Okayama 2 Matsumoto Yamaga FC 1 The total attendance:12,200
This match, head coach, Nagasawa placed an attacker, Mimura in the starting line-up instead of a veteran, Kaji. An ace striker, Oshitani was listed as a starter. He was expected to play as a chance-taker. While, ex-Fagiano men, Kiyama, Goto and Ishihara played as a starter. After the kickoff, more chances belonged to Matsumoto, while, the red-uniformed defenders made a strong showing. Afterwards, a young playmaker, Yajima took a mid-range shot. In 23rd minute, Oshitani stroke an excellent opener, assisted by a veteran, Akamine. Later, a goal keeper, Nakabayashi showed several nice savings, therefore, the team successfully kept a clean sheet.
After the interval, Okayama were mostly forced to play on their own side. In 73th minute, a young attacker, Sakai came off the bench to change the game, but one minute later, it was shockingly equalized by the opponent. Later, two young attackers, Fujimoto and Toyokawa were sent onto the pitch. During the added time, Akamine made a superb clincher, finalizing the match. The red-uniformed men successfully to made it to the final.
This is the first time for Okayama to play in the playoffs. In this knockout competition, the club face Matsumoto, the third place in the regular season. This term, the red-uniformed men had one victory at their home stadium and one draw match in Matsumoto.
The opponent's key player is an experienced forward, Takasaki. He has scored 16 goals as a chance-taker this season. He is expected to play as a starter on November 27, therefore, Okayama's defenders are required to handle his performance with an extra care.
In order for Fagiano to advance to the final, a victory is a must, so that they are required to be more aggressive for goals. Nagasawa's men are to play under distinctive pressure, therefore experienced players such as Iwamasa and Kaji are expected to lead their team mates.
Okayama 3 Thespakusatsu Gunma 3 The total attendance:15,204
This sec, a veteran, Kaji was back in the starting line-up. A young striker, Toyokawa stood by as a substitute. While, Gunma's key player, Segawa played as a starter. Ex-Fagiano defender, Ichiyanagi was listed in the starting line-up. A minute after the kickoff, a young playmaker, Yajima tried to make an opener, but it was blocked by the opponent. In 14th minute, a free kick was given to Okayama. A captain, Iwamasa headed a superb opening goal. Two minutes later, an ace forward, Oshitani added an excellent second, assisted by an attacker, Mimura. In 20th minute, he stroke a beautiful third, taking the initiative of the match. In 31st minute, Yajima failed to provide with a cross. Seven minutes later, Mimura took a mid-range shot. In 40th minute, a veteran striker, Akamine missed a chance to add a fourth. During the added time, Segawa scored a goal. Two minutes after the interval, Oshitani tried to find the net. Afterwards, he was replaced by Toyokawa. In 52nd minute, an experienced striker, Ito failed to take a shot. Three minutes later, the visitors added a second, changing the game. In 57th minute, Yajima missed the chance to make a clincher. Three minutes later, an attacker, Katayama came in. In 68th minute, a young defender, Shinohara headed off. In 75th minute, Akamine tried to take a shot. Four minutes later, the match was disappointedly equalized by the rival. In 86th minute, a rookie striker, Fujimoto came off the bench to finalize the game, but the red-uniformed men were not able to smash the net. As a result, the match ended in a tie. Okayama finished in the 6th place this season and successfully made it to the playoffs.
On April 16, during the match, a rookie attacker, Fujimoto showed his efforts, making several chances. In 26th minute, Kaji netted an excellent opener in the box. After the break, Fujimoto failed to add a second. Later, a young striker, Toyokawa was placed onto the pitch to finalize the game. As a result, Okayama successfully kept a clean sheet, bringing a victory to their fans.
A rookie attacker, Segawa is the one to watch out for. He has reinforced the club's attacking strength since he joined the club and scored 12 goals so far. He used to be Fujimoto's team mate in Meiji university.
On November 12, Gunma met Tokushima Vortis. During the match, more chances belonged to Vortis. At the first period, Gunma conceded three goals, while, they were not able to score any goals. As a result, the team were beaten.
This season, Gunma have struggled to chase the top group. while, they successfully made it to remain in the league next year. Okayama are highly expected to secure their ticket to the playoffs, therefore, a victory is a must for the club.
Fagiano Next 1 Azul Claro Numazu 3 On March 13, during the match, Next struggled to strike a goal, while Numazu smashed an opener with a penalty kick. While, Okayama disappointedly failed to equalize the match. As a result, Fagiano were defeated by the rival 0 - 1.
During the match, Next struggled to take the initiative. At the first half, the rival scored three goals, securing their victory. After the break, a young attacker, Kobayashi stroke an excellent goal, but it was too late. As a result, Fagiano failed to equalize the game. This sec was the last match of this season. Okayama ended up at the bottom of the league. Sadly, they had a disappointing term this season.
Okayama 1 Shimizu S-Pulse 2 The total attendance:16,740
This sec, a playmaker, Sekido and a veteran defender, Sawaguchi were back in the starting line-up. Ex-international, Kaji was back from an injury list. A rookie attacker, Fujimoto stood by as a substitute. He was expected to score the first goal in his career. After the kickoff, Shimizu aggressively kept trying to take the initiative. While, a veteran forward, Akamine tried to make chances for an opener. In 8th minute, a corner was given to Okayama, but an attacker, Ito was not able to provide with a good cross. In 16th minute, a captain, Iwamasa mistakenly made an own goal. Three minutes later, he failed to make an equalizer with his header. An attacker, Mimura tried to make a cross, but it did not work well. In 34th minute, S-Pulse's forward, CHONG Tese added a second with his header. Afterward, an ace striker, Oshitani made a strong showing to score a goal, but he was not able to grasp the chance. After the break, the red-uniformed men tried to change the game. In 48th minute, a defender, Sawaguchi took a shot, provided by Ito. In 54th minute, a young attacker, Katayama failed to make a cross. In 62nd minute, a young striker, Toyokawa came in to take the initiative. Right after that, he stroke a superb goal, encouraging his team. In 71st minute, a young playmaker, Yajima tried to make an equalizer with his mid-range shot, but it was blocked by the opponent. Later, a rookie forward, Fujimoto was sent onto the pitch. Seven minutes later, a young attacker, Sakai sent off the bench. During the added time, Toyokawa took a mid-range shot, but he was not able to equalize the game. As a result, Fagiano were disappointedly beaten by the powerful club.
On July 3, after the break, both clubs struggled to score so that the first period ended in a tie. During the second period, In 67th minute, Shimizu's forward, CHONG Tese stroke an opener. Four minutes later, Toyokawa made a memorable equalizer.In 76th minute, Ito added a second, assisted by Toyokawa. In 85th minute, the opponent's Shirasaki equalized the match. As a result, the match ended in a tie.
An Ace attacker, Omae was back from an injury list and he has reinforced the club's attacking strength. He has scored 18 goals so far. Okayama's defenders are required to mark him with an extra care.
On November 6, Shimizu faced Kamatamare Sanuki. During the match, Shimizu aggressively kept attacking. In 38th minute, a veteran midfielder, Edamura made an opener. After the break, an ace forward, CHONG Tese added a second. Even though S-Pulse conceded a goal later, this powerful club defeated Sanuki. Shimizu now are in a good form with seven straight victories. They aim for the top two, therefore the match is expected to be very tough. In order for Okayama to advance to the playoffs, at least one point is a must.
