Miyazawa makes J-League debut!

The 2nd round of the Nabisco Cup 1st round was held at Ventforet Kofu's home ground, Yamanashi Prefecture Kose Sports Park Athletics Stadium.

Tokyo, who won the first match 5-0 thanks to Robisu's hat-trick, faced the game with a fresh lineup, including goalkeeper Ozawa and rookie Miyazawa, who both made their first appearance of the season in this match.

The Nabisco Cup is determined by the total score of the first and second rounds, so the "5-point lead" in the first round was a big advantage and it was almost certain that Tokyo would advance to the second round. On this day, the focus was on the rookie Miyazawa, who made his J-League official debut in his hometown (Yamanashi Prefecture). Miyazawa is a rookie who joined from Chuo University this season and was a talented player who played for the Universiade representative team (= Japan Student Selection) from his third year in university. In Tokyo, he has been showcasing his extraordinary talent in satellite leagues and practice matches since joining the team. His kicks, both long and short, are of various types, incredibly accurate, and he is highly expected as a left-footed player that Tokyo does not have. This season, Tokyo has a strong midfield, and he has not had many opportunities to play, but his performance on this day could make him a potential "regular candidate". The man who has the potential to carry Tokyo in the future has finally made his J-League debut.

Energized Kofu

Kofu was the first to get into rhythm when the game started. Kofu had just achieved their first victory of the season (vs Mito) at home at Kose four days ago in the J2 League, and with the added confidence of a "5-point difference", they have been playing an aggressive and speedy style of soccer. Kofu quickly spread the ball to both sides after taking possession, and especially right back Fujita joined in the attack with speed, creating chances by passing to Ota in the center who showed sharp movements and good ball control. Tokyo's base tactic of "defending from the front" was weak, and they also struggled with many easy turnovers due to Kofu's quick pressing, making for a difficult start to the game.

Goal is far away...

Tokyo finally started to create an attacking shape after 10 minutes, and the first to lead the charge was Miyazawa. Miyazawa was initially confused by Kofu's momentum after the kickoff, and his pressing was half-hearted, unable to steal the ball from the opponent. However, in the 11th minute, he cut off the opponent's ball on the left side, dribbled forward and distributed a well-timed through pass to the front line. Perhaps gaining confidence from this play, he and Shimohira, who formed a midfield partnership that day, were able to control the opponent's ball and contribute to the team not only in attack but also in defense.

Tokyo, which surpasses in overall strength, gradually increased the ball retention rate and increased chances in front of the goal. In the 15th minute, energetic forward Toda made a personal run towards the goal, causing the opponent's defender to commit a foul. Luvisu took the free kick from about 25 meters in front of the goal, but unfortunately it went over the bar due to the goalkeeper's fine play. Immediately after in the 16th minute, Miyazawa took a free kick in the center, but it narrowly missed to the right of the goal. In the 20th minute, Miyazawa took a free kick from a deep position on the right near the center line, and Luvisu headed it with a high point of contact, but it was stopped by the goalkeeper. In the 38th minute, Shimodaira, Luvisu, and Toda connected in front of the goal, and Toda made a run and took a shot, but it was cleared by the opponent's goalkeeper. In the 44th minute, Kelly headed a corner kick from the left in the center, but it narrowly missed over the bar. Although Tokyo occasionally received counterattacks from Kofu, they were unable to find a good rhythm overall. However, with Kelly's wide movements that bypassed his position, Toda's aggressive runs, and the intense attacking participation of both fullbacks, they were able to create numerous chances and build up expectations for scoring.

Robisu's Final Round goal! Secures spot in 2nd Round!

Tokyo, who had created chances in the first half but ended up with a 0-0 score, continued their fierce attack from the beginning of the second half. In the 2nd minute of the second half, Kelly, who received the ball on the right side, made a one-two with Robisu and took a shot, but unfortunately it went to the right of the goal. After that, they consciously used side changes as instructed by the coach during halftime, and with Miyazawa's accurate and large side changes and the participation of both side backs in the attack, chances from the side increased.

In the 14th minute of the second half, the long-awaited opening goal was finally born. On the left side, Fujiyama dribbled through and crossed the ball, which hit the opponent's DF and bounced back, and Fujiyama headed it back into the middle. Kaburaki ran into the near post area and headed the ball towards the center of the goal, where Rohisu was waiting. Rohisu then struck the ball powerfully with a high header into the right corner of the goal.

After that, in the 16th and 17th minutes, Kagamiki, and in the 24th and 30th minutes, Robisu, had decisive chances, but were unable to score additional points due to the opponent's goalkeeper's fine saves. On the other hand, after the 30th minute of the second half, Kofu's Deiri repeatedly threatened Tokyo's goal, making it an unstable game until the end. In the midfield, Shimodaira continued to put pressure on alone, but the defense from the front line, including Robisu, was weak, and the lack of clear ball possession was the cause.

The match ended with Tokyo winning 1-0, and with a total score of 6-0 in the first and second rounds, Tokyo advanced to the 2nd round. It was clear that the "5-point lead" had lowered the motivation, but regardless, I want to sincerely celebrate this result. First-time player Ozawa kept a clean sheet, and Miyazawa also showed a decent performance, which is a bright spot. From now on, we will switch our focus and face the Ichihara match on the 29th in top condition!

[Coach Okuma's Comment]

Today, with a 5-point lead, we gave a chance to players with good condition and those who have been working hard. Miyazawa played in his first official J-League match, and while it's uncertain if his performance on this day will lead to J1, he showed great potential when he had the ball. Although his defensive skills as a midfielder are still lacking, we would like to use him in games like this if the opportunity arises.

There were noticeable weaknesses throughout the game due to a 5-point deficit. Moving forward, we need to switch our mindset and work hard towards the J1 league.