A match to seize the opportunity for resurgence

　In Sec. 4, we challenge Kawasaki Frontale away. After consecutive losses to Niigata and Shimizu, this is a match where we want to regroup. With only two days since the last match, there was little time for adjustments, but we aimed to find solutions by enhancing our common understanding in meetings and changing the lineup. The two forwards are Lucas and Rychely, with Baba making his first start of the season in the attacking midfield position. In place of Kajiyama, who injured his right foot in the Shimizu match, Konno will play right midfield, and Miyazawa will make his first start on the left, forming a 4-4-2 formation with Inoha at the base.

　Kawasaki, in Sec. 1 and Sec. 2, won decisively with the explosive scoring power of FW JUNINHO and Ganaha, but in the last match, they struggled against Kofu's intense pressing and lost without scoring. For Tokyo, the first necessary thing will be to apply strict marking. On top of that, they want to utilize Rychely's speed to exploit the sides and behind Kawasaki's defense.

　In the last two matches, the players themselves have realized that they lacked the fighting spirit in battles for the ball. This match is themed around putting emotion into their play and fighting with focus. In this crucial match where they want to seize the opportunity to rise, we expect a united fighting spirit from the team. The match started at 16:04 with Kawasaki's kickoff at the Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium in the gentle spring weather.

Evenly matched, but conceded a goal from a set piece.

　Kawasaki's early attempts to attack were well suppressed. In the 1st minute, Kawasaki FW JUNINHO tried to break through from the right side, but was tightly marked and ultimately stopped by Konno. In the 5th minute, FW JUNINHO's central breakthrough was blocked by Suzuki. A free kick was awarded directly in front of the goal, but MF Markus's shot aimed directly at the goal went over the bar. In the 15th minute, Tokyo's Miyazawa made a big switch to the right front line from his own half. Rychely caught up, turned past the opposing defender, and connected with Konno, who moved up to Tokunaga, but the cross went astray.

　Kawasaki has a high awareness of shooting, with right MF Ikawa aiming for the goal from mid-range in the 18th minute, and left MF Mori doing the same in the 19th minute. Tokyo also made a move in the 23rd minute with Tokunaga cutting inside and passing to Lucas. Baba, who received a return pass outside the left area, took a shot, initiating a well-coordinated attack, but the opposing DF blocked it.

　After that, both sides had decisive moments. In the 25th minute, Inoha sent a left throw-in to the forward Rychely. The ball initially went to the opposing defender Terada, but Rychely seized the loose ball due to a mistake and charged into the area to shoot! However, he was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper, missing the chance to take the lead. In the 29th minute, Kawasaki's midfielder Markus dribbled into Tokyo's territory. Forward JUNINHO made a run towards the goal with a crossing movement with Markus, receiving the final pass. This also resulted in a decisive shot, but a fine save by Doi allowed them to escape the danger.

　In a fierce situation where five warnings were issued in the first half alone, both teams showed an even match, but in the 39th minute, they allowed a goal from a set piece, continuing from the match against Shimizu. From a free kick on the right side of the Tokyo defense, MF Markus sent the ball to the far post. MF Taniguchi headed it in. In the 43rd minute, Rychely was injured and replaced by Kawaguchi. Despite being behind, they headed into the second half with hopes for a counterattack.

Jean takes the lead with Kawaguchi's goal, but cannot hold on.

　In the second half, the game continued with a fast-paced transition between offense and defense from the start. Just after the kickoff, Lucas received a left throw-in, and Miyazawa, who ran in to the spot where he dropped it, took a shot! The ball was blocked by the crossbar, and it did not result in a goal... In the 47th minute, from a through pass by Kawasaki MF Markus, FW JUNINHO slipped between the Tokyo DF and took a shot. However, Doi made a nice save. In the 48th minute, Lucas dove in with a header to Konno's right cross, but the ball went to the right.

　In the 58th minute, Kurizawa was brought on for Baba, and with Kurizawa's quick decision-making play, the team began to gain momentum. In the 61st minute, a quick pass from Konno to Kurizawa led to a cross from Kawaguchi on the right side. Lucas headed the ball in the center, but it didn't connect. Then, in the 63rd minute, Kurizawa was fouled on the left side, earning a free kick opportunity. With a highly accurate kick from Miyazawa, Jean jumped in with his head, scoring a goal! Miyazawa reflected on the play, saying it was 'just like in practice' as they equalized.

　With this goal, they gained momentum and found their pace. They quickly launched attacks towards the front after regaining possession. In the 68th minute, Kawasaki substituted MF Ikawa for DF Yonemura, placing him as a right side back and changing to a 4-4-2 formation. However, the next goal was scored by Tokyo. In the 74th minute, Tokunaga intercepted the opponent's ball and passed it to Kurisawa, who quickly sent a through ball to Kawaguchi, who was making a run towards the goal from the right front. Kawaguchi calmly evaded the approaching opponent's goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net! This was Kawaguchi's first goal since his transfer, giving them the lead.

　Tokyo's momentum continues. In the 78th minute, Suzuki made a low middle shot from the left side. It was blocked by the Kawasaki defense, but the rebound was picked up by Konno, who momentarily shook the goal net. However, this was ruled offside. In the 80th minute, Kawasaki substituted MF Markus for FW Kurotsu, forming a three-top attack to counter. In response, Tokyo brought in Masushima for Miyazawa in the 84th minute. Masushima was assigned to mark JUNINHO, and Inoha was pushed forward to try to maintain the one-goal lead. However, this player substitution ultimately made the difference.

　In the 85th minute, immediately after the substitution, Kawasaki MF Nakamura broke through the Tokyo DF while exchanging one-twos with JUNINHO. A shot from the right area found the back of the net, leveling the score. Nevertheless, they did not lose heart and continued to attack. In the midst of a rapid exchange of counterattacks, in stoppage time, Kawaguchi contested for the ball, which Kurizawa picked up near the area and immediately took a shot. However, the ball hit the crossbar, and they could not secure a third goal. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw, but the determination to go for the goal and seek victory was evident, making it a rewarding match.

　【Player Comments】《Kawaguchi》"We were on a losing streak, and we were determined to put our feelings into the game, so we approached it as a united team, centered around the coach and Dohi-san, from before the match. It's disappointing that it didn't lead to results. The scoring scene was set up by a great pass from Kurizawa. The timing of when I wanted the ball and when he passed it was perfect. I could see the goalkeeper and the surrounding defenders, so I was able to calmly finish. I believed that if I made a good run, the pass would definitely come. I'm happy to score my first goal, but I want to keep the sense of urgency and strive for three points." 《Kurizawa》"(Regarding the assist) The moment I received the ball, I looked up and saw Kawaguchi-san was free, so I just passed without hesitation. I was happy, but it's disappointing that it didn't lead to a victory. However, I think my constant movement behind the defense contributed to the goal. I want to continue making plays that lead to goals. If there's space ahead, I want to confidently play vertical passes."

　【Summary of Coach Garo's Press Conference】 "Both teams were able to play at a high level. For our team, as we aimed, we had the right mindset and spirit, and we were able to play a passing game. I believe the players fought hard without giving up until the end. Baba and Kurizawa had been away from games for a while, so we substituted them as planned, thinking they wouldn't last the full 90 minutes. Since the opponent was tired, I think Kurizawa's abundant movement helped us break through Kawasaki in a pretty good way. Miyazawa also hadn't played a full 90 minutes for a while, so I thought he was declining physically and substituted him for Mashima. The opponent changed to a 4-4-2 formation, increasing their midfield numbers, so we moved Inoha up one position and had Mashima mark FW JUNINHO. We decided to bring in Mashima also for dealing with Kawasaki's height in set plays. Kawaguchi has speed and the ability to change the rhythm. Rychely is similar, but today we aimed to use fast players in the front line for a speedy attack. Rychely was injured, and Kawaguchi came in, but today we were able to play in a way that utilized Baba and Kurizawa's passes, flowing into space. (What is your impression of the J-League?) I think all teams are evenly matched, making it difficult to earn three points in this league. However, I want to strive for victory. Unfortunately, we couldn't win today, but we had good plays in the second half. I want to praise the players."

　【Kawasaki - Sekizuka's press conference summary】 "In the last match, we lost without scoring, so we tried to switch our mindset and aim for a win. I think we were able to play very balanced football from the first half. We aimed to play organized football with unity in both offense and defense, using the field widely to launch attacks and create many chances. We scored from a set piece and entered the second half with a lead. Regarding the second half, we should have connected the ball a bit more, but we got anxious and went for the second goal. This led to many fouls, which resulted in conceding a goal. In matches where we are winning 1-0, we need to improve. However, even after being turned around, we kept pushing for goals until the end, and we managed to score the second goal in a good way. It would have been better if we could have scored another goal from a restart or something. I want to thank the players who fought without stopping until the end. I also think we were able to play our football thanks to the many supporters who came out. (Regarding the system change to 4-4-2) I was cautious of Kurizawa, who was brought in by the opponent when we were leading 1-0, due to Ikawa's injury. I was planning to switch to either a 4-back or 3 midfielders to set our marks. When we conceded the equalizer, we switched to a 4-back, but we conceded due to a coordination mistake. After that, we were only thinking about scoring with a 3-top formation."