The match results are evenly split!?

This season's head-to-head record is 1 win and 1 loss, and even last year (as Tokyo Gas FC) it was also 1 win and 1 loss, showing that Yamagata has always put up a fair fight against Tokyo. In the 1st round, they suffered a humiliating extra-time defeat (0-1) at home (4/11, Nishigaoka), but in the 2nd round they won away (5/23, Yamagata Prefecture) (2-1), resulting in a goal difference of ±0 and an even head-to-head record. From these numbers, it is expected to be a close battle today, and for Tokyo, who suffered a shutout defeat to Niigata in their home game two weeks ago (8/1), they must avoid a consecutive home loss in Edogawa at all costs. With a battle against the top-ranked Kawasaki Frontale in full swing, this is a must-win game.

Another evenly matched game!

The match started in the scorching heat of over 30 degrees, just like the Niigata match on August 1st. As in the previous match against Oita (8/7), Tokyo placed Almir, who has strong ball control, in the center of the attacking midfield, along with striker Amaral, to create a base in a high position. There, speedy midfielders Kaburaki and Yukihiko were involved in the attack. On the right side, Umayama and Yukihiko actively combined to create chances, with Yukihiko making several chances by dribbling deep into the enemy's territory. In the 17th minute, Yukihiko shook off the opponent with his speed and sent a perfect pass to Kaburaki in the center from a deep position just before the goal line, but Kaburaki's shot hit the crossbar. In the 32nd minute, Amaral aimed for a spectacular diving header from a cross by Yukihiko on the right side, but unfortunately hit the crossbar and missed the goal. The shallow defensive line of Yamagata was tight and tough, but if one player could get past it, a big chance would come. After that, Amaral's individual shots, as well as decisive moments created by Umayama from the right and Fujiyama from the left with their daring wall passes, continued to occur.

On the other hand, Yamagata's MF Bautele moved around freely and passed the ball, while FW Hirama and Yoshida from the second row made runs from below and deep on the side to build up their attack. Tokyo's fullbacks often join the attack, so their strategy is to counterattack by targeting the sides after stealing the ball. In response, Tokyo's defense line is half-hearted in pushing up, leaving a gap between the MF and DF and unable to catch offside, allowing the opponent to play as they intended. However, Sandro and Komine, the double stopper, showed outstanding strength in one-on-one situations and did not allow the opponent to break through, preventing them from creating decisive opportunities. As a result, the first half ended as expected in a close match.

Decided! Rookie Enomoto scores a valuable goal!

The game intensified in the second half. Yamagata tried to dominate Tokyo with intense play while tightly marking Amaral, the center of Tokyo's attack. With everyone playing aggressively and dominating the ball, Yamagata's fullbacks also joined in on the attack, putting Tokyo on the defensive. However, despite multiple crosses from the side, Tokyo held strong with goalkeeper Suzuki at the center, and even had opportunities for counterattacks from Kagamiki and Yukihiko, creating decisive chances. In the 75th minute, Wada, who had substituted for Kagamiki due to fatigue, dribbled through the left side and crossed the ball. Amaral, who had run into the center, shot while competing with the defense, but unfortunately it was saved by the keeper. Although Tokyo had fewer attacks than Yamagata, they had more decisive chances.

The game remained in a back-and-forth state, and went into extra time. Against Yamagata, whose physical strength had dropped due to intense play in the second half, Tokyo, with its superior stamina, gained a sudden advantage. Even though their physical strength had dropped, Yamagata's defense line remained shallow, with a loose gap between the defenders and goalkeeper, and the goalkeeper increasingly coming out halfway. In the 93rd minute, Amaral challenged for the ball and the goalkeeper came out, so Yukihiko attempted a looping shot. Unfortunately, it missed, but Tokyo's pressure continued. Then, in the 97th minute, Enomoto, who had come on as a substitute for Almir, received a lofted pass from Fujiyama on a counter attack, evaded the oncoming goalkeeper, and calmly scored with a looping shot, mocking the returning defenders. The rookie, who had just been registered in early June, made his second (J2) appearance and pulled off a dramatic extra time winning goal, following his performance in the previous match against Oita.

[Manager Okuma's Comment] In the J2 League, which is now approaching the end, each team will fight desperately, so I think there will be many difficult situations like today, but I am satisfied with the result. Also, I think Enomoto did well by calmly deciding at the end, and he is a highly skilled player, so I want to give him more chances in the future.

[Manager Ueki's Comment] We were able to play the game as intended. It's a shame that we lost, but I believe it will lead to the next game.