(8.22 Kurasen U-15 Quarterfinals Tokyo V Jr Youth 0-2 FC LAVIDA Shirahatayama B)
Tokyo Verdi Junior Youth struggled to sweep the press from FC LAVIDA, and were eliminated from the eighth in terms of shooting numbers, with a 5-14 lead. Midfielder Sawabe Shohei (3rd year), who scored the team's top five goals in this tournament, shuddered, saying, “We were pushed so hard from the first half and had only a few opportunities to aim for the goal, but we couldn't score, so we lost 0-2, which is frustrating.”
Tokyo V Jr Youth performed soccer in which they took an exquisite position in the final line and midfield and continued to build up. He also effectively used the ball to hit the front line in the middle, passing the ball, and then passed it to show the team's colour. However, they gradually began to respond to FC LAVIDA, and it became difficult to take it to the goal. Amidst this, they conceded two goals from penalty shooters and free kicks, and were unable to advance to the semi-finals.
“Our soccer is moving forward from build-up, but we don't have many opportunities to play in opponents' positions, so we've been under pressure on our own positions, so I think it's hard to get ahead of us.”
Looking back, Sawabe said that on the day, a free kick from the left side bounced the goalkeeper's hand and hit the crossbar, but he scored no shots as an official record. He failed to get his revenge on his opponent who lost in the Kanto tournament finals and league matches this season, saying, “It's a third time to be honest, but I definitely wanted to win,” and bit his lips, saying, “It's really frustrating that we couldn't play our own soccer and was taken aback by the opponent's atmosphere.”
Although they were unable to win the national championship, it is expected that they scored five goals despite the fact that they “scored five goals because they were unable to score points before the club's youth team and were struggling with the team.” He also achieved a hat trick in the group stage. Sawabe expressed a certain level of satisfaction, saying, “I think I was able to score a lot (because of my allies supported me and practiced shooting myself) because I was always aiming for the goal.”
Sawabe then said, “I want to become a player who can support my team more and become a more absolute player.” The team is also eager to build more overall strength, and use their experience from this tournament to aim for the top of the winter Takamadonomiya Cup.
(Interview and text by Kato Naoki)
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