Kyoto broke through the defense and won their first league game in 5 matches!

　In the 18th round of the league, we will face Kyoto Sanga F.C. away. In the previous round against G Osaka, we were able to earn 1 point and avoid a 3-game losing streak, but we have yet to win since the league resumed. This round, which is the first of the second half, will be an important match for us to fight for the top spot. Based on the gains and momentum we gained from the G Osaka match, we want to take back a white victory in the league for the first time in 5 games, even though it's an away game.

　Kyoto, currently in 11th place, has been in good form with no losses in the last 3 games since the mid-season break, thanks to the addition of FW Fernandez and DF Mizumoto. Manager Jofuku also analyzed that "the new players have become the core of the team, strengthening both offense and defense." With a solid defense centered around Mizumoto, they have been able to launch quick and precise counterattacks. In particular, FW Yanagisawa has been in top form, scoring in the last 3 games. They also have unique players like FW Hayashi on the bench, making Shioda wary of their increased variety in tactics.

　Tokyo, there are no changes in the previous round and starting members. Ishikawa, who is in good form, says, "I shouldn't be able to aim for the back of the DF as much as in the G Osaka game. Still, I want to create chances by constantly moving and finding space to attack. Always be aware of moving after passing and use a combination of plays that lead to action. It is also important to work with the side back." The point is how much we can break down Kyoto's defensive line. With no space behind the DF and strong players like MF Shijikurei and the center line, we want to create a numerical advantage on the side and attack.

　Manager Jofuku declared, "We haven't had any wins in the past few games and there is fatigue. However, both teams are facing the same challenge of playing in the heat. It's important for us to execute our game plan. We will use the players' strong desire for victory as our strength and fight with a clear focus on winning." They will aim for victory with Tokyo's style of soccer, moving the ball and players without losing to Kyoto's quick start. The match started at 7:04 PM in the hot and humid Nishikyogoku.

The first half ended with both teams scoreless thanks to Shioda's great save.

　From the beginning, we launched attacks from the sides as planned. Shortly after the start, Ishikawa → Kajiyama made a chance, but it didn't reach Cabore. In the 5th minute, Hirayama → Cabore dropped the ball and Ishikawa ran into the area for a shot. The opponent's GK saved it and it became a CK. In the 6th minute, Tokunaga → Hirayama made a move on the left side and sent a final pass to Cabore in the center, but it was cleared. While Tokyo was progressing at their own pace, there were few decisive moments and gradually lost the ball, leading to Kyoto's sharp counterattacks.

　23 minutes, Kyoto long ball from MF Shijikurei → Tokyo inside the FW Yanagisawa drops with a header, FW Fernandinho drives fiercely. A shot is taken from the right area, but it goes over the bar and avoids danger. In the 26th minute, left side back Kakuta dribbles up the center and passes to the free FW Fernandinho in the left area. The shot is punched away by Shiota. Tokyo also seizes chances from counters and earns multiple CKs, but their kicks lack precision and the attack does not continue.

　At 30 minutes, Tokyo launched a counterattack, with Nagatomo dribbling up the center and breaking through the right front line with a combination play with Ishikawa. From a cross on the sideline, Cabore near the goal created a chance with a header, but the shot missed the target. After that, Kyoto's FW Fernandinho and Yanagisawa created scoring opportunities. In the 39th minute, Kyoto's MF Sato took a shot from inside the box, but it was saved by Shioda. In the end, Shioda's great saves kept the score at 0-0 at halftime.

Equalizing goal by Akamine brings the game to a draw

　In the second half, Tokyo changed positions with Nagatomo and Tokunaga. Ishikawa was focused on playing on the side, aiming for a goal in a wide formation. However, in the 50th minute, Kyoto FW Fernandinho persistently attacked on the right side of Tokyo, and in the end, a cross was sent in. Although this was escaped by a corner kick, from the left corner kick kicked by FW Fernandinho, DF Mizumoto was stabbed with a perfect header, and the first goal was conceded. After that, Kyoto, who gained momentum from the first goal, had more time to defend, and Tokyo was unable to launch any attacks.

　In the 63rd minute, Asari and Ishikawa were replaced by Otake and Emerson. With Hayu moving to the center, they calmly aimed to counterattack by playing their own soccer. Gradually regaining composure, they completely dominated the ball. However, they were unable to break through Kyoto's defense, which was sitting back and solidifying, and were unable to bring the ball to a shot. In the 77th minute, Akamine was substituted for Cabore and launched a fierce attack, but in the 83rd minute, Otake picked up a clearance mistake by the opponent's DF on the left side and crossed it in front of the goal. Akamine headed the ball, but it went outside the frame.

　In the 84th minute, Otake cut into the right area and pulled the DF to Emerson in the center. The sharp middle hit the bar mercilessly. It seemed to end like this, but Hirayama was knocked down outside the left area in the lost time and got a FK. When Emerson kicked the last chance FK, the ball barely escaped the hand of the Kyoto GK and went to the far side, and Akamine headed it in at the goal line. The game was timed up immediately after this goal. The spirit of never giving up finally paid off, and they managed to draw the tough away game.

　【Player Comments】《Akamine》"(In terms of playing) I felt like we were able to keep possession of the ball, but we didn't have enough shots. I was thinking of taking more shots, so I'm glad I was able to score in the end. I was able to react quickly to the loose ball. However, if we had scored earlier in the flow of the game... Kyoto was defending well and attacking on the counter, but surprisingly their defensive line was high. So I was aware of the chance to exploit the space behind them and tried to make runs in behind. I've been coming on as a substitute a lot lately, but if I can produce results, I think it will lead to the next step for both myself and the team. The team is starting to connect passes better. If I can take more shots, I believe there will be more chances, so I want to be more aggressive in taking shots. Next, I want to work hard to get 3 points for the fans."《Emerson》"It was a tough game. We expected it to be tough away from home, but it became even tougher after conceding the first goal. However, I think it was our determination to not give up that led to us getting 1 point. I wanted to contribute to the team when I came on. I believed that the free kick would go in, so I kicked the ball towards the goal. I'm glad Shingo was able to score. Of course, we wanted to win, but I want to look at the positive side of being able to get a draw away from home. (We haven't won in a while, but?) We need to work even harder in practice and have confidence as a team."

[Summary of Manager Jofuku's Press Conference] "Right now, Kyoto is a very strong team, and we entered the game while taking great care of their driving forces, DF Shijikurei player, FW Fernandinho player, and Yanagisawa player. Regarding their slow attacks, we didn't let them create many dangerous situations, but I think we invited trouble when we lost the ball poorly and were hit by their fast attacks. Also, in set pieces like corner kicks, there was a difference in accuracy of kicks. Their kicks were accurate and had many possibilities, but as you can see, ours were not. Techniques don't change overnight, but that's something we need to firmly accept. We feel like we strangled ourselves. As for our attacks, I think we stuck to what we wanted to do. We made some mistakes and invited trouble, but I want to praise the fact that we tried to see it through. Finally, it was great that we were able to equalize, and I want to connect this point to the next game without wasting it. (In the second half, you switched the positions of Nagatomo and Tokunaga?) There were a few reasons, but one was that we struggled against FW Watanabe Daigo's dribbling in the first half. Also, Ishikawa made some mistakes when he came inside a few times, but he is a player who can show his strengths when he plays on the outside. I wanted to let him focus on his strengths, so I put Hayashi on the opposite side. And as for who to use on the outside, I wanted to use Nagatomo, who has a lot of stamina."

[Kyoto - Coach Kato's Press Conference Summary] "After winning against Kashima, the top team in the league, in the previous match, I reminded the players not to become too complacent and to maintain their focus. However, in the first 10 minutes, we were a bit lacking in concentration and allowed a goal to be scored from the right side. After the 15-minute mark, we were able to regain our rhythm. Compared to the Antlers and Verdy match, we were pressed earlier when the ball was passed to our side backs, which made it difficult for us to maintain possession and bring the ball into the opponent's half. This is something the opponent has studied and we discussed at halftime that the ball may not always be stable and the opponent is not always relaxed when passing. In the second half, we made the midfield a bit thicker and created a block on the side where DF Nakatani was exposed in the first half, in order to prevent the opponent from breaking through. However, we ended up conceding from a set piece, despite studying and preparing for it. There was a mistake where the GK couldn't reach the ball, but overall, I think they did well throughout the 90 minutes. It is very difficult to earn one point like this, so I hope we can use this point as momentum for the second half of the season."