The Prince Takamado Trophy Premier League EAST will hold its matchday 2 on 16th and 17th of April.

Pick-up Match
Kashima Antlers Youth vs Kashiwa Reysol U-18

The last year’s champion Kashima Antlers Youth (Ibaraki) will face Kashiwa Reysol U-18 (Chiba) on 17th.

In the opening match, Kashima beat Omiya Ardija Youth (Saitama) 2-0. They scored 2 goals early in the match through their set play and quick attack. Then they showed off their strengths in defence. Even their number of shots in the 2nd half was zero, they never allowed Omiya to attack freely. The match ended without any particular difficult time for Kashima. Many players were changed since last year, but their “winning culture” has continued over to the new players.

Kashiwa’s strength is in ball possession including their U-12 and U-15 players. In 2014, they got the EAST title making most of their playing style which carefully and consistently formed offence from the final line. This season’s opening match against Yokohama F・Marinos Youth (Kanagawa) was difficult for them, but they gradually got their rhythm from the 2nd half with some substituted players, and towards the end they applied pressure to Yokohama. The match ended 1-1. They are expected to have an exciting match against the former champion Kashima this time.

Coach and Players' Comments

KUMAGAI Koji, Coach (Kashima Antlers Youth)
Honestly speaking, we are not strong; comparing to how we were last year, the current team is weaker in all aspects. I think we are 10th of all 10 teams of the League including EAST. Our players and strength as a team changed, but the fact that keeping consistent in any intensive moments and good speed in switching between offence and defence, never changes. I expect the current players to grow up chasing what they have to achieve in each match they will face.

IMURA Ryosuke (Kashima Antlers Youth)
Last year, our team got the title and it was because of our senior players who are not with us anymore. I think our current strength is not enough to be the champion. If we started to be self-conscious or to be too passive, we would be even weaker. Firstly, we have to win 1-on-1 situations; if we win in these situations we won’t concede goals, so we’ll pay attention to be consistent in the match. There aren’t players who have extraordinary skills, so we will get united well to survive the season.

NAGAI Shunta (Kashiwa Reysol U-18)
In the next match against Kashima, I hope that we can put them in a tough spot. If we can play well from the beginning just like how we were in the 2nd half of the previous match against Yokohama F・Marinos Youth, we should be positive to win the match. The key will be how much we can take control within the first 10-15 minutes. Kashima’s advantage is their consistent defence, so what is important is to score the opening goal. All of the teams are well trained and there won’t be any easy matches at all, but we’ll challenge these strong teams with strong mentality.

KOGA Taiyo (Kashiwa Reysol U-18)
We believe that “taking control of the game”, “forming from behind”, and “ball possession” are our advantages and in these regards we are stronger than any other team. In the next match against Kashima, we will not only fend off their strong pressure, but also beat them in intensive moments. How we react to their set play will also be important. I’m looking forward to checking how much we can keep our level against a strong team.

Kashima Antlers Youth  vs  Kashiwa Reysol U-18
Date: Sun. 17 April　kick-off 11:00
Venue: Kashima Stadium
Access: JR Kashima line “Kashima Jingu Station”, and take taxi for 10 minutes

Premier League EAST Match Day 2

4/16
14:00　Yokohama F・Marinos Youth  vs  Ichiritsu Funabashi High School (Nissan Field Kozukue)

4/17
11:00　Kashima Antlers Youth  vs  Kashiwa Reysol U-18 (Kashima Stadium)
11:00　Shimizu S-pulse Youth  vs  Albirex Niigata U-18 (Simizu National Training Centre/J-STEP)
11:00　Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School  vs  F.C. Tokyo U-18 (Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School)
11:00　Aomori Yamada High School  vs  Omiya Ardija Youth (Aomori Yamada High School)

Yokohama F・Marinos Youth (Kanagawa) started the season with a draw, regardless of the many chances they could make due to their lack of finishing accuracy. They will try to beat Ichiritsu Funabashi High School (Chiba) in the next match.

Aomori Yamada High School will play against Omiya Ardija Youth (Saitama). Aomori Yamada’s Coach Kuroda Go reviewed the previous match they won: “the biggest thing of the day is that we could keep a clean sheet.” Check out if they can get another win at home. Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School (Chiba) was utterly beaten by the Aomori Yamada High School in the previous match. The team’s Coach HONDA Yuichiro says: “it doesn’t mean that the defeat of the first match destroys all of the future matches.” They will try to beat F.C. Tokyo U-18 (Tokyo) in the next matchday.

Albirex Niigata U-18 will play against Shimizu S-pulse Youth away. They also aim for a victory for the first time this season.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Match Day 1 Digest

More information