Day 3 of the tournament.
The opponent in the crucial third match that will determine advancement to the group stage is Chicago Fire FC.

Some players showed signs of fatigue from the consecutive matches, but they were encouraging each other and trying to create a good atmosphere on their own.

And kickoff.

In the first half, we carefully connected the ball while searching for a way to break through the opponent's solid defense, but the first half ended scoreless.

After the start of the second half, a tense period continues. In the 12th minute of the second half, we lose the ball in midfield and allow a long-range shot to score, giving up the first goal.

Tokyo wanted to launch a counterattack somehow, but in the 17th minute of the second half, they conceded another goal from a corner kick with a header.
We have found ourselves in a very difficult situation, but not a single person will give up, and we will continue to strive towards the goal.

In the 21st minute of the second half, the match is moving. The corner kick is cleared, but the ball is quickly picked up and crossed in front of the goal.
Player Nagata skillfully evaded the opponent and scored with a left-footed shot.

Energized Tokyo, in the 28th minute of the second half, sent a rebound from a corner kick into the goal area, where Kou ITO skillfully headed it in to equalize.

They aimed for a comeback until the end and pressed towards the goal, but the whistle for the end of the second half blew. The match went into a penalty shootout for the second consecutive game.

Both teams succeeded in the first two attempts, and then came the third. Shinbori completely read the situation and stopped the penalty kick! After that, the fifth player, Takai, scored perfectly, securing the victory!

As a result, we earned 2 points and secured our advancement to the group stage.
It was a victory typical of FC Tokyo, showing a never-give-up attitude until the end.

After the match, players were spending their time in various ways, such as taking care of their bodies in the pool, napping in their rooms, or eating hamburgers at the concession stand.

Tomorrow will be a rest day, but I want to prepare well for the 1st Round of the tournament.

Today's Match Results

FC Tokyo U-18 vs Chicago Fire FC
First Half 0-0
Second Half 2-2
Total 2-2
PK: 5-4
Scorers
Nagata, Kou ITO

[Next Match Information]
Final Round 1st Round
Local time April 16 (Wednesday) 11:30 Kick-off
vs Real Salt Lake

◇Day 1 details are here
◇Day 2 details are here
◇Day 3 details are here
◇Day 4 details are here