<Previous Match: Yokohama FC Review>
With a spirited victory united in blue and red, they added a flourish to the guardian's departure.
In the previous match against Yokohama FC, it was Taishi Brandon NOZAWA's last match before his overseas transfer, while for Alexander SCHOLZ, who just joined in June, it was his Tokyo debut. Both players faced milestone matches.
The score changed early on. In the 4th minute of the first half, the right side was broken down, and a cross ball was pushed in, resulting in a goal conceded. Suddenly, they found themselves trailing by one point.
Tokyo conceded an early goal, but since the opponent adopted a more defensive style, the game continued with Tokyo pressing forward while maintaining possession. They attacked the opponent's territory by creating chances through immediate ball recovery from the front line.
Even after halftime, Tokyo continued to maintain control, and at the 14th minute of the second half, the simultaneous introduction of three players—Kei Sato, Motoki NAGAKURA, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA—accelerated the attack. Both NAGAKURA and NAKAGAWA acted as lubricants, increasing one-touch plays and adding depth to the offense.
The penalty kick awarded in the 34th minute of the second half was saved by the opposing goalkeeper from player Scholz's shot, but Tokyo continued to attack without losing heart, and in the very end, the goddess of victory smiled upon them.
First, at the 40th minute of the second half, Kento HASHIMOTO's cross was headed in by Nagakura to equalize. Then, in the additional time of the second half, Masato MORISHIGE, who had resolved to score himself from the penalty kick opportunity, powerfully struck with his right foot and succeeded in taking the lead at the last moment. As the circle of joy dispersed, time was up, and Tokyo secured consecutive wins in the important two-game series against Yokohama.
Match Preview
The team situation is improving, aiming for the first 3 consecutive wins of the season.
The team, which concluded the five-match series with a victory over Yokohama FC in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 22 last weekend, resumed training from Tuesday this week. While carefully building their condition, they thoroughly analyzed and prepared countermeasures against their opponent, Kashiwa Reysol, and also focused on their own team, which is currently on a winning streak. They reviewed the strengths they have been able to demonstrate in matches and the progress made so far.
Fiercely competing for the ball and firmly aiming at the goal. By everyone expressing the "Tokyo spirit" on the pitch, the team as a whole and the stadium have started to feel the passion conveyed in the matches. Sei MUROYA, who returned in June, prefaced by saying, "I can't really compare it to before," and shared his current sense of confidence: "Everyone is showing their desire to win, and there is a feeling that we are fighting as a team. I think that is a major factor in producing results."
Not only Motoki NAGAKURA but also the new players who joined in June have significantly strengthened the foundation of “Rikizo Tokyo.” When Alexander SCHOLZ brings composure to the back line, the versatile Motoki NAGAKURA appears at the right moments in the build-up to become a starting point for attacks, actively making runs in front of the goal and drawing out the strength of those around him through defense from the front, becoming a key player. Since scoring his first goal for the Blue-Red in the Emperor's Cup 2nd Round against Zweigen Kanazawa on June 18, NAGAKURA has already marked 3 goals in official matches. Interestingly, all of these goals were scored after the 40th minute of the second half, which has also attracted attention.
Coach Matsuhashi, feeling the team's growth, said, "A new player who can add strength as a new point has joined the image that everyone has been working on so far. This has directed the progress made so far in a positive direction, creating a good sense of acceleration," speaking about the team's situation after achieving consecutive wins.
Kashiwa Reysol, the opponent for this round, is currently second in the league under the management of Ricardo RODRIGUEZ, who took over this season and has built a ball possession style. They are level on points with the league leaders Kashima Antlers and rank among the top in the league in many statistics such as number of passes, dribble attempts, and number of attacks.
This Thursday, the Japan national team members heading to the East Asia E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Round in South Korea were announced. Both Yuto NAGATOMO and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were included for Tokyo, while Kashiwa had four players selected: Koga, Kubo, Kakita, and Hosoya, reflecting the team's good form.
It is expected that the ball will be somewhat controlled by the opponent, but Tokyo should never respect the opponent too much, avoid giving easy good spaces, press firmly when necessary to take away their freedom, and transition to attack. Additionally, considering the heat and stamina, maintaining a balanced style of play will also be crucial.
Towards the first 3 consecutive wins of the season. Each player is full of dynamism, and the fusion of individuals has begun to become the team's strength. For Tokyo, who is on an upward trend, this match against Kashiwa, who are in the top ranks, will be a touchstone to confirm their own evolution. Without getting carried away by emotions, we want to firmly produce results in each play and match in front of us, and secure a victory that will be the trigger to change our future with our own hands.
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, An important match is coming up where the first 3-game winning streak of the season is at stake.
A, first of all, that is our goal. We want to continue the team's good momentum. The opponent, Kashiwa Reysol, is the second-place team with the same points as the leader, but we don't think they are unbeatable. We just need to deliver the performance to win.
Q. Based on the previous match, please tell us your impression of Kashiwa.
A, the way we add depth to our attack seems to have been brushed up since the last match. It is especially important in this game to not give the opponent any space and to firmly win the ball when applying full pressure. While we don't rely solely on that, in individual situations, we feel we have the advantage. We aim to create the flow of attack ourselves and, defensively, to work together as a team with organization and physical commitment.
Q. Starting with the defensive midfielder, I think there are many key points to control and points to be cautious of in the buildup from the back.
A, of course, it is also the opponent's strength, but conversely, by suppressing that, it leads to canceling out their strengths. Considering the risk of being too cautious about the opponent's strengths and allowing them to exploit other spaces, I believe that overall maintaining a good balance and responding calmly is the best approach.
[Player Interview]
<Sei MUROYA>
Q: I think tomorrow's match will be an important game aiming for the third consecutive win.
A, we were able to secure a good win in the previous match and achieved two consecutive victories. Since this will be a match against a top-ranked opponent, we want to play good football and win against such teams as well.
Q. What do you think is the reason for the winning streak?
A, I joined the team partway through the (season), so honestly, I don't know the atmosphere before that. However, as those watching might feel now, I also stand on the pitch and can sense from everyone on the team the determination to hang in there until the end and the desire not to lose. I feel that this mindset is having a positive effect on the team, so I think that's the key point. I don't know about before, but now I have the feeling that we are fighting as a team on the pitch.
Q. Kashiwa Reysol is currently in 2nd place, tied on points with the leader. It seems like the team is in good form, but what do you think will be the key points?
A, since it is an away game, we have to expect to some extent that the opponent will hold possession of the ball. Including in our practice, we have been able to create many situations where we break down the opponent with good coordination in front of the goal, so I think we can create chances in that aspect as well. In any case, the opponent is a team that is good at ball possession, so how well the back four can hold their ground without breaking down will be very important, and we want to be conscious of that and work on it.
Q. What do you think is necessary to win tomorrow?
A, I think it's about "spirit." The opponent is the second-place team, so there's no doubt it will be a tough match. How much we can endure and how well we can capitalize on our few chances will be crucial. I believe how much we can bring out what we are capable of doing now will determine the outcome.
＜Alexander SCHOLZ＞
Q. How do you look back on the dramatic victory against Yokohama FC?
A, of course I was happy to win. I think it is very important for our ranking that we were able to win. I am glad that we were able to achieve a come-from-behind victory as a result. I think it has been rare to have two consecutive wins so far. Therefore, I want to continue this momentum.
Q. During practice, Coach Matsuhashi also mentioned that winning against Kashiwa Reysol would make these two consecutive victories even more valuable. I think it will be an important match.
A, Kashiwa is a very good form team, so we can expect it to be a difficult match. I am really looking forward to playing on the away pitch with a wonderful atmosphere. It will be a tough game, but I want to keep my head up and fight hard.
Q. The opposing team's manager is Ricardo RODRIGUEZ, who was the manager when he belonged to Urawa Reds.
Coach ZE RICARDO, as well as players Koizumi and Inukai, were teammates at Urawa. I am very happy to be able to play matches with people I have fought alongside until now. We spent a successful period together at Urawa, including winning the Emperor's Cup under Coach ZE RICARDO.
Q: Since your strength lies in solid defense, scoring the first goal becomes crucial. I believe finishing the match without conceding any goals is the most important thing.
A, in the previous match, we allowed chances and conceded a goal just 4 minutes after the start. For the match against Kashiwa, we have practiced thoroughly to play with confidence, and we want to maintain constant communication and be fully prepared. The opponent has many excellent attacking players, so I think it will be a difficult match, but if we respond properly, I believe we can win.
