Match Report

Finally, the 2016 Meiji Yasuda J3 League has kicked off.
The opponent for FC Tokyo U-23's first official match is SC Sagamihara.
The starting lineup for Tokyo is GK Iwai, DF line from right to left: Yanagi, Yoshimoto, Okazaki, and Ikiji. At the bottom of the midfield are Nozawa and Yukino. On the right is Hiraoka, on the left is Nakajima. The two forwards are Insoo YU and Yajima in a 4-4-2 formation.
About 1,600 FC Tokyo fans and supporters gathered for the match, which kicked off at 13:00 at the away SAGAMIHARA GION STADIUM with FC Tokyo U-23.
 

[First Half]
Tokyo had a somewhat stiff start, allowing the opponent to take consecutive shots in the 1st and 2nd minutes, losing control of the game.
The first chance in Tokyo was created from a free kick by captain Yukino in this match.
In the 6th minute, after earning a free kick in the center of the opponent's half, a soft middle pass was made to the right inside the penalty area. Yoshimoto jumped in but just missed it.
Furthermore, in the 13th minute, Okazaki headed a right corner kick from Yukino but could not hit the target.
Tokyo sets up in a compact formation, trying to steal the opponent's ball and launch a counterattack, but they are unable to mount an effective attack.
Still, in the 23rd minute, Insoo YU takes a first shot with his left foot, but it does not result in a goal.
What was alarming was in the 24th minute right after, when a left free kick from Sagamihara was headed towards the goal, shaking the net, but it was ruled offside.
They continued to dominate, but the defense led by Yoshimoto maintained their focus and put their bodies on the line to protect the goal.
Tokyo, looking to create a counterattack, creates a chance from the right side with Hiraoka in the 41st minute.
In the 44th minute, Yanagi made a sliding interception near the right side halfway line, and Hiraoka picked up the loose ball.
Hiraoka dribbled the ball and took a shot, but it was saved by the opposing GK.
End the first half at 0-0.

【HALF TIME】
Coach Anma's Comments
"We must always pick up the second balls from the opponent's long balls. Let's apply pressure from the front and not allow the opponent to kick freely. Let's show our determination fully."

【Second Half】
Similar to the first half, Tokyo is dominated and allows shots in the 47th and 48th minutes, but Kawai makes the saves.
After this period, the time spent holding the ball increases around the 50-minute mark, but we still struggle to create clear scoring opportunities.
In the 56th minute, Nakajima runs outside of Kiji, who has the ball on the left side, and although Nakajima delivers a low cross, it is deflected by the opposing defender.
Then, in the 63rd minute, they allow Sagamihara to score the opening goal.
Apply pressure in front of the Tokyo goal, forcing the opposing DF to return the ball, and then a long ball is kicked behind the Tokyo DF line.
If this is headed down, the approaching DF is momentarily bypassed, and it is scored into the bottom right corner with the left foot.
Tokyo, aiming for the equalizing goal, swapped the positions of Insoo YU and Hiraoka, and additionally substituted Suzuki for Yajima in the 70th minute.
Kouya is moved up a line, with Suzuki and Nozawa as a double pivot. The system changes to a 4-5-1 to strengthen the midfield and take control.
Then, Hiraoka and Nakajima consecutively approach the opponent's goal.
In the 80th minute, Nakajima broke through on the left side near the touchline with a dribble, and while competing with the opposing defender at the near post, Hiraoka connected with the cross, but the goalkeeper caught it.
In the 81st minute, Nakajima and Hiraoka attempted to break through on the left side with a one-two, but were thwarted by the opposing GK's advance.
In the 84th minute, Matsumoto was substituted for Kiji.
Placed Nozawa on the left side and switched to a two-top with Matsuoka and Hiraoka to increase pressure, but they were limited to a total of 3 shots, and FC Tokyo U-23 lost their opening match 0-1.

Thank you very much for your passionate support for FC Tokyo U-23.
We appreciate 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 many people who have come to the venue to support our young players.
In the match, compared to our usual training games, we showed a more aggressive attitude, but it was really disappointing that today we were overwhelmed by many fans, supporters, and the reality of an official match. However, this is the same even when participating in J1. I believe we had a very good experience. I think it was great that we could turn this experience into something tangible next time, not just in our play but also in how we approach and prepare for the match, so I want to make changes in those areas as well.
I believe that players who can continue for many years are not only skilled, not only strong, and not only fast, but also players who can adapt to any coach. Therefore, I want to expect their changes and fully believe in their potential, and I want to support them until the very end.

【Player Comments】
《Kouya》
"It was disappointing in both content and result, especially with so many supporters coming out, and I personally did not perform well."
I couldn't play as a captain should, and it was truly a disappointing result.
I have a strong impression that I made many mistakes as an individual and couldn't get into the rhythm.
I think the opponent aimed to attack mainly with long balls, and such developments are expected in the future as well. I could predict today's match, but we were unable to effectively pick up the second balls.
When we were building up, the opponent did not press us from the front. It would have been better if I could have taken more control and led during such times.
(Towards the next match) I need to continue to appeal to play in the top team.
As a team, the results are the most important, but I believe we must play appropriately to achieve that, and we need to play with a greater sense of responsibility.