Pick-up Match

Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School 0-0 (0-0, 0-0) Ichiritsu Funabashi High School

On Sunday 15 April, the second Sec. of the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League EAST took place, as Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School (Chiba) faced their prefectural rival Ichiritsu Funabashi High School (Chiba).

With both teams knowing each other so well, Coach HONDA Yuichiro of Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa described their rivalry, “it provides us with a great opportunity to know where we’re at.” The match displayed an extraordinary battle between the two powerhouses.

Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa came out showcasing their iconic pressing style football, denying Ichiritsu Funabashi from taking the initiative through their build ups. The Kashiwa side would utilise the flank after forcing turn overs, allowing their forward SERITA Yuma to create chances with his dribbles. Their biggest chance came on the 41st minute, when midfielder NAKAI Hayato fired a shot off defender IWASAKI Senri's cross, but Ichiritsu Funabashi goalkeeper TANAKA Yuya made a superb save to deny it. Both teams failed to produce a goal and the first half finished scoreless.

In the second half, Ichiritsu Funabashi adjusted their strategy both offensively and defensively to rally back as they moved the ball forward by eluding Ryutsukeizaidai's pressure, generating more chances. In the 56th minute, OKAI Toshinori fired a powerful shot following a counter attack, forcing the opposing goalkeeper to deflect the ball. Okai would manage to get to the loose ball first to take another shot, but his effort was slightly off target. Ichiritsu Funabashi would go onto create more chances utilising the width of the field, including a critical opportunity from their defender MATSUO Yusuke, but their chances were denied by the physical defence showcased by Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa.

A crucial chance came Kashiwa's way in additional time, but Nakai's shot was saved by Funabashi goalkeeper Tanaka. With both teams showcasing superb defence, the match would end in a scoreless draw.

After the match Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa’s Coach Honda praised his defence, “we managed to play a lot better than I expected against Ichiritsu Funabashi.” But at the same time expressed his concern over the lack of goals, “we must do a better job, and I believe we can make it better.”

On the other hand, Ichiritsu Funabashi’s Coach ASAOKA shared his take on the match, “we knew there wouldn’t be much chances to take shots in this match, and the fact that we couldn’t convert the chances we were given was regretful. We are not satisfied with the point we earned today.” His disappointment was evident as his side managed to create more chances than their opponent in the second half.

For their next Sec., Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa will now face an away match against the league leaders Aomori Yamada High School (Aomori), while Ichiritsu Funabashi will welcome Urawa Red Diamonds Youth (Saitama) at home.

Coaches' and Players' Comments

HONDA Yuichiro, Coach (Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School)
With the assumption that Ichiritsu Funabashi would not like it if we packed the middle, I tried to make my players understand the importance of defending the vertical zone extending down from the centre circle. I would rate our defence at about 70 out of 100, but we were a little too sloppy in our offence. (Regarding his decision to start a first year player) I don’t evaluate my players according to their ages. He still needs time to make the adjustments to the new school and the environment, but I felt like he can cope with the pressure, so that’s why I used him today.

DF #28 FUJII Kaito (Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa High School)
I found out yesterday that I was going to start in this match. I have just joined the top team this week. I performed well in a scrimmage against a college team, so that might be why I was selected. I usually don’t get nervous, but I entered the game poorly today. My seniors told me to "just take it easy," and those words helped me get into the game better. I felt like I was able to do well in duels, but I also felt the need to be able to talk to my peers and give directions when needed.

ASAOKA Ryuzo, Coach (Ichiritsu Funabashi High School)
The team performed the way we have intended, but we lacked quality in the final third, where it matters the most. We created many close opportunities, including set plays that could have gone in. Ryutsukeizaidai Kashiwa played in the Prince League last year, so we couldn’t play each other as much as we’d like, but competing in the same league this year brings benefits to both of us.

DF #5 KISHIMOTO Shunsaku (Ichiritsu Funabashi High School)
I performed very poorly last Sec. and caused trouble for my team. I made too many mistakes in our build ups. Compared to players like (our alumni) SUGIOKA Daiki (Shonan Bellmare) and HARA Teruki (Albirex Niigata) who I admire, my performance is nowhere close to where they are at. But my biggest strength is in the aerial battles, so I was determined to win balls in the air today.

Results of other matches

Shimizu S-Pulse Youth 1-2 (0-0, 1-2) Urawa Red Diamonds Youth
Kashima Antlers Youth 3-2 (1-1, 2-1) Kashiwa Reysol U-18
Jubilo Iwata U-18 0-2 (0-1, 0-1)F.C. Tokyo U-18
Aomori Yamada High School 5-0 (2-0, 3-0) Toyama Daiichi High School

The match between Shimizu S-Pulse Youth (Shizuoka) and Urawa Red Diamonds Youth (Saitama), saw Shimizu’s AOSHIMA Kenta open the scoring in the 72nd minute. Urawa, however, got back on level terms with an 84th minute goal from IKETAKA Nobuki followed by the go-ahead goal from their striker HATA Shota in additional time to earn the full three points. Kashima Antlers Youth (Ibaraki) squared off with Kashiwa Reysol U-18 (Chiba). After their defender KUMADA Shuto opened the scoring, Kashima allowed the opponents to erase the gap but scored two goals in the second half, grabbing a 3-2 victory to win consecutive matches. The defending champions F.C. Tokyo U-18 (Tokyo) earned their first victory after beating Jubilo Iwata U-18 (Shizuoka) 2-0, with the help of the third minute goal scored by midfielder YOKOTA Shunki. After registering four goals in their league opener, Aomori Yamada High School (Aomori) hosted Toyama Daiichi High School (Toyama) as they posted back-to-back wins with their five-goal rout, including DANZAKI Riku’s brace.

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

Tournament Information