Pick-up Match
Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 vs Cerezo Osaka U-18

The Matchday 8 of the Prince Takamado Trophy U-18 Premier League WEST will take place on 9-10th July. On 10 July, Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 (Kyoto) who have not won any matches will play against the top team Cerezo Osaka U-18 (Osaka) at home. 

Kyoto failed to win in their previous 6 matches with 4 defeats and 2 draws. Their current position is 9th. In the 2 matches they drew, Vissel Kobe U-18 (Hyogo) in the 4th Matchday and Kobe Koryo Gakuen High School (Hyogo) in Matchday 7, both teams equalised in the additional time of the 2nd half. The team’s Coach MORIOKA Ryuzo talks about this difficult situation of the team “they know what to do but they are always worried about conceding a goal. I want to remove their worries.”

He continued to talk about the key of the next match against Cerezo Osaka: “they will have to be patient and physically strong and stay calm even in pressured moments.”  The team’s player TANAKA Kosuke says: “They will try to exert pressure on our defenses. It is important not to lose the ball in our half and move the ball swiftly to make chances.” He expressed his motivation for the first victory of this season “they are on top now but we can create opportunities to score making use of our set plays.”

Cerezo Osaka U-18 on the other hand have scored 23 goals in the previous 7 matches which indicates that their strength is offense. The team’s Coach MURATA Kazuhiro analyses the team “the results are far better than expected. But I know we are now strong enough to compete with any team in the league. We had skills and now we added speed and power. More importantly, we are gaining confidence.”  The defense has been firm.  They have kept a clean sheet for the past 2 matches.  Their consistent play in offense and defense is expected to be seen in the next match. 

Coach and Players' Comments

MORIOKA Ryuzo, Coach (Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18)
Cerezo Osaka have one of the strongest offense in the League. We will face them with respect as challengers. We haven't won any match this season, but I want the players to play without any fear. Competing well with the top team will be important for our team. The key will be to score first. Even though they are strong in offense and defense, we still have a chance of winning if we stay calm and play aggressively. 

TANAKA Kosuke (Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18)
Our advantage is speedy offense from long distance passes. We also want to show aggressive offense from our side's attack. Personally, I want to lead the team to victory. Apart from scoring, I want to assist goals as well We currently stand at the bottom of the League , so we need to climb up to the table from here. 

MURATA Kazuhiro, Coach (Cerezo Osaka U-18)
Kyoto Sanga have many players with excellent foot technique. They are also good at passing. It will be important for us to steal the ball and counterattack. The players have been able to communicate better after every match and this allowed us to keep a clean sheet in the recent 2 matches. We still have minor issues. I expect them to be sorted out before the next match. 

UEHATA Uheiji (Cerezo Osaka U-18)
Our three advantages are: strong pressure from the front line, aggressive offense and defense as a team, and fair competition among the players since the starting players have never been fixed. The key for the next match will be scoring the first goal and winning the ball including 1-on-1 situation.  I want to contribute to the team’s victory by making good passes. To win the title of this Premier League, we need to be consistent and improve individually and the team as a whole. 

Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18  vs  Cerezo Osaka U-18
Date: Sun. 10 July　kick-off 16:30
Venue: Kyoto Sanga F.C. Higashijoyo Ground
Access: 15-minute by taxi from "Okubo Station" (Kintetsu Kyoto Line)
　　　　 Near the Joyo Sansan Bus stop "Sanga Town Joyo", which runs from "Joyo Station" (JR Nara Line) or "Terada Station" (Kintetsu Kyoto Line)

Premier League WEST Matchday 8

7/9
16:00　Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth vs Kobe Koryo Gakuen High School (Yoshida Soccer Park)
17:00　Higashi Fukuoka High School vs Oita Trinita U-18 (Higashi Fukuoka High School)
18:00　Vissel Kobe U-18 vs Ozu High School (Ibukinomori Stadium)

7/10
17:30　Gamba Osaka Youth vs Nagoya Grampus U18 (Gamba Osaka Ground)

Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth (Hiroshima) who are currently in the 3rd place will face Kobe Koryo Gakuen High School (Hyogo) at home. Since the top two teams have played one more match than Hiroshima, they want to put pressure on them by winning this time.

Higashi Fukuoka High School (Fukuoka) will play against Oita Trinita U-18 (Oita). Both teams are from Kyusyu area. Vissel Kobe U-18 (Hyogo), who haven't lost in the last 5 matches, will play against Ozu High School (Kumamoto). 

On 10 July, Gamba Osaka Youth (Osaka) will play against Nagoya Grampus U18 (Aichi). Gamba got the dramatic victory last week against Oita Trinita in the additional time of the 2nd half. Nagoya on the other hand got a precious point from the match against Vissel Kobe who is currently in a good form. There will be a lot to check out from the match of these two strong teams. 

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Matchday 7 Digest

More information