Pick-up Match

Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 1-1 (1-1, 0-0) Cerezo Osaka U-18

On Sunday 15 April, the second Sec. of the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League 2018 WEST took place, where Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 (Kyoto) squared off with Cerezo Osaka U-18 (Osaka).

In the match where both teams were searching for their first win of the competition, Kyoto took the initiative early as their midfielder SUGITA Jin mentioned, “we were beaten utterly last week, so we really wanted to win this week.” Kyoto initiated side attacks from their quick ball movements at their defensive end, but couldn’t create a real threat as their attacking third were out of sync with each other. C Osaka on the other hand, were committed to chase down the ball up front, anticipating to force turnovers close to their opponents goal, but both teams struggled to score the opener.

The deadlock was broken on the 32nd minute as Kyoto’s striker HATTORI Kota dished the ball to the left side where Sugita made a run and delivered a low driven cross towards the goal. Midfielder YAMADA Fuki was able to redirect the ball into the net, giving Kyoto the opening goal.

C Osaka struggled to convert their chances, but that would change in the 45th minute when midfielder KURIYAMA Riku collected a loose ball at midfield and launched a shot from distance. His shot gained momentum from the tailwind and struck the crossbar, allowing midfielder MATSUMOTO Nagi to capitalise from the deflection, ending the half at 1-1.

C Osaka showed their dominance in the second half, as their midfielder MUROTSU Hayato reflected, “we were able to create more turnovers from our pressure up front.” However, even though they created chances in the attacking third, they lacked accuracy to take advantage of the situation. Meanwhile, Kyoto’s patience were being tested as they unexpectedly lost both of their side backs. Their substitutes, however, showed great efforts, and their long awaited opportunity came on the 86th minute as midfielder NAKANO Keita delivered a through ball to KOZUKI Soichiro who broke through into the penalty area unmarked. But the golden opportunity was denied by C Osaka’s goalkeeper HAYASHI Shotaro who made a superb save. Both teams made their efforts until the very end, but neither found the back of the net, leaving the two teams sharing a point apiece.

Coaches' and Players' Comments

KISHIMOTO Kosuke, Coach (Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18)
The players fought very hard. After watching their opening match, we knew Cerezo were going to play aggressively in both offence and defence. We focused on our ball possession after we forced a turnover. With our opponents applying quick pressure against us, we planned on utilising the open space to get out of pressure. In the first half, we played very well until we conceded a goal. We faced an unfortunate turn of an event in the second half, and some players were forced to play in an unusual position, but everybody fulfilled their duty. I think this match would lead us to an even better match next time.

MF #6 SUGITA Jin (Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18)
If we were able to capitalise on our opportunities in the first half, we would have won this match. We got tired as our opponents started to control the match. However, compared to our first match where we couldn’t run at all, we all managed to run through the entire match today. We couldn’t win, but we played an okay match so we’ll keep our heads up to win our next match against Yonago Kita High School. My personal goal for this year is to score 10 goals and assist 10 goals, but I haven’t scored any goals yet, so I hope to score in our next match.

MURATA Kazuhiro, Coach (Cerezo Osaka U-18)
Our players played well, but we lacked speed and power. Even though our endurance was not bad, the issues we have been working to improve was still evident during this match. We did manage to force turnovers at high positions, but we couldn’t convert those chances. Compared to our previous teams, we have long ways to go, so I am not satisfied. We must be able to force the turnovers quicker, and improve our quality after we gain the ball.

MF #3 MUROTSU Hayato (Cerezo Osaka U-18)
In the first half, our opponents took control of the ball and even when we had the ball, we couldn’t connect our passes, so it was a very difficult half. But we managed to showcase our style of football in the second half, as our pressure up front functioned well compared to the opening match. We took the initiative of the match and created many chances, but we just couldn’t finish, and that’s something we must work on. The first two matches, we conceded goals from our own mistakes, but we are playing good defence at the same time. Even though we have been creating many chances, not many of our chances ended with a shot taken. We will practice ahead of our next match to improve on what we lacked today.

Results of other matches

Higashi Fukuoka High School 2-0 (0-0, 2-0) Vissel Kobe U-18
Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth 2-2 (0-2, 2-0) Gamba Osaka Youth
Nagoya Grampus U-18 4-1 (1-0, 3-1) Hannan University Senior High School
Yonago Kita High School 1-0 (0-0, 1-0) Avispa Fukuoka U-18

Higashi Fukuoka High School (Fukuoka) earned their second win after besting Vissel Kobe U-18 (Hyogo). Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth (Hiroshima) scored their equaliser in a dramatic fashion when midfielder MATSUMOTO Hiroya scored during additional time in their home encounter with Gamba Osaka Youth (Osaka). Nagoya Grampus U-18 (Aichi) who scored five goals in their first match, came out scoring again, as their forward HYODO Kento led their way into a four goal victory over Hannan University Senior High School (Osaka). In the match where both teams were searching for their first win, Yonago Kita High School (Tottori) won over Avispa Fukuoka U-18 (Fukuoka) with a 50th minute goal from their midfielder TAKAHASHI Ryo.

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

Tournament Information