Intro
I don’t know about you, but that game left me wanting more. Had there been another minute or so left I think FC Ryukyu could’ve netted the winner but instead they settle on one point after drawing with Tochigi SC 2-2. It was never going to be easy to score multiple goals against the best defensive side in J2 which made FC Ryukyu’s comebacks to the level the match twice so impressive.
- Match Recap
- Man of the Match
- Review of the Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu
- Match Day Prediction
- Match Day 13 Takeaways
- Round 13 in J2
- Top Goals from Round 13
- Conclusion
1. Match Recap
2. Man of the Match
The Super Sub from FC Ryukyu. FWD Shinya Uehara who came on with little more than 15 minutes to go with Ryukyu down 1-0. He leveled the match within a minute of his entrance and then leveled it again 6 minutes after Tochigi SC took the lead shortly after Ryukyu’s equalizer. We’ve seen this type of performance before from Uehara and it was a welcome sight once more.
3. Review of the Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu
1. Do not over commit in the attack. Likelihood 3. We did exactly this in the first half and paid the price when Sakaki from Tochigi scored. Tochigi’s second goal was also from a counter attack.
2. Someone, anyone, create something in the attack. Likelihood 2. It was not until the second half subs were introduced that FC Ryukyu finally started to generate a push on net.
3. Win, and capitalize on Set Pieces. Likelihood 1. No, and we did not look good once again on corner kicks.
4. Match Day Prediction
Both @tsc_intl and I thought a 1-1 draw was great for both teams. Well a 2-2 draw made for an even more exciting match. 1-4-8 on the year.
5. Match Day 13 Takeaways
1. It was strange to see Torikai play up top with Keita Tanaka remaining at RB. There’s some good and bad in there in that Torikai can provide some rest for some of the mid fielders we have, but to me it also signals that Higuchi doesn’t trust Torikai defensively.
2. Despite the goal scoring outburst we witnessed late in the game, FC Ryukyu were downright awful in the first half. 70% possession and only two shots to show for it. None of which were on target. In fact, FC Ryukyu didn’t register a shot until the 38th minute. Tochigi was a massive brick wall that FC Ryukyu could not penetrate and a large portion of that possession consisted of the two CBs and CDM playing the ball back to each other.
3. We finally got our first look at Koizumi, Kawai and Ikeda in the lineup at the same time for about 30 minutes and there is a lot to be excited about. Adding in Koya also makes the Ryukyu attack more formidable. Kawai’s speed was on full display, along with Koizumi’s creativity and balance. Ikeda didn’t have the best outing but those 4 need to be the incumbent starters from now on. It was Koizumi’s, Ren’s, and Koya’s introduction in the second half that really turned things around for FC Ryukyu as I can barely recall Tochigi touching the ball in the second half. (yes, except for the goal of course)
4. I mentioned last recap that Makito Uehara is an interesting prospect. Well, he showed even more this week and I think it would be a shame to consider him as a CB, as he wasn’t even used in that role the last two times. He has some nice feet and I think he would be better suited as CDM over top of the two CBs with his speed and skill.
6. Round 13 in J2
There were plenty of comebacks this round but it really was all about Giravanz smashing Omiya on the road; Kyoto failing to secure victory once again, and a Thespakusatsu victory at the death!
7. Top Goals from Round 13
#1. Yohei Otake’s long range effort for Nagasaki. (5:45)
#2. Kanazawa’s Shimazu back heel. (5:10)
#3. Uehara’s header with defenders draped all over him and then like a bowling ball to the pins, takes out two defenders and the goalie. (6:40)
8. Conclusion
Welcome to J2 football with fixtures racked and stacked on top of one another. I feel really good leaving this match as FC Ryukyu showed some grit and determination against a very good defensive side in Tochigi. The lapses and let downs for Ryukyu will certainly continue as players need rest so the only thing you can do is soldier on.
Ryukyu make their second longest road trip of the year when they travel to Albirex Niigata on Sunday. See you in a few days with the Match Day 14 preview.
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