Pick Up Match

Hioki Seagulls FC　1-1（1st 0-1、2nd 1-0、PK4-2）　Fujieda Junshin SC Junior Youth Blue

The second game of the 19th All Japan Women’s Youth (U-15) Championship presented by NIKE was held on Sunday 27 July in Sakai, Osaka.

The match was between Hioki Seagulls FC (Kyushu 4/Kagoshima), who hoped to score and win a match in their third championship - and achieved that aim yesterday - and last year’s champions, Fujieda Junshin SC Junior Youth Blue (Tokai 2/Shizuoka).

Fujieda Junshin was trying to lead the game with their favorite passes, but it did not work well. Watanabe Aki, the head coach, later commented: ‘the initial movement was not good at all, just like yesterday. I think the players made the game more difficult for themselves.’ Even so, they created some opportunities on counterattacks down the wings. In the 20th minute, forward Morota Soyoka dribbled up the right wing and delivered a cross, which was touched by forward Morito Rin, and midfielder Kakuta Nanako reacted to strike the opener.

However, the Fujieda Junshin players could not maintain their good play. Watanabe, the head coach, noted: ‘The good attacks didn’t last long and the players lost their rhythm.’ In the second half, Hioki put the wing half Morinaga Misaki up front, as she is swift-footed. They created a lot of goal-scoring opportunities with pacey counterattacks against Fujieda Junshin. Kubo Kensaku, the head coach, later noted: ‘I thought that was the only way to win, even though it wasn’t our usual style – passing the ball.’ After 41 minute, the midfielder Izumi Natsuki scored, leveling the game.

Although Fujieda Junshin attacked strongly, Hioki’s defensive line kept their concentration on maintaining a strong defence. The match ended up in penalties. Hioki had three successful penalties, but Fujieda Junshin missed two. Hioki Seagulls FC won the match on penalties against the former champions, placing in the top eight.

Match Report

Comments

KUBO Kensaku, Head Coach（Hioki Seagulls FC）
To be honest, I still can’t believe it. I’m impressed by the children, who are getting better and better each match. I didn’t even think of placing in the top eight, but I can feel they got stronger and more confident. I’d like them to play as many games as possible to build up their experience. I hope they will play a good game again next to improve themselves.

KAWANO Ai（Hioki Seagulls FC）
It was our first ever second match in this championship. I felt so nervous before the game. In the first half we couldn’t do much, but I believed we would score a goal if we continued to run until the end. I’m over the moon that we won the match. Although there was some tension between the third grade players and lower grades in the team this year, we became a united team as the championship drew near.

WATANABE Aki, Head Coach（Fujieda Junshin SC Junior Youth Blue）
Under a lot pressure in this championship, we couldn’t lead the match, which is an issue to be fixed. As the defending champions, we’ve been practicing with the aim of participating in this championship. Some might think we should win. However, it’s very difficult to even qualify. I can see how my players have improved by returning to this championship.

HIGASHIHARA Yuho（Fujieda Junshin SC Junior Youth Blue）
I was with my mates when the penalties were over and thought I shouldn’t cry. So I smiled, but in the end I just couldn’t help it. I felt all the strong support in these two games from my teammates and my family, who beefed up their cheering compared to last year. I’ve had very good experiences through these two matches, including the happiness and the sorrow.

Other results

JFA-TV