At the opening match, new head coach, Arima placed three new signings ,in the starting line-up, such as two experienced defenders, Tanaka and Hiroki, young attacker, Kubota. Brazilian forward, LEO MINEIRO was listed on the reserve list.
Two minutes after the kickoff, an attacker, Nakama blazed the first shot for the match. In the 7th minute, Kubota provided a cross but Nakama's header was off target. Afterwards, Okayama aggressively kept pushing forward. In the 13rd minute, a free kick was given to the home club. Veteran playmaker, Ueda tried to open the score. Later, Korean forward, Lee Yong-Jae created several chances as a target man. In the 36th minute, another free kick was given. Ueda was not able to grasp the chance. In the 43rd minute, Lee Yong-Jae missed the chance for an opener. The first half ended in a scoreless tie.
Two minute after the break, Hiroki's cross was denied by Mito's goal keeper. Four minutes later, the red-uniformed men conceded an opening goal. In the 54th minute, Ueda's corner was cleared off. Two minutes later, Lee Yong-Jae failed to equalize the game. In the 67th minute, veteran goal keeper, Kanayama showed a fine saving. Right after that, LEO MINEIRO was introduced to the pitch. Three minutes later, he almost found the net with his header. In the 76th minute, a veteran striker, Saito came off the bench. Six minutes later, his cross was stopped by the opponent. In the 42nd minute, Kubota was replaced by a playmaker, Sekido. During the added time, LEO MINEIRO nearly made it tie. As a result, the home club lost to Mito.
Last year, Mito made a great showing throughout the season, ending in the 10th place, better than Okayama. This year, the rival aim to finish within top six so that the outfit acquired some talented players.
Former Fagiano forward, Shimizu made a deal with the club on a loan from title favorite in the division, Omiya Ardija. The red-uniformed men are required to mark him with an extra care.
In 2018, Okayama were defeated by Mito at home and away so that Arima's men seem motivated to avenge these defeats.
Defender, Takahashi leaves Okayama. He joined the club in the middle of 2018 season on a loan from Sanfrecce Hiroshima. He has only four appearances in 2018. The club made a deal with young attacker, Kubota on a loan form 2018 Asia Champion, Kashima Antlers. He can be the one to be goal-scoring machine.
Last year, Tottori made a leap forward with well-improved offensive strength in 2018. During the season, head coach, Morioka was replaced by Sudo. In 2018, the club failed to move to the upper league, but they finished in the 3rd position.
After 2018 season, Brazilian top scorer in the division 3, Leonardo left for Albirex Niigata in the division 2. And also, head coach, Sudo left Tottori.
In 2019, new head coach, Takagi was appointed from the club's academy. Tottori made a deal with veteran defender, Oya from Tokushima Vortis. He also used to play for Okayama before.
Needless to say, Japan Football Leauge is very competitive this season as well since there are clubs with J League 100 Year Plan club status and also, other clubs aiming for J League division 3.
One of the title favorites is FC Imabari. In 2018, the club finished in the fifth place, failing to get within promotion zone. This year, Imabari acquired several former J league footballers such as Hashimoto and Komano.
Another remarkable club is Nara club, who were promoted to the league in 2015. The Kansai club finished in This year, their priority is to finish within top four.
Other clubs such as Matsue City FC, FC Osaka, Tokyo Musashino FC, ReinMeer Aomori, Veertien MIE and Tegevajaro Miyazaki aim for J League as well in the near future. This League is obviously noteworthy.
