Match Report

The 2016 Meiji Yasuda J3 League finally kicks off.
The first official opponent for FC Tokyo U-23 is SC Sagamihara.
Tokyo's starting lineup is GK Wai, DF line from right to left Yanagi, Yoshimoto, Okazaki, and Namiji. At the bottom of the midfield are Nozawa and Yukino. On the right is Hiraoka, and on the left is Nakajima. The two top players are Insoo YU and Yajima, in a 4-4-2 formation.
About 1,600 FC Tokyo fans and supporters gathered for the match, which started at 1:00 PM at the away SAGAMIHARA GION STADIUM for FC Tokyo U-23's kickoff.
 

【First Half】
Tokyo, who had a slightly sluggish start, had their opponent take control of the game with consecutive shots in the first and second minutes.
The first chance for Tokyo was created from a free kick by Captain Yuki wearing the captain's armband in this match.
6 minutes, when they got a free kick in the center of the opponent's field, a soft middle pass to the right side of the penalty area. Yoshimoto jumps in, but just misses it.
In addition, in the 13th minute, Okazaki headed Kono's right corner kick but couldn't find the target.
Tokyo sets up a compact formation and tries to counterattack by taking the opponent's ball, but they are unable to launch an effective attack.
Still, Tokyo takes 23 minutes, with Insoo YU taking the first shot with his left foot, but it doesn't go in.
In the 24th minute immediately after, Sagamihara's left FK was headed in and the goal net was shaken, but it was judged offside.
Despite being dominated, the defense led by Yoshimoto remains focused and puts their bodies on the line to protect the goal.
Tokyo, who wants to create a chance for a counterattack, creates an opportunity from the right side in the 41st minute with Hirayama.
In addition, at the 44th minute, Yagi intercepts with a sliding tackle near the right side halfway line, and Hirayama picks up the loose ball.
Hiraoka dribbles the ball and goes for a shot, but it is saved by the opposing GK.
The first half ends in a 0-0 tie.

[Halftime]
Coach Yasuma's comments
"We must pick up the second ball from the opponent's long ball. We need to press from the front and not let them kick freely. Let's put our hearts into it."

【Second Half】
Tokyo, who had been dominated in the first half, allowed shots in the 47th and 48th minutes, but the goalkeeper made saves.
Although the possession time increases around 50 minutes after surpassing this time zone, it is difficult to create scoring opportunities.
In the 56th minute, Nakajima runs outside of the field with the ball on the left side, but his low cross is blocked by the opposing defender.
Then in the 63rd minute, Sagamihara scores the first goal.
Put pressure on the Tokyo goal and force the ball back to the opposing DF, then a long ball is kicked behind the Tokyo DF line.
When this is dropped as a heading, the DF who approached is momentarily taken out and the goal is scored in the right corner with the left foot.
Tokyo, aiming for an equalizing goal, swapped positions between Insoo YU and Hirayama, and then substituted Suzuki for Yajima in the 70th minute.
Move Yukino up one row and have Suzuki and Nozawa as a double pivot. Change the system to a 4-5-1 with a strong midfield and take control of the game.
As a result, Hiraoka and Nakajima continuously threaten the opponent's goal.
80 minutes, Nakajima dribbles through the left touchline and crosses, but Hirayama's attempt is caught by the GK while competing with the opposing DF near the goal.
In the 81st minute, Nakajima and Hiraoka try to break through the left side with a one-two, but are stopped by the opposing GK's dive.
Substitute Matsoka for the dough at 84 minutes.
Nozawa was placed on the left side, and the pressure was increased by switching to a two-top with Matsuoka and Hiraoka, but they were held to a total of three shots and FC Tokyo U-23 lost their first match 0-1.

Thank you very much for your passionate support for FC Tokyo U-23.
Thank you for your continued warm support.

[Summary of Coach Takayoshi Amma's Press Conference]
"First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to all the people who came to the venue to support our young players."
The game was more daring compared to our usual training games, but unfortunately, we were swallowed up by the reality of playing in front of many fans, supporters, and in an official match. However, this is the same even when playing in J1. We had a great experience and I think we can turn this experience into something valuable for our next game. We were able to experience not only playing, but also how to approach and prepare for a match, so I want to change and improve in all aspects based on this experience.
Players who can continue playing for a long time are not only skilled, strong, and fast, but also able to adapt to any coach. I believe in the potential of the players and expect them to change, and I want to support them until the end while believing in them.

【Player Comments】
《Kono》
"It was disappointing both in terms of performance and results, with so many supporters coming to watch. Personally, I didn't do well either."
I couldn't play as a captain, and it was a really disappointing result.
The impression is strong that I simply made a lot of mistakes and couldn't catch the wave as an individual.
I think the opponent had a strategy of attacking mainly with long balls, and I expected that to continue. I also had expectations for today's match, but we were unable to effectively pick up second balls.
We were building up, but the opponent didn't come to press us from the front. In these situations, I wish I had taken more control and been able to control the game.
(In preparation for the next match) We must continue to appeal in order to play for the TOP team.
"As a team, the most important thing is the result, but in order to achieve that, I think we need to play appropriately and take more responsibility in our play."