The Prince Takamado Trophy U-18 Premier League WEST has its Matchday 9 on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July.

A contest between fifth-placed Vissel Kobe U-18 (Hyogo) and fourth-placed Higashi Fukuoka High School (Fukuoka) is important for them to and remain in contention for the championship. Kobe missed a victory on the matchday 7 against Cerezo Osaka U-18 (Osaka) and the matchday 8 against Gamba Osaka Youth (Osaka) as they conceded an opening goal in the consecutive matches. Since the next opponents Higashi Fukuoka have piled up points with their “opening the score and holding on to the end” style of game, Kobe's performance early in the match seemingly decides the outcome.

Ninth placed Nagoya Grampus U18 (Aichi) face tenth placed Kyoto Tachibana High School (Kyoto). While Nagoya "are improving collective defence" according to coach TAKATA Tetsuya despite the first six winless matches, Kyoto Tachibana have repeatedly failed to manage their defence with nine goals against in the last two matches. Needless to say about aiming to keep a clean sheet, the key to win points is how well they can refresh their mind after conceding a goal.

Riseisha High School (Osaka) meet Oita Trinita U-18 (Oita) at home. Riseisha struggled early in the season as coach HIRANO Naoki says, "We have a lot of injured players and came up here fudging the issue." But they marked their first victory of the season in the last match with their key players back. With keeping their momentum, Riseisha square off against Oita, who are on their two-match winning streak.

Leaders Cerezo Osaka and second placed Gamba Osaka face off for a head-to-head match as Cerezo forward KISHIMOTO Takeru shows his enthusiasm for the big game, saying "If we win the next, we can add up points." For Gamba ending the last two in a draw, there is a positive piece of news that goalkeeper HANO Masaya and forward TAKAGI Akito just came back from injury. With a victory, they look to put pressure on the league-leading side.

Pick-up Match - WEST Matchday 9
Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18   vs.  Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C Youth

Sixth-placed Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 (Kyoto) and seventh-placed Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C Youth (Hiroshima) come out to get a chance to move up. Just as Kyoto coach MORIOKA Ryuzo had a concern after the matchday 7 against Kyoto Tachibana, saying "Even adults let up after winning," the team lost the matchday 8 against Oita to stop their three-match winning streak. Even so, "Substitutes are also in a good mood and we are becoming a good team," says Morioka. He seems to be confident about his team's growth.

The opposition Hiroshima have been off the pace in a winless run after the matchday 3. Hiroshima have a problem in their defence, keeping a clean sheet in only one match out of their past eight matches. Goalkeeper NAGASAKA Yoshiki says, "We fail to take one more step, or even a half step forward against opponents." They should always try to fight hard on the ball to grab points in the next match.

Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18   vs.  Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C Youth
Date: Sunday 12 July - 11:00
Venue: Kyoto Sanga F.C. Higashi Joyo Ground
Direction: Take a taxi from Kintetsu Kyoto Line "Okubo Station" for 10 minutes, or take Joyo Sansan Bus from JR Nara Line “Joyo Station” or Kintetsu Kyoto Line "Terada Station" and get off at "Sanga Town Joyo."
Direction to venue(Japanese version only)

Premier League WEST MD 9, Sat. 11 and Sun. 12 July

Sat. 11 July
11:00
Vissel Kobe U-18 vs. Higashi Fukuoka High School (Ibuki-no-mori Kyugijo)

Sun. 12 July
11:00
Nagoya Grampus U18 vs. Kyoto Tachibana High School (Nagaya City Minato Soccer Stadium)
11:00
Riseisha High School vs. Oita Trinita U-18 (Riseisha Ibaraki Ground)
11:00
Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 vs. Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C Youth (Kyoto Sanga F.C. Higashi Joyo Ground)
18:00
Gamba Osaka Youth vs. Cerezo Osaka U-18 (Gamba Osaka Practice Field)

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