1/18 Training Match
On the 18th, the 7th day of the Okinawa camp, we held our first practice match of the season against Meiji University at Kaigin Field Kunigami (3 halves of 30 minutes each) and won 10-0.
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI sent the players out with the intention of keeping the entire team compact, saying, "Let's move the ball so much that the opponent becomes like a mannequin and can't defend."
In the 4th minute of the first half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA scored the opening goal, becoming the first player to score under the new system, igniting a goal rush. After that, an own goal added another point. Ewerton GAUDINO and Marcelo RYAN also scored, ending the first half with a 4-point lead.
In the second match, goals were scored by Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who is in his first year as a professional, and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA. In the third match, YAMAGUCHI scored his second goal of the day, followed by a practice player and Keita ENDO. Finally, Leon NOZAWA scored, marking a victory in their first external match with double-digit goals.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer's selected camp photo project 'FOCUS ON'. On the 7th day of camp, this photo captures a soccer girl gazing enviously at the pitch. On this day, during a practice match against Meiji University held at Kaigin Field Kunigami, the local Kunigami FC Quinas served as ball persons. As they supported ball retrieval behind the goal before the match, they were wide-eyed at the sight of the Okinawa-born goalkeeper Taishi Brandon NOZAWA who approached them. With great ambition, the local hero who rose to the Japan national team has become a source of big dreams for the children.
CAMP VOICE vol.7 Taiyo YAMAGUCHI
In the first practice match of the season against Meiji University, Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who is in his first year after being promoted to the top team, scored two goals. For the first goal, he received a pass from Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA inside the area and struck the ball into the left side of the goal with his right foot. Furthermore, he jumped to connect with a cross from Keita ENDO on the left side, shaking the net for his second goal. After the match, in which the team won 10-0, a recorder was pointed at Yamaguchi.
Q: please review the two goals scored in the first external match.
A: The first goal was not with my strong left foot, but with my right foot. Even so, I was able to relax my body well and take a good shot, so I think it was good. For the second goal, I didn’t make perfect contact with the cross, but I think I was able to push it in well. I believe both goals were heartfelt and good goals.
Q: It seemed that you were very conscious of the timing and location when entering the goal area.
A: After all, I believe that the only way to get playing time is to produce results and numbers. That’s why I approached this match thinking about how I could score goals, and I think that’s why I was able to perform well in the game.
Q: There was also a chance to score the third point.
A: There were many chances, but I couldn’t quite score the third goal. Training will continue from now on, so I want to practice shooting more and be able to score more goals.
Q: You played on the right side and as a forward in this match. Do you want to be able to handle any position?
A: No matter the position, if there is a chance to play in a match, I want to actively take it on. I believe it is important to become a player who can play anywhere, not just as a forward, so I want to work towards becoming that.
Q: A week has passed since the camp started, and I have seen many seniors giving advice.
A: I still feel that there are many technical aspects I lack even during practice. Keigo HIGASHI and other senior players, who are older than me, kindly teach me in detail, so I have a sense that my technical skills are gradually improving. I also feel that I am leveling up in other finer areas as well.
Q: There are about 2 weeks left in the camp.
A: I believe that the practice matches will be the opportunity to showcase myself in order to get game time. I want to achieve good results there, score many goals in practice as well, and highlight my strengths in hold-up play and involvement in goals to prepare for the start of the season.
Q: Are you feeling tired?
A: Yes, there is (laughs). Even so, I just have to keep doing my best.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
