Intro
One point from a possible six against the bottom two sides of J2 in consecutive weeks. Let that resonate as FC Ryukyu completely tripped over their own laces the past two rounds by failing to defeat either of these sides. Once more it was the switching off shortly after taking a lead in a game that led to an Omiya equalizer within 30 seconds of Akamine’s goal, and yet another disappointing result for this club. It is hard to view this as anything more than a failure by Ryukyu to secure 6-points these past two rounds and one that is likely to prevent them from securing promotion in 2021.
- Match Highlights
- Man of the Match
- Review of the Keys to Victory
- Prediction
- Talking Points
- Round 23 in J2
- Conclusion
1. Match Day Highlights
2. Man of the Match
FC Ryukyu MF Kazaki Nakagawa: The man might not have made the score sheet but his impact was felt all over the pitch that Sunday night. He rang the crossbar in what could’ve been the opening goal for Ryukyu and then followed that up with some fine passing and defensive efforts. Getting Nakagawa going in the second half of the season is crucial for this side.
3. Review of the Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu
1. Respond to Omiya’s fast start: Likelihood 3. Yes, in fact it was FC Ryukyu that started off strong inside the opening 12 minutes before Omiya took over for the remainder of the half.
2. Help Abe out: Likelihood 2. Unfortunately no.
4. Prediction
Said this one would end in disappointment for Ryukyu, and though they didn’t lose, I can’t view it as anything else. Take a draw as Omiya at least reached the 2-goal tally. Season Record 6-6-11.
5. Talking Points from Round 23
1. Each side had chances to win this game. Both hit the post, both called the opponents’ goalies into action on a couple of occasions, and both spoiled some good opportunities.
2. Injuries once again. FC Ryukyu lost Kaz Uesato to an MCL sprain when he landed awkwardly in the first half and could not continue. Add him to the ever growing list of Ryukyu players that will miss extended time over the next few months. FC Ryukyu’s injury list heading into the break is in the link below though it doesn’t include Tanaka, Ikeda, Dany or Taguchi. Click>>> FC Ryukyu Injuries
6. Round 23 in J2
Iwata’s 14 game unbeaten streak finally came to end with both Kyoto and Niigata playing to a 1-1 draw meaning Kyoto go top based on goal difference. Elsewhere, Kofu, Yamagata, Zelvia and Nagasaki all won to move that much closer to the leaders.
The race at the bottom took some twists and turns with some surprising results for Gunma, Ehime and Omiya which now makes it a six horse race for the drop as SC Sagamihara slowly wither away.
7. Conclusion
FC Ryukyu have a tall ask in front of them the next few months if they wish to stay in the promotion hunt. Riddled by injuries to several key players, and facing the daunting month of September, I am not sure they can replicate the fast start to the season that saw them earn 12/10 points in the months of March and April that propelled them to the top. Next up is a trip to Kitakyushu for Ryukyu on Monday August 9th.
ryukyuarmy.com 