The first day of the tournament has finally arrived.
Last night, a sudden rain fell and thunder echoed. As a result, it was a bit chilly in the morning.

 
I had a proper breakfast in preparation for the match and moved to the venue after the meeting.

We had a solid meeting on what preparations are necessary to maximize our performance, so we were able to enter the warm-up with a very good atmosphere.


The opponent in the first match is Toronto FC.
In a match where the opponent had many players with high physical abilities, it was important to demonstrate our strengths.

At the start, we were caught off guard by the opponent, allowing them to break through and score.
There were several moments where we were pressured by the opponent's speed-based attacks, but we remained calm, moved the ball, and regained our pace.

Without rushing, we continued to play our football, and just before the end of the first half, Nakano's dribbling breakthrough led to a cross that Kajiyama finished into the goal!

We equalized with a goal at a good time and reached halftime.
Engaging in active discussions among players and confirming details before the second half.

At the start of the second half, Ono Noju stole the ball in the front line and made a through pass to Jo.
He calmly finished it, successfully turning the game around!

In the final stages, we continued to be pressed by the opponent, but we communicated with each other as a team and managed to defend without conceding a goal until the end of the match.

We were able to win the first match 2-1.

We were able to secure an important first match, but the players do not show any signs of satisfaction and are starting to prepare for the next game.

Thank you for your support tomorrow as well.


Today's Match Results
FC Tokyo U-18 vs Toronto FC
First Half 1-1
Second Half 1-0
Total 2-1
＜Scorers＞
Kajiyama, Jo


[Next Match]
Group Stage 2nd Round
Local time 11:30 Kick-off
vs Colorado Rapids

◇The situation on Day 1 is here
◇The situation on Day 2 is here