Barely had the opening whistle sounded when Kajiyama opened the scoring for FC Tokyo by deftly scooped a low Ishikawa cross from the left wing through a crowd of defenders and past the despairing keeper – less than a minute on the clock. And that early goal was enough to give the away team the win, but Tokyo also should be thanking keeper Gonda for some fine saves; Furuta, Kondo, Takaki, and Maeda were all denied by the Japan U-23 Olympic keeper to give Tokyo the clean sheet and all three points.
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Reports
Match Report May 12th – Shimizu S-Pulse 1-1 Cerezo Osaka
Hiraoka replaced the suspended Calvin Jong-a-Pin at centre back, while Sho Ito got the central forward start, flanked by Omae and Takagi. Kakitani was given another start for Cerezo, with Branquinho on the bench. The away team opened the scoring when a long deep cross from Kurogi evaded S-Pulse keeper , coming out of his goal. Needless to say, Kempes could not even hit the wide open target with Hayashi in no-man’s land, but the ball came off the post for Kakitani to put it in from close range in the 15th minute. Sakemoto was next to feed the Brazilian “striker” and, again, he failed to even hit the target with a free header at the far post.
It was almost half time when Alex Brosque saw his free kick saved well – S-Pulse’s first attempt on goal! Moments later, Kim almost doubled the score, forcing Hayashi down low to his right to make up for his earlier error and keep the score down to 1-0 at the break.
In the 2nd half Shimizu did manage to get the ball in the away half a little more, and Brosque, Takahara and Takagi were all denied, while France emulated his countryman at the other end by missing the target with a header that looked easier to score as time ran out.
Just as it seemed Cerezo would take the points, a goalmouth scramble in the 96th minute saw the ball fall free for Brosque to pop it into an unguarded net from a yard out and earn S-Pulse a point.
Brosque noted that, “The goal was a little bit lucky, it just popped out… but I think we deserved a goal.”
S-Pulse coach Afshin Ghotbi said on his own web site that he could easily have changed nine players at half time, but was only limited to three subs – but held off until later in the 2nd half. His patience eventually paid dividends! His complete post-match report can be found below this report on the Home page and the Reports page.
Afshin Ghotbi Comments on S-Pulse Performance
From http://www.afshinghotbi.com
To go with my match report, here’s what Mr. Ghotbi had to say…
Cheered on by a home crowd of over 15,000, we never gave up. This is the spirit that will make this team a contender for the championship! In the last second, a scramble in the goalmouth salvaged an important point.
Our players started the match without the energy or the concentration necessary to collect all three points. A good week of preparation including several meetings to warn against complacency went on deaf ears. Players proud of their previous achievements forgot the essence of their success. For the first thirty minutes, we were always one metre too far or one second too late. A costly uncharacteristic error by Hayashi left our goal unattended, and Cerezo punished us. We improved gradually, but we always lacked the sharpness to break through. Alex (Brosque) had the best chance of the first half, but his free-kick was pushed wide by Cerezo’s goalkeeper, Kim Jin Hyeon.
I tried to activate and recharge our players with a tough discussion at half time, and decided to wait on any substitution. Frankly, I could have changed nine players without hesitation. Unfortunately, the rules limit me to three substitutions per game! In the second half, we started to control the game. Our passing game improved, but we could not create any meaningful chances. Cerezo defended in numbers, and they looked dangerous on their counters. I had to go to my bench, bringing on Takahara (55), Kobayashi (63) and Franca (78). All three changes improved our team. I altered our tactical organization with the addition of Franca as a second central striker, and moved Kawai to right back. Two changes with my last substitution improved our attack both on top and the right flank. With four strikers and attacking with wide defenders, the pressure on Cerezo’s goal increased every minute. Franca and Kobayashi had the best chances to equalize, but Franca”s header missed the mark, while Kobayashi’s header was cleared off the line. Finally, the determination of our players was rewarded with Alex scoring his fourth goal of the season, after a scramble in front of goal. Bravo to our fighting spirit, and huge thanks to our supporters for believing in us.
Finally, I am disappointed by our performance against Cerezo Osaka. However, I am encouraged by our never give up spirit.
Sanfrecce – Aoyama's 63 yard goal, and bowling celebration.
JSoccer.COMment – Results Round-Up of Games 8, 9 and 10
Afshin Ghotbi speaks to the fans ….
Vegalta Sendai 0 – 1 Shimizu S-Pulse
What a game! Hail, thunder, rain, yellow cards (five to be exact) matching the color of Sendai’s uniforms, fantastic goal, undeserved red card, and championship spirit from our orange men. I am proud of our players, staff, and supporters for a well-deserved victory against the unbeaten Sendai.
The opening exchange was guarded, as stakes were high between the 1st and 2nd teams in J1. After 13 minutes, hail the size of ice cubes started falling from the sky. The dark clouds rolled in, followed by lighting and thunder.
The match was suspended for almost forty-five minutes. It gave me a great opportunity to make some adjustments. In a short meeting, we used video images from the high camera and showed ways we could achieve our mission.
When the match resumed, our players reacted perfectly. With a slicker surface after the hail and rain, we were able increase the ball speed making more space and creating several good scoring opportunities. A timely goal came on a move started by a quick re-start and a perfectly weighted pass from Takagi to Genki (Omae). The lofted pass finds Genki behind the defense, and he makes sure to head it down for the only goal of the game.
We went into the second half with the intention of controlling the game with long possession and more goals. Genki and Sho both had wonderful chances. Calvin’s second yellow card forced us to use our last substitution, bringing Hiraoka into the central defence. We defended in a 4-2-3 formation, and stood strong for 26 minutes, including added time, earning a hard-fought victory.
A third victory, a clean sheet, and a heroic performance over a week giving us twenty-one points in the league so far. I want to thank all the supporters who made the long journey and shared this very special game with us. You are our inspiration.
J1 Round-Up, May 3rd, Matchday 9
An all-in-one report this weekend due to the glut of J.League in Golden Week – you thought it was a holiday!? Not for us J.League watchers!
Here are the results:
Consadole Sapporo 1-0 Cerezo Osaka
Vissel Kobe 3-0 Omiya Ardija
Kawasaki Frontale 4-3 Jubilo Iwata
Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0-1 Albirex Niigata
Sagan Tosu 1-1 Vegalta Sendai
Urawa Reds 1-2 Yokohama F. Marinos
Shimizu S-Pulse 3-0 Kashima Antlers
JSoccer.COMment:
Cerezo proved once and for all how inconsistent they are by giving Cosadole Sapporo their first win of the season! Yusuke Kondo scored the winner in the 25th minute and Consadole hold on for the three points.
Vissel Kobe fired coach Wada, put Adachi in charge for a couple of games while they work out finances with Akira Nishino, travel arrangements with Stuart Baxter, or work up enough courage to approach Pep Guardiola! (I also suggested that Michael Laudrup be considered!). The new coach will be happy to know that Vissel played with freedom and confidence and destroyed Omiya Ardija with ease! Goals from Ogawa, lee and Mogi (his first touch) sealed the points for Vissel.
Frontale found their goalscoring touch under new coach Kazama, but almost let Jubilo back into the game late on. Jubilo are being found out after their start seemed better than they deserved? Yajima scored two for Frontale.
Sanfrecce gave Albirex their first win of the season, just when it seemed Sanfrecce would make a run at Sendai on top. Were Sanfrecce bad, or did Albirex finally come good? A bit of both, it seems!
Tosu held unbeaten Vegalta to a draw, just as predicted on this very site in the previews. Is that the beginning of the end for Sendai? Will S-Pulse take them out this weekend and send them on a downward spiral? Watch this space!
Reds gave Marinos an unexpected second win in-a-row on Thursday. Saito scored a lovely goal (does he ever score simple ones!!?), Makino matched his brilliance with one of his own to make it 1-1, but old soldier Marquinos came on as a late sub and confounded us all with the winner!
S-Pulse staked their claim to be title contenders with a 3-0 drubbing of resurgent Antlers. Ito popped one in at close range very early on, then Takagi scored a screamer, and Omae another well taken volley to round out the scoring and send the away team back to Kashima under a cloud.
Note that FC Tokyo v. Kashiwa Reysol and Gamba Osaka v. Nagoya Grampus – postponed die to ACL commitments – will be played on June 27
J1 Round-Up, May 3rd, Matchday 9
J1 Round-Up, May 3rd, Matchday 9
Here are the results:
Consadole Sapporo 1-0 Cerezo Osaka
Vissel Kobe 3-0 Omiya Ardija
Kawasaki Frontale 4-3 Jubilo Iwata
Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0-1 Albirex Niigata
Sagan Tosu 1-1 Vegalta Sendai
Urawa Reds 1-2 Yokohama F. Marinos
Shimizu S-Pulse 3-0 Kashima Antlers
JSoccer.COMment:
Cerezo proved once and for all how inconsistent they are by giving Cosadole Sapporo their first win of the season! Yusuke Kondo scored the winner in the 25th minute and Consadole hold on for the three points.
Vissel Kobe fired coach Wada, put Adachi in charge for a couple of games while they work out finances with Akira Nishino, travel arrangements with Stuart Baxter, or work up enough courage to approach Pep Guardiola! (I also suggested that Michael Laudrup be considered!). The new coach will be happy to know that Vissel played with freedom and confidence and destroyed Omiya Ardija with ease! Goals from Ogawa, lee and Mogi (his first touch) sealed the points for Vissel.
Frontale found their goalscoring touch under new coach Kazama, but almost let Jubilo back into the game late on. Jubilo are being found out after their start seemed better than they deserved? Yajima scored two for Frontale.
Sanfrecce gave Albirex their first win of the season, just when it seemed Sanfrecce would make a run at Sendai on top. Were Sanfrecce bad, or did Albirex finally come good? A bit of both, it seems!
Tosu held unbeaten Vegalta to a draw, just as predicted on this very site in the previews. Is that the beginning of the end for Sendai? Will S-Pulse take them out this weekend and send them on a downward spiral? Watch this space!
Reds gave Marinos an unexpected second win in-a-row on Thursday. Saito scored a lovely goal (does he ever score simple ones!!?), Makino matched his brilliance with one of his own to make it 1-1, but old soldier Marquinos came on as a late sub and confounded us all with the winner!
S-Pulse staked their claim to be title contenders with a 3-0 drubbing of resurgent Antlers. Ito popped one in at close range very early on, then Takagi scored a screamer, and Omae another well taken volley to round out the scoring and send the away team back to Kashima under a cloud.
Note that FC Tokyo v. Kashiwa Reysol and Gamba Osaka v. Nagoya Grampus – postponed die to ACL commitments – will be played on June 27
Sagan Tosu v. Vegalta Sendai – preview May 3rd
Tosu to Hold the Top Club?
Sagan Tosu – Kim Min Woo is suspended. MF Takahashi out for at least another month.
Vegalta Sendai – Akamine still missing.
Vegalta Sendai (P8 W7 D1 L0 GD +13) are runaway leaders after eight games, SIX points clear of Sanfrecce and Reds and with a much better goal difference. The question everyone is asking is can they keep it up? Will there be another new name on the trophy at the end of the season? Time will tell, but the pressure will begin to grow for the top team as the season progresses. If Sekiguchi remains in form and Ota and Akamine keep putting away chances, it will be progressively harder for teams to catch Vegalta as they run away at the top.
Sagan Tosu are this year’s surprise team so far. In their first season in J1, they have confounded the critics and sit in 5th place, just two points off 2nd and do not look like the relegation contenders that many took them for this campaign. Last time out they held 2011 champions Reysol away from home and I think they can also hold the top team! EXPECT A LOW SCORING DRAW!
23 meetings between these teams, all in J2 so far, have produced only one draw! 13 wins for Sendai, nine for Sagan. This will be their first meeting in J1.