Match Preview 39th Sec : VS Kamatamare Sanuki at City Light Stadium on November 1

At 16th sec, Fagiano had a close game against Sanuki. During the match, both clubs struggled to find the net. Six minutes after the interval, Okayama scored a lucky opener with Sanuki's own goal. Later, Nakabayashi showed several excellent savings. As a result, Fagiano won Seto Great Bridge Derby.


This sec, Sanuki's midfielder, Numata seems in a great frame of mind since he is the one who put the ball in his club's goal at 16th sec. He has constantly been on a pitch and already scored five goals even though he is a defender. A young attacker, Nakama has played as a regular, scoring three goals so far. He can be viewed as a threat.


At last sec, Sanuki played against Cerezo Osaka. During the match, Kamatamare were mostly forced to play on their own side, but successfully kept a clean sheet against the big club. The game ended in a tie.


Kamatamare seem highly motivated to settle the score because they were beaten by Fagiano at their home stadium on May 31st. The match is expected to be tight so that red-uniformed men are required to play with concentrated power. 

Iwamasa was legend in Thailand as well.

Needless to say, this former international is the mainstay of Fagiano Okayama now even though he came to Okayama this year. He certainly has the mentality as a victor. He is really influential in Fagiano that's likely to be because he has played for 16 major title holder, Kashima Antlers for almost ten years as well as his Japan international career.

It seems he has broadened his horizon last year when he played for BEC Tero Sasana in Thailand. Apparently he was viewed as a legend there. I was just touched to see this.  

  

Match Review 38th Sec : VS Yokoyama FC at Nishigaoka Soccer Stadium on October 25

Okayama 0  Yokohama FC 0

Nowadays, Fagiano have struggled to score goals, therefore, their attackers were surely expected to rise up at this match. The total attendance was 2,568.


This sec, head coach Nagasawa placed a defender, Kondo as a starter as well as the last match. A defensive midfield player, Shimada was listed in the starting line-up. On the other hand, Yokohama's legend, Miura was not listed for this match.


During the first half, in the 12 minutes, Ito missed a good chance, provided by a veteran, Kaji. Right after that, Kondo almost found the net. Five minutes later, Nakabayashi showed an excellent saving, inspiring red-uniformed team to greater spirits, but Okayama were not able to break the deadlock before the break.


Four minutes after the interval, an ace attacker, Oshitani almost stroke an opener. In the 70 minutes, Watanabe came off the bench. In the 77 minutes, Yokohama's Terada was sent off. During the added time, a captain, Iwamasa was at front, trying to finalize the game. Later, Hwang Jin-Sung failed to strike a clincher. The match ended in a scoreless draw as well as the last sec.

Match Preview 38th Sec : VS Yokoyama FC at Nishigaoka Soccer Stadium on October 25

On May 24, Fagiano met Yokohama FC at City Light Stadium. During the first half, Fagiano had lots of opportunities, however, they struggled to take shots. After the break, the game remained unchanged. Yokohama's goalkeeper, Minami showed brilliant performances, saving lots of shots. As a result, the match ended in a draw.

This September, Slovenian head coach, Milos Rus left the club because of his health problem and the club's slackness. Therefore, a new head coach, Hitoshi NAKATA leads the team now. The club's legend, Kazuyoshi Miura has scored three goals so far. He is globally famous so that the total attendance of this sec is expected to be higher than usual.

At last sec, Yokohama played against Kyoto Sanga FC. During the match, Yokohama were mostly forced to play on their own side, but they barely kept a clean sheet while they were not able to make a decider, as a result, the match ended in a tie.

Yokohama has been highly motivated to remain in the division 2. They now stay 16 position with 44 points, thus, Fagiano must be careful about their attacking, otherwise, Okayama would be taken in on relegation threatened zone.  

Suggested strategy to increase supporters

This season, the club set a target for average match attendance as 10,000, in order to scale up themselves as the club, befitting the division 1. However, the current average is below 9,000. The club has now faced difficulties.


In order to strengthen the team, gate money is one of the most important factors. Thus, Fagiano have been focused on various projects, but it seems that there is still a room for an improvement. How can the actual state be changed for better?


It is thought that the club's website should be enriched somehow. Concretely speaking, video contents should be available on the site such as player's interviews, match advertisements and the club's feature programs. If they produce the programs and make those open only for fan club members, for example, the number of membership can be dramatically increased.


This is just an example. Apparently, there can be lots of ways to meet the goals so that the club should be more flexible and should never stop challenging.

Match Review 37th Sec : VS Zweigen Kanazawa at City Light Stadium on October 18

Okayama 0 Zweigen Kanazawa 0

In order to get the ticket to the playoffs, Fagiano are certainly required to keep winning. Reportedly, 7,095 fans came to the stadium for this remarkable match.

This sec, a defender, Kondo was back in the starting line-up. A young goal keeper, Matsubara was listed as a substitute for the first time in his career because of Shiina's injury. On the other hand, former Fagiano's man, Noda was not listed for this match.

After the kickoff, Okayama actively kept threatening the visitors. In the 19th minutes, a young attacker, Katayama took a shot on a header, but it was saved by Kanazawa's goal keeper, Harada. In the 33 minutes, an ace striker, Oshitani showed a nice shot, but failed. The game remained unchanged.

During the second half, in the 14th minutes, Ito almost stroke an opener. 15 minutes later, Oshitani had the chance, but, failed to finalize the game. Later, Nagasawa sent Mimura and Kubo into the pitch to break the deadlock, however, red-uniformed club were unable to defeat the rival. The match ended in a scoreless draw, therefore, it seems difficult for Fagiano to advance to the playoffs even though they still have five matches left this term.

Match Preview 37th Sec : VS Zweigen Kanazawa at City Light Stadium on October 18

On May 9, Fagiano faced Zweigen in Kanazawa. After the kickoff, both teams showed brilliant defences so that the first period ended in a tie. During the second period, An attacker, Katayama stroke an excellent opener, encouraging his club. However, in the 76th minutes, the game was equalized by Cha Young-Hwan. After that, Both clubs were not able to make a decider.

In September, A forward, Mizunaga got injured during the training, he has suffered his right leg fracture which takes about three months to heal completely. Former Fagiano Defender, Noda has constantly been on a pitch since he joined the team. he seems highly motivated against Okayama.

At last sec, Kanazawa lost to Consadole Sapporo in Sapporo. Zweigen successfully equalized the match once, however, in the 77^th minutes, the game was finalized by Sapporo's legend, Ono. As a result, Kanazawa have not made a victory for the last 17 matches.

Nowadays, Zweigen has struggled to win, therefore, they have descended in position. In order to get out of their slumber, Kanazawa are likely to be highly motivated, however, Fagiano are expected to rise up during the match.

Match Review 36th Sec : VS Tokyo Verdy at Ajinomoto Stadium on October 10

Okayama 1 Tokyo Verdy 1

Verdy now have the playoff in sight, therefore, they seem to be certainly motivated, but for Fagiano , a victory is a must. Reportedly, the total attandance was 3,789.

This sec, a first choice defender, Takeda was back as a starter. Except him, the starting line-up was the same as the last sec against Mito Hollyhock. On the other hand, Verdy's head coach, Togashi placed a veteran forward, Hiramoto as a starter. Takagi brothers were on the reserve list.

During the first period, Tokyo actively kept threatening Okayama like surging waves. In the 22^nd minutes, an attacker, Katayama showed a nice shot, but failed. Seven minutes later, Yajima took a long-ranged shot, bringing an opener to Fagiano. After that, Nakabayashi showed several incredible savings to keep a clean sheet.

Four minutes after the break, the match was shockingly equalized with Okayama's own goal. Later, a midfielder, Tanaka was sent into the pitch to encourage red-uniformed team. In the 60^th minutes, Yajima almost made a decider. In the 74 minutes, Tokyo seemed to finalize the match, but it was offside. According to the news reports, Togashi's men took more than 20 shots, but Fagiano barely obtained 1 point. Fagiano stay 10^th position, which 6 points behind the playoff range. 

At Ajinomoto Stadium on October 10

At last, I got to Ajinomoto Stadium, which is the home of Tokyo Verdy, one of the rivals for the playoff. 　　

Most seats are covered by roof so that it is surely comfortable to enjoy a football match even when it is raining. 

The stadium can accommodate up to 49,970 people, however, this time, the total attendance was only 3,789.   

Sadly, it seemed that the stadium was almost empty, but it was certainly filled with enthusiasm. 

Match Preview 36th Sec : VS Tokyo Verdy at Ajinomoto Stadium on October 10

At 17th sec, six minutes after the kickoff, Verdy's midfielder, Chugo scored an opener, bringing forces to the visitors. Later, Nagasawa's men struggled to attack, therefore, Fagiano had a stressful time during the first half. After the break, Okayama desperately tried to equalize the match. In the 72 minutes, a midfielder, TANAKA was sent into the pitch for the first time this term to change the game, however, it seemingly didn't work. Finally, Fagiano lost by one goal.

Recently, a young forward, Daisuke TAKAGI has been in a good shape with six goals. He is a product of the Verdy youth system. His older brother, Yoshiaki has constantly been on a pitch nowadays. He also used to play for the Verdy youth before. A midfield player, Chugo has been almost ever-present since the opening of the league, leading his teammates.

At last sec, Tokyo played against Consadole Sapporo at their home stadium. During the game, Verdy struggled to score a goal, while Sapporo's legend, Ono stroke a memorable opener. After the break, Yoshiaki TAKAGI was sent into the pitch to change the game, but Consadole's midfielder, Uesato scored a clincher, bringing a victory to the visitors.

Verdy has been going at a furious speed, They aim to promote to the upper league this year so that they are highly motivated. Fagiano are expected to dominate the game, smashing the ball into net first. 

Match Review 35th Sec : VS Mito Hollyhock at Tsuyama Athletics Stadium on October 4

Okayama 3  Mito Hollyhock 0
 
Mito have now been relegation-threatened, therefore, they seem to be highly motivated. The match took place in Tsuyama city for the first time in three years. According to the reports, the total attendance was 4,346.


This sec, Nagasawa placed Kondo as a starter instead of the first choice defender, Takeda. Another defender, Kukita was not listed for this match because of the injury he got during the training days ago. On the other hand, Mito's young forward, Musashi SUZUKI was not listed for this away match. 


After the kickoff, Fagiano struggled to break down a disciplined Mito's defence. On the other hand, Okayama's defensive rock, Iwamasa showed an excellent performance. In the 42th minutes, a young midfielder, Yajima was rewarded a penalty kick and successfully scored an opener.


During the second period, red-uniformed club mostly dominated the match. In the 54 minutes, an ace forward, Oshitani stroke a memorable goal, bringing forces to Fagiano. Three minutes later, he scored a beautiful clincher. In the 75 minutes, Hwang Jin-Sung came off the bench to keep actively attacking while Hollyhock was not able to reduce the deficit. As a result, The home club admirably made a second straight win.

Match Preview 35th Sec : VS Mito Hollyhock at Tsuyama Athletics Stadium on October 4

On April 29, Fagiano were mostly forced to play on their own side. In the 20th minutes, Mito's midfielder, Funatani took a fabulous shot, bringing forces to the home club. After the stressful first period, a midfielder, Sekido failed to make an equalizer with a penalty kick. As a result, Fagiano lost by one goal.  


This June, head coach, Hashiratani was shockingly dismissed due to the club's slump. As of now, the chief coach, Nishigaya leads the team for some time being. This summer, a young forward, Musashi SUZUKI joined the team on a loan from Albirex Niigata. He also plays for U-22 international. Another forward, Baba can be viewed as a threat.  He has constantly been on a pitch with 9 goals so far.


At last sec, Mito was defeated by FC Gifu. The first period ended in a scoreless tie. After the break, Gifu knocked off the rival, striking two goals. Mito struggled to equalize the match because Musashi SUZUKI did not appear at this sec.     


Mito now stay at 20th position with 36 points. Their immediate aim is to stay in the division 2 next year. It seems that they are highly motivated, therefore, the match is going to be tough.