Welcome Ehime to Komazawa Stadium and aim for consecutive victories!

　Sec. 15 will hold a home game at Komazawa Athletics Stadium, facing Ehime FC. In the previous match against Kyoto, Tanabe and Otake were active in connecting passes and seizing opportunities, leading to a decisive victory. However, there were also times when Kyoto gained momentum. It will be a match to aim for consecutive victories at home by improving the accuracy and quality of the new style.

　Ehime, who is facing them, is in 7th place with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. Ivica BARBARIC has been in charge as the coach since the middle of 2009, and this year is his third season. With a formation of 4-1-4-1, they press from the front and have the ability to build up play carefully depending on the situation.

　Side backs also come up to high positions, so it is necessary to try to steal the ball in the midfield side and launch a short counterattack if possible. If Tanabe and Otake can effectively use the space behind the opponent's side back or on the side of the one-volunteer, chances should increase. We want to win with a well-balanced battle by using scenes that create opportunities by connecting passes and situations where we can quickly launch attacks.

　This week, Konno is absent due to his activities with the national team. As a result, Jade NORTH made his first start as a center back. In addition, Ishikawa has recovered and returned to the bench for the first time since the opening match. The weather is relatively comfortable with clouds and not as hot as yesterday, and the match started at 14:04 with a kickoff in Tokyo.

Tokyo Aim For Consecutive Wins 

The 15th game of the season saw FC Tokyo take on visiting Ehime FC at Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium. Tokyo were looking to build on the fine display of passing football that earned a comprehensive 4-1 away win over Kyoto in the previous outing, where Otake and Tanabe were outstanding. Despite the lop-sided scoreline, Kyoto had enjoyed periods in control of the match and with that in mind, Tokyo looked to improve the accuracy and quality of their game.
Opponents Ehime sat in 7th place at kick-off with a W4 D1 L3 record. The side, under the leadership of manager Barbaric since the middle of 2009, played a 4-1-4-1 formation and was noted for its patience in constructing moves. The side backs pushed forward, allowing Tokyo the possibility of short counter-attacks if they could win the ball in wide areas. As well as exploiting space behind the Ehime defense, Otake and Tanabe would also be hoping to expose the lone defensive midfielder and create more shooting opportunities.
Konno was away on national team duty with Japan and Jade North made his first start for Tokyo as his replacement. Further, Ishikawa had sufficiently recovered from injury to take a place on the bench for the first time since the opening day of the season.
The heavy humidity of Friday had receded somewhat by the time Tokyo kicked off shortly after 2pm on a warm, cloudy afternoon.

Tanabe scores two consecutive goals to take the lead, but...

　Ehime pressed from the front line, but we calmly entered the game and took advantage of the opportunity. In the 7th minute, we launched a speedy counterattack from the opponent's corner kick, with Hayabusa advancing on the left side. Kajiyama in the middle passed to the right-leaning Roberto CESAR, who entered a shooting position but was blocked. In the 12th minute, Tokunaga bypassed the opponent in a high position and crossed. Takahashi, who followed up on the loose ball in the center by Otake, took a direct shot from the right area.

　In the 17th minute, Otake made a move in the center and was followed from behind by Kajiyama. Takahashi then connected in a tight area and sent a lob over the opponent's defender in the left area. Tanabe ran into this position and scored a spectacular direct volley with his left foot, taking the lead with a goal for the second consecutive game.

　In the 19th minute, Yuu brought the ball inside and entered shooting position, but it was blocked. Kajiyama attempted to score in succession from the loose ball, but it was also blocked by the defender, and in the end, it fell to Ohata in the center of the area, but he was surrounded and couldn't take a shot. In the 22nd minute, Kajiyama passed to Tokunaga from the right front line with a low and fast cross. It reached Cesar perfectly in the center, but the trap was too long...

　In front of Ehime's brave press, there were scenes where they lost the ball from mistakes and couldn't connect. In the latter part of the first half, Ehime passed the ball and Tokyo tried to steal it. However, even when they stole it, they made mistakes again in the connecting phase and couldn't grasp the rhythm. However, the defense line did not show any flaws and ended the first half with a one-point lead.

Tanabe's Second Goal In Consecutive Games Gives Tokyo The Lead 

Tokyo responded to Ehime's hard pressing from the front by probing for openings in a calm manner. In the 7th minute, Tokyo counter-attacked from an Ehime corner, Hanyu bringing the ball down the left flank before moving it inside to Kajiyama. Kajiyama moved the ball on to Cesar on the right, but a defender blocked the striker's shot away. In the 12th minute, Tokunaga raced past a defender and crossed. Otake pounced on the loose ball and played it back to Takahashi, who dragged his shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area.
In the 17th minute, Otake broke forward down the middle of the pitch before Kajiyama and Takahashi exchanged passes in the tightest of spaces. Takahashi chipped the ball over the Ehime backline, and Tanabe raced between the static defenders to meet the dropping ball with an exquisite first-time volley that gave Kawakita no chance at all. Tanabe's second goal in consecutive games had given Tokyo an early lead.
In the 19th minute, the Ehime defence blocked consecutive shots from Hanyu and Kajiyama, then when the loose ball fell to Otake, sheer weight of numbers prevented him from making room to shoot. Kajiyama picked out Tokunaga marauding down the left again in the 22nd minute. Tokunaga's low cross reached Cesar in a good position, but the striker's first touch was heavy and took the ball away from him.
Mistakes crept into Tokyo's game in the face of Ehime's resolute pressing, allowing the visitors to enjoy increasing possession. When Tokyo regained the ball, they quickly lost it again and struggled to create any kind of rhythm. Despite that, the defence held its line and the first period ended 1-0.

Equalized, unable to take the lead despite attempting to do so

　In the early part of the second half, in an attempt to score an additional goal, Tanizawa was substituted for Otake in the 53rd minute. Immediately after that, Ehime's right back Sekine used his speed to make a move and brought the ball into the box. In the center, Tokunaga competed and prevented a header, but the ball fell to MF Sugihara just outside the penalty area. However, the shot grazed an Ehime player and went out of bounds. With the help of the mistake, Tokyo also started to make moves, and in the 60th minute, Roberto CESAR, Tanizawa on the right side, and Kajiyama in the center bewildered the Ehime defenders with a one-touch pass. However, in the end, the ball was sent to Hanyu on the left side, but he was surrounded by Ehime defenders...

　After missing this chance in the 63rd minute, Ehime quickly launched an attack. From the drop ball by FW Jojima, MF Saito passed to FW Jojima who was trying to break through the front line again. Mori Shige intercepted this, but the clearance went to right MF Ishii. From here, an exquisite loop was unleashed... and they were able to make the most of this one chance, equalizing the score. In response to Ehime gaining momentum from this, in the 64th minute, Ishikawa replaced Tanabe and made his first appearance this season. Then, in the 70th minute, Murohara was substituted for Jade North and played as a right fullback. With Tokunaga as the center back, they cut off Ehime's momentum and aimed for a comeback.

　Increased pressure on the front line, and in the final stages, they continuously entered dangerous areas. In the 88th minute, Kajiyama passed to Yuzawa in the central area of the field, attracting the attention of the defenders, and then passed to Cesar on the right side. However, the shot was not successful, and the pass to Hayashi on the outside was delayed. In the 90th minute, Ishikawa rushed up to the right front line and passed to Yuzawa in the central area just before the penalty box. However, he ended up passing the ball into a crowded area in front of the goal, unable to finish. Without being able to shake the net due to insufficient decision-making and coordination in the last play, the time was up... Despite taking the lead in a good manner, they couldn't regain their rhythm and ended up with a draw at home in Komazawa.

　【Player Comment】《Tanabe》"Personally, I made a lot of mistakes and the team performance was not good. I apologize for playing such a game at home. Regarding the goal, a good ball was sent up by Takahashi, so I put my heart into shooting. In the previous match, I was able to dodge the opponent in a good position, but today I made simple mistakes and disrupted the team's flow. I think it is important to support with courage in order to thoroughly connect the soccer and improve by unifying our will. I want to move forward to the next match."

　"Takahashi: "Scoring goals went well because our positioning was good and we were able to enter the attacking third. After taking the lead, we couldn't find our rhythm, but it was good that we were able to keep the first half without conceding any goals... In the second half, the game dragged on and the midfield space was exploited. Our defense was on the back foot. However, even after being equalized, there was still time. How to score goals has always been a challenge. A strong team should be able to win even when caught up. We want to strive for that."

　[Summary of Coach Okuma's Press Conference] "After taking the lead, the ball control deteriorated a bit and we lost our rhythm. In the previous matches, we tried to keep it simple in the midfield, but today our ball control in the midfield worsened and there were more dribbles in the front line, which disrupted our rhythm and allowed the opponents to counterattack. In fact, there were scenes where we were countered. We need to reaffirm where to regain possession of the ball and play simple in the midfield, using the space behind and on the outside. Hayu is taking the space behind, but in the midfield, Roberto CESAR and others need to find a way to get behind from a slightly narrower space. If we do that, the opponents should also start paying attention to Roberto CESAR. I feel that he himself also needs to adapt accordingly."

　[Summary of the press conference by Ehime Barbaric coach] "In the first 10-15 minutes, our challenges from the second line were weak and we were too defensive. However, we didn't give Tokyo many chances, but we conceded easily due to passing and trapping mistakes. But after that, we connected the ball well and tried to threaten the opponent's goal. In the second half, since Tokyo was leading, we anticipated that they would set up their defense line around the halfway mark and come at us with counterattacks. Our plan was not just to kick the ball from the back, but to use the space given to us, connect passes, and find opportunities to threaten the goal. We were also satisfied with our possession."

　However, regarding the attack, we should have used the sides a little more. We were able to equalize the score. After that, the opponent did not come forward much and played a relatively counter-attacking style of soccer. We may have given away 2-3 chances, but I think we didn't allow many decisive opportunities. We couldn't turn the game around, but FC Tokyo is the highest quality team. We were able to earn 1 point against them, so it was a satisfying performance."

Tokyo Unable To Conjure Winner

Tokyo began the second half looking for a quick goal and replaced Otake with Yazawa in the 53rd minute. Immediately after the substitution, Ehime right back Sekine hurtled down the wing and curled a cross into the Tokyo area. Tokunaga outjumped an Ehime forward and headed clear, but the ball fell to midfielder Sugiura just outside the Tokyo box; Sugiura struck hard and low, but the ball hit his own player and bounced harmlessly out for a goal kick. Having enjoyed a narrow escape, Tokyo then sliced the visitors' defense apart with a one-touch move involving Cesar, Yazawa, and Kajiyama that played Hanyu in on the left. Before Hanyu could shoot, though, he was surrounded by Ehime defenders and the opening came to nothing.
Ehime launched a rapid attack in the 63rd minute, forward Josimar knocking the ball down to midfielder Saito and then attempting to dart through the Tokyo defense line to receive the return pass. Morishige spotted the danger and slid in to clear the ball, which then fell kindly for midfielder Ishii on the right. Ishii produced a deft lob to hoist the ball over Gonda and into the back of the net. Ehime had capitalized on a sudden opportunity to tie the score. Tokyo responded to the setback by giving Ishikawa his first appearance of the season as a replacement for Tanabe in the 64th minute and substituting Jade North for Mukuhara in the 70th. Tokunaga moved inside to play at center back while Mukuhara took his position at right back.
Tokyo bolstered their front line and steadily increased the pressure on the visitors but were unable to find a way through the blanket defense. Yazawa dragged the Ehime defense out of position in the 88th minute, but Cesar was unable to find room to shoot and delayed his ball out to Hanyu on the flank. Ishikawa burst forward in the 90th minute and found Yazawa on the edge of the Ehime area, but his route to goal was blocked by the massed ranks of the visitors. Tokyo were unable to find the key to unlock the Ehime defense and the game finished in a 1-1 draw. After taking the lead with a fine finish from a promising move, Tokyo had lost their rhythm and struggled to regain it, eventually being forced to settle for a single point from the home game.

Players' comments

Tanabe
"Personally I made a lot of mistakes and overall it wasn't a good performance, especially as we were at home. I got a great ball from Takahashi for the goal and put everything I had into the shot. Last week we were able to get away from our opponents in good positions but today we made far too many simple mistakes and that ruined the flow of our game, I felt. To play a passing game it's important to be strong and to offer support. We have to continuously work to improve our unity as we look forward to the next game".

Takahashi
"For the goal I was able to take up a good position and get myself into the attacking third of the pitch. Although we took the lead we couldn't really establish a rhythm but despite that it was pleasing we kept a clean sheet until half time. We lost our shape in the second half and allowed them too much space in midfield. Even though they equalised there was still plenty of time left. The big issue is how we should go about scoring goals. Strong teams can find a way to win even if they are pegged back and that's what we have to try to achieve".

FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"After we took the lead we stood off them somewhat and lost our rhythm. We've been trying to keep it simple in midfield but today, with us standing off, we tried to dribble too much in attack and that allowed the opposition to counter attack when we lost the ball. We have to look at the areas where we win the ball and then make use of the space on the flanks or behind the opposition defence. Hanyu is getting in behind them but we need Cesar and the midfield to get out of those tight areas and in behind them as well. If we can manage that then Cesar should be able to give the opposition plenty to worry about. I feel that's something he needs to adapt himself to as well".

Ehime FC manager Barbaric
"For the first 10 or 15 minutes our pressing from the second line was half-hearted and we played too deeply. Even so, Tokyo didn't really create many chances but then we conceded a soft goal from a misplaced pass and a poor trap. After that though we played the ball around steadily and threatened their goal. In the second half with Tokyo leading we expected them to widen their defence line and attempt to draw us forward, then strike on the counter attack. We decided not to simply hoof the ball forward but to move it around steadily, use the space available and strike when we found an opening. We were able to retain possession well and I was satisfied with that. We should have used the sides more, though. Despite that we still managed to score the equaliser. The opposition didn't push forward so much after that and it became a counter attacking game. I felt we prevented them from creating any really decisive openings. We couldn't find a winner ourselves but then Tokyo are the highest quality team so we should be content with the point we took from the game and our performance".