I want to overcome the difficult situation by bringing in fresh players.

　Starting this match week, we enter a three-match series during Golden Week. After three consecutive losses leading up to this match, the situation remains tough for Tokyo, which has many injured players. In this context, Coach Hara stated, "We need new stimulation," and has chosen Danilo and Sako as starters for this match. Regarding Danilo, he mentioned, "Lucas tends to be isolated. When Danilo comes in, he can play close to him. Together, they can create a rhythm that only they can achieve." As for Sako, he said, "The team has lost a bit of confidence. At such times, he has the ability and experience to speak up and stabilize the team from the back." Shigeno has also returned from injury. For the left MF position, Kurizawa, who understands Danilo's playing style, will be included to maintain overall balance, and they will approach the match with a double pivot formation of Konno and Miyazawa.

　Kashiwa is currently in 17th place in the league with 1 win, 3 draws, and 3 losses. However, when they faced each other in the Nabisco Cup qualifying Sec. 1, they lost 1 to 3 against a team that applied thorough marking and intense pressing. Considering future matchups, it is important to defeat Kashiwa here. For Tokyo, this is a match where they cannot afford to lose any more. It will be interesting to see how aggressively the team, stimulated by the inclusion of Danilo and Sakai, can fight. The match started at Ajinomoto Stadium, where the daytime heat had eased, with Tokyo's kickoff at 19:03.

Fresh Faces Aim To Halt Slump

F.C.TOKYO entered the Golden Week holiday schedule of three games in a week on a three match losing streak with several regulars injured. "We need to shake things up," commented manager Hara, and gave Sakoi and Danilo their first starts of the season. "Lucas has been isolated up front. Danilo can play closer to him and the pair can create a unique rhythm for us. The team is lacking a little confidence right now; we need stability at the back and Sakoi has experience and is vocal on the field." Moniwa returned from injury. Kurisawa appeared on the right of midfield claiming a developing understanding with Danilo while Miyazawa and Konno filled the defensive midfield slots.
Opponents Reysol lay in 17th position in the standings prior to kick off but had beaten TOKYO 3-1 in a Nabisco Cup qualifying group match earlier in the year using tight marking and intense pressure. TOKYO badly needed to end the slump given the coming fixture list; whether Danilo and Sakoi could provide added stimulus and how aggressively the team would play were the vital questions.
The heat of noon had subsided as TOKYO kicked off on a balmy evening in Ajinomoto Stadium.

Although we pushed forward, we allowed the first goal...

　Both teams started with focus. In the 8th minute, Ishikawa exchanged a one-two with Danilo, sprinted up the right side, and delivered a cross. Kurizawa picked it up at the far post, circled in, and took a shot, but the opposing goalkeeper caught it. In the 12th minute, a floated pass from Miyazawa led to a right corner kick. Ishikawa's kick was met by Jean, but it didn't connect. In the 13th minute, Kashiwa had a chance. Ishikawa's clearance went to the opponent, and forward Yasunaga broke through on the left side. A sharp cross was sent in, and forward Tamada was waiting in front of the goal, but Jean's defense prevented a shot. In the 15th minute, Kashiwa had a left corner kick, and midfielder Kleber headed it from a tight angle at the far post, but Doih was able to save it. The match continued with a balanced development.

　In the 17th minute, a right corner kick taken by Miyazawa was cleared by the opposing defender from a scramble in front of the goal, hitting the post. In the 18th minute, Ishikawa made a dribbling shot from Miyazawa's switch, but the opposing goalkeeper spilled it, and Lucas couldn't capitalize. In the 23rd minute, Lucas and Danilo exchanged short passes in front of the goal. They showcased their technique and teamwork, but unfortunately couldn't convert it into a finish. Both teams fiercely contested in midfield, leading to a fast-paced exchange of offense and defense. Although neither side could create decisive chances, Tokyo pressed forward with Miyazawa's switches and set plays, putting pressure on the Kashiwa goal.

　In the 35th minute, Konno intercepted the ball and charged forward, passing to Lucas on the right. Danilo, who entered the goal area from this cross, connected with it, winning a left corner kick. The flow of the game was with Tokyo, but in the 38th minute, they lost a throw-in, leading to a right cross from MF Kleber to DF Hato on the right. Kleber, who rose in front of the goal, headed the ball, which arced and was sucked into the goal. They allowed the first goal with a simple, fast play.

　However, Tokyo launched a fierce counterattack from here. In the 40th minute, Lucas evaded two opposing defenders near the right sideline and earned a right corner kick. From the rebound of Danilo's right corner kick, Miyazawa took two shots but was blocked by Kashiwa's determined defense. Next, Miyazawa ran in to shoot from the rebound of Konno's floated pass, but it went to the right of the goal. In the 42nd minute, Danilo's left cross to Kurizawa was met by the opposing goalkeeper who came out, and Ishikawa picked up the rebound and shot into the open goal from the right area, but was blocked by Kashiwa's covering defender, while Lucas was offside. They missed a big chance to equalize. They went into the second half trailing by one goal.

TOKYO Press But Concede Lead

Both sides made a focused start. In the 8th minute Ishikawa played a one-two with Danilo, raced down the right wing and crossed with the ball reaching Kurisawa on the far side. Kurisawa cut inside and shot but Minami held the effort cleanly. In the 12th minute Miyazawa's lofted ball over the Reysol defense won a corner; Jean made contact with Ishikawa's outswinger but failed to hit the target. Jean produced a fine tackle to deny Tamada in the 13th minute as a pinpoint cross from Yasunaga picked out the Reysol striker in the box. Doi held Cleber's header from a corner in the 15th minute as a competitive game unfolded.
Miyazawa's 17th minute corner led to a wild melee in the Reysol area with the ball striking a post before being scrambled away to safety. A minute later Ishikawa latched onto a crossfield ball from Miyazawa and shot early; Minami fumbled an awkward bounce but recovered to whip the ball away from the onrushing Lucas. In the 23rd minute Lucas and Danilo produced some breathtaking one-touch passing but were unable to find room for a shot. The intense midfield pressure continued but neither side could fashion a definitive opening. TOKYO threatened through Miyazawa's raking crossfield passes and from set plays as they slowly increased the pressure.
In the 35th minute Konno surged forward before laying the ball off to Lucas on the wing. Danilo failed to connect with Lucas' cross by a whisker and the Reysol defense cleared the ball for a corner. TOKYO were in the ascendancy but then fell behind to the simplest of goals. Reysol won the ball from a TOKYO throw-in, Cleber found Hato in space on the right wing and continued his run into the TOKYO box, meeting Hato's cross with a cushioned header that arced beyond Doi's despairing dive and into the net.
TOKYO fought back immediately. Lucas beat two defenders and carried the ball to the byline, winning a corner. Danilo's inswinger wreaked havoc in the visitors' area with Miyazawa having two shots blocked by some desperate last-ditch defending. Miyazawa then shot wide after racing onto Konno's lofted pass behind the Reysol defense. In the 42nd minute Danilo set Kurisawa away down the left flank; Kurisawa curled a teasing ball into the area that tempted Minami off his line to punch clear. The half clearance fell to Ishikawa just inside the area; Ishikawa seemed certain to score but a Reysol defender hooked his shot off the line. Lucas was given offside in the ensuing scramble and a golden chance to restore parity before the break was wasted. The first period ended 0-1.

Suffered four consecutive losses against Kashiwa's solid defense and quick counterattacks

　With renewed determination, they approached the second half. Right from the start, they created a big chance. In the 46th minute, Ishikawa persisted on the right side, cutting inside with Nakai as a decoy. He connected with Danilo, who, while preparing to shoot, made a last pass to Konno, who had made a free run from the left. However, Konno's shot went over the bar, missing a decisive opportunity. They continued to dominate the ball and aggressively moved towards the Kashiwa goal, but this time their finishing lacked decisiveness and creativity, getting caught in Kashiwa's defensive net.

　In the 56th minute, Baba was brought on for Miyazawa. Baba moved to left MF, Kurizawa to the center, and Konno played as a lone defensive midfielder to launch a counterattack. In the 59th minute, Kashiwa also substituted FW Yasunaga for DF Kobayashi, reinforcing their defense early on. However, Kashiwa's strategy of solid defense followed by quick counterattacks became clear, putting Tokyo in a difficult position. In the 64th minute, just as Tokyo was about to bring on Toda, Shigenobu cleared a left cross, but the ball spilled in front of MF Ricardinho at the goal. Ricardinho kept the ball while moving to the right. From there, he made a cutback to the center, where DF Hato surged forward from the back, received the ball, and sent it directly in front of the goal. This was pushed in by MF Hirayama, and Tokyo conceded their second goal.

　Trying to somehow change the flow while behind, at the 65th minute, Toda was brought on for Danilo, and at the 72nd minute, Norio SUZUKI replaced Kurisawa. They boldly attacked Kashiwa's goal, but the counterattacks intensified as Kashiwa's physical defense repelled them. At the 74th minute, Lucas was fouled and earned a free kick about 20 meters from the goal, slightly to the right. However, Norio SUZUKI's kick was blocked by Kashiwa's defensive wall. At the 78th minute, there were consecutive corner kick opportunities. From the rebound of a left corner kick taken by Tadashi BABA, Ishikawa took a shot from the right side of the area, but it went left of the goal. At the 82nd minute, Norio SUZUKI crossed deeply from near the end line from Kanazawa. It seemed Lucas was fouled in front of the goal, but the ball did not reach him. In stoppage time, Lucas advanced with a dribble from a right throw-in and prepared to shoot, but was blocked by a defender, and time was up. The match played into Kashiwa's hands, resulting in a scoreless defeat. It was a painful fourth consecutive loss.

【Player Comments】《Danilo》"I have lost about 5 kilograms and have been getting fit with the team. However, I am disappointed that we couldn't achieve a good result. It was my first start, but looking back, I think I could have done more. Right now, it is important for all of us to overcome this situation and win." 《Hakui》"The support from the stands was reassuring, and the match at Ajinomoto was deeply moving. It was a match we had to win, but... We allowed the first goal, but there was no panic. Conceding the second goal was the reason for our defeat. The balance wasn't bad, so it might have been necessary to take risks and go for it." 《Kanazawa》"We need to change the bad flow of the situation somehow. We have no choice but to regroup together."

　[Summary of Coach Hara's Press Conference] "Since we had been on a losing streak, we changed some players, especially bringing in Sakoi to the back line, and with Moniwa returning from injury, we aimed to stabilize the defense. We also wanted a new attacking accent, so we brought in Danilo. Although Danilo is not yet fully fit, he created several good moments with his ball retention and composure in front of goal. However, perhaps due to the current state of the team, even though we played a not bad game, once we conceded a goal, anxiety suddenly set in. At halftime, I said, 'It's just a one-goal difference, and chances will definitely come. Let's get the ball to Lucas and Danilo effectively and support them.' Right after the second half started, Danilo made a good pass to Konno. This might symbolize the current state of the team, but it was missed, and confidence was lost again. After conceding the second goal, players were afraid to push the ball forward and resorted to sideways and back passes, often losing possession before reaching the goal area. The stands were shouting 'Take a shot,' and I completely agree. The team is timid, and even when holding the ball, a lack of confidence shows. We expected Kashiwa to come with very high motivation, and in fact, we lost many individual duels. Before tactics or systems, we must first win the battles for the ball. Only by fighting hard from there can our strengths emerge. We have another match soon, so we want to somehow hold on and rebuild together as a team. Now is the time for players and staff to unite with strong determination and overcome this difficult situation."

　[Summary of Coach Hayano's Press Conference] "Before today's game, I vowed to fight with concentration alongside the players as we stepped onto the pitch. It was a joyful victory, and I want to present it to the supporters and the club staff as well. The four-back formation was very effective in suppressing Tokyo's side attacks. In the second half, when Tokyo switched to a one defensive midfielder and came out attacking, DF Kobayashi did a great job stabilizing the defense, which led to the second goal. Overall, we still have a long way to go, but there are times when even a good game doesn't result in a win. Today was a game where I could feel the players' hearts. Based on that, I want to move forward without being complacent about today's result."

Solid Defence Denies TOKYO

TOKYO began the second half in purposeful fashion and created a clear chance in the 48th minute. Ishikawa battled down the right before slipping the ball inside to Sakoi. Sakoi moved the ball on to Danilo in a good position on the edge of the Reysol area; Danilo feinted to shoot but rolled the ball to Konno, bursting forward on his left. With only the keeper to beat Konno shot over the bar and another opportunity went begging. TOKYO enjoyed the lion's share of possession but were unable to break down the stubborn Reysol defence.
Baba replaced Miyazawa in the 56th minute, moving to the left of midfield with Kurisawa in the centre and Konno as a single holding midfielder. Reysol countered by removing forward Yasunaga and introducing Kobayashi as a defensive midfielder. The visitors had shifted to a defensive mode early but managed to trouble TOKYO with counter attacks. In the 64th minute, while TOKYO were waiting to introduce Toda, disaster struck. Moniwa cleared a cross but the ball fell to Ricardinho, who played it into the path of the onrushing Hato. Hato clipped the ball first time across the area and Hirayama prodded home to double the visitors' lead.
Desperately needing a goal TOKYO replaced Danilo with Toda and Kurisawa with Suzuki. Reysol were content to defend and look to hit back on the counter attack. In the 74th minute Lucas was fouled 20 metres from goal but Suzuki hammered the free kick into the wall. In the 78th minute TOKYO won a pair of corners but Ishikawa failed to hit the target with a looping shot from the second one. TOKYO had a good shout for a penalty turned down in the 82nd minute as Lucas went down under pressure attempting to meet Suzuki's cross. The home side fought to the bitter end but were unable to breach the Reysol defence and the final whistle blew on a fourth successive defeat.


Players' comments
Danilo:
" I've lost five kilos, exerted myself and fitted into the team well. It's very disappointing we couldn't get the result though. I started the game but, looking back, I think I could have done more. We all know winning is important to break out of this situation".

Sakoi:
" The support of the crowd really lifted me today. It was a game we should have won. We conceded the first goal and didn't panic, but the second was the killer. Our balance wasn't bad but I suppose we have to take risks if we want to win".

Kanazawa:
" We have to change something to stem the tide. We'll all have to work together to find a solution".


TOKYO manager Hara:
"We're on a losing streak so we brought in Sakoi to stabilize the defense and Moniwa came back from injury. We needed something new in attack and selected Danilo to provide that. He's not at his best yet but can hold the ball up and is cool in front of goal. He showed some good touches today. Right now though, even if we're not playing badly but concede a goal we immediately become anxious. At half time I told the team that it was only a single goal and that chances would surely come. I told them to get the ball up to Lucas and Danilo and then move forward in support. At the start of the second half we did just that, when Danilo set up Konno. The move was like a symbol of our current situation; Konno missed and we lost a little more confidence. After the second goal we lost our nerve and were playing the ball sideways or back instead of forward, and then losing possession. The crowd was chanting, "Shoot, shoot" and that's right. We became timid and lost self confidence when we had the ball. We expected Reysol to be highly motivated but we lost out in every individual match up. We have to move the ball about; if we can't do that we can't play to our strengths. There's another game coming up soon and we'll have to rally ourselves for that. The players and staff are all united in working to overcome this situation."

Reysol manager Hayano:
" The players vowed to fight hard today before they went on the pitch. We're very pleased with the win. It's a great present for the club and the fans. Our back line played extremely well in containing the TOKYO attack on the flanks. When they changed formation to a single holding midfielder and attacked in the second half Kobayashi did a great job in defence and was involved in our second goal. Overall we still have a long way to go and sometimes you can play well and not win. The team showed real heart today. We can't be merely satisfied with today's result as we need to use that as our base and progress ".