The 2011 season begins, the battle to win J2 starts!

　The 2011 season kicked off with the J2 Sec. 1 match between Sagan Tosu and their opponent on March 5th (Sat). The heated battle began with the ultimate goal of returning to J1 within a year.

　Prior to the start of the season, during the preparation period of about 40 days, the team focused on improving their common understanding and fitting in with new players. However, during this time, there were also accidents where Kajiyama, Gonda, and Pedro JUNIOR were injured. In addition, Roberto CESAR and Roberto CESAR both had conditioning and injury issues, resulting in them starting on the bench. At the same time, Yonemoto will be suspended for the opening match, so the team's condition may not be perfect. On the other hand, Nakamura and Ishikawa, who were on a separate training menu, have returned. They will all come together to face this opening match.

　Toyota.S, who will face them, finished 9th in last season's J2 (13 wins, 12 draws, 11 losses, 42 goals scored, 41 goals conceded). They have a tall forward, Thales, leading the line and their characteristic attacks include short counters from pressing and energetic attacks built around Thales. YOON Jong Hwan, who took over as manager this season, has been a coach since 2009 and has developed the team. They are also improving their attacks from careful build-ups.

　On the other hand, "being able to respond flexibly in any situation (Manager Ohkuma)" is one of the themes. Above all, in order to fight through the season, it is important to gain momentum and win at home in the opening game. Everyone will aim for the goal with a strong mindset and strive for a 3-point victory with threatening soccer against the opponent. Tokyo will have GK Shioda, Tokunaga and Abe as fullbacks. Takahashi and Hayashi will form the double pivot, with Nakamura and Taniyama on the wings, and Suzuki and Hirayama as the two top players.

　The wind was cold but calm and clear, and before the game, a special live performance by "Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra" was held at Ajinomoto Stadium, where 21,408 people gathered. The game started at 2:05 PM with Tokyo's kickoff.

Escape From J2 The Target As 2011 Season Begins
The 2011 J.League Division 2 season began with the visit of Sagan Tosu to Ajinomoto Stadium. Tokyo, aiming for an immediate return to J1, had spent the 40 days of the close season integrating the new and returning players into the squad. Injuries to Kajiyama, Gonda and Pedro Junior kept those three out of the side but Roberto Cesar and Roberto were fit enough to start on the bench. Yonemoto was suspended while Nakamura and Ishikawa, who had both been on separate training programs from the rest of the squad, were considered recovered enough to start and take a place among the substitutes respectively.
Opponents Tosu had finished 9th. overall in J2 in 2010 with a record of W13 D12 L11, scoring 42 and conceding 41. The side was noted for its patient approach play and applying pressure from the front with lanky striker Toyoda the key man in a dynamic front line. Newly-appointed manager Jong Hwan Yoon had been a coach at the club for two years and overseen the development of the side.
Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma felt that his players' ability to respond correctly to the requirements of the moment would be an important part of the match. Above all other considerations though, was the desire for Tokyo to begin the marathon campaign with a home win. The home side lined up with Shiota in goal, Tokunaga and Abe at fullback, Takahashi and Hanyu in central midfield, Nakamura and Yazawa on the flanks and Suzuki and Hirayama in attack.
Special guests Tokyo Skaparadise Orchestra whipped up the crowd with some scintillating ska before Tokyo got the ball rolling shortly after 2pm on a chilly but sunny afternoon.

Despite showing a solid game, the first half ends scoreless.

　Both teams started cautiously. They entered the game steadily and the situation remained stagnant in the early stages. However, Tokyo gradually tried to take control of the game by moving the ball and in the 18th minute, Nakamura took the first shot for both teams combined from a left corner kick clearance. In the 20th minute, from a quick passing play, Nakamura on the right side passed to Hayashi in the center who then took a shot in the penalty area.

　However, there were also mistakes afterwards, and the passes did not connect, making it difficult to create decisive chances. On the other hand, Tosu quickly switched to an attack and in the 32nd minute, Tosu's central midfielder Fujita → left midfielder Yanagisawa → forward Toyota took a shot from just outside the box. It hit the bar and bounced back, causing a dangerous situation, but Shioda stepped up to defend and protect the goal.

　In the 41st minute, Tosu made a short pass from a FK inside Tokyo's territory, and MF Kunikichi took a sharp middle shot. The ball flew towards the goal, but Shioda made a save and it resulted in a CK. From this right CK, FW Toyota made a high header, but it just barely went over the bar. With help from Tosu's mistake, Tokyo created an attacking opportunity in stoppage time. Hanyu connected with a loose ball from a right cross, and Takahashi took a shot with speed, but it went straight to the GK and the game ended scoreless.

Tight First Half Ends Scoreless
Caution was the watchword for both sides as the game began slowly and developed into a midfield stalemate. Tokyo gradually asserted themselves and started to move the ball around but it wasn't until the 18th minute that Nakamura struck the first attempt on goal, a 20-yard drive from a cleared corner that was still rising as it sailed over the Tosu crossbar. Tokyo produced some neat passing in the 20th minute that allowed Nakamura to jink down the right and cut the ball back to Hanyu who burst into the Tosu penalty area and shot into the side netting. Following that burst of activity mistakes predominated and neither side could find a rhythm.
The visitors showed their prowess on the counter attack in the 32nd minute as midfielders Fujita and Yanagisawa combined to create a shooting opportunity for Toyoda from the edge of the Tokyo penalty area. Toyoda's shot beat Shiota but cannoned down off the bar and the Tokyo keeper showed sharp reflexes to pounce on the loose ball ahead of the onrushing Tosu players.
In the 41st minute Tokyo conceded a free kick some 30 yards from goal in a central position; the ball was nudged to midfielder Kuniyoshi who unleashed a ferocious dipping drive that Shiota palmed around the post at full stretch. Toyoda beat the Tokyo defence to the resulting corner but directed a firm header narrowly over the bar. Having escaped conceding at the worst possible time Tokyo then had an opportunity to snatch the lead in additional time as Hanyu moved a cross from the right into Takahashi's path as the young midfielder raced forward to the edge of the Tosu area. He drove a low, hard shot straight at Muro in the Tosu goal and the first period finished 0-0.

Launched a speedy attack and got 3 points with Tanizawa's first goal.

　In the second half, Roberto CESAR was substituted for Nakamura. Suzuki moved to the right side and launched a speedy attack. In the 49th minute, Taniyama advanced from a quick attack and passed to Suzuki on the right side of the area. Suzuki tried to shoot with good timing, but the ball went wide. In the 52nd minute, Hayashi received the ball from the left side of the midfield and passed it to Taniyama, who dropped it between the defenders. Suzuki dribbled forward and took a shot from the front of the central area, but missed the target...

　At 57 minutes, Tosu also started from the right side and left MF Lori was free in the right area. A pass was made there, and a decisive scene was created, but Kelly took care of it and defended it. After that, there were more scenes where both fullbacks joined the attack, and at 61 minutes, Abe, who had gone up the left side, sent a long left cross to the goal. Far-side, right area, Hirayama, who had jumped out, competed with the GK and dropped it with a header, and central Tanizawa pushed it in with his whole body, goal! They finally scored the long-awaited opening goal.

　With this momentum, in the 64th minute, Tanizawa crosses from a high position on the left side. Takahashi jumps in, but is caught by the Tosu GK. On the other hand, Tosu also makes a player substitution, bringing in tall FW Noda in the 63rd minute. They launch a sharp counterattack, and in the end, there is a quick exchange of attacks. In the 81st minute, they get a left FK. Suzuki sends a shot kick inside, but no one can connect and it goes out of bounds.

　In the 86th minute, Roberto CESAR replaced Hayu. In the 89th minute, he connected a pass and dribbled through from the right side. He evaded the opposing DF by using Suzuki as a decoy and brought the ball into the right area, but his shot was blocked by the GK...

　In response to Tosu's counter, Konno and Morishige showed stability and did not allow any goals. In stoppage time, Murohara was substituted for Suzuki and immediately entered the midfield. Soon after, a dynamic counter attack was launched, with Tokunaga moving up to the right and Roberto CESAR in the right area skillfully trapping and turning. However, the shot did not hit and was caught by the goalkeeper. Although they were unable to score an additional goal, they were able to protect Tanizawa's first goal in Tokyo and secure a victory at Ajinomoto Stadium. This marked the start of the 2011 season with a win.

　【Player Comments】《Tanihara》"The performance wasn't great, but it was good that we were able to win by scoring one goal. (About the goal) When the cross went up, I thought it might be caught by the opponent's GK...but I believed that Hirayama would win the header. I am conscious of making such movements. Even with a goal like this, one point is still one point, so I am happy to have scored. The challenge is to realize that we can't win without scoring. We want to work on that."

　"Abe" "Winning is great, but I don't want to be satisfied here, I want to work hard to win not only one game but continuously. Ajinomoto is a dream and a goal since I joined the youth team, and it's an exciting stage to be able to stand on the pitch there. I wasn't nervous, but I think the first half was stiff. In the second half, the overall movement improved, and the way I moved as a side back became clearer. (About the cross that led to the goal) I talked with Hirayama player at halftime about what kind of cross to make."

　[Summary of Coach Oikuma's Press Conference] "Regarding Tosu, we thought they would press us from the front line, but when we took the ball, they pulled back quite a bit. It was within our expectations to endure and break through, as we struggled with that in last season's Emperor's Cup. We want to have more stability and create danger from the first half, including the mental aspect. In the second half, we can stretch out the game and play at our own rhythm, but we also want to be able to create dangerous plays through combinations and individual efforts even when the opponent is not giving us space. It's difficult, but that's our challenge going forward. We won, but the opponent came up with some ideas. We realized that we need to maintain stability and danger, and continue to pursue how to build our team. We won, but it's a season where we have to fight in every tournament, and that's a big feeling."

　(About Roberto CESAR) He has not played in the game for about 4 months and his condition is still not enough. However, he can carry the ball and has dangerous plays, although he appears less frequently. We have to understand his style and make him fit into the team. (About using Roberto CESAR) Hanyu was a little worried about his foot and the opponent simply kicked and there were also set plays. The intention was for Roberto CESAR to defend the area as a defensive midfielder and also aim for additional points. (Impression of Tosu) Even in pre-season matches and Emperor's Cup, there is not much difference between J1 and the quality of players' efforts and plays. They connect well and have clear aims. It's a good impression and I think they have the ability. I want to do our best to have good matches as good rivals to each other."

　[Sagan Tosu Manager Yoon's Press Conference] "We faced a strong opponent in our opening match against FC Tokyo, and I expected our players to be nervous, but they entered the game smoothly. We ended up losing, but I believe we have become a good team to look forward to. As for FC Tokyo, there may be differences in various aspects, but in terms of today's game, I think we played well and didn't lose. However, there were many things we can learn from. This season, we are focusing on communication between coaching staff and players, and it is important to guide the players to solve various things on the field. We want to play with confidence and perform well."

Yazawa's First Goal For The Club Earns Tokyo Three Points

New signing Roberto Cesar replaced Nakamura at half time, with Suzuki moving to the right of midfield, as Tokyo attempted to inject some pace into their attack. The tactic nearly brought an immediate reward as Yazawa burst forward straight up the middle in the 49th minute before finding Suzuki on his right. Suzuki took the ball on and clipped a slightly mis-timed right-footed shot that bounded narrowly wide of the left post. In the 52nd minute an almost identical move created another opening for Suzuki, with Hanyu the provider this time, but again Suzuki directed his shot wide of the left-hand post.
In the 57th minute Tosu worked the ball down the right, eventually finding Yanagisawa unmarked inside the Tokyo area on the right. It seemed to be a clear opening for the visitors but Konno was quickly across to smother the danger. The Tokyo sidebacks then began to push forward on the flanks and in the 61st minute Abe launched a deep, hanging cross towards the far post from the left wing. Hirayama and Muro jumped for the ball, the Tosu keeper failed to hold on and Yazawa was on hand to lunge between two defenders and smash the loose ball into the roof of the net.
Boosted by the goal, Tokyo began to pour forward and Muro was forced to dart smartly off his line in the 64th minute to whip Yazawa's sharp cross away from the onrushing Takahashi. Tosu responded by introducing towering forward Noda. The intensity increased as the game developed into a counter attacking battle. Suzuki drove a free kick into the Tosu area in the 81st minute but the ball evaded both attackers and defenders alike.
Roberto replaced Hanyu in the 86th minute. In the final minute of regulation time Tokyo exploited the open spaces in midfield to launch a fast break from midfield, with Roberto Cesar showing impressive pace to leave the Tosu defence trailing in his wake. Suzuki acted as decoy, luring a defender away on the inside and allowing Cesar to burst into the visitors' area on the right and hammer a shot on target. Muro spread himself well and blocked the ball away, denying Tokyo a decisive second goal. Tosu continued to press but the Tokyo defence remained calm with Konno and Morishige coolly efficient in clearing any danger. The late substitution of Mukuhara for Suzuki ran down the clock and Roberto Cesar might have scored with almost the final kick of the game but failed to make a connection after a neat turn had taken him away from a defender inside the Tosu penalty area. Yazawa's goal proved to be sufficient as the final whistle blew moments later and Tokyo had started the 2011 season with a home win.


Players' comments
Yazawa
"The performance wasn't great but it's pleasing that we took the chance when it came and won the game. When the cross came in I wondered if the keeper was going to catch the ball but made my move believing that Hirayama was going to beat him to it. That kind of movement in those areas is something I try to focus on. All goals count, no matter how scruffy, so I'm pleased to get my name on the scoresheet today. The challenge is that if you don't score then you can't win and I hope to get myself in those positions in the future".

Abe
"Of course we're pleased with the win but there's no way we can be satisfied and we want to give it our all to keep winning. I've longed to play here at Ajinomoto Stadium since I joined the youth setup so I was thrilled to step out onto the pitch today. I wasn't particularly nervous but I did feel a little stiff in the first half. Our movement was much better overall in the second half and I felt able to fulfill my role as a sideback. At half time I talked to Hirayama about what kind of crosses to put in".

FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"We knew that Tosu would press hard from the front and that when we won the ball they would retreat. Breaking down teams that defend deeply has been a problem for us since the Emperor's Cup last year. We also knew that they would lose their shape in the second half and that's where we need better combination and individual play to break forward out of defence. It's difficult but that's the next issue for us to deal with. We won but our opponents worked very hard. I think the game showed us clearly that building a team to strike a balance between stability and risk is a tricky business. We may have won but I feel that this season is going to be like one long knockout tournament.
Roberto Cesar hadn't played for 4 months before today and although his condition is far from 100% I think he showed us some glimpses of what he can do. He has the ability to move the ball and be a dangerous player. It's going to take some time for us to understand his style and integrate him into the team. Roberto went on because Hanyu was a little concerned about a knock he took on his leg and our opponents had a couple of simple set plays. Roberto can slot in to protect the defence and we were also looking to get a second goal.
What did I think of Tosu? Well, after watching the Emperor's Cup game and a preseason match and seeing their hard work and the quality of their play I don't think there's much difference between J1. They combine well and have a clear idea of what they're doing. I had a favourable impression and think they're a genuinely good team. I hope we can both continue to play well and enjoy a healthy rivalry".

Sagan Tosu manager Jong Hwan Yoon
"With playing such a strong opponent as FC Tokyo in the opening game I expected the team to be nervous but I was surprised at how smoothly we started the match. We lost but I think we could see that we are getting close to building a good team with real expectations. Even though we lost and there are differences in many areas I thought we played a good game. We do have a lot to learn, though. This year we will be stressing the communication between the coaching staff and players, to allow them to make decisions to solve problems on the field during matches. We want them to have the confidence to play and to perform".