Exciting season opener, new stadium, first Tokyo derby

　It is always exciting to encounter something new. The opening of the J-League in 2001, a new home stadium, and a full house of spectators... The first Tokyo derby, the opening match against Verdy 1969, is an important battle that will also determine the course of this season. While the players feel the joy of being able to play here today, they cannot afford to lose in this competition. It was easy to imagine that the match would be a clash of each other's spirit.

　The starting members are GK = Doi, both side backs = Naito, Fujiyama, CB = Sandro, Tetsuya ITO, holding midfielders = Asari, Miura, attacking MF = Sato, Seigo KOBAYASHI, FW = Amaral, Robihusu. Robihusu will play as a target man, with Amaral supporting from midfield to the front. On the other hand, Verdy is set up in a 4-5-1 formation. With FW Ogura as the lone striker and double holding midfielders, they aim to attack from a strong midfield, using a formation almost identical to FC Tokyo.

Although they attacked with an advantage, they allowed Verdy Miura to score first with individual skill.

　The match started with both teams applying pressure on each other, resulting in a frantic pace where neither could control the ball. FC Tokyo, with a strong focus on vertical play, saw Amaral, Miura, and Fujiyama aggressively pushing forward, but they could not break through Verdy's solid back line. In the 7th minute, they won the ball in midfield, and Asari passed to Robson. Amaral received the direct pass, dribbled forward, and took a shot that hit the crossbar. Sato attempted to shoot the rebound, but it was cut off by the defense, missing the first big chance of the day. However, this moment allowed FC Tokyo to gradually connect their passes. In the 16th minute, Sato broke through on the right side, but the cross did not connect. In the 19th minute, from a free kick, Naito sent a pass in front of the goal, where Amaral outjumped the opposing defender for a header. This was weakly caught by Verdy's goalkeeper Kikuchi, but FC Tokyo maintained their offensive pressure.

　However, in the 22nd minute, a direct free kick was awarded to Verdy near the center circle. The kicker was MF Atsuhiro MIURA. The shot went over the goal, but in the following 25th minute, there was another free kick for Verdy from about 30 meters in front of the goal. Using Ogura as a decoy, Miura unleashed a powerful shot that pierced straight into the goal, allowing Verdy to take the lead with their second shot of the day. After that, FC Tokyo pressed forward but could not score, ending the first half trailing behind.

FC Tokyo in action, Amaral and Rohi demonstrate their competitiveness

　Shortly after the second half began, Ryohei picked up a cleared ball from the DF and shot from the right side of the penalty area. Although it missed the goal, the bold play created a rhythm. In the 46th minute, Seigo KOBAYASHI made a one-touch move to break behind the DF, leading to a shooting opportunity with Ryohei and Amaral. In the 50th minute, Seigo KOBAYASHI delivered a killer pass to Miura, who ran into the penalty area. Although the Verdy DF quickly returned and cut it off, they continued to create chances.

　However, the pace gradually slowed down. FC Tokyo became caught up in Verdy's cunning and slow rhythm, unable to utilize their speed. Then FC Tokyo made a move. In the 58th minute, KOBAYASHI was replaced by KINA. In the 71st minute, SATO was replaced by the newly joined forward Kelly, who had just joined the team last week. This yet unseen player immediately reacted to a loose ball in front of the goal after entering the field. The ball shook the net, but unfortunately, it was offside. Although the first touch shot ended in a phantom goal, it showed glimpses of play that left us wanting more.

　Verdy replaced Ogura with MF Ishizuka at the top, but in the 74th minute, they brought in FW Iio for MF Nagai, trying to counter with speed. FC Tokyo, desperate for a goal, brought in Masuda for Asari in the 82nd minute. Having used all three substitution slots, they shifted to a more attack-oriented lineup. Each player had different strengths, but they maintained balance, with Kina showing skill in passing and Masuda in dribbling as they surged towards Verdy's goal. Then, in the 87th minute, Miura, who advanced through the center with a dribble, passed to Amaral, who broke free in front of the goal. Amaral attempted to get past GK Kikuchi in a one-on-one situation in the penalty area, but Kikuchi could not hold back and fouled him, resulting in a red card. In the 89th minute, FC Tokyo converted the penalty awarded from this incident, with Ryohei scoring to equalize at the last moment and take the match into extra time.

Dramatic finale... Soccer that won't give up until the end of this season

　In the 4th minute of extra time, Verdy substituted Maezono for the injured Nishida. Maezono, Ishizuka, and Kitazawa showed determination, and in the 13th minute, Ishizuka took a header shot, but goalkeeper Doi easily caught it. Shortly after, FC Tokyo's Ryohei dribbled into the penalty area and took a shot. In the following 14th minute, Amaral missed the target again from a pass sent by Kelly from the right to Naito. The difference in momentum between Verdy, who had been reduced to 10 men, and FC Tokyo became increasingly clear.

　In the 4th minute of extra time, using the new rule this season that allows for substitutions up to four players in extra time, Umebayashi was brought on for Naito. Just after that, Kelly's free kick was met by Amaral with a header, but it missed the goal. However, finally, in the 6th minute of extra time, Kelly and Masuda exchanged passes well in midfield, and in the end, Kelly sent a ball from the right side in front of the goal, which Ropius shot! This was beautifully executed, securing a dramatic victory in the opening match with a V goal.

　Amaral, and Robson's competitive strength shone in this game, but the team functioned well, including the substitutes. All the players came together to make a strong start to the season.

[Verdy 1969 - Coach Matsuki's Comments]

"For us, who are determined to fight with only Japanese players, we have considered a team that does not give up until the end as the foundation for this season. In today's match, there were countless judgments and minor issues, and various accidents occurred, but the players fought actively until the end, even with one less player, which I believe will lead to the next steps. It was a highly anticipated match, and unfortunately, we couldn't earn any points, but I want to approach the next game and the remaining games with proper adjustments once again."

[Coach Okuma's Comments]

"I don't think we played poorly from the first half, but I was somewhat prepared for conceding a goal like that, including the free kick. The challenge was how well we could endure the possibility of a second goal and shift gears as a team. In that sense, I think we managed to hold our defense, and it was great that the players gradually showed their strengths and were able to equalize. I believe this was thanks to the fans who supported us passionately in front of such a large crowd. However, the season has just begun, so while we may experience ups and downs, I want us to fight through each match one at a time."