The resounding "Tokyo!" call echoes throughout the stadium!

The away game against Sendai, which was the first game of the season, kicked off at Sendai Stadium, which boasts top-class facilities in Japan. The game took place in harsh cold weather with a temperature of 5 degrees. In the previous opening game, Sendai attracted over 10,000 spectators and was introduced as "Now, (J2) Tohoku is hot!" in sports news and other media, showing the enthusiasm of the region. On this day, nearly 5,000 spectators from Tokyo came to support and the venue was filled with the colors of Sendai. However, the approximately 50 supporters who rushed from Tokyo countered with their sense and ideas, shouting "Tokyo! Tokyo!" even though their numbers were only 1/100. It can only be said, "As expected!" and there is no doubt that this would inspire the players.

A first half that saw a back-and-forth equal development

In the first half, FC Tokyo built the game with long and short passes from Aumir in deep midfield, creating chances with Sato's dribbles and Amaral's post-play. Amaral's movement was good, as seen in the loop shot that hit the crossbar after Okamoto's dropped ball in the 30th minute, showing proactive play. In defense, Sandro and Komine showed excellent combination, with Ashizaki's tough checks and Fujiyama and Umeyama's calm judgment, maintaining stability without any signs of being broken. However, the ground conditions were poor, making it difficult to create decisive opportunities due to the opponent's tight marking. On the other hand, Sendai's new foreign player, Nixon, became a key player in attack and defense with his versatile movements, creating chances in combination with Abe in the front line. The back and forth battle of attack and defense gradually became FC Tokyo's rhythm, thanks to the difference in defensive strength.

Riding the wave with the new player's first goal!

As the second half began, the opponent's physicality decreased, and the balls that didn't go through the defense in the first half gradually started to get through. Coach Okuma's strategy of "not losing in terms of physicality" in soccer started to show its effect. On the right side, a perfect through pass was made to Umayama, who sharply overlapped from Yuki Sato's dribble, and the pattern of Umayama's precise centering, like a "craftsman," was seen many times. On the left side, chances were created from Fujiyama and Almir's wall passes. In the 15th minute of the second half, Fujiyama dribbled on the left side and stuck to Okamoto in the center. Okamoto, while carrying the opponent on his back in a difficult position, took a strong shot. The goalkeeper somehow managed to save it, but Yuki Sato, who was following up, easily scored a goal. Furthermore, in the 19th minute of the second half, this time a direct pass from Yuki Sato to Okamoto went through on the right side, and Okamoto made an early cross. Almir, who made a run from the center, took a strong shot. The goalkeeper also made a good save, but Almir pushed it in and scored. With the first goals of the two new players, they completely rode the wave. Although they couldn't score any additional goals and instead conceded an easy goal, it was a game where we could confirm the strength of FC Tokyo, who secured a solid victory away in poor conditions.