The 2011 season kicks off, and the battle to conquer J2 begins!

　The 2011 season has begun, and J2 Sec. 1 will be held on March 5 (Saturday) against Sagan Tosu. The fierce battle aimed at returning to J1 in one year has started.

　In preparation for the season, the team has focused on enhancing a common understanding and fitting in new players during the approximately 40-day preparation period. However, during this time, accidents occurred with injuries to Kajiyama, Gonda, and Pedro JUNIOR. Additionally, Roberto CESAR and Roberto are both dealing with conditioning issues and injuries, starting on the bench. At the same time, Yonemoto will be suspended for the opening match, so the team's condition is certainly not perfect. On the other hand, Nakamura and Ishikawa, who have been on separate training regimens, are returning. The team will come together to face this opening match.

　In contrast, Tosu finished 9th in last season's J2 (13 wins, 12 draws, 11 losses; total goals 42; total goals against 41). They place the tall forward Toyota.S at the front line, featuring short counterattacks initiated from high pressing and dynamic attacks centered around Toyota.S. The coach, YOON Jong Hwan, who has been with the team since 2009, has matured the team. They are also developing attacks from careful build-ups.

　One of the themes is to "adapt flexibly to any situation (Coach Okuma)." Above all, it is important to gain momentum and secure a victory at home in this crucial opening match to fight through the season. Everyone aims to score with a strong mindset, playing soccer that poses a threat to the opponent in order to seize 3 points. Tokyo has goalkeeper Shiota, with side backs Tokunaga and Abe. The midfield is composed of Takahashi and Hanyu, while Nakamura and Tanizawa are on the flanks, and Suzuki and Hirayama form the two-top formation.

　Although the wind was cold, it was pleasantly clear, and a special live performance by the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra was held before the match, gathering 21,408 people at Ajinomoto. The match started at 14:05 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 strategy, they ended the first half scoreless.

　A cautious start for both teams. They entered the match steadily, and the early stages saw a stalemate. Nevertheless, Tokyo gradually began to move the ball and tried to take control, with Nakamura taking the first shot of the match for both teams after a clearance from a left corner kick in the 18th minute. In the 20th minute, after a quick series of passes, Nakamura on the right side passed to Hanyu in the center, who brought the ball into the area and took a shot.

　However, after that, there were mistakes, the passes did not connect, and it was difficult to create any decisive chances. On the contrary, they were attacked quickly by Tosu, and in the 32nd minute, Tosu's midfielder Fujita passed to left midfielder Yanagisawa, who then passed to forward Toyota.S for a shot from just outside the area. This hit the crossbar and bounced back, creating a crisis, but Shiota defended valiantly to keep it out.

　In the 41st minute, Tosu made a short pass from a free kick in Tokyo's territory, and MF Kuniyoshi took a sharp shot from distance. The ball flew towards the goal, but Shiota made a save, resulting in a corner kick. From this right corner kick, FW Toyota.S attempted a high header, but it just went over the bar. With some help from Tosu's mistakes, Tokyo created an attacking shape in stoppage time, and Hanyu connected with a loose ball from a right cross. Takahashi then took a shot with speed, but it went straight to the GK, ending the match 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 secured 3 points with Tanizawa's first goal

　In the second half, Roberto CESAR was brought in to replace Nakamura. Suzuki moved to the right side, launching a fast-paced attack. In the 49th minute, Tanizawa advanced through the center from a quick counter and connected with Suzuki just in front of the right side of the area. Suzuki measured his shot but mis-timed it, sending the ball wide of the goal. In the 52nd minute, Hanyu passed to Tanizawa, who was positioned left in midfield, receiving the ball between defenders and dropping it off. Suzuki advanced with a dribble and took a free shot from just outside the central area, but he couldn't hit the target...

　In the 57th minute, Tosu also started from the right side, with left midfielder Yanagisawa free in the right area. A pass was sent there, creating what seemed to be a decisive moment, but Konno took care of it and defended well. After that, there were more instances of both full-backs joining the attack, and in the 61st minute, Abe, who advanced up the left side, sent a soft, long left cross in front of the goal. Hirayama, at the far side in the right area, headed it down while competing with the advancing goalkeeper, and Tanizawa pushed it in with his body, scoring a goal! The long-awaited opening goal was achieved.

　With this momentum, in the 64th minute, Tanizawa made a cross from a high position on the left flank. Takahashi jumped in, but it was caught by the Tosu goalkeeper first. On the other hand, Tosu also made a substitution, bringing in tall forward Noda to the front line in the 63rd minute. They launched a sharp counterattack, and in the final stages, there was a rapid exchange of plays. In the 81st minute, they earned a left free kick. Suzuki sent a shot-like kick into the box, but no one was able to connect, and it went out of play.

　In the 86th minute, Roberto CESAR came in for Hanyu. In the 89th minute, after connecting passes, Roberto CESAR dribbled through on the right side. Using Suzuki inside as a decoy, he got past the opposing defender and brought the ball into the right area, but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper's save...

　Konno and Morishige showed stability against Tosu's counterattack, preventing any goals. In stoppage time, Miku Hara was brought into the midfield in place of Suzuki. Shortly after, a dynamic quick attack was launched, with Tokunaga moving up on the right → Roberto CESAR in the right area skillfully trapped the ball and turned. However, the shot did not hit and was caught by the goalkeeper. Although they could not secure an additional goal, they maintained Taniyama's first goal in Tokyo and achieved victory at Ajinomoto, starting the 2011 season with a win.

　[Player Comments] {Taniyama} "The performance was definitely not good, but it was great to win with a decisive goal. (About the goal) When the cross came in, I thought the opposing goalkeeper might catch it... but I believed that if it was Hirayama, he could win the aerial duel, so I started to move. I am conscious of that kind of movement. A goal is a goal, so I am happy to have scored, even if it was just one point. The challenge is that I realized again that we can't win without scoring. I want to focus on that."

　Abe: "I am happy with the victory, but I want to keep pushing and not be satisfied here, aiming to win not just one match but continuously. Ajinomoto is a stage I have admired since I joined the youth team, and it is my goal. I was excited thinking that I could stand on the pitch there. I wasn't nervous, but I think I was a bit stiff in the first half. In the second half, overall movement improved, and my role as a fullback became clearer. (Regarding the cross that led to the goal) I was discussing with Hirayama during halftime about what kind of cross I should deliver."

　[Summary of Coach Okuma's Press Conference] "Regarding Tosu, I thought they would press from the front, but when we regained possession, they fell back quite a bit. It was expected that we would have to endure in some areas, but breaking through that has been a struggle since last season's Emperor's Cup. I want to have a bit more stability, including in terms of mentality, from the first half and to create danger. If we stretch out in the second half, we can find our rhythm, but I want to be able to create dangerous plays through combinations or individually even when we are being pressed and there is no space. It is challenging, but that is a task for the future. We won, but the opponent came up with strategies. I felt that we must pursue how to build the team while maintaining stability and danger. Although we won, there is a strong feeling that a season has begun where every match feels like a tournament battle."

　(About Roberto CESAR) He has not played for about four months, and his condition is still lacking. However, although he appears infrequently, he can carry the ball and has dangerous plays. We need to understand his style and how he fits into the team. (Regarding the use of Roberto CESAR) Hanyu was a bit concerned about his foot, and the opponent simply kicked the ball, leading to set plays. The intention was for Roberto CESAR to defend the area as a defensive midfielder and aim for additional goals. (Impression of Tosu) Looking at the preseason matches and the Emperor's Cup, including the players' efforts and the quality of play, the gap with J1 is narrowing. They connect well and have clear objectives. I have a good impression and believe they have strength. I want to work hard so that we can have good matches as good rivals.

　[Sagan Tosu Coach Yoon's Press Conference] "As we faced the strong opponent FC Tokyo in the opening match, I thought the players would be nervous, but surprisingly, they entered the game smoothly. Although we lost, I believe we have developed into a good team that can bring hope moving forward. Regarding FC Tokyo, I think there are various differences, but speaking about today, I believe we performed well and did not lose in terms of content. However, there were many learning points. This season, we are focusing on communication between the coaching staff and players, and it is important to guide the players to solve various issues on the field. I want them to play with confidence and be able to shine."

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".