A match to gain momentum at Ajinomoto after overcoming three winless games

　On the 10th (Saturday), the 27th Sec. will be held as the second consecutive home game following Kumagaya. We will face Kyoto SANGA F.C. at Ajinomoto. The previous match ended in a scoreless draw, and we have only earned 1 point over the last 3 matches. However, the players mentioned, "As we enter the second round of matches and are studied by our opponents, we have been able to start the games simply and calmly to grasp the rhythm of play."

　Although the issue of lack of scoring ability remains, we must persistently continue our attacking style of football and break through. This will be a match to return to our undefeated home at Ajinomoto, seize the opportunity for victory, and gain momentum.

　Kyoto, currently in 16th place with 27 points. In the first half of the match, Tokyo won 4-1, but the players mention that "the team situation has changed since then" regarding their impression of Kyoto. Forwards Miyakoshi and Ito, along with other young players, form the three-man front line, and Takahashi states, "They are playing freely at the center, and the front line is becoming more active. In a 3-4-3 formation, it's difficult to catch the opponent, and risk management is also challenging."

　Coach Okuma also warned, "We are trying to stick to our style of football that connects passes closely. They will utilize the strengths of their forwards." Both teams aim for a passing game, and it seems likely to develop into an attacking match. However, to prevent Kyoto from gaining momentum, it will be crucial not to concede the first goal. We want to surpass Kyoto in terms of space utilization and care, and seize victory.

　Tokyo saw Konno return to the starting lineup after being away with the Japan national team. Gonda is also on the bench. Due to Nakamura's suspension, Mukuhara is utilized as the left side back. On the other hand, Kyoto's forward Kubo starts on the bench. In the hot and humid weather reminiscent of midsummer, the match kicked off at 18:34 with Kyoto's kickoff.

Tokyo Seek Return To Winning Ways At Ajinomoto Stadium

Following the home game in Kumagaya, FC Tokyo returned to Ajinomoto Stadium to take on Kyoto Sanga F.C. in the 27th game of the season. Including the goalless draw against Tochigi in the previous outing, Tokyo had earned only a single point from the last three games, yet the players remained upbeat, "We're playing teams for the second time this season now and although they've done their homework on us we're starting matches with a simple approach, keeping calm and finding a rhythm."
The shortage of goals remained an issue but there was no alternative than to forge ahead with the style of football the team aspired to and hope to break the deadlock. With the side unbeaten at Ajinomoto Stadium this year, the visit of Kyoto seemed an ideal opportunity to regain the momentum.
Opponents Kyoto lay in 16th place with 27 points at kick off. Tokyo had recorded a 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture earlier in the year but, as the Tokyo players noted, "The team has changed drastically since then." According to Takahashi, youngsters such as Miyayoshi and Ito who constituted the 3-man strike-force were, "Looking at ease in a revitalised attack. They play a 3-4-3 formation, are difficult to pick up and risk management is tricky."
Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma also issued a warning, "They'll be looking to play through us with intricate passing and play to their strengths in attack." With both sides committed to passing football an attacking encounter was envisaged; Tokyo would need to prevent the visitors from gaining any momentum and deny them space, while not conceding the first goal would be vital.
Konno returned to the Tokyo starting eleven following his exertions with the Japan National Team while Sakata took a spot on the bench. Mukuhara switched to left back in place of the suspended Nakamura. Kyoto's young striker Kubo also started on the bench.
Tokyo kicked off shortly after 6:30 pm on a hot and humid evening more akin to midsummer than early autumn.

Although we allowed the first goal, Lucas scored the equalizer, and Miku Hara's first goal gave us the lead.

　At the start, Kyoto, who had more players in midfield, dominated possession of the ball. They connected short passes and advanced forward. Tokyo also tried to transition from solid defense to attack, and amidst the ongoing struggle for possession, in the 11th minute, they advanced from their own half, with Kajiyama passing to Tanizawa on the right side. This was targeted by Kyoto defender Morishita, who immediately sent a pass forward. The ball reached Kyoto forward Miyakoshi at the perfect timing, and he confidently shot it into the net with a one-touch finish... They allowed the opening goal due to a mistake, despite being on alert.

　Tokyo has yet to achieve a comeback victory this season. Although a negative atmosphere lingered, they attempted to counterattack without losing composure, starting from the sides. In the 23rd minute, Kyoto's right midfielder Komai made a strong dribble, but Morishige managed to contain him. In the 25th minute, a ball was securely received in the front line, and DF Sakai took a shot, but it was saved by Shiota. Then, in the 31st minute, Kajiyama broke through with a dribble and passed to Tanabe, who had moved to the right. From Tanabe's cross, Lucas, while falling, managed to shoot with his foot. The bouncing ball floated into the net, equalizing with a goal full of determination.

　In the 36th minute, they launched a counterattack from their own half, with Tanizawa passing to Tanabe, who ran a long distance to break free on the left side. Mukuhara utilized his speed to evade the opposing defender and boldly struck with his right foot, scoring a powerful long-range goal! Mukuhara's first professional goal became the go-ahead score, completing the comeback and ending the first half.

Lucas, Mukuhara Overturn Early Deficit

Kyoto flooded the midfield and dominated possession in the opening minutes, exchanging neat passes and looking dangerous going forward. Tokyo defended stoutly and attempted to turn defence into attack. Possession changed hands frequently including an attempted feed down the left wing from Kajiyama to Yazawa in the 11th minute. Kyoto midfielder Morishita read the move and intercepted the ball, then stroked a perfectly-weighted pass forward into the Tokyo area. Forward Miyayoshi outpaced the wrong-footed Tokyo defence, took a deft touch and drove the ball through Shiota to give his side an early lead. Despite all the warnings a mistake had led to the worst possible start.
Tokyo had yet to post a come from behind victory this season and although the atmosphere hung heavy in the stadium, on the pitch the side set about launching a fightback. In the 23rd minute Kyoto midfielder Komai embarked on a surging run until expertly stopped by Mukuhara and two minutes later Shiota was forced into a smart save at his near post to parry away a stinging drive from defender Sakai. Then, in the 31st minute, Kajiyama drove forward from midfield and picked out Tanabe in space on the right. Tanabe curled a tempting cross into the danger area and Lucas met the ball with a jumping volley. The ball struck the bottom of Lucas' boot, hit the ground and ballooned over Mizutani's despairing dive to nestle into the back of the net. A sweeping, powerful move had brought the equaliser.
In the 36th minute a Kyoto move broke down and Tokyo launched a counter attack, with Yazawa finding Tanabe inside the Tokyo half. Mukuhara had made a break down the left through the Kyoto backline and raced forward half the length of the field to latch onto Tanabe's through ball. Mukuhara cut inside a defender some 25m from goal before unleashing a sumptuous right-footed drive that curled above and beyond Mizutani and inside the far post. Mukuhara's goal, the first of his professional career, gave Tokyo the lead at half time.

Lucas scores a hat-trick, leading the team to a big victory with the most goals!

　Just after the start of the second half, in the 47th minute, Hanyu made a play on the right flank, earning a right corner kick. Tanizawa's kick was perfectly met by Morishige's header, scoring the third goal. With a two-goal lead, Tokyo then took almost complete control of the match. Against Kyoto, who tried to push forward by raising their line, Tokyo quickly transitioned from defense to attack, launching a speedy and powerful offensive.

　In the 57th minute, while connecting through the DF line, Morishige sent a ground vertical pass to Lucas in front of the goal. Lucas, receiving the ball, skillfully feinted to evade the opposing DF just outside the area and scored in the upper left corner, marking the fourth goal.

　After that, against Kyoto, who continued to push forward, they effectively utilized the space and showed momentum. In the 71st minute, Ishikawa was brought in for Hanyu, and in the 84th minute, Sakata was substituted for Tanabe. Just after that, in the 85th minute, Ishikawa, trying to break through the front line, was fouled and earned a free kick just slightly left of the area. Lucas brilliantly converted this, achieving a hat trick!

　In stoppage time, Konno connected with Takahashi, and Ishikawa broke through on the right flank with speed, drawing the opposing defender into the right area before delivering a final pass to the center. Sakata easily slotted it in for a goal! Although they allowed Kyoto to take the lead, Lucas achieved a hat trick, Mukuhara scored his first professional goal, and Sakata marked his first goal in Tokyo. They scored a total of 6 goals, the most in the league (the most since December 5, 1999, in the Emperor's Cup), and achieved their first comeback victory of the season.

　[Player Comments] {Muku Hara} "(The goal) was smoothly brought to a shot. I thought I was used on the left with the aim of suppressing the opponent's defense today, but I was thinking that if I could receive the ball in a good position, I would take a shot. It was a comeback goal, and it allowed me to get into a rhythm. We conceded the first goal, but I didn't let the opposing player do much, and I think I was able to tire them out by pushing forward. I believe I accomplished the minimum aim. Scoring a lot at Ajinomoto will lead to future success, but from here on, each match will become increasingly important. I want to focus only on the upcoming match and give my all for the team to win as an individual."

　"Lucas" "I have been a starter for the last few matches, but we have been unable to win. So, I am really happy that the team won and that I was able to score a goal. The goal came naturally. From now on, I want to prioritize the team's victory and contribute. The hat trick is the first since the Nabisco Verdy match in Tokyo in 2004. I am happy with even one goal, so my joy is doubled. Normally, Morishige or Nakamura would take the free kick, but due to injuries and suspensions, I had been practicing since yesterday. I had a good feeling about it, so I was confident. No match is easy to win, and there will be difficult matches ahead. That’s why we need support. I want to work together and win."

　[Summary of Coach Okuma's Press Conference] "Kyoto will definitely come at us fiercely within the first 15 minutes, and we cannot afford to concede a goal in that manner. It's very disappointing. While it's good that we woke up and tried to score back, we have struggled quite a bit after conceding the first goal in the past, and I think there was some uncertainty in terms of the competition. However, the movement of the ball beyond Lucas has increased compared to before. Miku, who has never played as a left-back, was able to get beyond players and exploit the opponent's weaknesses, which is something we should continue to do. This match had points for reflection as well as new insights. Regarding Miku, there were also some good crosses and early crosses from the left side. For a first-time position, he was quite bold. We have good competition, including Nakamura. I believe that competition within the team is very positive."

　[Summary of Kyoto Coach Oki's Press Conference] "I feel sorry for the supporters who came to cheer from Kyoto. The start until the 20th minute of the first half was not bad, and we even scored the opening goal. However, after scoring, we became a bit defensive, and until we conceded, it felt like the opponent was controlling the ball. Then, after conceding the second goal, it was not so much our defense but rather that we could no longer properly connect passes after gaining possession. Since it was still 2-1, we entered the second half with the mindset that the game was still open, but we conceded a headed goal from a corner kick. After that, it felt similar to when we played at home last time. However, we had the determination to keep attacking until the end. Especially MF Ando worked very hard. Although there was a sending off and we conceded many goals, we have no choice but to move forward. It may have been only 20 minutes, but how long can we maintain the level of play from the start of the first half? I had confidence that we could do a bit more, but unfortunately, it did not go that way."

Lucas Hat Trick Earns Biggest Ever League Win

The second half began with Tokyo on the front foot again and Hanyu earned a corner as he pushed forward down the right in the 47th minute. Yazawa stroked the ball into the centre where Morishige, entirely unmarked on the six-yard line, thumped a header past Mizutani to double the lead. With the two-goal cushion Tokyo began to dominate the game, forcing Kyoto to play a higher line and push forward in an attempt to salvage the game.
In the 57th minute, after playing the ball around in defence, Tokyo suddenly broke forward with Morishige clipping the ball up to Lucas on the edge of the Kyoto area. Lucas showed fast feet to feint past a defender, creating the half a yard of space he needed to fire off a left-footed shot. The ball took a slight deflection off a lunging defender's boot and beat Mizutani high to his right, stretching Tokyo's lead to three.
Kyoto continued to push forward, leaving vast swathes of open space that Tokyo exploited ruthlessly. Ishikawa replaced Hanyu in the 71st minute while Sakata went on for Tanabe with five minutes remaining. Ishikawa darted through the Kyoto defence in the 85th minute before being flattened from behind some 25 yards from goal and slightly to the left. Lucas stepped up and drove a glorious free kick over the wall and under the bar to earn himself a hat-trick and Tokyo's fifth goal of the game.
As the game moved into additional time Konno and Takahashi combined down the right, setting Ishikawa free behind the Kyoto defence once again. Ishikawa swerved into the penalty area and poked the ball through a defender's legs, presenting Sakata with a tap-in from the edge of the six-yard box with Mizutani completely stranded. Despite falling behind Tokyo had rallied with Lucas' hat trick, Mukuhara's first professional goal and Sakata's first for his new club. The six-goal haul was the first-ever in a league game (although the team had scored six in an Emperor's Cup tie on December 12th, 1999) and marked the first come from behind win of the season.


Players' comments 
Mukuhara 
"For the goal I got the ball under control smoothly before I shot. Our objective in defence was to keep the opposition out today, I was played on the left and thought about trying to shoot if I got the ball in a good position. The goal gave us the lead and helped me find my own rhythm. They took the lead but didn't really break us down all that much and I was continually pushing forward to try and tire them out. We achieved what we were aiming to do in that respect. I think that running up such a massive score at Ajinomoto Stadium will have a good effect on future performances although we have to focus on each game as it comes even more than before. On a personal level I want to give everything I can to contribute to winning games." 

Lucas
"I've been starting games recently but we haven't been winning so I'm thrilled that we won today and that I got on the scoresheet. We scored freely from the flow of play. Winning is the most important thing and I just want to make a contribution. That's the first hat trick I've scored since the Nabisco Cup game against Verdy back in 2004. I'd be happy to score even one goal so to score three is trebly satisfying. Usually Morishige or Nakamura would take the free-kicks but one had a slight knock and the other is suspended so I was practicing taking them in training yesterday. I had a good touch and felt confident. No games are easy to win and from now on they're only going to get more difficult so we really need strong support from the fans. We want to be united and go on to victory together".


FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"Even though we knew that Kyoto would come out strongly for the first 15 minutes we still conceded in a way we never should have done. It was very disappointing. Having to recover really forced us to wake up but so far we've made hard work of pulling it back when we've gone a goal down so the outcome wasn't entirely easy to predict. However, with Lucas as the focus, we got players ahead of the ball far more than we have recently. Mukuhara had never played at left back before yet he beat his man and got behind their defence and that's something we have to carry on doing in the future. It was a game that presented us with both points to reflect on and new things to be pleased with. Mukuhara took to the position very well, getting in crosses and playing early balls and he's going to give Nakamura some competition for the place. It's very positive for the team that we have such competition for places".

Kyoto manager Takeshi Oki 
"I feel like I have to apologize to all the fans who came to support the team today. For the first 20 minutes we didn't play badly at all and took the lead. However, after we got our noses in front I felt we became far too passive and allowed our opponents to play the ball around. And then, after we conceded the second goal we simply couldn't string our passes together. Even so, it was only 2-1 at half time and we felt we were still in the game but then we conceded from a corner soon after the restart. The remainder of the game was like watching a replay of the last time we met. We still attacked to the bitter end, though. In particular I felt that midfielder Ando fought very hard. We had a player sent off and suffered a heavy defeat but there's nothing to do except look forward to the next game. It was only a 20-minute spell but if we could have continued playing the way we did at the start then who knows. We had the confidence but couldn't keep it up, unfortunately."