The seventh sec. of the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League 2020 Kanto took place on Sunday 6 December.

Pick-up Match

Urawa Red Diamonds Youth 1-2 (1-1, 0-1) Omiya Ardija U18

In the final game week of the Premier League Kanto, the two Saitama sides collided at Saitama Stadium 2002, as Urawa Red Diamonds Youth (Saitama) welcomed Omiya Ardija U18 (Saitama) to their top team’s home stadium.

Both teams started off looking stiff, as Urawa’s NEGISHI Keita (#6) later reflected, “It was my first time playing at the stadium and everyone looked nervous at the beginning.” However, it was the Urawa side who possessed the ball longer and started to take control over the match. In the 15th minute, Urawa’s MORI Kaito (#8) struck a left footed shot that captured the net, giving his side a one goal lead.

Ahead of the match, Omiya’s coach TANNO Yusuke mentioned, “Because our season was limited to less than half of the matches we normally play, I was not able to give our senior players the opportunity to redeem themselves. That is why I started the senior players today.” Just as the coach mentioned, Omiya’s line-up featured primarily their senior players, including two of their injured players, NAKAYAMA Kota (#8) and JONES Rei (#1), who were on the bench as their staff members.

Omiya’s senior players responded to their coach’s thoughtful gesture by showing a strong performance. In the 27th minute, SAKABE Shota (#11) connected with a cross delivered by SHIBAYAMA Masaya (#10) to score the equaliser, as the senior midfielder mentioned, “Nakayama spoke to the team before the match and said, ‘we need to play hard for those who dedicated themselves to the team like Sakabe,’ so I really wanted to score a goal today.”

The derby match continued to intensify in the second half, and it was Omiya who scored the next goal. In the 69th minute, YAMAZAKI Rin, who just entered the match a minute ago, struck a right footed shot to give the visiting side their first lead of the match. Despite seeing the Urawa side rallying back to level the match, led by their team captain, TANIGUCHI Taisei (#6), Omiya showcased a tenacious effort in defence to keep the one goal lead intact, as the Saitama derby ended in the hands of Omiya with a final score of 2-1.

Coaches and Players' Comments

IKEDA Nobuyasu, Coach (Urawa Red Diamonds Youth)
Including this match, we have been able to showcase a very attack-minded football style that can take the initiative of the match. However, we still need to play with more flexibility, so that we can make adjustments on the pitch. In today’s match, we needed to do a better job of managing the risks against Omiya’s counterattacks. At the end of the day, we cannot lose when we are playing at this stadium, and I feel responsible for today’s loss.

MF #6 NEGISHI Keita (Urawa Red Diamonds Youth)
It was great to see our side score early, but the fact that we conceded at the restart following the water break was not good. We wanted to stay alerted in restarts, but we were not focused enough. Although our season was cut in half, it was great that we were able to resume the league competition and play against top tier teams. I am also happy that we were able to play at this stadium, and I feel thankful for all the people who has supported us over the course.

TANNO Yusuke, Coach (Omiya Ardija U18)
With this being a derby match, we focused on keeping our intensity at a high level. I wanted our players to play on behalf of their injured teammates and they showed great fighting spirit despite conceding an early goal in the first half. Due to the effect of COVID-19, this was a tough year for the senior players. I wanted the senior players to experience a match at Saitama Stadium, so I chose to start the senior players today.

MF #11 SAKABE Shota (Omiya Ardija U18)
I was deeply moved by the speech given by Nakayama before the match and I was a bit nervous at the beginning of the match. Although we conceded an early goal, we managed to keep a good vibe. I was able to score a goal from a play we have been working in our training sessions, and I was able to anticipate for that cross. Last year, I saw the senior players play with great discipline and dedication, so that is why I continued to work hard this year.

Results of other matches

Funabashi Municipal High School 1-1 (1-0, 0-1) Kashiwa Reysol U-18
Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School 1-6 (1-4, 0-2) Yokohama F. Marinos Youth
Yokohama FC Youth 2-0 (0-0, 2-0) FC Tokyo U-18

In the match between two Chiba sides, Funabashi Municipal High School (Chiba) scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute, but Kashiwa Reysol U-18 (Chiba) scored the equaliser in the 66th minute to share a point apiece. Yokohama F. Marinos Youth (Kanagawa) overwhelmed Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School (Chiba) by scoring six goals on their way to victory. With the two goals scored in the second half, Yokohama FC Youth (Kanagawa) won against FC Tokyo U-18 (Tokyo) to secure their top spot of the league.

Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League 2020 Kanto

League duration: Sat. 5 September - Sun. 6 December 2020

For more information
Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League official Twitter account (external link)