The postponed fixture of the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League 2021 EAST took place on Saturday 6 November, as Yokohama F.Marinos Youth (Kanagawa) welcomed Kashiwa Reysol U-18 (Chiba) to Yokohama National University football field.

Pick-up Match

Yokohama F.Marinos Youth 3-2 (2-2, 1-0) Kashiwa Reysol U-18

As Yokohama FM’s coach OKUMA Yuji recalled, “We were overwhelmed by our opponent’s momentum,” Kashiwa took the initiative in the early stages. However, it was Yokohama FM who scored the opening goal, as MATSUMURA Kosuke (#27) shook the net with a spectacular take with his left foot in the 22nd minute.

After the home side took the lead, Kashiwa responded quickly, as YAMAMOTO Ota (#18) scored the equaliser in the 25th minute. Kashiwa went onto take the lead in the 27th minute when the cross delivered by TAKANUKI Taiei (#8) induced an own goal.

With momentum on their side, Kashiwa continued to push forward, but Yokohama FM gradually began to rally back. During additional time, Matsumura responded to a cross ball from the left side and made a sliding effort to equalise the match before halftime.

In the second half, Yokohama FM controlled the pace of the match. Effectively utilising the width of the pitch, the Yokohama side created close opportunities, as UTSUMI Aoto (#17), UCHINO Kotaro (#9), and MIYASHITA Keita (#7) each came close to finding the back of the net.

The decisive goal came during additional time, when Yokohama FM’s ISHIZUKA Shin (#5) delivered a cross into the box. In the midst of a goalmouth scramble, Miyashita headed the ball towards the goal, setting up the volley shot of Uchino, who later reflected, “I put my heart into that shot.” Although conceding a close opportunity in the closing moments, goalkeeper KIMURA Ryoya (#1) made a fine save to give Yokohama FM the win.

Kashiwa’s coach SAKAI Naoki mentioned after the match, “In football, you have to concentrate especially on the four phases of the game: the beginning and end of each half, after scoring, and after conceding a goal.” It was a fierce battle where many goals were scored during those specific time periods.

Coaches and Players' Comments

OKUMA Yuji, Coach (Yokohama F.Marinos Youth)
We were overwhelmed by our opponent’s momentum until the 25th minute mark, but after that, we were able to possess the ball in the midfield and use the width of the field to control the match in the second half. It was a very good experience for us to learn how to recover after conceding the lead, and I am glad that we were able to win. Our next challenge is to be more critical in the final third.

FW #9 UCHINO Kotaro (Yokohama F.Marinos Youth)
After being kept goalless in our 1-6 defeat to Omiya Ardija U18, I was determined to score a goal that could help the team win. When I scored the goal, Miyashita made a tenacious effort to deliver the ball to me, so I took the shot with all my heart. I was very happy when the ball went in. I want to keep producing results so that I can be involved with the top team.

SAKAI Naoki, Coach (Kashiwa Reysol U-18)
Although it was a shocking way to lose, I was able to see the growth of my players compared to the previous season, so it was fun to watch. In football, you have to concentrate especially on the four phases of the game: the beginning and end of each half, after scoring, and after conceding a goal. I think the players learned that from this match.

FW #18 YAMAMOTO Ota (Kashiwa Reysol U-18)
Despite conceding the opening goal, we did not lose our composure. When I scored the goal, I was able to keep my cool and aim for the corner. However, we could have won the match if we had converted the chances we had at the end, so we need to become more crucial at the final third. We will continue to work hard so that we can improve our rankings.

Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football Premier League 2021

League Duration: Sat. 3 April - Sun. 5 December 2021

League Information