A match aiming for 3 points with a strong determination to achieve a 4th consecutive victory

　The postponed Sec. 2 of the league, which was postponed due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake, was held. Fagiano Okayama played away. Although they allowed Mito to catch up in the previous match, they won with a score of 3-2 and achieved a three-game winning streak. They also rose to 3rd place in the rankings. The point difference with the 1st place is now 2, but when looking at the lower ranks, there is a fierce battle with 4 teams crowded within a 3-point difference with Tokyo. Coach Okuma says, "Without being conscious of the current ranking and points, I want to grab 3 points with a strong feeling in each match, maintaining tension and concentration."

　Okayama, who are currently in 18th place with 12 points, aim to create chances through build-up play under the guidance of coach Masanaga KAGEYAMA, who took over from last season. They have acquired DF Stoyanov this season. Although FW Tiago, who has scored 6 goals this season, will be suspended for this match, they will deploy a 3-6-1 formation with MF Ishihara and FW Kishida providing speed, and the wing-backs Kobayashi and Sawaguchi making sharp runs.

　Tokyo, Gonda, who fought in the Olympic qualifiers as a U-22 Japan representative, also joined the bench. Shiota said, "We have mobile players in the front line, so it's difficult for the opponents to narrow down their targets. It is important for the midfield and side backs to cover well and fill the spaces." On the other hand, Okayama's defensive formation is close to a 5-back formation with both sides dropping back, so in terms of attacking, it is crucial to create chances in tight spaces and convert them into goals.　

　In order to break through and score goals, we will continue to pass the ball as we have done so far, taking advantage of unexpected plays such as Konno and Morishige's attacking movements to exploit the opponent's weaknesses, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory. The match started at 19:33 with a kickoff from Okayama at the Kanko Stadium, where the heat still lingers.

Tokyo Aim For Fourth Straight Win

F.C.Tokyo traveled south to take on Fagiano Okayama in a game rescheduled due to the Great Tohoku Earthquake. Tokyo had held off a late surge from Mito Hollyhock to prevail 3-2 in the previous outing, a win that lifted the club to third in the league. Just two points separated Tokyo from top place but a chasing pack of four clubs lurked three points behind. Manager Kiyoshi Okuma commented, "It's no time to be thinking about points or rankings; instead, we've got to maintain our edge and our concentration as we go about earning three points from each game we play". 
Opponents Okayama lay in 18th.place with 12 points at kick off. First-year manager Masanaga Kageyama was attempting to nurture a team that built moves and finished them with attempts on goal, and the side had made the acquisition of veteran defender Stoyanov this season. Six-goal leading scorer Thiago was suspended for the hosts, who usually favoured a 3-6-1 formation, with forward Kishida and midfielder Ishihara supplying the pace and side backs Kobayashi and Sawaguchi lending their weight to a thrusting attack. 
Gonda returned from duty with the Japan U-22 Olympic Team to take a place on the bench. Shiota commented, "The opposition have mobile players in their frontline so it's going to be difficult to keep things tight". The Tokyo defensive midfielders and side halves would need to cover effectively and plug any holes that appeared. With the Okayama sidebacks dropping back to create a virtual five-man defensive line Tokyo would need to make the best use of whatever space was available to create chances, while Konno and Takahashi would be expected to join the attack and exploit any chinks in the hosts' defensive armour. 
Okayama kicked off shortly after 7:30pm on a hot and humid evening. 

Morishige's header explodes! Take a 1-point lead into halftime

　Okayama has launched an attack that takes advantage of the speed of the front line from a coordinated press. However, Tokyo calmly responded and tried to take control by connecting the ball, but they couldn't grasp the rhythm due to mistakes. In the 11th minute, Okayama FW Kishida broke through after receiving a feed aimed at the back of Tokyo's DF, creating a 1-on-1 situation with GK1, but they escaped the pinch with a good save by Shioda's decisive judgment.

　In the 24th minute, a pass from Konno went over the head of the opposing GK who was coming forward, and it seemed like it was going to be a goal, but the GK desperately covered it and escaped with a corner kick. In the 31st minute, Tokunaga -> Tanabe dribbled inside and cut into the center. Kajiyama timed it well and took a shot, but it hit the defender and resulted in a corner kick. From here, they created another chance, and in the end, Tokunaga aimed for a long-range shot, but the GK caught it.

　After that, although it was possible to pass the ball, Okayama's solid defense and fast counterattacks continued to prevent us from taking advantage. However, in the 39th minute, Tanabe entered the right area and initiated an attack, resulting in a corner kick after Tokunaga stole the loose ball and took a shot. In the 40th minute, Morishige scored a header from the right corner kick taken by Yazuwa! From a set piece, Morishige marked his second consecutive goal and took the lead. Furthermore, Tokyo had opportunities but couldn't score additional goals. We went into halftime with a 1-point lead.

Morishige Header Gives Tokyo Lead

Okayama attempted to press Tokyo systematically and use their speed in attack. Tokyo maintained their organization however and sought to seize the initiative but mistakes prevented them from establishing a rhythm. In the 11th.minute Okayama forward Kishida raced through the Tokyo defence to meet a through ball and bore down on goal; Shiota stood firm and pulled off a fine save to deny the hosts the opening goal. At the other end Konno's long ball forward nearly embarrassed Okayama keeper Mago in the 24th.minute as he misread the flight of the ball and watched in horror as it sailed over his head; somehow he managed to scramble back and saved his blushes by pawing the ball off the line and away for a corner. In the 31st.minute Tanabe received the ball from Tokunaga, cut inside and fed Kajiyama in a central position. Kajiyama struck fiercely but his effort hit a defender and deflected out for a corner. Tokyo threatened from the set play, Tokunaga eventually firing a long-range blast that Mago held cleanly. 
Tokyo enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to break down the Okayama defence. The complexion of the game changed at a stroke in the 40th.minute as Tanabe dribbled his way into the home penalty area and Tokunaga's resulting shot clipped a defender on its way out. Morishige rose to meet Yazawa's corner and powered the ball past Mago to give Tokyo the lead. The visitors created further chances but failed to convert any and Morishige's second goal in consecutive games was the difference as the half time whistle blew. 

Takahashi's first goal in J-League helps secure a lead and achieve a 4th consecutive victory

　Tokyo continues to dominate in the second half. In the 49th minute, a free kick from the central position about 25m away. Morishige's shot hit the wall and went to Cesar in the right area. He took a step forward and took a shot, but it went wide. In the 57th minute, a big side change from Imakano. Tabata, who was on the left side, dribbled and took a shot. The ball went wide of the goal.

　In the 59th minute, Tokunaga dribbled through the opponent's defense on the right side and took a shot. Although there was no momentum, it hit the left post... In the 61st minute, Ishikawa was substituted for Tanabe. Okayama gradually showed signs of fatigue, while Tokyo maintained their focus and circulated the ball. Although they couldn't create any decisive chances, they finally scored an additional goal in the 75th minute.

　Toku Nagai receives Hanyu's throw-in in a high position on the right area and immediately connects to Suzuki. Suzuki, who came on as a substitute, attracts the opponent's DF and sends a minus pass to the center, and Takahashi firmly stabs the controlled middle shot! With Takahashi's first goal in J League, they have extended their lead. Nevertheless, Okayama does not give up and launches a counterattack by fluidly changing the positions of their attacking players and pushing Stoyanov, the DF, forward. However, they show a concentrated defense centered around Shioda until the end and keep a clean sheet to secure victory! They fought patiently and achieved a valuable 3 points away, completing their fourth consecutive win.

　【Player Comment】《Takahashi》"I've always wanted to score a goal someday. Today, Sanez scored again and I thought to myself... I want to score too. But even before that, when I woke up this morning, I had a feeling that I could score (laughs). About three minutes before that goal, I changed positions a bit with Yohei-san and moved forward. When the ball was passed to Tatsu-san, I moved up to the area and called for it. I think Tatsu-san responded to my voice and passed it to me. When I took the shot, I didn't aim for a specific spot, I just focused on hitting the ball with the center of my foot."

　The first goal is exciting, but Gon-chan told me that I was celebrating in a weird way, so I'll watch it on video later (laughs). Right after I took the shot, it was quiet and no one seemed happy, and for a moment I thought I missed. But right after that, everyone was happy for me, so I ran towards the supporters. I always try to have no regrets in each match, but I want to keep building on the positive aspects and work hard to fix the issues."

　"It was hot, and Okayama gave me the impression of being "troublesome". We couldn't defend as we had done before, and the opponents had players who could build up the game, so it was a difficult match. It's not easy to win away, but I think it was good that we were able to take the lead with a set piece and win."

　(The second goal started with me winning a throw-in and receiving it in a high position. I always try to exploit the opponent's weaknesses. I am conscious of entering the areas where the opponent is compacted. In that sense, I wanted to have more vertical movement to make it harder for the opponent to narrow down the target in the flow of the game... For example, when the player in the second row has the ball and looks up, it would have been good if the side half and the top player could alternate and penetrate behind the opponent, creating that kind of movement. I want to enhance that kind of coordination.)

　[Summary of Coach Ookuma's Press Conference] "In the second half, we were able to do what we wanted to do by keeping the ball moving in this heat, and the opponent's legs also stopped. There were many points to reflect on, such as the self-destructive way we lost the ball in the first half and the many areas where we were too lenient towards soccer. It's hot, but it's the same for both teams, and there were also moments in the first half when we were countered exactly as we expected by Okayama. As always, the effort in the second half is a plus for the team in the upcoming season, so we need to sustain that."

　How to avoid being countered by improving the way we are being stolen. For example, by finishing with a shot to avoid being countered. There are still parts that are not yet positive, so it is very important to build up strength to become positive and continue to play in this heat, one game at a time. However, including the humidity, I think today is hotter than Kanto with no wind. I saw sweat during halftime, but the players also worked hard until the end. Next is a two-day break, but I want to do well at home."

　[Summary of Coach Masanaga Kageyama's press conference in Okayama] "Both teams played a match with only three days of rest. However, we were fortunate to have the middle game of the three consecutive matches here at Kansuta and we received a lot of support from our supporters. I am very disappointed that we were shut out and defeated by the strong FC Tokyo. As for the flow of the game, we approached it with some respect for the strong opponent, FC Tokyo, and the first half went well. Set plays tend to have a high scoring rate in any game and at any time, but I wish we had defended as a team with concentration when things were going according to plan at that time."

　I think it's unfortunate that we were caught by a lack of concentration and slowness in preparation, which is not so difficult to fix in response to the second goal conceded from a throw-in. However, the players showed fighting spirit until the end, and some players demonstrated their strengths for the team. We have a game against Ehime in three days, but I want to prepare as much as possible and face it."

Takahashi's First Professional Goal Seals The Win

Tokyo seized the initiative as the second half unfolded and had a chance to double the lead as they earned a free kick some 25 metres from goal in the 49th.minute. Morishige lashed the ball into the wall, the deflection falling neatly to Cesar unmarked on the right of the penalty area. Cesar took one step and shot but his effort flew narrowly wide of the upright. Konno sprayed a long crossfield ball out to Tanabe in the 57th. minute; Tanabe cut inside and shot but again failed to test Mago. 
In the 59th.minute Tokunaga skipped between two defenders and weaved his way forward before letting fly. The shot lacked power but still beat Mago and then smacked against the post. Ishikawa replaced Tanabe in the 61st.minute. Forced to chase the ball for long periods Okayama began to tire, while Tokyo bided their time before striking the killer blow in the 75th.minute. 
Tokunaga took a throw in on the right and picked out Hanyu, deep inside the Okayama penalty area. Hanyu quickly laid the ball off to substitute Suzuki who drew defenders towards him before cutting a cross back towards the advancing Takahashi. Takahashi met the ball cleanly and earned his first goal as a professional with a firm drive that gave Mago no chance. The hosts continued to fight, changing positions fluidly and pushing Stoyanov forward into the attack. The Tokyo defence, with Shiota in command, held firm to the bitter end and the final whistle blew on a 2-0 away win that earned three valuable points and stretched the winning run to four games. 


Players' comments
Takahashi
"I'd always wanted to score a goal someday. Today Masato got one and I did too; I actually woke up this morning feeling that today it was going to happen. About three minutes before the goal I'd changed positions with Yohei (Kajiyama) and called out to Tatsu (Suzuki) when I got to the edge of the area. Maybe he reacted to my voice and gave me the ball. More than trying to pick a spot I just met the ball dead center and put everything into the shot. I was delighted to score my first goal but Konno made a remark about what he called my very strange celebration. I suppose I'll have to watch it on the video. After I hit the ball it seemed to go quiet and for a moment I thought I'd missed, but then everyone started celebrating and I ran over to our fans as well. We're doing our best to leave no regrets over our performances after every game, to increase the positives and fix what needs fixing".

Hanyu
"It was very humid and Okayama have the image of being a tricky team. We've haven't been able to shut teams down by defending from the front, the opposition are able to build play and it became a difficult game. It's never easy winning away but we took the lead from a set play and it's very satisfying that we won the game.
Regarding my positioning for the second goal I can say that I'm always looking to exploit even the smallest spaces in the opposition defence. In open play I try to be as elusive as possible and today I had wanted to make more runs straight up and down. For example, when a player in the second row has the ball then a forward and a side half exchange positions, leaving room for a run behind the opposition defence. We could have done with more of that and it's the kind of movement we want to increase".

F.C.Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma 
"We managed to tire the opposition out by moving the ball around in the second half. Still, we have a lot to reflect on from our first half performance particularly in the way we gave the ball away in self-destructive positions and the naivety of some of our play. The heat affected both teams equally and we exposed ourselves to counter attacks by pushing forward so much in the first half. That's been the usual pattern although the way we dug in in the second half bodes well for the future and is something we want to continue. We have to focus on the way we concede possession in poor positions and allow the opposition to counter attack and then prevent it by finishing moves with an attempt on goal. I think today's game will be important in showing us how to deal with the heat we will face in the upcoming games. There was no breeze at all here today and it was hotter than in the Kanto region. I saw how heavily the players were sweating at half time and want to praise the way they fought to the bitter end. The next game is only two days away and we want to prepare carefully for it". 

Fagiano Okayama manager Masanaga Kageyama
"Both sides were playing their second game in three days. We were fortunate to have this game at home and receive great support from a large number of fans. It's disappointing that we couldn't keep them out but Tokyo is a strong opponent and we were able to put in a good performance in the first half. Set plays always carry a threat but considering the timing and the state of the game we had wanted the team to maintain its concentration. The second goal came about due to a loss of concentration and a slowness to react that was disappointing. Still, the players showed a great fighting spirit and many reproduced the best of their ability for the team. We only have two days until the Ehime game but aim to prepare the team as well as we possibly can".