NEWS News

Gothia Cup 2026 Second Match

Following a draw in the first match, the second match was crucial as we could not afford to lose in order to advance to the Semifinal Round. From the night before until the match, the players engaged in active discussions among themselves and approached the game with determination.

[Preliminary League Match 2]
July 14 (Tue) 1:20 p.m. Kickoff
vs Norcal Premier PDP (USA)
(Haden 4)
[Match Result]
1-0 (0-0, 1-0)
[Scorer]
Kou ITO

【First Half】
From immediately after kickoff, the match proceeded with the flow of FC Tokyo U-18.
Despite trying to break down the opponent's block through combinations in the center, they were unable to finish in the final moments, and the first half ended scoreless.

【Second Half】
The second half was also controlled by FC Tokyo U-18, but as in yesterday’s match, time passed without scoring. Just past the middle of the second half, with a draw looming, the team won the ball in the opponent’s half and scored the long-awaited opening goal through a short counterattack by Kou ITO. After that, there were moments when the opponent threatened the goal with set plays, but the team held firm and the match ended as it was.
This was our first victory in the tournament.

[Preliminary League Matchday 3]

July 15 (Wed) 10:00 a.m. Kickoff
vs Mijallby AIF (Sweden)
(SKF Arena)
【Match Result】
2-1 (0-1, 2-0)
[Scorers]
Takuto ISHIMURA, Kou ITO

【First Half】
At the start, we were caught off guard for a moment, the opponent got behind our defensive line, and in the ensuing scramble, they pushed through and scored. The first half ended 0-1.

【Second Half】
In the second half, with a draw not being an option, the team reviewed tactics and the situation during the halftime meeting and faced the second half. With player substitutions, they aimed for a comeback. Late in the match, there was a corner kick opportunity. Choosing a short corner, Eishiro TORIUMI delivered a cross, and Takuto ISHIMURA’s header shot beautifully scored, leveling the match. They intensified their attack aiming for a turnaround but were unable to score again.
It seemed the match would end in a draw with the final play.
The cross was once again delivered by Eishiro TORIUMI. Kou ITO met the pinpoint, highly accurate cross with a header to turn the game around.
Immediately after that, the final whistle blew, and we were able to secure the victory.

The next match will be against IFK Goteborg (Sweden).
We will fight with all our might aiming for victory.
Thank you for your support!!

[Match 4]
Thursday, July 16, 6:00 p.m. Kickoff
vs IFK Goteborg (Sweden)
Match Venue: SKF Arena

◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 1 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 2 Match ReportHere
◇2026 Gothia Cup Day 3 Match ReportHere