On the first day of golden week holidays, lots of Fagiano fans were at the stadium. This sec, an ace attacker, Oshitani were back in the starting line-up. An experienced midfield player, Akiyoshi stood by as a substitute. Former Fagiano's man, Takashi Suzuki was listed as a substitute.
Three minutes after the kickoff, Takashi Suzuki almost found the net, while Nakabayashi showed a brilliant saving to bring forces to Okayama. Two minutes later, Iwamasa's header was blocked by the opponent's goalkeeper, but Oshitani successfully made an opener. In 29th minute, Ito had a chance but he was not able to grasp it. Two minutes later, the game was equalized by Machida's forward, Nakajima. In 38th minute, a captain, Iwamasa headed a goal to encourage his team.
After the interval, the visitors made counter attacks. In 59th minute, Machida's ace striker, Koji Suzuki netted an equalizer. In 70th minute, Iwamasa took a header, but it hit the post. Five minutes later, a young attacker, Toyokawa came in to conclude the game. In 89th minute, Nakabayashi showed excellent savings. Even though Fagiano actively kept attacking, they were not able to finalize the game.
Last term, Machida finished in the second place in the division 3. In the playoffs, they surprisingly defeated one-time J League cup champion, Oita Trinita and got promoted to the division 2. Obviously, the club are highly motivated in the upper league.
Head coach, Soma is the former Japan international. He has been working for the club since 2014. A midfielder, Takafumi SUZUKI is one of the key players. He used to play for Fagiano before, but he did not have lots of opportunities to play when he was in Okayama. Another, SUZUKI, whose name is Koji, is the one to watch out for. He is the top scorer of division 3 in 2013. He has scored three goals so far this season.
At the last sec, Machida met V・Varen Nagasaki in their home. During the game, Soma's men struggled to attack, but in 76th minute, an attacker, Nakajima stroke an opener to bring forces to his team and successfully defeated the Nagasaki.Surprisingly, Zelvia came out on top in this league as of 9th sec.
Machida are defensive club, therefore, it is predicted that Okayama would struggle to attack against solid inZelvia's defence. Fagiano attackers such as Oshitani, Akamine and Toyokawa are expected to score goals to secure their victory.
Last season, Next had one victory and one loss against Maruyasu, so that it seems the match is unpredictable. This time, Next's attackers are expected to make a strong showing to bring a victory to the club. Next have been suffering in a slump since the beginning of this season, therefore, the club were expected to rise up. During the match, Next struggled to dominate the game, while the opponentnetted two goals in total to secure their victory. As a result, Okayama failed to avoida eighth consecutive defeat. At the next sec, red-uniformed men play against Tokyo Musashino City FC. Before this term, this rival acquired the former Fagiano Next midfielder, Hatano. He is from Hachioji city, which is close to the club's hometown. Needless to say, he is a local hero there.
Okayama 0 Montedio Yamagata 1 The total attendance: 8256
It was raining at this evening match. Head coach, Nagasawa placed the same starting line-up as the last sec.An ace striker, Oshitani was back on the bench. He was expected to conclude the game. On the other hand, Yamagata's ace forward, Oguro was not listed for this match.
After the kickoff, Okayama actively kept attacking the opponent. A young playmaker, Yajima stroke a first shot at this match. In 17th minute, Yajima took an excellent mid-range shot, but it was amazingly saved by Montedio's goal keeper, Yamagishi. Five minutes later, a rookie forward, Fujimoto had a chance, but he was unable to grasp it. In 25th minute, Nakabayashi showed a brilliant saving to encourage his team. In 41th minute, he saved Fagiano again to keep a clean sheet. The first half ended in a scoreless tie.
Nine minutes after the interval, Shimada's mid-range shot misfired. Three minutes later, Oshitani came in, replacing Fujimoto. In 62th minute, Ito headed off. Three minutes later, a young attacker, Toyokawa was sent onto the pitch to change the game, however, in 70th minute, Yamagata's forward, Hayashi netted an opener. In 86th minute, Toyokawa took a header, but it hit the post. Two minutes later, a veteran forward, Akamine struck the top of the crossbar with a header. During the added time, Oshitani almost found the net, but Yamagishi saved the visitors again. As a result, red-uniformed club failed to equalize the match.
Last season,Yamagata finished at the bottom of the division 1 league, and suffered a demotion. It was obvious that the club's strength was not enough to remain in the top league. They had a disappointing term last year.
This year, former Kyoto Sanga's ace attacker, Oguro joined Yamagata on a loan. He is a genuinely chance-taker and very experienced. He has scored two goals so far this season. He is obviously the one to watch out for.
On April 17, Montedio met Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. During the match, Yamagata's young midfielder, Yuruki scored an opener to encourage his team. After the break, more possession belonged to Sapporo. In 59th minute, the game was equalized by the rival. As a result, the match ended in tie.
During the match, Okayama's defenders are required to mark Oguro very carefully. If they are successfully able to hold him, red-uniformed men are likely to be able to defeat the rival.
Last term, Tochigi finished at the bottom of the league. This term, this relegation contender have struggled around the bottom, therefore, Next are expected to defeat the rival.
This sec, 324 fans came to City Light Stadium. A young attacker, Ishikawa has played as the first choice recently. During the match, more chances belonged to the visitors. In 14th minute, the rival made an opener and before the break, they added a goal. Next were mostly forced to play on their territory. In 58th minute, the match was finallized by the Tochigi.
At 8th sec, Okayama face FC Maruyasu Okazaki. This year, former Gainare Tottori's midfield player, Toshitaka TSURUMI joined Okazaki. He is experienced and can be viewed as a threat.
This sec, some of the matches were cancelled because of the earthquake in Kumamoto. A veteran, Kaji was back in the starting line-up. A rookie attacker, Fujimoto played as a starter as well as the last sec. An ace forward, Oshitani was not listed for this match.
Right after the kickoff, Fujimoto actively took a shot, but failed. Five minutes later, Yajima had a chance to try to strike an opener. In 15th minute, Katayama headed off, provided by Yajima. Fujimoto tried to receive a ball from a captain, Iwamasa, but that was blocked by the oponent's goalkeeper. In 34th minute, Akamine and Fujimoto tried to make a chance, however, Gunma showed a solid in defence. A minute later, Kaji netted an excellent opener in the box. Before the break, Gunma were unable to equalize the game.
During the second half, in 4th minute, Katayama provided a cross, but it was cleared by Gunma. Two minutes later, Fujimoto failed to add a goal. A defensive midfielder, Shimada took a shot with a free kick, but it was blocked by Gunma. In 29th minute, a young striker, Toyokawa was placed onto the pitch and five minutes later, Okamoto came off the bench to finalize the game. The opponent struggled to dominate the match, therefore, Okayama successfully kept a clean sheet, bringing a victory to their fans.
Last season, Gunma ended up in the 18th place. The club had been relegation-threatened during the season. After the season, the club's top scorer, Ataru ESAKA left for 2015 division 2 champion, Omiya Ardija.
Before this season, Thespakusatsu actively acquired several foreign players such as Brazilian attackers, Thiago, Matheus and Boka. They are expected to reinforce the club's strength. A veteran midfield player, Matsushita have been ever-present this term.
At last sec, Gunma faced Kyoto Sanga. During the match, Gunma struggled to make chances, while, in 74th minute, Kyoto's attacker, Arita stroke an opener, bringing forces to his team. As a result, Gunma were disappointedly defeated by the rival.
As of now, Gunma stay at 16th place with 7 points. In order for Fagiano to chase the top group of the league. The club's defenders are expected to keep a clean sheet against Thespakusatsu.
In order for Okayama to remain in this League next term, Next are anticipated to defeat the rival. Last term, this relegation contender ended up in 14th the place. This season, on the other hand, Ryutsu have been in a good shape.
According to the news reports, the total attendance was 290. Head coach, Makiuchi placed a young hope, Ishikawa. After the kickoff, Fagiano's defenders made a strong showing. The first period ended in a scoreless tie. Four minutes after the break, Ishikawa stroke a memorable opener. However, Ryutsu came from behind and won the game. Fagiano have been suffering in a slump.
Next sec, Okayama meet Tochigi UVA FC. The head coach is Yoji SAKAI, who has worked for Saurcos Fukui until the last year. He is expected to reinforce the club's strength dramatically. The club possess J.League 100 Year Plan club status.
The match took place in the evening for the first time for Fagiano this season. This sec, a rookie forward, Fujimoto played as a starter. Tanaka was also listed in the starting line-up. On the other hand, Sapporo's legends, Ono and Inamoto stood by as a substitute.
After the kickoff, Okayama aggressively kept attacking. In 4th minute, Nagasawa's men obtained a corner kick because of Tanaka's effort, but they were not able to grasp the chance. Seven minutes later, Ito stroke a shot, but failed. Two minutes later, a free kick was given to the opponent and Fukumori made an opener with the free kick directly, bringing forces to Hokkaido's club. In 36th minute, Tanaka headed off. Four minutes later, Katayama had a chance, but he was unable to equalize the match. Sapporo were in one goal lead when the first half ended.
One minute after the break, Katayama provided a cross, but it was cleared by the rival. In 9th minute, Shimada took a shot, but failed. Five minutes later, Fujimoto was replaced by a young attacker, Toyokawa. In 27th minute, the 21 year old forward tried to make an equalizer in the box, but it didn't work. Later, Fagiano continued to struggle to score. In 43th minute, Toyokawa was not able to net a goal with his free kick. Two minutes later, Sapporo sent a veteran, Inamoto onto the pitch to secure their victory. Even though red-uniformed club had a five-minute added time, they were not able to change the game. As a result, they lost for the first time this season.
Sapporo are one of the top choices for the playoffs. In 2015, the club ended up at 10th position and failed to advance to the playoffs. This year, the team added Hokkaido as the club's name and are highly motivated to promote to the division 1.
The team's ace attacker is Tokura. He is the top scorer of the club in 2015 with 13 goals. This term, he has already netted six goals. He can be viewed as a threat. Sapporo's two legends, Ono and Inamoto have not had lots of opportunities on the pitch so far, but they have led young players as a text book this season.
At last sec, Consadole were defeated by FC Machida Zelvia. Sapporo struggled to attack against solid in Machida's defence, while, during the first half, Machida's playmaker as well as former Fagiano's man, Takafumi SUZUKI stroke an opener with a beautiful free kick. At the end of the match, Zelvia added a goal.
Consadole currently stay at 7th place with 10 points. It is expected that the match is going to be tough because both teams are about as good as each other.
Aomori are one of the clubs, aiming for J League division 3. This is the first time for Fagiano to face Aomori. Next are expected to make the first victory this season, This sec, 234 fans came to Okayama's home stadium although it was raining at City Light Stadium. The match was very dramatic. After the break, Next's young attacker, Kato scored an equalizer and Ishikawa added a goal to secure their victory. However, at the end of the match, Aomori's defender, Akamatsu stroke two goals one after another. As a result, Fagiano were shockingly defeated. Now, Okayama have struggled at the bottom of the league. At 6th sec, Okayama play against Ryutsu Keizai University FC. Last season, Ryutsu finished in 14th place, which is one place ahead of Next. Red-uniformed club were not able to defeat the rival so that they are expected to prevail against Ryutsu.
This sec, attackers, Toyokawa and Katayama were back in the starting line-up. Toyokawa seemed a bit tired sincedays ago, he traveled back from Portugal for Under 23 International's matches. An ace forward, Oshitani was not listed for this match because he had an uncomfortable feeling on his shoulder.
After the kickoff, the visitors kept pressuring Okayama. It was obvious that more possession belonged to Tokyo. In 14th minute, Akamine had a chance, but could not make it. In 30th minute, Toyokawa took a shot on a header, crossedby Ito, but he headed off the bar. In 38th minute, Iwamasa took a heading, but it was saved by the opponent's goal keeper. On the other hand, Fagiano's defenders successfully kept a clean sheet until the interval.
During the second half, Verdy actively kept attackingred-uniformed men. In 12th minute, a rookie forward, Fujimoto came in to change the game. He was aggressively trying to play in the box. In 20th minute, head coach, Nagasawa placedTanaka onto the pitch. Ten minutes later, Katayama headed a long-waited opener to encourage Okayama. In 36th minute,Verdy sent two chance takers, Hiramoto and Kitawaki onto the pitch. Eight minutes later, Kitawaki made an excellentequalizer. Right after that, Tokyo's attacker, Yoshiaki TAKAGI was sent off. During the added time, Fagiano were not able to finalize the match, as a result, the match disappointedly ended in a tie.
Last season, Tokyo performed much better than 2014 term even though the club failed to advanced to the playoffs in 2015. It is obvious that head coach, Togashi reinforced the team's strength dramatically. Therefore, this season, they are highly motivated for the playoffs.
At the last sec, Verdy were defeated by FC Machida Zelvia. Although Tokyo had lots of chances, they struggled to score a goal against the solid in the opponent's defence. While, at the end, the match was finalized by Machida's ace forward, Koji SUZUKI.
After the last season, several talented players joined the club. Yuji FUNAYAMA is one of these. He is the older brother of Chiba's ace forward, Takayuki FUNAYAMA. Last year, he played for Air Force Central FC in Thailand. He has been ever-present this season so far.
A veteran forward, Hiramoto has been in a good condition. At 2nd match, he scored an excellent goal. This season, he is expected to play as a final trump card. At the last sec, he played as a starter. An attacker, Douglas da Silva Vieira is also the one to watch out for.
