Weather Forecast: FINALLY! A great forecast for today’s match. Partly cloudy, temperatures in the high 80s with plenty of humidity, but most importantly, no rain!
The second half of the season gets underway today in Okinawa where 13th placed FC Ryukyu take on 10th place Fagiano Okayama. Okayama got the best of FC Ryukyu the last time these two teams met when they were awarded, and then converted, a PK. FC Ryukyu are coming of an uplifting 3-0 victory at home over Tochigi SC last week and Okayama visit the Tapista riding a 2-game win streak. This should be a very entertaining match today as both teams have similar attacking styles and the 2 leading scorers in the J2 face off once more. It was Lee Yong Hae who got on the score sheet the last time they squared off; will it be Suzukui’s turn today?
Fagiano Okayama
Okayama came from behind at home last week to defeat Kagoshima with 2 very late goals. Kagoshima dictated a lot of the game up till the end when a bad call by the referee awarded Okayama a PK that ultimately sealed the fate of Kagoshima. Prior to that match, Okayama had their doors blown off by Yokohama FC 5-1. The Okayama defense was ripped to shreds several times by the quick, long through balls by Yokohama and that seems to be a good way to get behind the Okayama defenders.
They drew twice against Renofa and Machida with 1-1 score lines where they let both these games slip through their fingers. Their defending let them down again despite one of the best goals scored in J2 this season by Okayama. Takeda hit an absolute rocket shot from the top of the box that found the top corner of the goal but that wasn’t enough against Renofa.
Make no mistake, Okayama have the fire power to score goals but they are not the strongest side when traveling or facing teams in the bottom half of the table. While this isn’t to be considered a “must win” game for FCR, it is an opportunity to grab a win against a side that is near FCR in the table and could help offset some unfavorable score lines later this season against stronger sides. FCR are just a better team when they play at home and therefore have a real shot at grabbing all3 points today.
Fagiano Players to Watch
#9 FW Lee Yong Hae: 12 goals this year but hasn’t scored in his last 2 games. Scored the last time these 2 sides met and is a tall, strong, quick striker that FCR had a real hard time dealing with in the first match.
#19 MF Hayato Nakama: 6 goals scored this season. Forms a very nice strike partnership with Hae and has provided him so excellent service this year.
#7 FW Seiya Nakano: Third leading scorer on Okayama with 5 goals. Used primarily as a substitute and provides a nice punch when coming off the bench.
FC Ryukyu
The boys finally decided to put an end to the 3-game losing streak by completely dismantling the Tochigi side last Saturday. FC Ryukyu controlled the pace of the game, were lethal in front of goal and really choked out the Tochigi SC attack. That type of effort is again going to be required for FC Ryukyu to grab all 3 points today as Okayama are a much better side than Tochigi.
FC Ryukyu will need Kawai to stretch the defense and allow players like Yu, Ochi and especially Suzuki to find the running/shooting lanes for goal scoring opportunities. If FC Ryukyu take the same approach to defending, they did last week but not holding a high defensive line, then we can limit the amount of counterattacks by players like Hae and Nakama. The Okayama defense is nothing special and can be unlocked with quick, accurate passing. If nothing else, it is likely that FC Ryukyu will draw plenty of fouls in and around the Okayama box with this type of play and then we could let Yu, Kazama and Uesato do their thing on FKs.
It is really simple math for FCR; score, defend, reduce turnovers and you will win. FCR needs to build a little bit of consistency moving forward and this is a great match to continue a nice run of form.
Injuries
Fagiano Okayama: #10 FW Mineiro – had a sprained MCL but it looks as if he is past the estimated recovery window of 6-8 weeks.
FC Ryukyu: #5 DF Tokumoto – recovering from an MCL sprain he picked up while rehabbing from an ankle sprain. Another 3 weeks away from returning to the lineup.
FC Ryukyu Keys to Victory
1. Set the tone. Okayama undoubtably have two serious playmakers in the squad but that is about it. The Okayama GK is average and the defense is like wet toilet paper, effective at times but not the preferred method.
2. Execute a balanced attack. Stretch Okayama from either side and don’t concentrate all your efforts on one side. Okayama can be beaten through the middle and down the flanks so use Kawai’s speed and Yu’s passing to free up Suzuki in front of goal. Uesato and Kazama should look for nice long through balls to let Suzuki run at the Okayama goal.
3. Defend in packs. Wolves hunt in packs and FCR should start defending the same way. FCR are good enough to be venomous on the counter but need to reinforce the back when under siege. All kidding aside, this isn’t the time to get cute, defend like you did against Tochigi and everything will be alright.
Match Prediction
The numbers are there for everyone to see. FC Ryukyu are a home team as is Okayama. Okayama is not the same team when traveling as evidenced by the amount of goals they concede. 2 goals could once again prove the difference for FCR on the day. FCR 2-2 Okayama.
Conclusion
This is big game for FC Ryukyu as they were able to get two weeks in a row at home and that should recharge a lot of the guys since they were not forced to travel. FC Ryukyu head out o the road for 2 games starting next week and a win here would serve them really well. This should be an up and down match that hopefully see’s Okayama tire in the second half since they are not acclimatized to the heat/humidity here in Okinawa. It should be a great day to watch football so hopefully like Okinawa community will come out in full force for this game.
ryukyuarmy.com 