Pick-up Match
F.C. Tokyo U-18 vs Kashima Antlers Youth

The 5th round of the Prince Takamado Trophy U-18 Premier League EAST will take place on 7th and 8th May and F.C. Tokyo U-18 (Tokyo) will play against Kashima Antlers Youth (Ibaraki) at home.

F.C. Tokyo was beaten by Shimizu S-pulse Youth (Shizuoka) 1-0 in the opening match, but they have got 3 consecutive wins after that defeat. In the previous round match against Kashiwa Reysol U-18 (Chiba), they kept a clean sheet for the first time this season and the team is currently in the top place. “We shouldn’t be relaxed in the top place since every team is strong”, says the team’s Coach SATO Kazuki. Throughout the 9 months in total of the competition , he expects the team to “push up the total strengths of the group after improving individual play which is expected to improve the team.”

On the other hand, Kashima has not won since they beat Omiya Ardija Youth (Saitama) in their opening match. The team’s Coach KUMAGAI Koji says: “they can’t score when they have to score, such as opportunities from set plays.” However, their strength in defence where they have kept a clean sheet in the past three of their four matches is still alive. This time, the team is required to score for sure in good chances, as well as keeping the strong defence to keep a clean sheet.

Coach and Players' Comments

SATO Kazuki, Coach (F.C. Tokyo U-18)
The key for the next match against Kashima is to win the intense competitions. Apart from 1-on-1 situation, we need to keep our toughness to hold the second ball right after the intense competition. We have finished the 4 matches so far and we have felt a certain level of achievement. While we have selected various players, all players are now getting familiar with the level of the Premier League; this is one of our achievements. We do have issues to improve, but we could switch our mind well from the first defeat and keep ourselves positive. If each player can improve their strengths, I believe that we can earn enough points to win the competition.

HASUKAWA Sodai (F.C. Tokyo U-18)
Our strongest advantage is a “sense of unity.” I can say that we play in this competition altogether as a team including players on the pitch, substitute players, the players who could not be selected as substitute players, and staff. This year, our U-23 team plays in Meiji Yasuda J3 League and players from this U-18 team will be called up for J3, so players available for this team will change. That makes our mentality even more motivated and our individual strengths have been better. What is important this time is competing with Kashima players in any intensive moments including 1-on-1 situation and heading. If we can move the ball with good rhythm and challenge to break through deeply to their half, I think we can take control of the match.

KUMAGAI Koji, Coach (Kashima Antlers Youth)
F.C. Tokyo has a range of good players in the front line, and the important thing for us is how we compete with them especially in any 1-on-1 situations. It is always important to defend them as a team, but what is even more important in this round is to win this type of individual intensive competitions. After the 4 matches, our defence has been very good so from now on we want to focus more on scoring. For example, we will prepare well to improve the accuracy of our set plays for each of the upcoming matches.

MATSUURA Koyo (Kashima Antlers Youth)
We are sure that we have maintained the basics such as coaching and encouraging each other on the pitch, run, compete, and switching offence and defence quickly; we are the best team in terms of doing these. In the next match against F.C. Tokyo, we want to be better in terms of intense competition including 1-on-1 and set plays. Personally, I want to win any competition in the air, and in other intense moments. I will do my best to contribute to scoring and to the victory of the team. I want to understand what we can do well and use 100% of my strength.

F.C. Tokyo U-18 vs Kashima Antlers Youth
Date: Sat. 7 May　kick-off 15:30
Venue: Tokyo Gas Musashino Ground
Access: Near from Seibu Bus stop “Kinjo High School Mae” which runs from “Hanakoganei” station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
20 minutes walking from “Kodaira” station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)

Premier League EAST Match Day 5

5/8
11:00　Aomori Yamada High School vs Shimizu S-pulse Youth (Aomori Yamada High School)
11:00　Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School vs Yokohama F・Marinos Youth (Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School)
11:00　Ichiritsu Funabashi High School vs Kashiwa Reysol U-18 (Funabashi City Field/Grasspo)
11:00　Albirex Niigata U-18 vs Omiya Ardija Youth (Denka Big Swan Stadium)

Shimizu S-pulse Youth (Shizuoka), who is in 3rd place with only 1 point less than F.C. Tokyo, will play away game against Aomori Yamada High School.

Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa (Chiba) who has not won at all yet, will face Yokohama F・Marinos Youth and will try to earn any points.

Ichiritsu Funabashi High School (Chiba) will welcome Kashiwa Reysol U-18, who is also from Chiba, to their home. See if they can keep their undefeated record in this match.

Omiya Ardija Youth (Saitama), who could win for the first time of the season in the last round, will try to get a consecutive win against Albirex Niigata U-18 (Niigata). Omiya Ardija’s YAMADA Riku says: “In the first period we want earn at least 6 points.”

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Match Day 4 Digest

More information