Chance to rise to the top...

"Leading the first half of the season...". This is something that each team participating in J2 is interested in, and it would be a lie to say that they are not interested. Unlike J1, J2 does not have a major division such as "1st Stage/2nd Stage", and there is no title like "First Half Champions!?", but it is still an important milestone to be in first place at the halfway point of the 4th round, which consists of a total of 36 matches. So, how can Tokyo, who is currently in 2nd place with 34 points until the previous round (17th round), take the lead at the end of this round (18th round)? It was to win the match against Tosu on this day within 90 minutes (no extra time win). Before the match, it was reported that Oita, who had been leading with 35 points until the previous round, lost in extra time to Sapporo, and it was confirmed that if Tokyo wins within 90 minutes on this day (adding 3 points), they will become the sole leader with 37 points. Also, if the match goes into extra time, Kawasaki F, who had been closely following Tokyo with 33 points until the previous round, has already won this round (adding 3 points) and has 36 points. Therefore, even if Tokyo wins in extra time in this day's match (adding 2 points) and reaches 36 points, they will still be in 2nd place due to goal difference (losing to Kawasaki F). On the other hand, if they lose, Kawasaki F (36 points) will be in first place, Oita (35 points) will be in second place, and Tokyo (34 points) will fall to third place. In other words, this day's match has become the most crucial point of the first half of the season where a loss is not allowed.

"Man" Furukata's opening goal explodes!

In light rain, the game kicked off. The venue, Tosu Stadium, is one of the great stadiums in J2, along with Sendai Stadium, and is characterized by its bowl-shaped spectator seats, similar to European stadiums. The acoustics are excellent, and the support of the local supporters using drums and megaphones creates a thunderous sound, supporting the Tosu players. About 20 strong supporters from Tokyo also made their way to the "goal end" and desperately supported the team, but they were overwhelmed in terms of volume by the Tosu supporters who are well aware of the acoustics. In the 2nd minute, the support of the Tosu supporters momentarily stopped. Yukihiro lifted a free kick from the left side to the front of the goal, and there, defender Furube headed it in! It was a clean goal with a header, following the Omiya game on May 2nd. (Furube, the "man" - Furube, who served as the game captain for the first time on this day, has earned the title of "man" from a certain part of the crowd due to his masculine appearance and gentlemanly atmosphere (he always appears in a suit at the game venue!), as well as his mental toughness (he also served as captain at his previous club, Fukuoka, and led the team with strong leadership)). Tokyo, who wanted to build momentum with this goal, actively attacked with Yukihiro and Amaral at the center. However, on this day, they were missing right full-back Umayama (injury) and left full-back Fujiyama (accumulated warnings), so the team's attacking pattern of involving both full-backs in the attack was subdued, and they struggled to create chances. In addition, the precision of ball control decreased on the slippery ground due to the rain, and there were many passing errors overall, so the rhythm of the attack did not improve.

Overcoming a tough battle with determined defense, they secure the top spot with their first six consecutive victories of the season!

In the 32nd minute of the first half, Yuki, who is a key player in the attack, left the field due to injury (lumbar sprain), and the momentum shifted to Tosu. With strong support from the stands, Tosu showed an aggressive pressing defense from the front line, cutting off Tokyo's passes and launching counterattacks. They demonstrated a speedy passing game based on their abundant physicality, but still lacked precision in their passes and failed to create decisive opportunities. Tokyo tried to break through by relying on their "ace" Amaral, but he was marked by two defenders and his brilliance was extinguished. In the second half, the game was dominated by Tosu. They launched fierce attacks with early crosses from the sides, while Tokyo resisted with determined defense centered around goalkeeper Suzuki. The solid defense, which had kept four consecutive clean sheets until now, remained unbroken even with changes in the lineup, demonstrating that the team tactics had been fully embraced by all players from the forwards to the defenders. Sandro, Furukawa, and the rest of the defense also threw themselves into blocking the late threats, and Tokyo managed to survive the difficult battle that was completely controlled by Tosu's pace. With their first six consecutive victories of the season (five consecutive shutout wins), Tokyo returned to the top of the league for the first time since the 10th round. We made many passing mistakes, and especially after Yuki left, it was a difficult game completely controlled by Tosu. I think the reason we were outmatched in terms of physicality was largely due to accumulated fatigue in recent matches. I am satisfied with the efforts of the defense, who threw themselves into the game. It is certainly pleasing to finish the first half of the season in first place, but it's only halfway through. As we head into the second half, I hope we can seize something in the Nabisco Cup that will lead us to the league matches.