Chance to rise to the top...

"Leading the first half...". This is something that every team participating in J2 is interested in, and it would be a lie to say that they are not interested. Unlike J1, J2 does not have a big division like "1st Stage/2nd Stage" and there is no title like "First Half Champions!?", but being in first place at the halfway point of 4 rounds and 36 games is still an "important step". So, how can Tokyo, who is currently in second place with 34 points until the previous round (Round 17), take the lead at the end of this round (Round 18)? It was to win against Tosu within 90 minutes (no extra time win). Before the match, it was reported that Oita, who was leading with 35 points until the previous round, lost in extra time to Sapporo, and it was confirmed that if Tokyo wins within 90 minutes on this day (adding 3 points), they will be in sole possession of first place with 37 points. Also, if the match goes into extra time, Kawasaki Frontale, who was exactly tied with Tokyo with 33 points until the previous round, has already won this round (adding 3 points) and has 36 points, so even if Tokyo wins in extra time in this match (adding 2 points), they will still be in second place due to goal difference (losing to Kawasaki Frontale). On the other hand, if they lose, Kawasaki Frontale (36 points) will be in first place and Oita (35 points) will be in second place, while Tokyo (34 points) will fall to third place. In other words, this match has become the biggest hurdle in the first half where losing is not allowed.

"Man" Furubei's opening goal explodes!

The game kicked off in light rain. The venue, Tosu Stadium, is one of the great stadiums in J2, along with Sendai Stadium, and is characterized by its bowl-shaped seating arrangement, similar to European stadiums. The acoustics are excellent, and the support of the local supporters, using drums and megaphones, becomes a thunderous roar, supporting the Tosu players. About 20 strong "goal-side" supporters who rushed from Tokyo also desperately support the counterattack, but the Tosu supporters, who are familiar with the acoustics, are overwhelmed in terms of volume. Two minutes into the game, the Tosu supporters' support suddenly stopped. Yukihiro lifted the FK he earned on the left side to the front of the goal, and there, defender Furube headed it in! It was a clean goal with a header, following the Omiya game on May 2nd (Furube, the "man" - this day was the first time Furube served as game captain, and he has earned the title of "man" among some people for his masculine appearance, gentlemanly atmosphere (he always appears in a suit at the game venue!), and mental toughness (he also served as captain at his previous club, Fukuoka, and leads the team with strong leadership)). With this goal, Tokyo, who wants to gain momentum, actively attacks with Yukihiro and Amaral at the center. However, due to the absence of right back Uemura (injury) and left back Fujiyama (accumulated warnings), the team's attacking pattern of involving both full-backs in the attack is hidden, and they cannot create chances easily. Also, due to the (rain), the precision of ball control on the slippery ground decreased, and there were many passing mistakes overall, and the rhythm of the attack did not improve.

Overcoming a tough battle with passionate defense, we have achieved our first 6 consecutive victories this season and are now in first place!

32 minutes into the first half, Yukihiko, who is a key player in the attack, left the field due to injury (lumbar sprain), and the momentum shifted to Tosu. With the support of their fans, Tosu showed an aggressive pressing defense from the front line, cutting off Tokyo's passes and launching counter attacks. They showed a lot of movement and speed in their direct passing, but their pass accuracy was lacking and they were unable to create any decisive opportunities. Tokyo tried to break through by relying on their "ace" Amaral, but he was marked by two players and his shine was taken away. In the second half, Tosu dominated the game. While Tosu launched fierce attacks with early crosses from the sides, Tokyo fought back with a determined defense led by goalkeeper Suzuki. Their solid defense, which has kept four consecutive clean sheets, remained unbreakable even with changes in the lineup, showing that the team's tactics have been fully integrated among all players. In the end, Tokyo managed to survive the tough game, which was completely controlled by Tosu, thanks to Sandro, Furukawa, and other defenders who put their bodies on the line to prevent any last-minute chances. With their sixth consecutive victory (five of which were clean sheets), Tokyo returned to the top of the league for the first time since Sec. 10. <Coach Okuma's comments> We made a lot of passing mistakes, and especially after Yukihiko left, it was a tough game completely controlled by Tosu. I think our lack of movement was due to accumulated fatigue. I am satisfied with the defenders who put their bodies on the line and fought hard. It's certainly a joy to finish the first half in first place, but it's only halfway through the season. For the second half, I want us to grab something in the Nabisco Cup that will lead us to the league games.