2016年3月30日水曜日

JFL Match Review 4th Sec (1st) : VS Briobecca Urayasu on March 26

Fagiano Next  0  Briobecca Urayasu 1

Former International, Satoshi TSUNAMI works for Urayasu as a technical director. This club is also the one, aiming for the upper professional league in the near future.



According to the news reports, the total attendance was 289. A young forward, Kobayashi was expected to score a goal at this match. During the match, he performed well, but struggled to net a goal, on the other hand, the visitors stroke an opener. Later, red-uniformed team were not able to equalize the match.


At the next sec, Okayama meet ReinMeer Aomori F.C at City Light Stadium. Aomori won the championship in All Japan Regional Football Promotion League Series and got promoted to Japan Football League. In ReinMeer, there are some former J League players such as Okuyama. He has appeared at 142 macthes for fives years (2009-2014) when he played for Gainare Tottori. He is very experienced.

2016年3月28日月曜日

Match Review 5th Sec : VS Giravanz Kitakyushu at City Light Stadium on March 26

Okayama 2  Giravanz Kitakyushu  0


The total attendance:7,050


This sec, an experienced attacker, Akiyoshi was listed as a starter for the first time this term. Katayama was not listed for this match because of a minor injury. A forward, Okamoto stood by as a substitute. He was expected to finalize the match at the end of the game.


In 10th minute, Oshitani had a chance in the box, but he was not able to take a shot. Four minutes later, Yajima took the first shot at this match. In 23rd minute, Iwamasa almost headed an opener. In 43th minute, Oshitani netted a goal with a penalty kick. During the first half, Okayama's defenders made a strong showing and successfully kept a clean sheet against the visitors.


Right after the interval, Akamine stroke a good shot.  In 51th minutes, Watanabe had an accident and he was replaced by Shimada. Nagasawa's men added a goal with the visitor's own goal.  In 69th minute, Tanaka was sent onto the pitch. In 83th minute, Akamine had a chance, but he was blocked by the opponent. Later, head coach, Nagasawa placed an attacker, Okamato to secure the victory. A goalkeeper, Nakabayashi showed excellent savings. As a result, Okayama successfully defeated Kitakyushu, making the stadium full of joy.

2016年3月25日金曜日

Match Preview 5th Sec : VS Giravanz Kitakyushu at City Light Stadium on March 26

This season, a new stadium in Kitakyushu is scheduled to be completed, which means the club would meet all of the requirement as the division 1 club except for performances. Therefore, it is obvious that the team is highly motivated this term.


Before this season, the club actively aquired talented players. A defender, Ryosuke TONE on a loan from Nagoya Grampus is a local hero in the city. The local legend, Masashi MOTOYAMA
joined the club from seven-time division 1 champion, Kashima Antlers. He is expected to play as a spiritual pillar. An attacker, Ikemoto came back to Kitakyushu from Matsumoto Yamaga FC.


The top scorer of the club in last season is Rui KOMATSU with 18 goals, which is ranked 3rd in the league and the top as a Japanese player. He can be viewed as threat and he has scored one goal so far this season.
  

At the last sec, Kitakyushu met Roasso Kumamoto. The legend, Motoyama was listed as a starter for the first time this year. During the first half, Kumamoto mostly dominated the match, however, after the interval, Kitakyushu stroke an opener. At the end of the game, Kumamoto's attacker, Kiyotake successfully scored an equalizer. The match ended in a tie.



2016年3月23日水曜日

At K's Denki Stadium on March 20



The weather was ideally good for enjoying a football match. Before the game, exhibition match of Hollyhock football school's kids took place.




The number of Fagiano's supportor was more than I expected.



I came across Hollyhock's bus.


 
 

 Lots of kids flocked to the place on the below photo.



2016年3月22日火曜日

JFL Match Review 3rd Sec (1st) : VS HONDA FC on March 20.

Fagiano Next 0  HONDA FC  2

HONDA FC finished in the third place of the league last year, however, the club does not aim for J League. It is surprising that the team scored 73 goals in 30 matches last term. Especially, their attacking strength is remarkable, so that the team has been an obstacle against other clubs running for J League. 



583 fans came to Miyakoda Soccer Stadium for this match. During the match, Next made a strong showing against this powerful club. Especially, a goal keeper, Nitadori performed well, encouraging his teammates. However, during the added time, Honda stroke two goals, one after another, defeating Fagiano. Sadly, Okayama had three losses in a row.


At the next sec, Okayama play against Briobecca Urayasu at City Light Stadium. Last term, Urayasu finished in the second place in All Japan Regional Football Promotion League Series and got promoted to Japan Football League. An attacker, Kenzo NANBU, who used to play for J League 3 club, Kataller Toyama, can be viewed as a threat.

2016年3月21日月曜日

Match Review 4th Sec : VS Mito Hollyhock at K's denki Stadium on March 20

Okayama 3  Mito Hollyhock 2

The total attendance:5,193 




Head coach, Nagasawa placed the same starting line-up as the last sec. A veteran forward, Akamine was expected to net the first goal as a Fagiano man. And also, their defenders are expected to keep a clean sheet since they have failed to do so for the last three matches since the division 2 began. Mito's Vietnamese Messi, Nguyen Cong Phuong was not listed for this match. 


The during the first half, Hollyhock mostly dominated game. In 12th minute, Sato almost took a shot, but failed. Later, Blue-uniformed men had more chances. On the other hand, Akamine struggled to threaten the opponent. In the 34th minute, Oshitani stroke a shot in the box, but Mito's goal keeper, Kasahara showed a good saving. The first period ended in a scoreless.


After the break,  Okayama went on the offensive. Captain, Iwamasa headed an opener, bringing forces to his team. Later, more chances belonged to red-uniformed men. In 62nd minute, ace attacker, Oshitani added a goal, assisted by Katayama. Second minutes later, Hollyhock man, Mishima smashed a goal. Three minutes later, a young attacker, Toyokawa was sent onto the pitch. In 82nd minute, Akamine had a chance in the box, but it was blocked by Kasahara. During the added time, the game was shockingly equalized, disappointing every Fagiano fan, however, their men never gave up. One minute later, Iwamasa dramatically finalized the match with his heading, bringing a victory to Okayama.


2016年3月18日金曜日

Match Preview 4th Sec : VS Mito Hollyhock at K's denki Stadium on March 20

Last term, Fagiano had one victory at their home stadium and one loss in Mito against the rival.  In order to compete for the playoffs, red-uniformed club are expected to defeat the rival.


Before this season, some talented players left Mito such as an ace forward, BABA and a young attacker, Musashi SUZUKI, however, a new comer, Vietnamese attacker, Nguyen Cong Phuong is expected to reinforce the club's attacking. He also plays for national under-23 team and he is nicknamed as Vietnamese Messi by fan and media due to his playing style and  body physic.


At the last sec, Mito met Zweigen Kanazawa in Kanazawa. Both clubs struggled to score  a goal. Durinng the match, Mito's veteran goalkeeper, Homma made a strong showing to keep a clean sheet, therefore, the match ended in a goalless draw. 



So far, Hollyhock have two draws and one loss with only one goal. Therefore, Nagasawa's men are expected to keep a clean sheet against the rival.

2016年3月16日水曜日

JFL Match Review 2nd Sec (1st) : VS Azul Claro Numazu on March 13.

Fagiano Next  0  Azul Claro Numazu  1

In 2015, Numazu finished in the fifth place of the league, therefore, the club failed to get up to J League division 3. Last term, Next had one victory and one loss against Azul Claro, however, the visitors seem more powerful than last season because the club acquired some talented players. 



This sec, legend, Nakayama was not listed as the member for this match, therefore, the total attendance was only 355. Kato was back as a starter from the top team. During the match, Next struggled to strike a goal, while Numazu smashed an opener with a penalty kick. Okayama disappointedly failed to equalize the match. They took only four shots. Obviously, more chances belonged to the visitors.    


At 3rd sec, Okayama meet HONDA FC at Honda Miyakoda Soccer Stadium in Hamamatsu city. The club has been in the top amateur league since 1999 with four time champions, therefore, the match is expected to be very tough for Fagiano Next. 

2016年3月14日月曜日

Match Review 3rd Sec : VS Kyoto Sanga FC at City Light Stadium on March 13

Okayama 2  Kyoto Sanga FC  2

The total attendance:9,098




This sec, a defender, Shinohara was listed as a starter for the first time this year. A young attacker, Toyokawa was on the reserve list. Reportedly, the product of the club's youth system, Kato was reassigned for Next.
 

Right after the kickoff, the visitors had relatively more possession, but Nagasawa's men actively kept attacking. A veteran forward, Akamine performed well, annoying Sanga's defenders.  He obviously had an established presence in the box. In 45th minutes, a captain, Iwamasa took a header, but it was saved by Kyoto's goalkeeper, Sugeno.


Five minutes after the interval, Sanga's Korean forward, LEE Yong Jae stroke an opener, encouraging his team. In 66 minutes, Ito successfully equalized the match. Five minutes later, head coach, Nagasawa placed under 23 international, Toyokawa onto the pitch. Then, he did an excellent job, netting a goal. Later, Kyoto's defender, Suganuma was sent off because of his inappropriate behavior. During the added time, the match was shockingly equalized, ending the game in a tie.



2016年3月11日金曜日

Match Preview 3rd Sec : VS Kyoto Sanga FC at City Light Stadium on March 13

Kyoto Sanga is the former division 1 club and seems powerful enough to compete for the playoffs, however, last season, the club ended up in the 17th place, disappointing their fans. This season, Sanga is likely to face difficulties because some of the main forces left the club.


This is the second year for the head coach, Ishimaru to work for the club. Before this season, the products of the club's youth team, Komai, Miyayoshi, Ito and Harakawa left the club. An Ace forward, Oguro joined Montedio Yamagata.


At the last sec, Kyoto faced FC Machida Zelvia in Machida. During the second half, Sanga stroke an opener, but they were not able to keep a clean sheet. As a result, the match ended in a tie.



This sec, it seems that new attackers, Akamine and Toyokawa are highly motivated to score the first goal as a Fagiano's man. For Fagiano,  because the match takes place at their home stadium, red-uniformed men are expected to bring a victory to their fans.

2016年3月9日水曜日

JFL Match Review 1st Sec (1st) : VS Sony Sendai FC on March 6

Fagiano Next  1   Sony Sendai FC  3

Japan Football League also began. Next faced Sendai FC at City Light Stadium. Sony won the championship of the League last season, therefore the team is one of the top contenders this year as well. Last season, Next were not able to obtain any points with two losses against Sony.



In the 12th minutes, A young attacker, Kobayashi scored an opener, but later, the visitors mostly dominated the match. Sendai added goals one after another. As a result, Okayama took only two shots during the game. It was obviously disappointing for 315 fans at the stadium.


At the next sec, Okayama face Azul Claro Numazu at City Light Stadium.  Numazu aim for J League division 3. Japan's football legend, Nakayama plays for the club, therefore, lots of supporters are expected to come to the stadium.

2016年3月7日月曜日

Match Review 2nd Sec : VS JEF United Chiba at City Light Stadium on March 6

Okayama  2  JEF United Chiba 1

At the opening match of this season at Okayama's home stadium, lots of fans came to the stadium. According to the news reports, the total attendance was 9,288.


Head coach, Nagasawa placed three fresh men in the starting line-up. The club's top scorer of the last season, Oshitani was expected to score. A veteran, Kaji and a defensive midfielder, Watanabe were obviously motivated. A rookie defender, Kubo was on the reserve list. On the other hand, Chiba's remarkable attacker, Nagasawa stood by as a substitute.


After the kickoff, a young attacker, Katayama took a header, but it was blocked by JEF's goal keeper, Sato. Later, the visitors obviously dominated the match.  Fagiano were forced to mostly play on their own side. Chiba's man, Kondo failed to strike an opener on a header. In the 44th minutes, Akamine missed a chance to net a goal.


Six minutes after the break, Oshitani stroke an excellent opener, bringing forces to his team. Gradually, Nagasawa's men took the control of the match. Nakabayashi showed several amazing savings.  In the 64th minutes, Oshitani added a goal. The oppenent's attacker, Nagasawa was sent onto the picth. Five minutes later, Nagasawa scored a goal to encourage his team. Later, Fagiano had less possession, struggling to make chances. As a result, Okayama successfully defeated the rival, making the stadium full of joy for the first time this season. 



2016年3月4日金曜日

Match Preview 2nd Sec : VS JEF United Chiba at City Light Stadium on March 6

JEF is the former division 1 club and also one of the top choices for the promotion to the division 1. Last season Chiba finished in the nineth place, that was the worst performance since the club was demoted to the division 2 in 2010.


Before this season, Chiba's head coach, Sekizuka and his club undertook bold reforms, releasing most of the club's players and acquiring lots of new players. Needless to say, the team has dramatically changed so that they are completely different from the last year's team.


It should be noted that an ace forward, Morimoto left Chiba so that the club acquired an attacker, Funayama from the division 1 club, Kawasaki Frontale. He is expected to play as a new ace forward. A young midfielder, Nagasawa is also remarkable. He has played for FC Koln in Germany until last year since he graduated from his university in 2013. He is from Chiba Prefecture.


At the opening match of this season, Chiba made a dramatic victory against Tokushima Vortis at Fukuda Denshi arena. At the end of the game, JEF is one goal behind the rival, however, during the added time, Yoshida and Nagaswa scored a goal respectively and successfully roared back.

2016年3月1日火曜日

Match Review 1st Sec : VS Renofa Yamaguchi FC at Yamaguchi Ishin Park Stadium on February 28

Okayama 1  Renofa Yamaguchi FC 1

At the first match of PRIDE OF CHUSHIKOKU derby, 11,308 fans were at the stadium. Fagiano were expected to defeat the new comer and make a good start.


The head coach, Nagasawa placed some fresh players in the starting line-up. A young forward, Toyokawa and an experienced attacker, Akamine are expected to reinforce the club's attacking dramatically. The club's top scorer in the last season, Oshitani stood by as a substitute. The product of Fagiano's youth system, Kento KATO was on the reserve list for the first time in his career.


Five minutes after the kickoff, Renofa made a good start with an excellent opener by a midfielder, Shimaya. In the 19th minutes, Akamine shot off the bar. Later, Tanaka failed to equalize the macth with his heading. Even though, Okayama had lots of chances, they struggled to take shots.


Six minutes after the interval, a young playmaker, Yajima stroke a brilliant equalizer to bring forces to his team. Later, Oshitani was sent onto the pitch to finalize the game. While, Renofa's head coach, Ueno placed his three men on the pitch, one after another. In the 77th minutes, goalkeeper, Nakabayashi showed a great saving. 20 year old midfielder, Kato made a debut, replacing Tanaka. Later, Ito's shot was blocked by Yamaguchi's defender, Miyagi. Three minutes later, Oshitani almost netted a decider. As a result, the match ended in a draw.