The match record is even!?<\/div>

This season's record against Tokyo is 1 win and 1 loss, and to further elaborate, last year (as Tokyo Gas FC) it was also 1 win and 1 loss, indicating that Yamagata has always had a balanced fight against Tokyo. In the 1st round, they suffered a humiliating extra time V-goal shutout loss (0-1) at home (4/11, Nishigaoka), but in the 2nd round, they won away (5/23, Yamagata Prefecture) (2-1), resulting in an even record with a goal difference of ±0. Given these numbers, today's match is expected to be closely contested. For Tokyo, having suffered a shutout loss to Niigata at home two weeks ago (8/1), they want to avoid a second consecutive home loss at Edogawa at all costs. With the battle against the top team, Kawasaki Frontale, ongoing, this match has become one they cannot afford to lose.

Once again, a level playing field!

Just like in the Niigata match on 8/1, the game started under scorching heat exceeding 30 degrees on this day as well. Tokyo, similar to the previous match against Oita on 8/7, positioned Almir, who has strong ball retention, centrally as an attacking midfielder, creating a base high up the pitch together with forward Amaral. Speedy midfielders Go KABURAKI and Yukihiko joined the attack. On the right side, the Umeyama–Yukihiko line actively engaged in combination plays, with Yukihiko dribbling deep into the opponent’s territory several times to create chances. At the 17th minute, Yukihiko broke free with a speedy dribble and delivered a perfect pass from a deep position near the goal line to central KABURAKI, but KABURAKI’s shot went over the bar. At the 32nd minute, Amaral aimed a powerful diving header from a cross by Yukihiko on the right side, but unfortunately it hit the bar and did not result in a goal. Yamagata’s shallow defensive line was tight and strict, but once a player got past one defender, a big chance arose. After that, Amaral’s individual skill shots and decisive moments were created by bold wall-pass breakthroughs from both wings: Umeyama on the right and Fujiyama on the left.

On the other hand, Yamagata had midfielder Bouter moving around freely to circulate the ball, while forwards Hirama and Yoshida burst forward from just behind the front line and drifted deep into the sides to build their attacks. They calculated that Tokyo's full-backs often joined the attack, and their counter-attacks focused on exploiting the flanks after regaining possession. In response, Tokyo's defensive line was pushed up halfway, creating gaps between the midfield and defense, which allowed the opponent to execute their strategy without being caught offside. Nevertheless, Sandro and Komine, the double stoppers, showed exceptional strength in one-on-one situations, preventing the opponent from creating decisive chances. In the end, the first half concluded as expected in a closely contested match.

Decided! Rookie Enomoto scores a priceless winning goal!

As the second half began, the game intensified. Yamagata tightly marked Amaral, the focal point of Tokyo's attack, while trying to overwhelm Tokyo with aggressive play overall. Yamagata, with everyone putting their bodies on the line to control the ball, saw their full-backs actively participating in the attack, leading to continued pressure on Tokyo. However, despite being bombarded with crosses from the sides, Tokyo, led by goalkeeper Suzuki, held firm and, conversely, saw an increase in opportunities for Kaburaki and Yukihiko to break away on counterattacks, creating decisive chances. In the 75th minute, Wada, who replaced the fatigued Kaburaki, broke through on the left side and delivered a cross. Amaral, who ran into the center, shot while competing with the defense, but unfortunately, it was deflected by the goalkeeper. Although Tokyo had fewer attacking opportunities than Yamagata, they certainly surpassed Yamagata in terms of decisive chances.

The game remained evenly matched and went into extra time. Tokyo, with superior stamina, gained a clear advantage over Yamagata, whose energy dropped sharply due to intense play in the second half. Despite the decreased activity, Yamagata's defensive line remained shallow, causing gaps between the defenders and goalkeeper, and the goalkeeper increasingly rushed out prematurely. In the 93rd minute, Amaral contested a ball as the goalkeeper rushed out, prompting Yukihiko to attempt a lob shot. Although it narrowly missed, Tokyo's momentum continued. Then, in the 97th minute, Enomoto, who came on as a substitute for Almir, received a floating pass from Fujiyama during a counterattack, outmaneuvered the advancing keeper, and calmly lobbed the ball into the net, almost mocking the defenders as they tried to recover. The rookie, who had just been registered in early June, scored a dramatic extra-time winning goal in only his second (J2) appearance, following the previous match against Oita.

[Coach Okuma's Comment] As we approach the final stages of the J2 League, each team will fight desperately, so I think there will be many tough developments like today. However, I am satisfied with the results we achieved. Also, I believe Enomoto, who calmly finished at the end, did well, and since he is a highly skilled player, I want to continue giving him opportunities.

[Coach Ueki's Comment] We were able to play the match as intended. Although we lost, I believe we were able to have a game that will lead to the next one.