Pick-up Match

Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18   2-5 (1st 1-2, 2nd 1-3)   Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth

The 9th Sec. of the Prince Takamado Trophy U-18 Premier League WEST was held on Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July. Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18 (Kyoto) met Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth (Hiroshima).

Kyoto’s coach, MORIOKA Ryuzo noted: “if we win, our rank goes up, but if not, Hiroshima overtakes us. It’s vital to win this kind of essential game”. Kyoto created a goal-scoring opportunity at the beginning of the match.

After six minutes, NUMA Daiki struck the opener, getting off to a promising start. However, after then they could not finish their shots. SAWADA Kentaro, the coach of Hiroshima, on the other hand, commented: “after 20 minutes, our two defensive midfielders played strongly near the ball, which made me think we could win.” Hiroshima gradually picked up their pace. 

In the 38th minute, KAWAMOTO Keita struck the equalizer，followed by a long-distance shot from KATO Mutsuki after 42 minutes. The match went into the second half with a one-goal lead for Hiroshima.

In the second half, Kyoto changed their playing system to prevent Hiroshima’s floating attack. However, Hiroshima attacked a gap from Kyoto’s initial movement and scored from a penalty kick in the 48th minute. Hiroshima built a two-goal lead. 

After 58 minutes, Kyoto closed the gap to one goal. SHIMAMURA Takuya on the wing, who reacted to a cross from TAKEICHI Jota, passed the ball backwards to MORIYA Keiki, who struck a goal. 

Although Kyoto wanted to level the game as quickly as possible, one minute later TSURU Takuma of Hiroshima scored from a corner kick, building a two-goal lead once again. Morioka, the coach later noted: “it was very tough, as we thought we’d attack back from then. I was impressed with Hiroshima’s play.” 

Hiroshima continued their counter-attacks against Kyoto, who moved forward, towards the end of the game. After 85 minutes, MITSUTA Makoto scored their fifth goal. Hiroshima won the game, earning their victory after 7 losses. 

Coaches' Comments

MORIOKA Ryuzo, Coach (Kyoto Sanga F.C. U-18)
I do feel frustration with our loss. At the beginning, Numa struck a superb opener and we took the initiative in the heat. We kept creating good opportunities, keeping the ball towards the goal.

However, Hiroshima was really good at passing the ball around. Although we said we’d stay calm to intercept the ball, we felt frustrated when we couldn’t do so. We didn’t stay vocal, either. That was one of the reasons we conceded goals. I think Hiroshima’s spirit for the victory was stronger than ours.

SAWADA Kentaro, Coach (Sanfrecce Hiroshima FC Youth)
I’m pleased with the content of the game today with excellent plays, not to mention our victory. Even after the first player went to intercept the ball and failed, the second or third one tried harmoniously. 

In the second half, we defended solidly using our bodies when we were pressed by the opponent. We could counter-attack to strike a goal. Although we won the game after a while, it didn’t show our real skill. It’s vital for us to learn from today’s experience for the coming match.

Results of Other Matches

Vissel Kobe U-18   1-1 (1st 1-0, 2nd 0-1)   Higashi Fukuoka High School
Nagoya Grampus U18   1-0 (1st 0-0, 2nd 1-0)   Kyoto Tachibana High School
Riseisha High School   0-0 (1st 0-0, 2nd 0-0)   Oita Trinita U-18
Gamba Osaka Youth   4-0 (1st 2-0, 2nd 2-0)   Cerezo Osaka U-18

Vissel Kobe U-18 (Hyogo), who met Higashi Fukuoka High School (Fukuoka) at home, scored in the 13th minute and maintained their lead until towards the end of the game. However, after 86 minutes, MAIKUMA Seiya levelled the match to prevent Vissel from getting three points. 

Nagoya Grampus U18 (Aichi), who are currently sitting in ninth place, played against Kyoto Tachibana High School (Kyoto), who are in tenth place. They both had four points. Nagoya kept MORI Kota’s one-goal lead until the last whistle and won the game. 

Riseisha High School (Osaka) drew their match with Oita Trinita U-18 (Oita) and both teams earned one point. 

Gamba Osaka Youth (Osaka), who are currently in second place, met Cerezo Osaka U-18 (Osaka), who are leading the league. DOAN Ritsu, who was a newcomer as a forward, played superbly and contributed to two goals for Gamba Osaka at the beginning of the game. In the second half, both TAKEDA Taichi and ICHIMARU Mizuki added more insurance and Gamba Osaka won the game 4-0.