Revenge Match

The opponent in the 2nd round of the Nabisco Cup is Ichihara from J1. In the first match held on June 12th (Saturday), Tokyo dominated both in terms of the number of shots, with 24 shots compared to Ichihara's 11, and in terms of content. Yukihiko scored in the 38th minute of the first half, and Tokyo entered the second half with a one-point lead, but they were unable to score a second goal and were defeated by consecutive equalizers and a turnaround goal. In order to advance to the next quarterfinals, they had to win the second match (away) of the day by a difference of two goals or more, which seemed possible based on the feeling of the first match. At the Ichihara Marine Stadium, the "Tokyo! Tokyo!" chant by the approximately 150-strong cheering squad from Tokyo echoed from before kickoff. In the pouring rain, the players couldn't help but be moved by the sight of the fans continuing to cheer passionately without even using umbrellas.

One-sided game

The match became one-sided in Tokyo's favor from the start. Tokyo collected the ball to attacking MF Kaga, who started the game, and dominated the midfield with fast passing between right MF Yukihiro and FW Amaral. They created rhythm with accurate direct passes that stole the show in J1, and Tokyo's proud fullbacks joined the attack at the right time, adding depth to the offense. In the 2nd minute, a sharp dribble by Kaga led to a last pass to Okamoto, but the shot went over the bar. In the 6th minute, Yukihiro, who had penetrated deep on the right side, made an exquisite centering pass, but Amaral's header went straight to the goalkeeper. During this period, Tokyo completely dominated the game, and it seemed like only a matter of time before they scored. In the 7th minute, Amaral jumped in on an exquisite centering pass aimed between the opponent's defenders and goalkeeper from Kaga, who kept the ball on the left side, and scored a long-awaited opening goal with a powerful diving header. Ichihara, without key defender Nakaniishi, who is the "defensive linchpin," suffered a defensive imbalance. Checks on Amaral and marking in the midfield were weak, and Tokyo's brilliant passing tore through the defense line. Even when attacking, there was no follow-up after giving the ball to FW Takeda, and the passes did not connect, so the attacking rhythm was not established. Tokyo's fierce attacks continued after this, with Amaral taking a decisive shot in the 19th minute and Okamoto in the 22nd minute. The highlight was in the 31st minute when Yukihiro received a pass from Fujiyama after intercepting a pass and passed it to the left side. Yukihiro broke free with a one-two with Amaral in the center and scored a goal with a dribble. It was a textbook-perfect combination play of high-level.

Complete victory! Season's highest 4 goals!

In the beginning of the second half, we were caught off guard and conceded a goal. A long pass from the Chiba DF found FW Takeda on the left side of the front line, who then headed it to the center. Enrique ran in and easily scored as GK Horiike came out. We dominated the first half in the first game as well, but conceded a goal in the second half and lost, so there was a moment of anxiety. However, that anxiety was quickly dispelled by the calm movements of our players. In the 52nd minute, Amaral sent a cross from the left side. Yukihiko received it in the center and was fouled while trying to dribble past the defender, resulting in a penalty kick. Yukihiko took the kick, but it was saved by the keeper. In the 54th minute, Amaral's powerful header from a corner kick hit the Chiba DF and rolled to Yukihiko, who then crossed it again. This time, Kaga saw an opportunity and headed it into the Chiba goal. On the other hand, Chiba tried to get the ball to their current J1 top scorer Baron, who came on in the second half, but Sandro marked him tightly. Our attacking midfielder Enrique was also well contained by the double pivot of Asari and Koike, who did not give him much space. The game continued at Tokyo's pace, but in the 86th minute, Yukihiko, Amaral, and Yukihiko again combined beautifully with a direct play, and Yukihiko broke free and crossed it after evading the oncoming GK. Kaga was waiting there and calmly slotted it in with his right foot, sealing the game. In the final minutes, we conceded a penalty from Umayama's foul, but GK Horiike made a fantastic save and secured the win. Tokyo dominated the game and defeated Chiba 2-1 in the first game and 4-1 in the second, with a total score of 5-3, advancing to the quarterfinals. Next up, we will face the "Star Army" Yokohama F.Marinos! (Manager Okuma's comment) We were able to dominate the first half with our physicality, but our energy dropped in the second half and we lost possession more often. However, the fullbacks were able to join the attack more frequently, so I am satisfied with our physical performance. Kaga had a good game, and I think it was a result of his consistent performance in the B team. I hope he can maintain this level in the upcoming league matches.