Aiming for victory at home, facing Yokohama FM

　Sec. 17 will be playing against Yokohama F.Marinos at home. In the previous match against Shimizu, they achieved their first victory since Sec. 4 in the league and rose to 13th place. The team's morale is high. However, last season's champion, Yokohama FM, is currently in 3rd place with 7 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses, and 26 points. Especially in the 4 matches after the restart, they have been in good form with 3 wins and 1 draw. Although An Jeong-hwan has left the team and MF Oku is injured, it seems like a decrease in strength at first glance, but it is a testament to Yokohama FM's strength that they can do their best no matter who comes out. FW Oshima is a player who can fulfill his role, and fresh MF Yamase and MF Ohashi are also highly motivated," he said, increasing his vigilance. There is also scoring power from set plays, so it is expected to be a tough battle.

　However, Yokohama FM currently deploys a 4-back formation, but according to Manager Hara, "The 4-back formation is easier for us to play." Even with the 4-back formation, there is no difference in the role of left fullback Dutra and right fullback Tanaka, and the point is the attack and defense on the sides. "We want to use the space created by both sides moving up and put crosses in. However, the opponent's center back is tall, so just sending the ball in normally won't work. The players inside also need to time their runs and if we aim between the goalkeeper and the defenders, there will always be an opportunity to exploit," he planned.

　"Coach Hara continues, "If you back down in fear, the opponent will keep coming out, so don't be afraid and keep going." Tokyo wants to launch a faster attack than Yokohama FM and achieve the long-awaited victory at home. Tokyo has the same starting lineup as the previous match. Yokohama FM has FW Sakata, who started in the previous match, on the bench, and FW Yamazaki starts for the first time this season. Ajinomoto Stadium, where the oppressive heat remains even in the evening, started with Tokyo's kickoff at 19:04 in front of 43,104 spectators."

TOKYO Challenge The Champions

Yokohama F Marinos were the visitors to Ajinomoto Stadium for the 17th. game of the season. TOKYO had posted the first league win in four months against Shimizu S-Pulse on the Wednesday night and were suitably buoyed by what seemed an upturn in their fortunes, but the defending champions were expected to provide a sterner test; with a W3 D1 record since the restart they were clearly the in-form team. Ahn had left the club and influential midfielder Oku was injured but, "Whoever plays, plays well. That's the strength of the club. Oshima is a fine striker, Yamase has recovered from injury and midfielder Ohashi is highly motivated". The F Marinos also carry a major threat from set plays and a tough game was envisaged. 
The visitors' decision to field a back four seemed to play into TOKYO's hands. As manager Hara pointed out," It's easier for us to play against that system if we can get forward along the wings and use the space. Their centre backs have a height advantage so just playing crosses into the box won't get us very far. We have to get the ball in between the keeper and the defence. We can't allow ourselves to be frightened of them and play too deeply". 
TOKYO sent out the same starting eleven that began the previous game. Yokohama preferred to leave Sakata on the bench and Yamazaki made his first appearance of the season. A boisterous crowd of 43,104 saw the match kick off on a hot and humid evening.

Create chances with fast attacks, and Imano takes the lead from a set piece

　From the beginning, both teams pushed forward with an unbeatable spirit, and the game continued in a tense manner. In the first minute, Tokyo won a left corner kick, and Lucas competed for Kurisawa's kick, but it didn't hit. In the third minute, Yokohama FM midfielder Ueno took a middle shot. In the sixth minute, from a fast pass, Nasu, the other midfielder, advanced to the right area and took a shot. Doi escaped with a save and Ueno's shot from the corner kick was caught by Doi. In the ninth minute, DF Dutra kicked a free kick from outside the right area, but the Tokyo defense wall blocked it. In the early stages, Yokohama FM controlled the game, but Tokyo also did well to regain possession and launch quick attacks, with Lucas as the focal point and Toda's speedy movements setting the rhythm.

　At 18 minutes, a FK from the opponent's midfield right side. Jean jumps in to receive Kurizawa's kick, but the opponent's defender clears it, resulting in a right corner kick. At 19 minutes, they connect and hold onto this corner kick in front of the goal, and Kurizawa crosses again. It falls in front of the goal, and Kajiyama takes a middle shot, but it is saved by the opponent's goalkeeper in the lower right corner of the goal. They earn another corner kick and reach the 20th minute. In Kurizawa's right corner kick, Imano jumps in the center and perfectly heads it into the goal! They have taken the lead with a goal from a set play, which has always been their goal.

　At 23 minutes, there was an incident where Ishikawa, who collided with the opponent early in the game and bruised his right foot, was replaced by Noriyuki Suzuki. Noriyuki Suzuki entered as the right midfielder. However, after taking the lead, Tokyo's soccer started to function by picking up second balls and quickly switching to attack with Lucas, Kurizawa, and Kajiyama involved, and then expanding to the side. At 28 minutes, Imakano intercepted the opponent's misplaced pass and passed it to the right side of the front line. Noriyuki Suzuki carried the ball into the right area and took a powerful shot. Saved by the goalkeeper, resulting in a corner kick.

　At 30 minutes, Suzuki Nori kicked a free kick from the left area near the sideline, hitting the opponent's defender and resulting in a left corner kick. Kanazawa picked up the loose ball from this corner kick and attempted a goal, but Lucas in front was offside. At 41 minutes, Kurizawa ran up the center from a counterattack, attracting the opponent's defender and making a last pass to the left. Imano entered the left area and took a free shot. It was saved by the goalkeeper, and the big chance for an additional point was missed, but they went into the second half with a one-point lead.

Konno Grabs The Opener

Both sides began in a determined, if tense, mood. TOKYO won a corner in the first minute, Lucas failing to make contact with Kurisawa's ball in; at the other end Marinos' midfielder Ueno tried his luck from outside the area. In the 6th. minute Doi produced a fine save to tip Nasu's well-struck drive over the bar and then held Ueno's shot from the corner. Dutra smashed a free kick into the TOKYO wall in the 9th. minute as the visitors dominated the opening exchanges. TOKYO fought back with Lucas the attacking pivot and Toda used his speed to increasing effect down the left flank. 
In the 18th. minute the Marinos' defence cleared Kurisawa's long free kick into the box out for a corner. Kurisawa curled the ball in and received it straight back; he centred again, Kajiyama pounced on the loose ball and drilled a low drive that Enomoto turned around the post with a superb one-handed save. Kurisawa took the corner and Konno burst between two defenders to bury a powerful header into the back of the net for the opening goal. 
TOKYO were forced into a substitution in the 23rd. minute as Suzuki replaced the injured Ishikawa. The goal lifted TOKYO who were suddenly faster to the ball right across the field as Lucas, Kurisawa and Kajiyama began to control possession. Konno pounced on a loose midfield ball in the 28th. minute and fed Suzuki on the right. Suzuki raced down the wing, cut inside and uncorked a fierce left foot drive that Enomoto tipped over the bar. 
In the 30th. minute Suzuki blasted a free kick into the Marinos' defensive wall and gained another corner. Kanazawa played the ball back into the box after the defence cleared it but Lucas was given offside. In the 41st. minute Kurisawa raced free into the Marinos's half on a rapid counter attack, drew the defence to him and slipped the ball to Konno. Konno struck hard and low but Enomoto saved with his feet and a clear chance to double the lead was wasted. The first period finished 1-0.

Kiro's left foot explodes! Yokohama FM, who attacked, pierced the back and won with concentration!!

　Yokohama FC substituted FW Sakata for FW Yamazaki from the start of the second half. Shortly after the start, they allowed an attack and MF Yamase entered the left area. Doi came out of the goal, but the defense held firm and prevented a shot. In the 47th minute, they picked up the loose ball from Yokohama FC's corner kick and launched a counterattack, with Toda breaking free and winning a corner kick. The match continued with a rapid exchange of attacks and defenses from the start. In the 49th minute, Toda, who initiated a quick attack, was brought down by Yokohama FC's DF Tanaka just outside the left corner of the area, earning a free kick. In the 50th minute, Noriyuki SUZUKI aimed directly for the goal from this free kick and kicked it near, scoring a goal! They secured an additional point with a powerful kick.

　Yokohama FC, in the 58th minute, substituted FW Kubo for midfielder Nasu to strengthen the front line and launch a counterattack. However, Tokyo defended well without losing focus and consistently picked up loose balls to initiate fast attacks. In the 67th minute, "We substituted Kubo to have a front three, but because he kept overlapping with Oshima, we thought both Kubo and Oshima would tire out (Yokohama FC coach Okada)" and substituted MF Kumabayashi for FW Oshima. Yokohama FC tried to restore the original balance while still pushing forward. In the 72nd minute, Tokyo also substituted Miura for Kurisawa, who had fought hard until then, and rearranged the formation by moving Kajiyama one row forward.

　In the 74th minute, Yokohama FM connected a long ball from the restart and MF Yamase picked up the loose ball from Tokyo DF in front of the goal and took a direct shot. It narrowly missed the target and no harm was done. In the 76th minute, a direct pass was connected and FW Kubo → MF Yamase passed in the area, getting into a shooting position near the goal, but literally Tokyo DF defended by putting their body on the line and escaped with a corner kick.

　In the 78th minute, Lucas was replaced by Baba. Baba played as the lone striker. In the immediate 80th minute, the opponent's defender fed Doi's goal kick, and the ball flowed into the Tokyo goal area through the midfield. Sakata, who had slipped through the offside line, faced Doi in a one-on-one situation. Doi managed to overcome this decisive pinch with a great save! Tokyo withstood Yokohama FM's counterattack well, and in the 83rd minute, Kajiyama picked up a loose ball in their own half and made a through pass to the front line. Suzuki Nori and Dutra competed for it, and although initially blocked, Suzuki Nori picked up the loose ball again and calmly observed the goalkeeper's movement before slotting it into the goal. A valuable third goal was scored!

　In the 86th minute, the ball was passed from Noriyuki Suzuki on the right to Makoto Imano, who moved up the center. Imano then made a through pass to the forward line. Although Bamba's dribble was initially blocked by the defender, he picked up the loose ball, accurately judged the opponent's goalkeeper, and scored a looping shot to seal the victory. As a result, defender Matsuda also moved up, taking advantage of the Yokohama FM's aggressive playstyle to score two goals. With the impressive performance of the fresh lineup, a total of four goals were scored, and the team kept a clean sheet with no goals conceded. The team achieved a consecutive victory as planned and secured a delightful home win, the first since the April 10th match against Iwata!

　【Player Comments】《Nori Suzuki》"(I didn't expect to come out so early due to Ishikawa's foot injury accident), but I'm glad we scored two points. I just aimed for the entire goal when taking the free kick. I've been allowed to take it for a long time, and there are also cheers from the stands, so I'm glad I was able to meet expectations. Although I played on the right side, I was thinking of challenging vertically. I think that led to the second goal. I want to leave a good result in the next match against Kobe and aim to become a regular player from August."《Imano》"The goal from the corner kick was a good ball from Kuri. It's something I always keep in mind, not just today, but I'm not tall, so I try to lose my mark with a momentary movement and use someone as a decoy. The key to victory was that we were able to defend compactly and concentrate, not only today. We were able to pick up loose balls because everyone went to steal them from the front and fought hard in the competition. I also want to thank our guardian deity, Mr. Doi."

　[Summary of the press conference by Coach Hara] "In the previous match, we finally won away against Shimizu, and the team's condition was improving. However, we had not been winning at home for a long time. F.Marinos is the reigning champion from last season and they know how to score when it matters, including set plays. They have a strong winning mentality. We wanted to fully demonstrate our strengths against such champions and aim for 3 points at home. Today, many fans gathered and supported us even during difficult times. We were prepared to achieve victory for the supporters who have been cheering for us. Ishikawa suddenly injured his leg and a goal was scored from a corner kick during that time. He seemed to be in considerable pain, so Noriyuki SUZUKI was substituted in. Noriyuki SUZUKI returned from a shoulder dislocation, and I was planning to bring him in at a crucial moment, but I didn't expect to bring him in so early. However, I trusted him because he has free kick and left foot skills. Lucas is also not yet 100% recovered from his ankle injury, but we put him in the center since the previous match and placed Kurisawa near Lucas, returning to Tokyo's original formation with fast players on both sides. With that, our rhythm was established - the ball settled in the center, then moved to the sides, and when the sides opened up, the center became available again. I think we were able to create a good rhythm. We had a period where we had chances but couldn't score, and we conceded a goal in the first dangerous situation, creating a negative flow. But finally, we are starting to establish our own rhythm. We also finally scored from a set play, and things are heading in a positive direction. It's thanks to the supporters who have been cheering for us all along, and the players have been holding on in difficult situations, so the team's condition is improving. Also, today's key points were Makoto IMANO and Kajiyama. I'm always concerned about Kajiyama's knee condition, but the strength of IMANO and the attacking power of Kajiyama have become a really good balance, so I want to make good use of it. We have another match this month, so without celebrating today's victory, we want to prepare well and win against Kobe to welcome August."

　[Summary of Yokohama FM Okada's press conference] "As you can see from the results, we were completely defeated after a long time. The opponent put the ball vertically and picked up loose balls, and we knew they would counterattack, but we fell into that trap. I think FC Tokyo ran well and was wonderful. We were a little out of condition and couldn't run. We carelessly conceded goals from set pieces, and it's tough for us to catch up with 2 or 3 goals with our current situation. In that sense, losing 0-2 or 0-4 doesn't make a difference. It's a feeling of being relieved after a big defeat. However, I didn't expect to win all the matches, so we will continue to fight until the end without giving up."

Suzuki Drops The Hammer

The Marinos replaced Yamazaki with Sakata at half time and began the second half on the attack, threatening through Yamase and winning a corner. The TOKYO defence repelled the danger and countered through Toda. The game continued in see-saw fashion until the 49th. minute, when Tanaka fouled Toda on the left of the Marinos area. Suzuki took a long run up and hammered a low drive through the wall and inside the near post. TOKYO had a vital two-goal cushion. 
The Marinos sent on striker Kubo and withdrew defensive midfielder Nasu in the 58th. minute. The TOKYO defence responded capably, snuffing out attacks and launching rapid breaks that threatened to extend the lead. Marinos manager Okada realised his three man front line were getting in each other's way and replaced Oshima with midfielder Kumabayashi in the 67th. minute. The switch restored their balance and they began to draw nearer to the TOKYO goal. In the 72nd. minute Miura replaced the battling Kurisawa and Kajiyama pushed slightly further forward. 
In the 74th. minute Yamase collected a long ball and shot fractionally wide of the post. Kubo set up Yamase again in the 76th. minute but some desperate last-ditch defending forced his effort around the post for a corner. In the 78th. minute Baba replaced Lucas and moved into the lone striker's position. In the 80th. minute the Marinos created their best chance of the game as a through ball played Sakata in on goal with only Doi to beat. The TOKYO No.1 produced a superb save to deny Sakata and preserve the two goal lead. In the 83rd. minute Kajiyama picked up a loose ball in midfield and lofted it forward for Suzuki to chase. Dutra seemed to have the danger under control but somehow lost possession, then slipped, allowing Suzuki to run clear on goal. Suzuki clipped the ball over Enomoto with great aplomb and TOKYO had a three goal lead. 
In the 86th. minute Suzuki found Konno in a central position; Konno picked out Baba with a fine ball that beat the offside trap. A defender seemed to have done enough to prevent Baba shooting, forcing him wide inside the penalty area but Baba produced a sublime chip over the onrushing Enomoto that scraped the underside of the crossbar and nestled into the net for the fourth goal. The final two goals came about as Marinos had pushed defender Matsuda forward. The final whistle blew on an immensely satisfying 4-0 win, another clean sheet and the first home victory since April 10th. 


Players' comments
Suzuki:
"I didn't expect to get on the pitch so early in the game and I'm delighted with my goals today. I was just aiming to hit the target with the free kick. I've been allowed to take them and there was a great shout from the stands so I was very pleased to repay that with a goal. I played on the right today and was determined to make an impact on the flank. That's where the goals came from. We hope to get a good result in the Vissel game next week and I'm going to do my best for a regular place from August".

Konno:
"Kurisawa played a great ball in from the corner. I'm not so tall but I managed to get away from my marker. We aimed to keep a compact defensive formation today and that's the main reason we won. We fought for the loose balls, pressed from the front and battled right across the field. I really want to thank Doi, as well."


F.C.TOKYO manager Hara 
"After finally breaking out of our slump the other night we really wanted a win at home for the fans who've supported us through thick and thin. We were able to prepare well for this game. We'd taken the lead but then Ishikawa was injured and we sent Suzuki on; we had planned to introduce him much later in the game as he's only just returned from having a dislocated shoulder but Ishikawa was in trouble and couldn't continue. He's got a good left foot and we trust him with the free kicks. Lucas still isn't 100% recovered from his ankle injury and, as in the last game he played centrally, with Kurisawa in support and fast players on the flanks in the typical TOKYO formation. We've suffered a lot from not scoring recently and then conceding against the run of play; today we were able to score first, find our rhythm and then hold the lead. We also scored from set plays as well, which is very encouraging. The continued support of the fans has been very important to get the club over this difficult period but we're on our way back now. The key men today were Konno and Kajiyama; their balance was excellent, with Konno's strength and Kajiyama's control of the play vital for us. I was worried about Kajiyama's knee but it held up throughout the game. There's still one more game in July, though. We want to prepare thoroughly, beat Vissel and look forward to the games in August". 

F Marinos manager Okada:
"Well, that was a comprehensive defeat. We knew how our opponents would play; long balls, picking up knockdowns and counter attacking. The way they ran today was outstanding, though. Our condition wasn't good and we didn't run at all. We gave away goals with slack marking at set plays and it was always going to be difficult to pull back two or three goals today. It makes no difference if you lose 2-0 or 4-0 in that situation. Conversely, a big defeat can somehow refresh the team. Of course, we don't expect to be able to win every game but we'll be fighting all the way to the end of the season".