The two postponed fixtures of the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League 2020 Kanto took place on Sunday 13 December.

Pick-up Match

Omiya Ardija U18 3-1 (1-0, 2-1) Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School

At Saitama Stadium 2002 third ground, the postponed fixture between Omiya Ardija U18 (Saitama) and Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School (Chiba) took place. Although Yokohama FC Youth (Kanagawa) has already clinched the top spot, Omiya was still in contention for second place, thus showing great enthusiasm from kick-off. As coach TANNO Yusuke mentioned, “Ryutsu Keizai Kashiwa’s strong point is their high pressure. We must contain their pressure, while exploiting their weakness.” The Omiya side delivered many long balls behind the Ryutsu defence line to create opportunities.

Ryutsu Keizai Kashiwa’s coach ENOMOTO Masahiro reflected after the match, “We were expecting Omiya to move the ball with short passes, but we ended up holding the ball.” The approach took by Omiya brought confusion to the Ryutsu side, leading to the opening goal in the 16th minute. The goal came from a CK, where FUKUI Keita (#3) struck a header to give Omiya an early lead.

Although the Chiba side made adjustments in the second half, Omiya continued to dominate the match, as SHIBAYAMA Masaya (#10) showcased a spectacular individual effort to score the team’s second goal in the 51st minute. OOI Yuto (#18) following in the 87th minute to make it 3-0, and despite conceding a goal in additional time, Omiya Ardija won the match 3-1 and finished the Prince Takamado Trophy Premier League Kanto in second place.

Following the match, coach Tanno praised his players, “Japanese players tend to focus on their own football, but our players focused on making plays that would irritate the opponents and exploit their weaknesses.” Coach Enomoto also reflected on their season, “After seeing many of our players getting side-lined, the lack of leadership really hurt us at the end.” But the coach also thanked his players, “We saw so much go on outside football this season, but our players worked positively throughout the season.”

With the two postponed fixtures being played on 13 December, the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League Kanto concluded the 2020 season, as Yokohama FC won the league, with Omiya in second and FC Tokyo in third.

Coaches and Players' Comments

TANNO Yusuke, Coach (Omiya Ardija U18)
We knew heading into the season that we had a talented squad, but as the season progressed, we started to mesh as a team. Our opponent must have expected us to connect short passes, but if we know that our opponent is going to apply pressure from their front line, we can exploit them by sending long balls behind their backs. If our opponent stops the approach, we can start connecting the ball, and that was how we approached this match.

FW #10 SHIBAYAMA Masaya (Omiya Ardija U18)
In the first half, I was getting man-marked by Ryutsu Keizai Kashiwa’s TAMURA Riku, and could not showcase my usual performance. However, I managed to receive the ball in the opponent’s weak spots in the second half. I really like watching how Messi plays, and I have watched his videos over and over. The goal came from one of his plays I repeatedly practiced in our trainings. (Reflecting on his experience playing at the J2) I learned a lot about how players prepared themselves ahead of the match and there were so many new findings off the pitch.

ENOMOTO Masahiro, Coach (Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School)
While our opponent deployed a strategy where they collected the ball to their FW, we struggled to build our attacks when we had the ball possession. It is an aspect we must improve on, so we will continue to work on it next season. This year must have been a very difficult year for the players. We simply did not have enough time, but the players did extremely well within the giving circumstance.

DF #5 NEMOTO Taishi (Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School)
We wanted to finish the season on a high note, so this result is very disappointing. Despite conceding three goals, it was great to see us work hard until the final whistle and score back a goal at the end. I have been able to grow as a player during the past three years and the experience I gained at the Premier League is just priceless. It really allowed me to improve as a player in both technical and mental aspects. I will try to earn my starting role at college and try to become a professional football player.

Results of other matches

Kashiwa Reysol U-18 1-3 (1-2, 0-1) FC Tokyo U-18

In the postponed fifth sec. match between Kashiwa Reysol U-18 (Chiba) and FC Tokyo U-18 (Tokyo), FC Tokyo took the initiative with the 16th minute goal scored by UMEHARA Kakeru (#7), and the Tokyo side went onto win the match 3-1, finishing off the season on a high note.

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)