Pick-up Match

Gamba Osaka Youth   2-0 (2-0, 0-0)   Oita Trinita U-18

The 15th Sec. of the Prince Takamado Trophy U-18 Premier League WEST on Sunday 20 September saw a match for the top spot between Gamba Osaka Youth (Osaka) in the lead and Oita Trinita U-18 (Oita) in third place.

Oita got all fired up for the game just as YAMAZAKI Tetsuya, the coach, commented “if we win the game, we still have an opportunity to claim the title.” However, the team could not show their aggressive defence at all. IWATA Tomoki later noted “we were intimidated by the name Gamba.”

Gamba Osaka, on the other side, struck the opener early in the game. After two minutes, the forward TAKAGI Akito got through the defenders on the left wing and the forward MIYAMORI Yuki scored a goal. In the 14th minute, the forward TAKEDA Taichi, who reacted to a loose ball from Takagi, took another shot. Gamba Osaka built a two-goal lead in the first 15 minutes.

The team did not stop attacking. Then after 26 minutes, Takeda, who received a pass from Miyamori on the right wing, turned with the ball to send to Takagi, looking for the third goal. However, the goalkeeper MAKI Kohei put in a superb save and Gamba Osaka could not add any insurance. 

The game changed in the second half and Oita took the initiative. After the kick-off, the forward OKA Shodai, who came off the bench, stirred around the front line. Despite pressing the opponent, he could not make a shot. 

In the 57th minute, the midfielder SAGIHARA Takuya, who received a pass from the defender TODAKA Kota on the left side, sent the ball to the forward YOSHIHIRA Tsubasa in front of the goal. He took a shot, but could not find the back of the net. Yoshihira later noted “our current issue is not being able to score with each opportunity.”

After a difficult period for Gamba Osaka, the midfielder ICHIMARU Mizuki intercepted the ball to send a pass forward in the 66th minute, where Takagi took a shot, only for it to be saved once again by the goalkeeper Maki. Neither of the teams could strike a goal any more, and the score stayed the same until the final whistle. Gamba Osaka won their third consecutive match, and maintained the top spot.

Coach and Players' Comments

UMEZU Hironari, Coach (Gamba Osaka Youth)
In the first half, we played as we wanted, striking goals. Scoring early on in the game meant a lot, just like in the previous Sec. We planned to initiate attacks in the first 15 minutes, and we did so. We conceded goals only from our own mistakes, not by being beaten by the opponent. Regardless of the opponent, if we overwhelm the opponent with the amount and quality of movement, we can keep possession and score. We have played in that way in the past several matches.

HATSUSE Ryo (Gamba Osaka Youth)
It was a vital match for whether or not we could maintain our top spot, which we have achieved for the first time. Winning the game 2-0 meant a lot to the team. Although we started with consecutive losses at the beginning of the third round, we could fix our problems in defence in the game against Riseisha in the 13th Sec.

We had led the league until the 15th Sec. last year, but we lost two games in a row after the break, and couldn’t claim the title. As we were so frustrated, we have stronger spirit this year – “this is the year!” I’d like to win the remaining three games to win the championship.

YAMAZAKI Tetsuya, Coach (Oita Trinita U-18)
One of the reasons we lost today was poor coordination in defence due to the lack of the centre back. Secondly, the players were intimidated a little too much in the first half, and could not play to their strengths. We had to play hard for victory, but we couldn’t, which was a shame. Simply, the opponent was stronger and better. Each individual skill, strength and speed was better as well. Also some players understood their tactics very well. I think it was the best team we’ve played so far. 

YOSHIHIRA Tsubasa (Oita Trinita U-18)
We lost the game today. Having said that, if we had played our style, the result could have been different. I feel frustrated that we couldn’t play hard enough and perform more aggressively. I just think we were defeated completely today. This loss as well as the one in the previous Sec. will affect our possibility to win the championship.

However, we can’t give it up. We’ve come this far, and I really want to claim the title. So I’d like us to prepare ourselves during the break and focus on winning the championship.

Other Matches

Sanfrecce Hiroshima F.C Youth   6-0 (1-0, 5-0)   Cerezo Osaka U-18
Higashi Fukuoka High School   4-0 (1-0, 3-0)   Kyoto Tachibana High School
Nagoya Grampus U18   1-4 (0-3, 1-1)   Vissel Kobe U-18
Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18   2-3 (0-2, 2-1)   Riseisha High School

Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth (Hiroshima), who met Cerezo Osaka U-18 (Osaka) in second place at home, won a sweeping victory, scoring six goals. They pressed Cerezo in the second half, when the opponent had to play with one player down.

Higashi Fukuoka High School (Fukuoka) played against Kyoto Tachibana High School (Kyoto). Fukuoka scored multiple goals, starting with MOCHIYAMA Taiki’s shot, and won the game. 

Although Nagoya Grampus U18 (Aichi) wanted to win against Vissel Kobe U-18 (Hyogo), in order to get out of last place, they conceded four goals. After 78 minute, FUKAHORI Syunpei struck a goal to close the gap, but the team could not attack back any more. It was their ninth loss this season.

Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 (Kyoto) levelled the game against Riseisha High School (Osaka), closing a two-goal gap. However, MACHINO Syuto struck a deciding goal in the 86th minute and Riseisha won the match, halting a two-game losing streak.