The Prince Takamado Trophy U-18 Premier League West enters its Matchday 15 on Sunday 20 September.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C. Youth (Hiroshima) face Cerezo Osaka U-18 (Osaka). Although Hiroshima had been away from winning since the second stage started, they grabbed three points with last-gasp goals in the last two matches. They continued to be tenacious to clinch points. The opponents Cerezo Osaka beat Oita Trinita U-18 (Oita) 1-0 to snap the three-match losing streak. They can’t afford to let their must-win mode off just yet.

Higashi Fukuoka High School (Fukuoka), who trail the league-leading Gamba Osaka Youth (Osaka) by one point, welcome Kyoto Tachibana High School (Kyoto) at home. Higashi Fukuoka midfielder HASHIMOTO Kazuyuki says, "We want to take advantage of the challenging experience we gained for the High School Tournament."

As both teams can get into the All Japan High Scholl Soccer Tournament in good form, the match will be a chance to boost themselves up with a victory. Whether Kyoto Tachibana, who have never defeated Higashi Fukuoka before, can show their pride this time also draws attention.

The performances of defence are likely to be decisive in the square-off between Nagoya Grampus U18 (Aichi) and Vissel Kobe U-18 (Hyogo). Nagoya scored nine goals in three matches in the third stage yet conceded nine goals, which was serious enough to leave them only one win during the stretch.

The opposing side Kobe scored opening goals in the last two matches but conceded goals in the both second halves, which kept them from a win. Both sides are required to keep concentration throughout the 90 minutes.

Riseisha High School (Osaka) fell to Higashi Fukuoka for the second straight loss. Forward HAYASHI Daichi says, "As we had not lost since the matchday 8 and got confident, it was a big shock." Riseisha lost 2-1 to the upcoming opponents Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 (Kyoto) in their last matchup, but the Osaka side look to get back confidence by settling the score.

[Pick-up Match - WEST Matchday 15]
Gamba Osaka Youth vs Oita Trinita U-18

The point difference between the teams is only one. After taking the top spot for the first time in this season with the last win, Gamba Osaka Youth square off with third placed Oita Trinita U-18. "You fail, and you pile up experience. We are not at the stage to give up. We want to look up," says coach UMEZU Hironari.

Although Gamba started the third stage with consecutive losses, they were successful in rebuilding the team as the coach said. Then, Gamba won two straight matches to move up to the top. The leaders try to secure the spot for the third straight win in the next match.

The opposition Oita's winning streak ended at three with a loss against the last opponents Cerezo Osaka. But U-18 Japan's midfielder IWATA Tomoki and forward YOSHIHIRA Tsubasa will come back from their China trip with the national team. The Oita side are motivated to get revenge for the 3-2 loss on the matchday 6. It is almost the end of the season. You will see which team is grabbing a win in the big match for the title race.

Date: Sunday 20 September, Kick-off at 11:00
Venue: Gamba Osaka Training Field
Access: Walk for 20 minutes from Osaka Monorail "Banpaku Kinen Koen Station."

Direction to venue (Japanese version only)

Premier League WEST Matchday 15

9/20 (Sun.)
11:00   Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C. Youth   vs   Cerezo Osaka U-18 (Yoshida Soccer Park)
11:00   Higashi Fukuoka High School   vs   Kyoto Tachibana High School (Higashi Fukuoka High School)
11:00   Gamba Osaka Youth   vs   Oita Trinita U-18 (Gamba Osaka Training Field)
11:00   Nagoya Grampus U18   vs   Vissel Kobe U-18 (Toyota Sports Centre)
17:00   Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18   vs   Riseisha High School (Kyoto Sanga F.C. Higashi Joyo Ground)

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)