Pick-up Match

Shimizu S-pulse Youth 2-1 (1-1, 1-0) FC Tokyo U-18

On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June the sixth Sec. of Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League EAST took place, as Shimizu S-pulse Youth (Shizuoka) welcomed FC Tokyo U-18 (Tokyo) to their home field, S-pulse Miho-Ground.

In the match played under rainy conditions, it was the home side, Shimizu who scored the opening goal. In the fourth minute, forward SAITO Sena (#10) dribbled into the penalty area before driving a low cross into the centre. The cross was deflected and forward AOSHIMA Taichi (#17) was there to slot the ball into the goal.

As Shimizu’s defender KENMOTSU Takumu (#5) later reflected that they “played too passive after scoring the opening goal,” it was the Tokyo side who displayed dominance with their multi-layered attacks. In the 26th minute, FC Tokyo’s defender MORITA Shingo (#3) delivered a cross from a corner kick, where the loose ball was struck by their forward KUBO Seiichiro (#18) to give the visitors the equaliser. FC Tokyo continued to apply pressure and took control of the match. Shimizu’s goal was once again threatened in the 31st minute from a free kick, but this time their goalkeeper UMEDA Togo (#16) made a superb save to keep the game tied as the match entered halftime with a score of 1-1.

Shimizu took the initiative in the second half, as Coach HIRAOKA Hiroaki told his players to “adjust the distance between each other,” during halftime. In the 63rd minute, Shimizu’s forward KAWAMOTO Riyo (#15) passed the ball to midfielder SANO Rikuto (#6) who delivered a looping pass. The pass attempt was deflected by the opposing defenders, but Sano was there to strike the loose ball with his right foot to score the go-ahead goal.

Desperately needing a goal, FC Tokyo made efforts to rally back, but their passing game was denied by the soggy pitch condition created by the heavy rain that has been pouring from the morning. They switched their tactics to utilising long balls to penetrate the box but led by Shimizu’s towering defender Kenmotsu who is 188cm tall, their attempts were denied by the home side.

Shimizu kept on to their one goal lead to earn their third win of the season. While the defending Premier league champions, FC Tokyo has suffered their third consecutive loss. Despite their loss Coach SATO Kazuki remained positive as the team had lost most of their upper-class players for the U-23 match that was held on the same day. With only three of their third-year players available, first-year players like OMORI Rio (#28) who played centre half showcased a good performance and “gained great experience” from this match, according to the coach.

Coaches' and Players' Comments

HIRAOKA Hiroaki, Coach (Shimizu S-pulse Youth)
It’s great that we managed to capitalise on our few chances to win the match, but after we scored the goal, we were dominated for the remaining minutes of the first half. We weren’t planning on playing so defensively, but our opponents’ momentum forced us to become a little passive and lack creativity. I told my players to come out fresh in the second half. Compared to the first half, they showed more eagerness to go forward and stronger intention to connect the ball. The players played scared in the first half, but they were able to encourage themselves to play the S-pulse football in the second half, and I think that’s the reason we won the match today.

FW #10 SAITO Sena (Shimizu S-pulse Youth)
We haven’t been able to score much goals lately, so our intention towards scoring goals has been low. Our coach told us before the match to go aggressively towards the goal, and it helped us regain our eagerness to score. Without his encouragement, I probably would’ve selected to pass the ball in the scene where I scored the goal. In that moment I thought maybe I could initiate something, and that’s why I decided to dribble my way through. As a result, I was able to score that goal. Although scoring is important, as the team captain I think the runs and efforts made to contribute to the team’s victory is more valuable. After I make all those efforts for the team, and if I can get a goal or an assist, it makes it that much sweeter.

SATO Kazuki, Coach (FC Tokyo U-18)
The way we entered the match was not so bad. We had our goal scoring opportunities, but we couldn’t convert them. Conversely, our opponents capitalised on their few chances. That made the difference in this match. After losing some players for the U-23 match and injuries, we elected to start some fresh players and those new players did a good job on the pitch. As a team, we cannot remain in this ranking order, so we must grind it out and earn more points before the summer arrives.

DF #4 KUSAZUMI Konosuke (FC Tokyo U-18)
Throughout the match, what we have built up during the season break was evident. However, in terms of finishing the given opportunities, the S-pulse side had the upper hand against the young Tokyo side. Our short passes were getting slowed down by the rain in the second half, so we switched our tactics to playing long balls in our offence. However, that decision made it easier for our opponents to defend against us. Despite losing the match, we managed to play our football even with some fresh players, and it gave those players some valuable experience. Our current standing in the league is not desirable, but we hope to feed off this experience and earn better result in our next Sec.

Results of other matches

Kashiwa ReysolU-18　1-1 (1-0, 0-1)　Toyama Daiichi High School
Ichiritsu Funabashi High School　0-1 (0-0, 0-1)　Kashima Antlers Youth
Urawa Red Diamonds Youth　0-1 (0-0, 0-1)　Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School
Aomori Yamada High School　6-1 (3-0, 3-1)　Jubilo Iwata U-18

The match between Kashiwa ReysolU-18 (Chiba) and Toyama Daiichi High School (Toyama) saw Kashiwa’s SHODA Norihiro (FW #11) score the opener in the 27th minute, but TAKAGI Toshiki (MF #17) scored the equaliser for Toyama in the 70th minute to give both sides one point apiece. League leader Kashima Antlers Youth (Ibaraki) faced Ichiritsu Funabashi High School (Chiba), where they held onto the 59th minute goal scored by SUGIYAMA Mitano (FW #11) to extend their winning streak to six. Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School (Chiba), who is cashing Kashima in second place also won their match 1-0 against Urawa Red Diamonds Youth (Saitama) to keep their runner-up position. Aomori Yamada High School (Aomori) scored a total of six goals led by SASAKI Ginji’s (FW #9) goal in the 18th minute to get past Jubilo Iwata U-18 (Shizuoka).

Tournament Period：Sat. 7 April 2018 ～ Sun. 9 December 2018

Tournament Information