Fearlessly, aim for consecutive victories with focused battles!

　Sec. 24 will be an away match against Yokohama F.Marinos. Following the Shimizu match, this is a crucial game that we want to win in order to continue our winning streak. We have only had two winning streaks this season, and the last one was achieved in the Shimizu match in Sec. 16 on 7/13 and the Yokohama FM match in Sec. 17 on 7/17. It is interesting to note that we have back-to-back matches against the same opponent. As for the condition of injured players, Ishikawa has been gradually improving his condition while confirming his status this week. Kajiyama, who injured his leg in the Shimizu match, has been training separately but will return by the weekend without any issues. In addition to the return of injured players, Abe, Toda, and Sasa are also in good health. Regarding the attacking lineup, Manager Hara says, "We have a lot of options and it's difficult to decide who to use. We can make various moves, including using substitute players." Ultimately, the starting lineup will be the same as the previous match. Ishikawa will be on the bench and will be ready to face the match.

　Yokohama FM, who are currently in 10th place with 31 points, will face Tokyo. In the previous match against Kobe, FW Grau and Sakata scored in the 8th and 19th minutes of the first half. However, they were unable to score any more goals until the end of the match, with only these two shots. Nevertheless, they should have gained confidence from "getting results" even in that state. They have been holding a private mini-camp for the past three days, but regarding this, it was seen as "thoroughly focusing on their own football" rather than specifically because they are facing Tokyo (Manager Hara). The defensive line, which has been stable recently, will use a 3-back formation instead of the 4-back formation they used in the previous match against Tokyo at home as a "Tokyo countermeasure". In this match, MF Nasu is suspended, so MF Ueno and Kawai will form a double pivot.

　However, since there is the ability to defend if we take the lead, we want to avoid giving Yokohama FM the lead. Like the previous match, we first want to defend with focused play, bring it to Tokyo's fast-paced soccer with quick transitions between offense and defense, and start challenging Toda's breakthrough and the opponent's defense line. In order to bounce back from being behind away, it is necessary to fight with all our might without fear from the kick-off. The match started at 19:04 at Nissan Stadium, which still retains the heat and humidity, with Yokohama FM's kick-off.

Best Foot Forward

F.C.TOKYO made the short trip to Yokohama to take on the F Marinos in the 24th. game of the season. The team was determined to build on the victory over S-Pulse and post consecutive wins for only the third time this year. Ishikawa had shown progress in his return from injury and Kajiyama had sufficiently recovered from a knock to be named in the starting eleven. Manager Hara had the better kind of selection problem for once as all the attacking players were fit and able to play. Ishikawa made the substitutes' bench as TOKYO were unchanged from the previous game. 
Opponents F Marinos lay in 10th. place on 31 points at kick off. The previous game had been a 2-0 win over Vissel but the goals came from the only two shots the team managed during the 90 minutes. Playing badly and winning is the mark of a good side but manager Okuda, taking advantage of the uncrowded schedule, whisked his side away for a three-day mini-camp. "Not because TOKYO are our opponents", he commented, "but because we need to work on our game". After the 4-0 drubbing TOKYO dished out in the reverse fixture the Marinos reverted to their usual three-back formation with Kawai and Ueno as double defensive midfielders. 
The Marinos are skilled at protecting a lead, particularly at home and TOKYO's immediate concern was to avoid conceding the first goal. TOKYO would need to maintain defensive concentration and balance in attack, while using the darting runs of Toda to infiltrate the Marinos backline. A timid, hesitant approach could prove fatal. The home side kicked off shortly after 7pm on a humid evening in the old port city. 

Launch fast attacks from focused defense

　Both teams aimed for fast attacks from solid defense, but Tokyo applied good pressure and slowed down Yokohama FM's momentum before they could advance. However, there were many instances where the offensive plays lacked coordination. In the 11th minute, Kaji attempted a long-range shot to break the deadlock. In the 16th minute, Suzuki Ki sprinted down the right side, made a deep cut, and sent a sharp cross, but it was blocked by the opponent's determined clearance. In the 19th minute, Konno volleyed Kurisawa's right corner kick from the far side, but it was blocked in front of the goal. In the 20th minute, they attacked with left and right corner kicks, but ended up losing the ball and conceding a counterattack.

　In the 28th minute, Kurisawa took a free middle shot, but it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper. Toda also repeatedly tried to run behind the opponent's defense, but there were many offside situations, and there were scenes where Yokohama FM faced a pinch by not putting pressure on the attack. In the 31st minute, FW Grau headed a right cross from MF Ohashi. Doi stretched his hand desperately but couldn't reach it. However, Jean made a great play to clear the ball and the pinch was avoided. In the 44th minute, Yokohama FM's midfielder Kawai sprinted down the right side. FW Grau jumped into the center to meet the cross, but Jean made a great play to escape with a corner kick.

　In the end, there were only three shots in the first half, taken by KAJI, IMANO, and KURISAWA. We also couldn't convert any of the four corner kicks into a finish. Although we couldn't create many decisive opportunities, we fought hard in defense, with SHIGENO and Jean at the center. We managed to hold back Yokohama FM's attacks and have hope for the second half.

Defence Dominates

Both sides made a solid start with TOKYO slightly more aggressive, pressing hard and looking to break at speed. The attack failed to mesh however and Kaji attempted a long range blast in the 11th. minute in an effort to break the deadlock. Suzuki scampered to the byline in the 16th. minute and pulled the ball back but the home defence dealt with the danger. Kurisawa struck a corner from the right to Konno in the 19th. minute but the defence smothered his volley. Another corner led to a rapid Marinos counter attack a minute later. 
Kurisawa belted another long range effort straight at Enomoto in the Marinos goal in the 28th. minute. TOKYO attempted to play Toda in behind the home defence but he was repeatedly caught offside as the three man defence coped easily. A rapid counter attack in the 31st. minute saw Gral head Ohashi's cross beyond Doi; Jean saved the day with a clearance off the line. As half time approached Kawai raced down the right and centred towards Gral; Jean again defended immaculately, clearing the ball behind for a corner. 
TOKYO managed only three shots in the first period and failed to make the most of the four corners earned. The defence was rock solid, with Jean and Moniwa dominant however and TOKYO were well-placed for the second half. 

Despite deploying an impressive offensive and defensive battle, they were continuously struck by accidents.

　In the second half, Yokohama FM started by connecting passes and launching an offensive. In the 48th minute, they allowed FW Sakata to enter the area, and in the 49th minute, they were shaken from right to left in front of the goal, and MF Dutra's left cross resulted in a close-range header shot by FW Grau, but it was blocked by Jean's fine play. After surviving the early pressure, Tokyo also broke through the sides with fast attacks and created chances.

　In the 55th minute, Sasa was substituted for Norio SUZUKI. Immediately after, Sasa aimed a direct free kick from outside the left area, but it hit the opponent's goalkeeper in the face. In the 62nd minute, Kurizawa moved up to the right from Sasa's pass and crossed from a deep position. Lucas jumped in the center, but it went well over the bar. In the 63rd minute, Imano made a fierce run on the left side. He dribbled close to the goal, but was blocked by the opponent's defender.

　Sasa + Lucas form a two-top formation vertically. With Kurisawa on the right MF and Toda on the left, they launched fast attacks and frequently attacked the sides. In the 69th minute, the biggest scoring opportunity of the match arrived. Sasa connected a feed from the back with a header, and Toda broke through the defense line's blind spot with perfect timing! It became a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, and he attempted a looping shot, but it narrowly missed above the crossbar. As time passed, the match became increasingly intense. Around the 72nd minute, both teams collided on the pitch when the ball was out of play, creating a chaotic atmosphere. In the 76th minute, Ishikawa was substituted for Kurisawa, and in the 82nd minute, Abe Yoshiro was substituted for Toda. Tokyo repeatedly attacked the 3-back sides of Yokohama FM and created chances. On the other hand, Yokohama FM did not lose their determination and launched attacks from a solid defense, resulting in an exciting offensive and defensive battle.

　As the game entered the final stage, with the situation where either team could score a goal, a display of 5 minutes of stoppage time appeared. Ishikawa, who had crossed the ball, injured his right knee and went out of the pitch. With all substitution slots used up, Tokyo had to continue playing with 10 players. And immediately after that, Lucas and Jean collided heavily while trying to clear a loose ball that had gone high in their own half. Jean suffered a head injury that required 6 stitches. Lucas initially got up and continued playing, but then fell down again after hitting his head and neck.

　Time passes on the pitch, but Lucas is taken to the hospital directly from the pitch by an ambulance. He is in a state where he cannot continue the game due to a major accident. Amidst the concerns and anxieties of both teams' players, staff, and many spectators, the game resumes after a 20-minute interruption, but it quickly ends with a tie score of 0-0.

　【Player Comments】《Nori Suzuki》"In the previous match, we won 4-0, so we knew the opponent would come at us desperately. We talked about staying focused from the beginning in the pre-match meeting. In that sense, we didn't concede any goals and I think we started off well. (Couldn't score during Tokyo's dominant period?) We couldn't convert our chances when we should have. But it's not like anyone is slacking off, everyone is working hard. We have the right mindset and it's just that the results aren't coming. In these tough times, I think if everyone remembers the feeling of the good times and gives a little more effort, we can achieve better results. We want to defend as a team and attack as a team to earn 3 points. We want to work together and give our best."《Toda》"(Regarding the looping shot) I wasn't tense, but the distance was slightly off. I don't think our style of play was bad, but right now I'm worried about Lucas. I can't calm down and reflect on the match."《Ishikawa》"I twisted my right knee when landing after kicking a cross. I can't put weight on my leg right now. I came on as a substitute and felt good in the game, but it's disappointing in many ways."

　[Summary of the press conference by Manager Hara] "Both us and F.Marinos won the previous match, and today we focused on solid defense and counter-attacking football. We played with a 4-back formation while F.Marinos played with a 3-back formation, and both teams had chances while defending well and launching counter-attacks. The opponent is also good at set plays, so we were cautious of that and tried to create chances by utilizing the speed of Toda and Suzuki. We had a few opportunities with that strategy, but we could have been more composed in changing sides and being more precise on the wings... that's something we reflect on. However, right now our focus is on solid defense, so there are moments when we get a bit flustered. F.Marinos also started to send in crosses early on, and FW Sakata, Grau, and substitute Shimizu made runs. They are individually talented players, so they defended well without losing concentration. However, towards the end, Ishikawa injured his knee and Lucas collided with Jean, resulting in a concussion. We don't know the condition of the two players yet. The doctor is accompanying Lucas, and Ishikawa is being examined by the trainer. We only know that he injured his knee. We are worried about Lucas, but we believe that it's nothing serious... We hope that their injuries are not significant. It was chaotic towards the end, and returning to the game would have been difficult for the other players as well. It was a good decision to end the match there. We hope that their injuries are not serious. Each match is tough, but in the next match against Oita, we absolutely need to secure 3 points."

　[Summary of Yokohama FM Manager Okada's Press Conference] "I feel like I've forgotten about the game... We're not perfect yet, but our condition is gradually improving, and today we tried to aggressively attack at home. The content is gradually getting better. However, in the second half, we started to get tired and our legs stopped, and there were some dangerous situations from Tokyo's counterattacks. It may not be our responsibility, but I'm worried about Lucas. A fellow football player had an accident. And we shouldn't attack the opponents who are missing two players due to injuries. The referee's decision was correct. Anyway, I hope Lucas will recover quickly, as a fellow teammate."

Quality Play Marred By Injuries

The Marinos began the second half on the attack with some neat short passing. In the 48th. minute Sakata burst into the TOKYO area and Jean again cleared the danger a minute later after Gral connected with Dutra's cross from the left at point blank range. TOKYO weathered the storm and replied with some chances of their own. 
Sasa replaced Suzuki in the 55th. minute. He had an opportunity to make an immediate impact but flighted a free kick from outside the area on the left straight into Enomoto's arms. In the 62nd. minute his pass set Kurisawa away down the right; Lucas reached the deep cross but directed the ball over the bar. Konno surged forward to the edge of the area in the 63rd. minute until his path was blocked. 
Sasa was playing slightly behind Lucas up front, with Kurisawa on the right and Toda on the left as TOKYO attempted to make headway down the wings. The best chance of the game arrived in the 69th. minute. Sasa headed on a long ball from the back and Toda beat the offside trap with perfect timing to put himself clear on goal with only Enomoto to beat. Toda attempted a lob but the ball cleared the bar as well as Enomoto. Following that near miss the game became increasingly intense and a collision in the 72nd. minute as the ball went out of play soured the mood somewhat. Ishikawa replaced Kurisawa in the 76th. and Abe replaced Toda in the 82nd. minute. TOKYO strove manfully to pierce the Marinos along the wings and the home side responded with some resolute defence as both sides gave everything in a fascinating endgame. 
The scoreboard showed five minutes of injury time when Ishikawa was forced to leave the field after injuring his knee centring from the right, reducing TOKYO to ten men as all the substitutions had been made. Worse was to follow; Jean and Lucas collided attempting to clear a loose ball and Jean needed six stitches to close a head wound. Lucas picked himself up and played on but collapsed and it quickly became apparent he had suffered a serious injury. It was impossible to continue the game and play was held up for around twenty minutes as Lucas received treatment on the pitch. The players, staff and fans were extremely concerned about Lucas' injury and a sombre mood descended on the stadium. Eventually an ambulance drove onto the field and took him to hospital. The referee restarted the game then blew the final whistle immediately. The final score was 0-0. 

Players' comments
Suzuki
"We beat them 4-0 in the last game so we knew they would come out hard against us and we talked about keeping our concentration in the pre-match meeting. We didn't concede and kept a good shape throughout the game. We were on top at times but couldn't score when we should have done. Nobody was holding back though; everybody gave it their all today. We had a very good spirit, we just didn't get the result. If we remember the tough times when we're on top maybe that will spur us to play a little better. Everybody defends, everybody attacks and we win by playing as a team. That's how we want to play".

Toda
"I misjudged the distance on the lob rather than hitting the ball too hard. We didn't play badly at all today but I'm worried about Lucas right now. I can't really comment on the game".

Ishikawa
"I wrenched my right knee as I put my foot down after making the cross. I felt good when I came on but many regrettable things happened out there today".


F.C.TOKYO manager Hara 
"We beat them last time out so the order of the day was tight defence and the game developed into a counter attacking affair. Both teams had their chances today. They are very strong at set plays so we had to be careful and tried to use Suzuki and Toda's speed to get in behind their defence. We tried that countless times but need to change sides more, be a little calmer and more conscientious. So, solid defence was our prority but even so we still became ragged at times. The Marinos were playing a lot of early balls in as well, towards Gral, Sakata and the substitute Shimizu. They are all good players and our defence performed magnificently to keep their concentration the whole game. Unfortunately we had Ishikawa, Jean and Lucas injured at the end of the match. Ishikawa has injured his knee but we don't know the extent of Jean and Lucas' injuries yet. We're worried about Lucas. We really hope it's nothing serious. It was very difficult for the players left on the field to continue and the referee made the right decision in finishing the game there. These are all tough games and the next one against Trinita is a must-win for us". 

F Marinos manager Okada
"I feel like I've forgotten about the actual game already. We're far from perfect yet but our condition is improving and we wanted to make an aggressive start today. The quality of our football is slowly improving but our legs stopped in the second half and that allowed TOKYO to counter attack. It wasn't really our fault but we're obviously worried about Lucas. He's a fellow footballer and nobody wants to see that kind of injury. The referee made the correct decision; the players couldn't attack an opponent that had lost two men in such an accidental collision. We're praying that he'll be well".