Match Preview 19th Sec : VS Ventforet Kofu at City Light Stadium on September 13

In 2019, the former division 1 club failed to return to the upper league even though the outfit advanced to the playoffs.

Match Review 18th Sec : VS Tokyo Verdy at City Light Stadium on September 9

Okayama 0 Tokyo Verdy 1

The total attendance:3,052  

This sec, veteran centre back, Goto was back in the starting line-up. Another veteran striker, Akamine was listed on the reserve list. While, Tokyo's key player, Okubo started the game.


After the kickoff, Okayama struggled to dominate the game. In the 15th minute, Hamada almost smashed the net with his header, from Ueda's free kick. Five minutes later, the home club conceded an opening goal. In the 23rd minute, Uejo stroke a mid-range shot. In the 40th minute, Mimura entered Tokyo's box, but he was not able to create a chance.


After the interval, the game remained the same. Okayama still struggled to create chances. In the 69th minute, Saito and Akamine came off the bench to change the game. Nine minutes later, Uejo's attempt was blocked by Tokyo's goal keeper. One minute later, Ueda's mid-range shot was denied by the opponent. As a result, the red-uniformed men failed to equalize the game.

Match Preview 18th Sec : VS Tokyo Verdy at City Light Stadium on September 9

Last year, Tokyo were not able to compete for the playoffs, staying in the midtable of the league throughout the season. The former division club are expected to catch up with the top group.

Match Review 17th Sec : VS Omiya Ardija at Nack5 Stadium on September 5

Okayama 1 Omiya Ardija 1

The total attendance:2,571  

 

This sec, two former Omiya men, Ueda and Shimizu started the game. An ace striker, Lee Yong-Jae was back in the starting line-up. The club were expected to defeat the former division 1 club for the first time in their history.


Three minutes later, Ueda stroke an attempt. Three minutes later, Shirai was not able to hit the target, provided by Ueda. In the 11th minute, Lee Yong-Jae's header was off target. In the 21st minute, Okayama conceded an opener. In the 32nd minute, Shimizu nearly found the net with his header. In the 45th minute, Uejo missed the chance for an equalizer.


Two minutes after the break, Uejo equalized the game with an amazing mid-range shot. Four minutes later, he failed to make a clincher. In the 77th minute, two forwards, Yamamoto and Akamine came off the bench. In the 89th minute, Tokumoto's shot was blocked by the opponent.

Match Preview 17th Sec : VS Omiya Ardija at Nack 5 Stadium on September 5

Omiya is one of the favorites to promote to the division 1. In 2019, the powerful club failed to finish in top two and lost at the first round of the playoffs.


Ueda and Shimizu seem to be motivated to face their former club. The rival club announced that they signed with Norwegian forward, Ibba from division club, Yokohama FC. He might appear at this match.

Match Review 16th Sec : VS Matsumoto Yamaga at City Light Stadium on September 2

Okayama 1  Matsumoto Yamaga 0

The total attendance:3,426 

 

This sec, veteran forward, Akamine was listed as a starting line-up for the first time this season. He was expected to play as a target man. Former Fagiano man, Tsukagawa and Kubota started the game.


Five minutes after the kickoff, an attacker, Yamamoto's attempt was denied by Matsumoto's keeper. In the 25th minute, Uejo tried to smash the net. Afterwards, the home club struggled to strike shots. In the 41st minute, Yamamoto's cross was blocked by the rival. Four minutes later, Popp William showed a fine saving. The first half ended in a scoreless tie.


Seven minutes after the break, Uejo brought a lead to his team with his superb opener, provided by Yamamoto. In the 72nd minute, head coach sent three players such as Lee Yong-Jae, Saito and Noguchi on to the pitch. In the 82nd minute, Popp William made another excellent saving. Four minutes later, Uejo failed to add a second. Afterwards, the red-uniformed men successfully kept a clean sheet.

Match Preview 16th Sec : VS Matsumoto Yamaga at City Light Stadium on September 2

In 2018, Matsumoto had a disappointed term, being relegated from the top campaign. And also, head coach, Sorimachi left the club. This season, their priority is to get back to the division 1 with new head coach, Nuno.


Former Fagiano playmaker, Tsukagawa has been constantly-present. He knows well about Okayama so that the red-uniformed men are required to keep an eye on him with an extra care.