Chance to rise to the top...

"To be at the top of the table at the halfway point..." This is something that all teams participating in J2 are naturally interested in, and it would be a lie to say they have no interest. Unlike J1, J2 does not have major divisions like "1st Stage / 2nd Stage," nor is there a title such as "First Half Champion!?" However, being at the top at the halfway mark of 18 matches out of the full 36-match, 4-round season is still an important milestone.So, how can Tokyo, currently in 2nd place with 34 points up to the previous round (Sec. 17), take the lead at the end of this round (Sec. 18)? The answer is to win the match against Tosu within 90 minutes (no extra-time wins). Before the match, breaking news arrived that Oita, who had been leading with 35 points until the previous round, lost to Sapporo after extra time. If Tokyo wins within 90 minutes on this day (adding 3 points), they will reach 37 points and become sole leaders. Also, if the match goes into extra time, Kawasaki F, who had been closely marking Tokyo with 33 points until the previous round, has already won this round (adding 3 points) and reached 36 points. Therefore, even if Tokyo wins in extra time (adding 2 points) and reaches 36 points, they would be 2nd due to goal difference (losing to Kawasaki F). Conversely, if Tokyo loses, Kawasaki F (36 points) will be first, Oita (35 points) second, and Tokyo (34 points) will drop to third. In other words, this match became the biggest hurdle of the first half, where losing was not an option.

"Man" Kobeya's opening goal explodes!

The match kicked off in light rain. The venue, Tosu Stadium, is one of the finest stadiums in J2 alongside Sendai Stadium, characterized by its bowl-shaped spectator stands reminiscent of European stadiums. The acoustics are outstanding, and the local supporters' cheering, using drums and megaphones, created a thunderous roar that supported the Tosu players. About 20 passionate Tokyo fans who rushed from the capital fiercely cheered from behind the goal, but they were overwhelmed in volume by the Tosu supporters who fully utilized the stadium's acoustics. Two minutes into the game, the Tosu supporters' cheering suddenly stopped. Yukihiko delivered a free kick from the left side into the penalty area, where defender Furube ran in and scored with a header! This was a clean headed goal following the one against Omiya on May 2nd. (“Man” Furube—Furube, who served as game captain for the first time that day, has earned the nickname “Man” among some due to his masculine appearance, gentlemanly demeanor (he always appears at matches in a suit!), and mental toughness (he was also captain at his previous club Fukuoka, leading the team with strong leadership).) Tokyo, eager to build momentum from this goal, launched aggressive attacks centered on Yukihiko and Amaral. However, missing right-back Umeyama (injured) and left-back Fujiyama (suspended due to accumulated warnings), the team’s usual attacking pattern involving both fullbacks was subdued, making it difficult to create chances. Additionally, the slippery pitch due to rain reduced ball control accuracy, resulting in frequent passing errors and disrupting the rhythm of the attack overall.

Overcoming struggles with a fierce defense, achieving the first six consecutive wins of the season and taking the top spot!

At the 32nd minute of the first half, Yukihiko, the key attacker, left the field due to injury (lumbar sprain), and the momentum shifted to Tosu. Backed by loud cheers, Tosu showed aggressive press defense from the front line, intercepting Tokyo's pass mistakes and launching counterattacks. They demonstrated fast-paced passing with direct passes based on abundant stamina, but still lacked passing accuracy and could not create decisive chances. Tokyo tried to break through by focusing the ball on their "ace" Amaral, but his brilliance was dimmed by tough marking from two defenders.In the second half, Tosu dominated the game. Tosu launched fierce attacks with early crosses from the sides, while Tokyo resisted with spirited defense centered around goalkeeper Suzuki. The ironclad defense, which had kept clean sheets for four consecutive matches so far, remained unbroken despite changes in the lineup, showing that the team tactics had permeated all players from forwards down. Even in the final moments of the match, defenders Sandro, Furube, and others blocked threats with their bodies, and Tokyo somehow survived the tough battle that was completely controlled by Tosu. With their first six consecutive wins of the season (five consecutive shutout victories), Tokyo reclaimed first place since Sec. 10.<Coach Okuma's Comment>There were many pass mistakes, and especially after Yukihiko left, it was a tough match completely controlled by Tosu. I think the loss in stamina was largely due to accumulated fatigue recently. I am satisfied that the defenders worked hard and put their bodies on the line. While I am certainly happy to have reached the halfway point of the season in first place, only half the season is over. For the second half, I want to gain something from the upcoming Nabisco Cup that will connect to the league matches.