Aiming for consecutive wins, continuing the momentum from the last match

　In Sec. 12 of the league, we will face Zaspa Kusatsu away. In the previous match, we secured our first goal since the opening match with a goal from Hanyu, earning 3 points. This victory will serve as a momentum to aim for consecutive wins. Coach Okuma reflected on the Toyama match, stating, "It's not that there is no space behind because the opponent is pulling back; rather, we need to be creative to penetrate tight spaces by increasing our movement in and out. We want to avoid being one-sided on the sides and utilize movements where players like Tanizawa and Hanyu create cushions in the center."

　Kusatsu, last season in J2, finished 12th with 14 wins, 6 draws, and 16 losses. This season, they have started with 2 wins and 3 losses, so they are likely to aim for a bold victory at home today. FW Rafinha will utilize his breakthrough ability and height, while midfielder Kumabayashi and others will also aggressively push forward. MF Matsushita has the capability of shooting from mid-range and will challenge the 'Orthodox (Coach Okuma)'. In particular, MF Alex, who came on as a substitute in the preseason match, has abundant stamina and finishing ability, making him someone to watch closely.

　Tokyo will approach the match with a formation that includes Tanizawa in place of Nakamura from the previous starting lineup. Following the goal from the last match, the team is beginning to develop a common awareness to break through the solid defense and exploit gaps between the defenders. The key will be how to translate that into goals. With the strength of the defense centered around Konno and Morishige already demonstrated, the team hopes to maintain this while managing to score.

　Takahashi said, "If we can score first, not only will it help us close out the match, but I also want to take advantage of any openings to score a second goal." If we can keep pressing, the flow of the game should become easier. I want to move forward step by step, addressing our challenges, and seize victory. The match started at 16:05 with a kickoff in Tokyo at Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma.

Tokyo Aim To Retain Impetus

FC Tokyo traveled north to take on Thespa Kusatsu in the 12th game of the season, buoyed by Hanyu's late goal that earned a much-needed win in the previous outing. Looking back at the Okayama game, Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma commented, "When teams sit as deeply as they did there's no room to exploit behind the defence so we have to use our wits to create openings through the narrowest of spaces. We shouldn't be drawn to just one flank either but, for example, use Yazawa or Hanyu as a cushion in a central position."
Opponents Kusatsu finished 12th in J2 in 2010 with a W14 D6 L16 record. The side had won 2 and lost 3 so far this year and were expected to provide stern resistance at home. Tall, pacy striker Rafinha carried the attacking threat, supported by midfielders Kumabayashi and Matsushita, the latter possessing a powerful shot from middle range. During a pre-season match between the two teams the hard-running and skillful finishing of midfielder Alex impressed and he was also one for Tokyo to guard against.
For the visitors, Yazawa replaced Nakamura in the only change from the team that started against Okayama. The manner of the winning goal in that match showed how Tokyo were beginning to develop ways to unlock massed defences and creating openings would once again be the key issue. The Tokyo defence, led by Konno and Morishige, had been largely impermeable thus far so adding goals to solidity at the back was the next step.
Defender Takahashi commented, "If we can get our noses in front I don't want to just shut the game down but go for a second goal," as Tokyo sought to resolve the issues facing them step by step, earning a win at the same time.
Tokyo kicked off shortly after 4pm on a fresh and sunny afternoon.

Kajiyama scores a penalty, but shortly after, they are equalized and the first half ends in a draw.

　In the early stages, they were pushed back by the momentum of Kusatsu. Taking advantage of the speed and strength of the two forwards, FW Rafinha and Alex, they pressed into Tokyo's territory. On the other hand, perhaps due to the wind's influence, Tokyo struggled with mistakes in their feeds. However, they responded calmly and gradually began to launch quick counterattacks. In the 15th minute, Tokunaga was fouled, earning a free kick just inside the opponent's half from the center circle. Uezato aimed directly but shot just over the bar.

　In the 28th minute, Kajiyama dropped a pass from Mukuahara in the area, and Suzuki, who followed up, was tripped in the box, earning a penalty kick. Kajiyama calmly converted it, scoring the opening goal. However, just after that, in the 31st minute, Kusatsu FW Rafinha stole the ball and passed it to central MF Kumabayashi. From there, a through ball was sent behind Tokyo's defense, allowing FW Rafinha to break free and score with a shot into the corner. The lead was short-lived, as they were quickly equalized.

　Although they continued to advance the ball forward, the attacks ended up being isolated, and time passed without creating any decisive chances. In the 41st minute, Tokunaga, who followed Mukuara, delivered an early cross from the right side. Takamatsu, despite being marked by the Kusatsu defense, attempted a header, but lost his balance and the ball went wide. Just before the end of the first half, a powerful shot from Uezato from the right side was blocked by the goalkeeper's save, and Takamatsu was unable to capitalize on the rebound. The contest was carried over to the second half.

Tokyo Enjoy Brief Lead Through Kajiyama's Penalty

The hosts flew at Tokyo straight from the kick off, with Rafinha and Alex using their speed and strength to pen the visitors back inside their own half. The swirling wind and some inaccurate passing didn't help matters but Tokyo held firm under the early onslaught and slowly began to play their way into the game. A foul on Tokunaga earned Tokyo a free kick some 35 metres from goal in the 15th minute; Uesato hammered the ball goalwards and saw it fly narrowly over the bar.
In the 28th minute Tokyo earned a penalty as Suzuki tumbled under a clumsy challenge having collected Kajiyama's knock down from Morishige's long ball upfield. Kajiyama comfortably dispatched the ball past Kita, in the Kusatsu goal, to give Tokyo the lead. However, that lead lasted a mere three minutes. In the 31st minute Rafinha stole the ball in midfield and slipped it to Kumabayashi, then sprinted forward to receive the return and slot it past Gonda.
Tokyo continued to bring the ball forward but struggled to create any clear openings. In the 41st minute Tokunaga shadowed Mukuhara's run down the right and curled an early cross to the far post where Takamatsu, under pressure from a defender, headed wide as he lost his balance. Deep into added time Uesato unleashed a fierce drive from the right that Kita parried away and Takamatsu was unable to reach the loose ball. The first half finished 1-1.

Allowed a comeback and launched a fierce attack, but could not score until the end and lost the match

　They launched an offensive from the start of the second half. In the 47th minute, Suzuki brought the ball in from the right side and took a shot. In the 50th minute, Tanizawa picked up a clearance and dribbled forward, taking a shot from outside the area, but it went straight to the goalkeeper. In the 53rd minute, Roberto CESAR was brought on, and the formation aimed for a lead with Kajiyama playing as a defensive midfielder. However, in the 57th minute, from a pass by Roberto CESAR, Takamatsu found himself momentarily free in the area, controlled the ball with his chest, and attempted a volley, but collided with a defender. An accident occurred, forcing him to be substituted due to injury.

　As a result, Hanyu entered as right MF in the 59th minute. They faced with a two-top formation of Roberto CESAR and Suzuki. In the second half, they maintained possession of the ball, spending more time advancing in the Kusatsu territory, but in the 66th minute, Kusatsu's right MF Goto made a pass to the overlapping right back Kobayashi, which was converted by the central FW Rafinha... They conceded the second goal from a sharp counterattack. From there, Morishige was moved up a line, and Nakamura was brought in at the same time. They launched a thick attack starting from the midfield and the sides.

　In the final stages, Morishige moved up front and initiated a power play. In the 89th minute, Taniyama in the area passed to Kajiwara, who found Roberto CESAR free on the left. However, the shot crossed in front of the goal, and Morishige on the far side couldn't finish it off. As stoppage time began, Gonda also moved up to aim for the equalizer during a set piece. Despite launching a fierce attack, they couldn't shake the net until the end. They scored the opening goal but failed to secure an additional goal from the flow of the game, suffering a painful defeat.

　[Player Comments] {Kajiyama} "As a forward, I tried to move forward and aim for the space behind. However, I think that created a gap with the midfield. Kusatsu completely played long balls, and our press was ineffective against that... Kusatsu chose to play with the wind at their back in the first half. I thought they were planning to make their move in the second half, but the balls they kicked were stopping, creating a situation where the two forwards could chase them. It felt like they used the wind intentionally. It seemed to fit their strategy perfectly."

　I wish this could have been a bit more compact. I wanted to exploit the opponent's weaknesses, and the side midfielder was trying to break through vertically. When Kaz had the ball, there was a distance, and I felt that a pass from there might not reach... It was difficult. (Was there a feeling of being able to go right after scoring the penalty?) I think we couldn't overcome it since we conceded a goal immediately.

　Abe: "I think the goal we conceded right after taking the lead was the worst moment. We had the momentum, but instead, we lost our rhythm. I believe the opponent felt that they could come back after equalizing. That is the part I regret the most. Throughout the season, there will definitely be goals conceded, and there will be mistakes or irregular situations leading to goals. That's why it's important not to get rattled and to avoid conceding a second goal in those moments."

　With Mr. Takamatsu injured, we have lost height in the front line. While we can connect the plays, it has become a difficult situation to find a breakthrough. Precision is necessary for crosses, but I want to enhance our shared understanding of our approach. We need to decide whether to send the ball to the far post or deliver a fast ball to the near post and make a run into it. I think we need to refine those aspects.

　[Summary of Coach Okuma's Press Conference] "The timing of the conceded goal was very unfortunate, and it was disappointing that the second goal came from a perfect breakdown on the right side. There were also some accidents, but we just couldn't finish, and in the final breakdown and shooting accuracy. We couldn't break down the opponent who was sitting back, which led to that kind of goal against us. (What about the impact of the wind?) I think there is some unfamiliarity, but that's the same for both sides. However, I believe we started to find our rhythm in the last 20 minutes while connecting the plays, but we made mistakes due to the unfamiliar wind when trying to connect, although that doesn't serve as an excuse."

　(What was the effect of moving Morishige to the front line?) The opponent seemed to dislike it, and we got close to scoring, so I think it was effective. It was an unfamiliar position, so it wasn't perfect, but I could feel the intention to contribute to the goal by giving it his all.

　[Kusatsu - Coach Soejima's Press Conference Summary] "After two consecutive losses, we have a home game against FC Tokyo. It's truly an opponent and timing we couldn't have wished for more. For us, today's three points were a victory we desperately wanted. The players really worked hard and adhered to tactical discipline, which led to this result. For us, the next game is extremely important. We want to prepare so that we can continue and not just end with one match."

　(What is tactical discipline?) I can't say everything, but we have conceded goals in stoppage time in the last two matches, dropping points. It's common to concede goals in those moments when physical stamina is at its lowest, but I wanted to break this trend at all costs and enter the midfield period in a state of physical readiness.

Late Surge Comes Up Short

Tokyo began the second half on the front foot. In the 47th minute Suzuki dribbled down the right, cut inside and shot while three minutes later Yazawa let fly from just outside the Kusatsu area, drawing a save from Kita. Tokyo made a change in the 53rd minute, Roberto Cesar replacing Uesato and Kajiyama dropping back into midfield. In the 57th minute Cesar picked out Takamatsu inside the Kusatsu area with a pass that momentarily left the Tokyo striker free and unmarked. Takamatsu trapped the ball on his chest and attempted a volley but was quickly closed down by a defender. Takamatsu was injured in the exchange and forced to leave the field.
Hanyu went on, taking Yazawa's place on the left, while Cesar partnered Suzuki in attack. Tokyo enjoyed the lion's share of possession and played largely in the Kusatsu half but the hosts struck against the run of play in the 66th minute. Right-sided midfielder Goto moved the ball on to overlapping side back Kobayashi who cut it back to Rafinha inside the Tokyo area. Rafinha finished past Gonda to give the hosts the lead for the first time in the match. Tokyo responded by moving Morishige forward and sending on Nakamura to bolster the midfield and the flanks.
As the clock ticked down Tokyo pushed Morishige into the front line and launched the ball forward in a bid to salvage the game. In the 89th minute Yazawa and Kajiyama combined to set up Cesar inside the area but the striker screwed his shot across goal where Morishige narrowly failed to make contact at the far post. Deep in added time Gonda made his way forward to lend his height to the attack at a set play but Tokyo failed to find the net and the game finished 1-2. Although Tokyo had taken the lead the inability to muster a second goal when in command of the game ultimately led to a painful defeat.

Player's comments 
Kajiyama 
"Playing as a forward I was trying to get behind their defense but that resulted in me being too far from our midfield and leaving space. Kusatsu were clearing the ball firmly and that prevented our pressing game from being effective. They chose to play into the wind in the first half which meant that in the second, when we were hitting the ball up to our forwards, the wind was slowing the passes down. They used the wind very skillfully I felt. I think that if we could have kept a more compact shape it would have been better. I was trying to get behind their defense yet when I managed to escape the side half I felt I was too far away to hit anyone with a pass. 
Did I feel optimistic when we scored? We soon conceded though and I don't think we got over it".

Abe
"Conceding so soon after we scored hurt us the most today, I think. We should have been looking to push on but instead we lost our rhythm. After they equalised perhaps we felt that they were going to turn us over and that's the most disappointing aspect of today's game. During the season you're always going to make mistakes and concede goals but you have to rally and make sure you don't concede again.
After Takamatsu went off injured we lacked height up front and it was difficult to find a way to break the deadlock. We need accuracy on our crosses but also an understanding of where to put the ball; does it go high to the far post or harder to the near post for a player diving in. That understanding is something we need to work on".

FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"The first goal we conceded at the worst possible time and the second came from a complete collapse on our right side. It's very disappointing but that's what can happen if you don't put your chances away when you're on top against a team that defends deeply.
Did the wind play a part? You could say we don't have experience of it but the conditions were the same for both teams. We found our rhythm again in the last 20 minutes and the wind did interfere with some of our passing but you can't say that's the reason we lost the game.
What about Morishige playing in the front line? He gave our opponents a lot of trouble and came near to scoring so I think it was effective. He obviously doesn't have much experience of playing there but I felt he used his attributes to good advantage".

Thespa Kusatsu manager Soejima
"We lost two straight games and then had to host FC Tokyo. It was the worst possible opponent at the worst possible time. We wanted the three points today more than anything in the world and thanks to hard work and tactical discipline we managed to achieve it. This makes the next game extremely important for us. We don't want it to end here so we want to prepare well to retain the momentum from today.
What kind of tactical discipline? Well, I don't want to go into too much detail but in our last two games we conceded goals in added time. Conceding goals due to a lack of stamina is the hardest part of the game and we wanted to end that. We wanted to get through the middle period of the match with plenty in reserve."