This is the first match at the home stadium this term. The captain, Kiyama started the game for the first time this season. A rookie forward, Fukumoto was listed on the reserve list. Former Fagiano man, Sengoku was listed for this match.
After the kickoff, Okayama aggressively kept pushing forward. In the 2nd minute, the club had two chances with a corner and a free kick, but they were not able to grasp the chances. In the 10th minute, a Korean attacker, Lee Yong-jae got into the box and made an attempt. One minute later, an attacker, Mimura almost found the net. In the 15th minute, an experienced playmaker, Ueda smashed the net with his superb free kick. Nine minutes later, a rookie defender, Abe added a second, which was the club's 400th goal in the division 2. In the 35th minute, Ueda showed another beautiful free kick, but it was denied by Tochigi's goal keeper. One minute later, Kiyama nearly added a third with his header. Before the break, a goal keeper, Ichimori showed an excellent saving.
Ten minutes after the interval, Kiyama made a clincher, assisted by a young playmaker, Tsukagawa. In the 66th minute, Lee Yong-jae tried to make a chance, provided by Ueda, but it was an offside. Six minutes later, he was replaced by a striker, Saito. In the 75th minute, Mimura was not able to provide a cross with Saito and a veteran, Akamine in the box. Afterwards, a midfielder, Sueyoshi and Fukumoto came off the bench to secure the team's victory. Later, Fukumoto aggressively pushed forward. The red-uniformed defenders made strong efforts and successfully kept a clean sheet against the rival.
Last season, Tochigi finished in the 2nd place of the division 3 and successfully promoted to the division 2. This term, their priority is to remain in this campaign.
Former Fagiano playmaker, Sengoku made a great contribution for the club's promotion last year. He is expected to play as a main force this year as well. He is now experienced and can be considered one of the key players.
On the opening day of the league, Tochigi faced Oita Trinita. During the match, Tochigi struggled to take the initiative even though they scored two goals. The yellow-uniformed men were defeated in 2 - 4.
This is the first match for Okayama at their home stadium this season. There is expected to be lots of fans coming to watch the remarkable match.
This is the opening match of this season. Six men in the starting line-up were the ones who joined the club after the last season. A veteran striker, Akamine was listed as a starter and expected to play as a chance-taker.
After the kickoff, Okayama were obviously in the driving seat. In the 2nd minute, a playmaker, Ueda had a chance, provided by Akamine. Seven minutes later, a young playmaker, Tsukagawa almost found the net, crossed by Ueda. In the 22nd minute, Ueda's corner didn't work well. After that, a Korean attacker, Lee Yong-jae tried to creat a chance. In the 27th minute, Tsukagawa made a superb opener with his header. In the 37th minute, Akamine was not able to grasp a chance. Right before the break, he near added a second.
After the interval, on the other hand, the rival took the initiative of the game. Okayama struggled to push forward. In the 63th minutes, Lee Yong-jae was replaced by an experienced forward, Saito. Seven minutes later, a goal keeper, Ichimori showed an excellent saving. Later, Tokushima missed several chances to equalizae the match. In the 75th minutes, an attacker, Nakama came off the bench, but three minutes later, he was sent off for his foul. In the 86th minutes, Ichimori showed a good defence. During the added time, a midfielder, Sueyoshi came in. Afterwards, the red-uniformed men successfully kept a clean sheet, defeating the rival at PRIDE OF CHUSHIKOKU DERBY.
Last year, Tokushima failed to advance to the playoffs, ending in the 7th place. This year, the club aim for the comeback to the division 1, so that they aggressively acquired some talented players.
Former Fagiano target man, Orsini plays for Tokushima. He can be one of the key players so that Okayama defenders are required to mark him with an extra care. Tokushima also acquired an attacker, Sonoda from Azul claro Numazu in the division 3. He scored 19 goals in 32 appearances.
This match is PRIDE OF CHUSHIKOKU DERBY so that it is highly expected to be heated. In order to make a good start, Nagasawa's men are expected to push forward during the game and defeat the rival.
The product of the club's academy, Ishikawa decided to take off shoes. The young attacker was expected to improve the club's attacking strength. An experienced defensive midfield player, Watanabe also leave for the division 2 club, Yokohama FC. He has 30 appearances this season.
In 2017, the club had a disappointed season, ending up at the bottom of the division 3 league. The club's head coach, Morioka struggled to lead his men. During the season, the team revealed the lack of ability to win.
After the last season, tottori made an agreement with the club's former ace striker, Fernandinho. This Brazilian attacker is expected to play as a chance-taker.
The club acquired another attacker, Kani from the division 1 club, Kawasaki Frontale. Last year, he played for JFL club, FC Imabari on a loan. He is expected to reinforce the club's offensive strength.
It is obvious that 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 Vanraure Hachinohe. In 2017, the club finished in the fifth place, failing to get within promotion zone. after the season, head coach, Hashiratani left the club, taking the responsiblity for the failure. This year, Hachinohe acquired several talented players, improving their strength.
Another remarkable club is FC Imabari, who played in JFL last year for the first time. The club ended up in the 6th place in 2017. This year, their priority is to finish within top four.
Other clubs such as Nara club, 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.
