Match Preview 27th Sec : VS Jubilo Iwata at City Light Stadium on August 1

At 7th sec, Fagiano made a strong showing against Iwata. During the first half, Oshitani stroke a memorable opener, encouraging his club. About 10 minutes later, Adailton equalized the match, assisted by Defender, Ota with a fast cross. Even though Okayama had several chances, the match ended in a tie, 1 - 1.

Former Fagiano's man, Ueda is likely to play this sec since he missed 7th sec because of his injury. He has been ever-present as a first choice since the 10th sec. Brazilian forward, Adailton and English attacker, Jay can be viewed as a threat. They have scored 10 goals respectively so far.

At last sec, Iwata was defeated by the rival club, Cerezo Osaka, 0 – 1. As a result, Jubilo is only three points ahead of Cerezo. That was disappointing for the club because they failed to secure the second.

Jubilo stay 2^nd position with 47 points as of now. For this former division 1 club, league championship is NO.1 priority, therefore, the match is certainly going to be tough for Fagiano, However, red-uniformed club is expected to make an upset victory.

Match Review 26th Sec : VS Tochigi SC at Tochigi Green Stadium on July 26

Okayama 2 Tochigi SC 2


It was hot and humid in the evening, which was tough for players in such a bad condition as well as the tight schedule.This sec, 5,395 fans came to the stadium. All of the Fagiano supportors hoped to see that the club would halt the consecutive defeats this sec. 


This match, an ace attacker, Oshitani sat out because of his injury. Kukita and Tadokoro started as a squad. An up-and-coming forward, Okamoto was on the reserve list. On the other hand, Tochigi's ace forward, Sakano was listed as a starter.


Three minutes after the kickoff, a young attacker, Katayama took a shot actively but failed. In the 17th minutes, a penalty kick was awarded to the home club because of Kaji's unlucky foul and Kawamoto surely converted it. In the 20th minutes, Katayama almost stroke an equalizer, crossed by Tadokoro. It seemed that Okayama had more ball possession but the first half ended in 0 - 1. 


After the break, in the 54th minutes, Sakano headed in Kawamoto's pinpoint cross, shockingly overtaking Fagiano's defensive rock, Iwamasa. Minutes later, the head coach, Nagasawa placed Tanaka and Okamoto on the pitch to change the game. In the 73rd minutes, a yound defender, Shinohara found the net with Tadokoro's corner kick. In the 83rd minutes,  Fagiano was successfully able to equalize the game with the opponent's own goal. Before the end of the match,  red-uniformed team had several opportunities including Kubo's heading, but they couldn't make a decider. As a result, both club shared the spoils.

At Tochigi Green Stadium on July 26

This was the fifth time this season for me to watch Fagiano's match at the stadium. 

I just hoped to see them score and beat the rival club. We just combined our spirits. 

This stadium is user-friendly because there is a free shuttle bus service between the stadium and JR Utsunomiya station. 

And also, there is a car-parking, which accommodates about 2,200 cars.

Match Preview 26th Sec : VS Tochigi SC at Tochigi Green Stadium on July 26

At 12th sec, Fagiano struggled to score a goal at City Light Stadium even though their attackers had several chances. As a result, the match ended scoreless. It was like a seesaw game.

In Tochigi, the head coach, Sakakura left the club days ago because of their slump. An ace forward, Sakano has already scored five goals so far, making a great contribution to his club. He has still been ever-present since the opening of the season. A Korean defender, Park Hyung-jin has also been ever-present and stable.

At last sec, Tochigi played against Kamatamare Sanuki. This was the first match for a new head coach, Kurata. The match dramatically ended 1 – 0, decided by Tochigi's defender, Nakami during the added time.

For Fagiano, Tochigi was the rival club, which was qualified for J league division 2 in 2009 together with Okayama.The home club stay 18^th position with 26 points as of now. In order to run for the playoffs, Nagasawa's men are expected to dominate the game with active attacking and bring a victory to their supporters.  

Match Review 25th Sec : VS Cerezo Osaka at Kincho Stadium on July 22

Okayama 1  Cerezo Osaka  2

It was rainy in the evening, however, lots of football fans came to the stadium for a remarkable match. The total attendance was 8,047. Although Fagiano has been in a bad form, lots of red-uniformed supporters were there to expect their victory.

This sec, Kaji was unable to appear because of the suspension. The head coach, Nagasawa placed Kubo as a centre forward. A defender, Kondo was back on the reserve list from his injury. A forward, Okamoto, who joined the club days ago, already stood by as a substitute.

After the kickoff, Fagiano got off to a good start. In the 7^th minutes, Kubo stroke an excellent opener, assisted by Tanaka. However, 3 minutes later, an attacker, Tashiro equalized the match, bringing forces to the home club. In the 34 minutes, former international, Tamada scored a brilliant goal.

During the second period, Cerezo continued to perform attacking in a wave. In the 64^th minutes, Osaka's goal keeper, Kim had an accident, and was unwillingly replaced by Tanno. In the 70^th minutes, Okamoto was sent into the pitch, encouraging Nagasawa's men. Even though they had more chances after Okamoto got in, red-uniformed men were not able to overcome Osaka's devastating strengths. Fagiano suffered three successive defeats. 

Match Preview 25th Sec : VS Cerezo Osaka at Kincho Stadium on July 22

At 3rd sec, Fagiano performed solidly against Cerezo in a tie, 1 - 1. Osaka's Brazilian forward, Pavlo stroke an opener, assisted by a world-class striker, Forlan. Before the end of the match, Oshitani equalized the game with a penalty kick.

In Cerezo, the former Uruguay international, Forlan and the former German international, Cacau left the club weeks ago due to their deal, therefore, the club is required to reorganize their strength. For Fagiano, the former Japan international, Tamada is the one to watch out for. He has scored six goals and played the pivot of the attack.

At last sec, Cerezo had a Kansai Derby against Kyoto Sanga. Minutes after the kickoff, Sanga's midfielder, Ito stroke an opener. After that, the game was like unpredictable. During the match, Cerezo had lots of chances, but failed to defeat the rival club, as a result, the match ended in 0 – 1.

Before the opening of this season, the former division 1 club is considered to be far ahead of other clubs in the league. That is because Cerezo had devastating strengths, however, Osaka stay at 4^th position with 38 points as of now. In order to move up to the top group, Fagiano is expected to obtain at least one point. 

Match Review 24th Sec : VS Tokushima Vortis at City Light Stadium on July 18

Okayama 0 Tokushima Vortis 3

PRIDE OF CHUSHIKOKU derby match took place in the evening. Reportedly, the total attendance was 8,276, and lots of Tokushima's supporters came for this away match.

This sec, a veteran, Kaji was back in the starting line-up. An ace forward, Oshitani was not listed for this derby match. On the other hand, Tokushima's head coach, Kobayashi placed Sato and Tsuda as a starter. Tsuda has scored 3 goals against Fagiano before, therefore, he can be viewed as a threat. Hasegawa was on the substitute list.

After the kickoff, the visitors overwhelmingly had lots of chances. Nagasawa's men were mostly forced to play on their own side. In the 32nd minutes, Tokushima's midfielder, Kimura stroke an excellent opener. Fagiano struggled to take control of the match.

During the second half, Vortis continued to threaten Okayama. In the 53rd minutes, Kimura scored the second goal for the day. After that, Nagasawa sent a forward, Kubo into the pitch but, in 82^nd minutes, Estiven made a decider, breaking Fagiano's defence. That was one of the worst matches for red-uniformed club this term. It is obvious that their performance left much room for improvement. The club is keenly forced to rise up. 

Match Preview 24th Sec : VS Tokushima Vortis at City Light Stadium on July 18

This season, Nagasawa's men successfully beat Vortis, 2 - 1 at the derby match called PRIDE OF CHUSHIKOKU. A young attacker, Yajima stroke an opener with an excellent middle shot. Katayama finalized the match, bringing the third victory of this term to Okayama.

In the former division 1 club, an ace striker, Tsuda has continued to fare poorly. He has been out of the starting line-up a lot this season. On the other hand, the former Omiya Ardija's striker, Hasegawa has played as the first choice. He has already scored three goals so far.

At last sec, Tokushima played against Giravanz Kitakyushu. Tsuda played as a starter. Vortis had several chances during the game, but failed to score. On the other hand, Giravanz's attacker, Inoue stroke a decider, securing their victory.

Vortis has still struggled in the lower group of the league at 19th position with 22 points as of now. Their slump seems to be beyond expectation.In order to obtain the ticket to the playoff this season, Fagiano is required to defeat the rival in the Chugoku region.    

Emperor's Cup 2015 begins this August.

The overview of the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament was made in public recently. As it is a competition to decide the best football team in Japan, the compostion is now open to every member club of the Japan Football Association, from J league division 1, division 2 and diviosion 3 down to JFL, regional leagues, and top college and high school teams from all over Japan.


The cup winner is qualified to AFC Champions League, which is the relished perk that every club wants. Since Fagiano belongs to the division 2 now, this is only chance for Okayama to gain the spot.


I understand that it is extremely difficult for them to win the championship at this cup, I personally want to go abroad to support them for an away match. Therefore, I pray for miracle to happen.


At least, I expect Fagiano to win the first two matches to face two-time division 1 champion, Sanfrecce Hiroshima for the derby of Chugoku region. 

Match Review 23rd Sec : VS Omiya Ardija at Nack 5 Stadium on July 12

Okayama 0 Omiya Ardija 3

Fagiano marched into the top club's stadium for this evening match. According to the reports, the total attendance was 10,077. Lots of Okayama fans also came to support their club since visitor's seats were almost full.

This sec, the head coach, Nagasawa placed some flesh men as a starter such as Someya and Tanaka. Kaji was not listed for this away match. A forward, Kubo was on the reserve list. While, in Omiya, Ienaga and Shimizu were placed as a squad. A defender, Oya, who used to play for Fagiano, was on the substitute list.

During the first period, as expected, Okayama suffered from the opponent's attacking. In the 13^th minutes, Ardija's defender, Komoto showed a brilliant opener, assisted by Wada. Later, the home club continued to threaten Nagasawa's men.

10 minutes after the interval, it seemed that Someya equalized the match but it was judged as an offside, disappointing Fagiano's fans. In the 58^th minutes, Omiya's attacker, Yokotani took an excellent shot, obtaining two-goal lead. Right after that, Nagasawa placed a young striker, Yajima in the pitch to change the game. Later, Omiya's attacker, Mrda was sent into pitch. During the added time, Izumisawa made a decider, proving that the home club deserves to play in the division 1. For Fagiano, that was a complete defeat. 

At Nack 5 Stadium on July 12

I got to Nack 5 Stadium! I was waiting for this moment. 

This is the first time for me to watch a football match at the stadium in the evening this season.

This is the stadium exclusively for a football.  According to the reports, more than 10,000 fans came to the stadium.

Surprisingly, visitor's seats were almost full.

It looks beautiful with sunset. 

Match Preview 23rd Sec : VS Omiya Ardija at Nack 5 Stadium on July 12

This term, on April 1, Fagiano played Ardija in a tie, 0 - 0. At that match, Oakayama fought up against the former division 1 club. A goal keeper, Nakabayashi amazingly saved Fagiano with great performances even though they were mostly on the back foot.

Ienaga is the mainstay of Ardija and he has been present since the 8th sec when he was back from an injury-list. He used to play in Spain and also, he was the former international. On April 1, he didn't play against Nagasawa's men.

At last sec, Omiya played against Consadole Sapporo. They came from two goals behind and won the game by three goals to two. Ienaga scored a goal after the break, bringing forces to the former division 1 club.

Ardija stay at 1st position with 49 points as of now. The orange uniformed club has been at the top in the division 2, as expected. It seems that the match is going to be a difficult campaign for Fagiano, however, in order to close the gap to the top group, Okayama are anticipated to obtain three points.

Match Review 22nd Sec : VS V･Varen Nagasaki at City Light Stadium on July 8

Okayama 1 V・Varen Nagasaki 1

This is the first match of the second period of this season. Reportedly, the total attendance for this evening match was 6,408.

In Fagiano, the starting line-up was the same as the last sec. It seems that a young defender, Shinohara has played as a first choice since he got back from the injury list. He has been ever-present since the 20^th sec. Oshitani was back on the reserve list. It seems that his injury was not so serious.

After the kickoff, Nagasaki took the control of the match, creating lots of chances. Furthermore, their defenders performed well so that Fagiano were unable to play at their own pace. In the 29^th minutes, an attacker, Ito stroke an opener, assisted by Katayama. Nagasawa's men had one goal-lead at the first period.

After the break, Katayama was replaced with Fagiano's top scorer, Oshitani. Fagiano's defenders dealt well with the opponent's attacking. In the 17^th minutes, Nagasaki's head coach, Takagi placed an forward, Takahashi on the pitch. It seems that change brought forces to the visitors. Finally, in 39^th minutes, Takahashi scored an equalizer, taking Nagasaki back from the brink of defeat. For Fagiano, it was disappointing game since they lost two points.

Match Preview 22nd Sec : VS V･Varen Nagasaki at City Light Stadium on July 8

This season, on May 3, Fagiano played against Nagasaki in a tie, 2 - 2. At that match, Oakayama were mostly on the back foot, but right before the end of the match, a defender, Iwamasa scored an equalizer, bringing one point to the club.

Nagasaki's Korean forward, Lee Yong-Jae has showed good performances so far. He also plays for Korean international. He has scored 5 goals including the one against Fagiano on May 3. A defender, Tone has been stable, controlling their defenders.

At last sec, Nagasaki was defeated by Omiya Ardija, running at the top of the league. During the match, they struggled to score a goal even though Lee Yong-Jae and other attackers had several chances.

Varen stay at 10^th position with 30 points as of now. It seems the club has been in a bad condition because they haven't won and scored any goals for the last 6 secs, therefore, Fagiano are expected to attack actively to strike an opening goal to dominate the match. 

Match Review 21st Sec : VS Kyoto Sanga F.C. at City Light Stadium on July 4

Okayama 2 Kyoto Sanga 0

This was the first match in July and the last match of the half of this season. Even though it was rainy during the match, 7,329 fans came to the stadium for this evening game.

According to the reports, an ace forward, Oshitani was out of the member's list because of his injury. This sec, a young defender, Shinohara started as a squad as well as the last sec. Kukita was back on the reserve list from the injury list. On the other hand, Kyoto's ace striker, Oguro was on the starting line-up as usual.

In an early time, the visitors took the control of the match. Oguro almost stroke an opener. Fagiano were mostly forced to play on their own side, however, in the 27^th minutes, Shinohara took a middle shot, bringing forces to Nagasawa's men. It seems that Fagiano were actively trying to attack to dominate the match today.

After the interval, Fagiano continued to give pressures to the visitors. In the 12^th minutes, a young attacker, Yajima scored a goal, assisted by Katayama, That made stadium full of joy and excitement. 4 minutes later, Kyoto's head coach, Wada sent Arita and Nagashima into the pitch to change the game. Before the end of the match, a goal keeper, Nakabayashi showed several excellent savings to ensure their two victories in a row. As a result, Okayama gets up to the 12th position with 29 points.

Match Preview 21st Sec : VS Kyoto Sanga F.C. at City Light Stadium on July 4

Kyoto, the former division 1 club, is one of the top choices for the playoffs, however, in recent years, Sanga has struggled in the lower league since 2011. The last season, Sanga finished at the 9th position after Fagiano. Okayama had one draw and one loss against the visitors in 2014.


In Kyoto, there are lots of well-known players such as a veteran forward, Oguro was the former Japan international. He was the top scorer of division 2 in 2014. This season, he has already scored ten goals so far. He is the one to watch out for. The former Vissel Kobe's attacker, Arita is also remarkable. 


At last sec, Kyoto played against Zweigen Kanazawa. Kyoto made all-out victory, 3 - 1. An ace forward, Oguro scored two goals. It seems that he is in a good shape.


Sanga has struggled at 15th position with 22 points as of now.  It seems that their performance has been beyond the expectation before the opening of the term. This is the 21st, which means the half of the season finishes at this sec.