Match Review 1st Sec : VS Mito Hollyhock at City Light Stadium on February 24

Okayama 0 Mito Hollyhock 1

The total attendance:9,256

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.