing was accurate and occasionally created a good rhythm, but on this day, the returning Shinjo and Koike, who came back after a six-match absence due to suspension of Asari from accumulated warnings, responded with persistent defense. Additionally, Kobayashi marked Isoyama closely, while Sandro kept a tight mark on Okayama, preventing any decisive chances. Tokyo continued to steal the ball with brave defense from the front line, building the game around Yukiho and creating chances from the attacking participation of both full-backs. In the 22nd minute, Shinjo, who joined the attack, saw Omiya's shallow defensive line and delivered a lob pass behind it. Kagawa seized the moment when the Omiya defense mismanaged the ball and calmly struck it into the goal.

Decisive goal by Amaral seals the deal!

As the second half began, Omiya, who had not exerted themselves in the first half, increased their activity level and developed attacks from the sides with quick passing centered around marking. In response to Omiya's cross attacks from the sides, Tokyo's goalkeeper Suzuki, along with Sandro, Kobane, and Komine, managed to fend them off, but there were dangerous moments where loose balls were picked up and shots were taken in free situations. Fortunately, most of those shots went wide, and even in critical situations, Suzuki made good judgments to prevent goals. In the 61st minute, Suzuki made a fantastic save from a direct free kick just outside the penalty area, showcasing his confident play to save the team from danger. On the other hand, when Tokyo attacked, they focused the ball on Yukihiko and spread it to the sides. In the 62nd minute, the ball was passed to the right to Komine, and from the return pass, Yukihiko broke through with a dribble and centered the ball. Amaral, who received it, shot from a free position but unfortunately missed. In the 65th minute, the ball was passed to Yukihiko, who had drifted to the right side, and he made a direct pass to the forward Amaral. Amaral broke free from the scramble with Omiya's defense and shot, securing a crucial second goal. After that, the match continued with back-and-forth attacks, and there were many moments where Tokyo was pressured, but the defense supported goalkeeper Suzuki with their committed sliding tackles. In the 70th minute, midfielder Almir, who returned from injury after five matches, also made an appearance, displaying energetic play and raising expectations for the future, adding a bright topic to the match. Ultimately, Tokyo managed to hold on and marked their first five consecutive wins of the season.

Director Okuma's Comments

The tenacious defense was good, but it was disappointing that the buildup after winning the ball was sloppy, and we couldn't create many goal-scoring opportunities. It's important to reduce mistakes and develop the play more carefully. GK Suzuki had his first start in a while, and following the previous match against Sapporo, he did well and remained calm.