Tag: kusano

(21) FC Ryukyu vs (5) Oita Trinita #FC琉球

Intro

Well my friends we have reached the end of a very disappointing season for FC Ryukyu. Their loss last week at JEF, coupled with Gunma’s win (which is all that really mattered), has relegated FC Ryukyu to J3 next season barring some sort of miracle. That miracle being Iwaki being denied a J2 license for 2023 and FC Ryukyu finish in 21st place. I personally don’t think that is going to happen as indicated by Nacho’s (probably based on managements input) to resign at the end of the season. In other words, I believe the power brokers at FC Ryukyu already knew that Iwaki will be awarded the license and J3 football is in store for FC Ryukyu next year.

Weather Forecast and Match Day Info

The weather forecast for tomorrow is terrible. It is in keeping with how much of the season has gone in that we are playing under poor weather conditions. Does it really matter? No. It just sucks having to fight the weather and a terrible home record all year.

Click>>> Match Day Information from FC Ryukyu

FC Ryukyu Preview

What can I possibly put here this week? What is there for FC Ryukyu to build on following this season heading into 2023? Answer: Nothing really. The signs were there all season for the exact situation that FC Ryukyu find themselves in going into the last game of the season. I am going to treat this section as more of Q&A between myself with some of the questions I believe many of the supporters of this club are currently asking themselves, but Nacho’s departure in the midweek has taken at least one of those questions off the table.

What were the early indications, or consistent indications, this club was doomed for relegation this season? There were many. Ryukyu opened the season with just one (1) win in their first fourteen (14) matches, nine (9) of those games ended up as losses. How Kina wasn’t relieved during that stretch is simply amazing. There were eight (8) games this season in which Ryukyu surrendered a lead resulting in a loss compared to just five (5) games in which FC Ryukyu clawed back into the match for either a win or a draw. Not to mention the dubious Ryukyu track record for surrendering goals late in games.

FC Ryukyu surrendered thirty-five (35) of their goals this season in the second half, sixteen (16) of those occurring in the 76th minute or later. Compare that to just nineteen (19) goals scored for FC Ryukyu in the second half of games without even scoring a single goal in stoppage time. Ryukyu were the only team in J2 to have failed to score in stoppage time at the end of matches this season.

Ryukyu’s longest undefeated streak this year was just five (5) games with only a singular instance where FC Ryukyu won consecutive matches. Of course there was the absolute dagger to the heart for this club in the last quarter of the season where they won only one (1) game in ten (10) matches that included a goal-less streak of seven (7) consecutive games. But that speaks to a much larger problem at this club than just statistical analysis.

FC Ryukyu were marred by poor coaching, injures to key players, untimely CV-19 infections, and perhaps an inability of the players to adapt to a new coaching style under a foreign manager. The loss of Kusano for 3.5 months in the heart of the season sucked the life out of the already limp FC Ryukyu attack. Kiyotake’s face fracture at Iwate during another crucial stretch of games hurt and then the Takuma Abe Achilles injury being the catalyst to kick off Ryukyu’s run of goal-less games.

For as much as I have complained about the refereeing and overall lack of good luck for the club this year, FC Ryukyu did very little to put themselves in any sort of position to generate any luck. Keep in mind that two (2) of our seven (7) wins can be attributed to Own Goals by our opponents. There were definitely a few missed calls by the referees this season, none more crucial than the one last week where Ikeda was fouled in the box but play continued and JEF scored on the counter, but even a draw wouldn’t have mattered. To that end, FC Ryukyu surrendered a league leading ten (10) PK opportunities this season and were tied for second to last with only being awarded two (2) PKs all season. Simply put, the offense didn’t really do much in the opposing end compared to the defense that was prone to being caught out of position, leading to fouls on the opposition in our own end. How many times did we see FC Ryukyu go forward only to arrive there with no idea what to do?

Finally, Ryukyu obviously finished near the bottom of many statistical categories when it comes to goals scored and conceded this season which is largely due to the injury crisis we faced, along with the coaching throughout the season. There is no doubt that FC Ryukyu has some talented players but they were never able to put it all together at any one moment this season leading to such disjointed and disappointing results.

What do you think will happen next season? It is still too early to tell but I would expect a mass exodus from the club, players and staff, when it becomes apparent that the wage bill needs cut while operating on a much more restrictive budget. We all may hope for some of the players to return next season but can the club even afford them now? Could they ever? Who of them would you want to return before we turn into FC Retirement Community vice FC Ryukyu. I wouldn’t expect much difference in attendance levels, though some of the fans we picked up along our J2 journey are sure to leave, as we rarely crested the 2,000 mark all season. The gameday atmosphere will be much more subdued which can be somewhat salvaged if the J-League finally allows cheering throughout the stadium and drops the mask policy currently in place.

Can FC Ryukyu make a quick return to J2? For those of you out there thinking that FC Ryukyu can make a quick return to the J2 after 2023, lets look at the history for those teams that have been relegated since the inception of the J3 in 2014. Out of the fourteen (14) clubs that have been relegated to the J3 since its formation, only one (1) club has ever been relegated and then promoted back to J2 the following season. That honor belongs to Oita Trinita who were demoted following 2014 and won the J3 in 2015. Tochigi SC joined them in relegation that same season but lost in the 2015 J2/J3 playoffs, a tournament that has since been scrapped, and then were promoted back to J2 following their second season in J3 when Akita didn’t own a J2 license as league champions.

Thespakusatsu Gunma is the only team to spend just two (2) seasons in the J3 following relegation. Roasso Kumamoto and Giravanz Kitakyushu each spent three (3) years in the J3 and then it gets a bit frightening. Kitakyushu has since returned from their brief spell in J2 and look set for their second consecutive season in J3. SC Sagamihara and Ehime FC will also enjoy their second season in J3 following their demotion in 2021. Only Montedio Yamaga (relegated in 2021) has a chance of clawing back out if they can sneak back into the promotion zone, which would make for just the second ever instance of a team being relegated and then promoted. FC Gifu and Kagoshima FC will be back in the J3 for their fourth (4) consecutive seasons next year and then there are the two teams, Gainare Tottori and Kataller Toyama, who were demoted following the 2013 and 2014 seasons in J2, and who will be enjoying their 10th and 9th consecutive seasons in J3.

Knowing that it is extremely rare for clubs to rebound quickly, where do you think FC Ryukyu fits in among the teams above? Seems we could be enjoying J3 football here in Okinawa for at least three (3) to four (4) years before we make it back to J2. Maybe even longer, maybe even JFL if there are not drastic changes (at the top) for this club.

What should we look forward to this weekend? FC Ryukyu need to get a look at some of their fringe players against a good Oita team that is likely to be at full strength. We need to see these players against good J2 competition to see who is worthy of receiving a contract next season and who simply is not good enough for this level.

Round 42 in J2

Everything is pretty much finished at the bookends of the table. (1) Albirex Niigata are the champions and (2) Yokohama FC will be joining them in J1 for 2023. (21) FC Ryukyu and (22) Iwate Grulla Morioka are relegated to J3 barring the aforementioned scenario with Iwaki and pending their results this round.

(3) Fagiano Okayama has secured ‘home field advantage’ throughout the promotion playoffs but there is still a little bit to play for amongst the teams currently inside, or just outside, the playoff bracket. (4) Roasso Kumamoto sits one point above (5) Oita Trinita with Kumamoto playing at home against Yokohama FC and of course Oita traveling to face FC Ryukyu. Both teams will likely be at full strength for their games as each is aiming for a win and a loss by the other. Oita still has another way to leap frog Kumamoto if they draw with Ryukyu, and Kumamoto lose, as they would go through on goal difference.

Click>>> Tokyo Verdy v Fagiano Okayama

(6) Tokushima Vortis has the toughest fixture this round for any of the teams involved in the playoff race as they travel to (8) Montedio Yamagata who are just one point behind Vortis in the standings. An obvious win or go home situation for both teams and they’d like a little help from (12) Blaublitz Akita who are playing (7) Vegalta Sendai at home. These games should make for some exciting football to watch during the final slate of games this season.

Click>>> Montedio Yamagata v Tokushima Vortis

Conclusion

Tomorrow will bring a close to what has been a generally tough season to endure for FC Ryukyu fans. There were so few moments of joy, far outweighed by the disappointing ones, and one that leaves the club in a very precarious position heading into 2023.

For me, my journey with this club will continue. I haven’t decided on whether or not I’ll renew my season pass for what will be my tenth season supporting FC Ryukyu, or, I’ll just casually attend games under the limited covered seating inside the stadium so as to avoid the elements. I’ll continue to blog, but how often is still undecided, as this is one of the best spaces for me to portray my thoughts and feelings about FC Ryukyu, even if no one is listening and reading.

I look forward to seeing you all next season and best of luck throughout the rest of 2022 and into 2023.

(22) FC Ryukyu vs (2) Yokohama FC #FC琉球

Intro

FC Ryukyu are running out of time and opportunities to stave off relegation following a run of seven (7) games without a win in which they’ve failed to score even a single goal in their previous six (6) matches. Ryukyu will now face the toughest run in of fixtures for any of the bottom three (3) sides in J2 with matches against Kanazawa, JEF, Oita, and this week’s opponent, Yokohama FC. Two of those teams are inside the top six of the table with automatic promotion looking likely for Yokohama FC. Seeing how promotion has not been guaranteed just yet, expect YFC to play at full strength against a Ryukyu side that is on life support at the moment. Finally, we will be joined by the Yokohama FC Foreign Supporters Group this week to provide their perspective on YFC.

Weather Forecast & Match Day Information

Looking quite nice for our next to last home game.

Click>>> Match Day Info from FC Ryukyu

Team Previews

FC Ryukyu: The chances of FC Ryukyu staving off relegation are getting slimmer each passing round. Whether you still believe there is a chance, or you have resided to the fact that relegation is going to happen, you need only look at the recent run of form of Ryukyu to see that the chances of escape are quite grim. Ryukyu have failed to score even a single goal in any of their last six (6) matches resulting in numerous crucial points dropped when points were (are) at a premium.

Do Ryukyu somehow find a rich stream of form to close out the season and somehow earn enough points to avoid the drop? Or do we expect just more of the same against much tougher competition to close out 2022? Do you believe that those teams around us in the standings will continue to lose while Ryukyu inch their way to safety? Do you think Iwaki FC won’t be granted a J2 license come seasons end thus resulting in only one (1) team in J2 being relegated? Very tough questions to grapple with as a Ryukyu supporter these days.

This by no means equates to disbelief in the players or should be construed as a lack of support to the team. It is simply looking at the facts. Many times this season I’ve seen plenty of FC Ryukyu supporters across social media vowing to do better following each match. But I would argue that we supporters do exactly what is expected and that is to show up every week. Especially in an environment devoid of any real atmosphere thanks to the slow rolling out of allowing cheering back at the stadiums by the J-League.

Sure, we can refrain from voicing our frustrations at the players following the match but seeing how supporters in the J-League have limited power, and an even more limited platforms to engage with the clubs, it makes voicing your frustrations challenging. It is not as if not showing up to home games would send a clear message to the club that the supporters are not happy as I doubt they would notice a few dozen fans missing from the stands with such low attendance levels any given week.

Perhaps it is a just a thing to not question those in charge and to let things play out as they may. But look at where that has gotten Ryukyu. Gone are the days when the club would engage with the head of the supporters thanks in large part to CV-19, which is likely still being used as an excuse. But there should be no hiding from how this season turned out nor the hard questions that need to be asked/answered. Questions that would probably get you banned from any post-game press conference.

While I have my own opinion on where I think FC Ryukyu will finish this season I still want to see this club win at least one (1) more game at home. It may not matter in the end but a win(s) would be for the fans that have only witnessed three (3) victories at home in the last calendar year. I think we all know that a majority of the supporters will be back next season, and we all know that is likely in J3, so therefore provide us as fans something uplifting to carry us through what will be an arduous offseason.

Now, onto the game at hand. FC Ryukyu will need to put Sadam Sulley back up top this week, after Nacho mysteriously left him on the bench all last week, as Yuki Kusano cannot feature against his parent from which he is on loan. It may not make a difference who is up top if FC Ryukyu cannot find a way to provide the strikers any service. I think it is high time we went back to Tanaka at RB to see if we can shake something loose and we really need Ren Ikeda to drive what will probably be a limited attack, with even more limited goal scoring opportunities, on Saturday.

Yokohama FC: This week we are joined by the Yokohama FC Foreign Supporters (@YokohamaFSG), who are brand new to the scene and who were kind enough to agree to answer a few questions about their origin and the state of YFC heading into the end of the season. As someone who ventured the same path a few years ago, I am really excited to welcome someone new into the fold and to provide them another forum to express their views on the club they love and support.

1. What brought you to the J-League and Yokohama FC (experiences as a fan here in Japan)? And what prompted you to start a Foreign Support group for the club?

“I’ve been casually following the j-league for a while, but with work commitments taking me in and out of Japan it’s been difficult to go see some games. Work has changed somewhat and it gave me the time to really focus on a team. I wanted to support a team that I could really get behind. While FC Tokyo is geographically the closest team I had more of an affinity with Yokohama since it’s my wife’s hometown.

Instantly the model of YFC was particularly attractive, as was the stadium. I’ve been going on and off to the stadium all this season. I’ve noticed a few foreign supporters but often been too shy or with my wife to approach them. So I thought I’d create a supporters group to try and gather us together. I’ll probably need to get over my shyness in person to let them know! So far in the world of Twitter it’s been really receptive, I just hope to be able to transfer that onto the terraces!”

2. YFC are in a strong position to make a return to the J1 next season. What do you think the club has learned from their relegation and possible quick return back to the top tier of Japanese football?

“I think the jump up to the J-league was a big learning curve for the club. The gulf in finance, and quality of players was stark. This year, I think our squad is more experienced and it’s so important to have that squad experience there. I think it’ll be a difficult task, and unless we get bought out or have a sponsor that doesn’t interfere with the structure, it would be difficult to compete with the bigger clubs. But I think we’re a plucky team and we certainly have the skills to make a good go of it. They remind me of those teams back in the UK – too strong perhaps for the championship but not wealthy/strong enough for the premiership either. I think the club will probably look at IT pragmatically, try to compete with the teams around us, and nick a few points against the stronger teams.”

3. Koki Ogawa has been brilliant this season and is leading the league in goals. What are some of the other players in the squad that have contributed greatly to YFS’s success this season? Your goalie, Svend Brodersen, took a nasty knock last week and suffered a concussion. How is he doing these days and would you expect to see him out there on Saturday? Any notable injuries or issues the squad is dealing with at the moment?

“Certainly Ogawa and Brodersen have been invaluable to us. Hasegawa has also been really good with his leadership too. Brodersen is doing well and feels completely fine, so I’d expect to be seeing him on the weekend. He really is a solid foundation for the team. No notable injuries, but that time of the year were they’re looking a bit leggy. We might be certain to get promoted but if we seriously mess up than there’s a possibility of the playoffs.”

4. YFC do have a set of tricky fixtures ahead of them to close out 2022.  FC Ryukyu presents a bit of a trap game, though I wouldn’t go as far as to say we pose any real threat; followed by Oita Trinita fighting for a playoff spot; a bit of a resurgent Zweigen Kanazawa; and finally, Roasso Kumamoto who are also vying for a playoff spot. Do you think YFC can catch Albirex Niigata at the top of the table while keeping Fagiano Okayama at bay?

” I think it’s a really difficult end to the season. All those teams can be really tricky to play, because they all have a strong reason to get something from the game. At the moment Niigata and Okayama are looking really strong. I can’t imagine them dropping many, if any, points so the pressure on us is really strong. Especially we’ve, until relatively recently, had a run of rather mediocre games. The last home game against Kofu we looked leggy and lacked the finishing, while we kept giving the ball away unnecessarily. I’m a man city supporter back in the UK, and supporting them since Maine road days has given me a greater level of pessimism I’d imagine. We’re second for a reason and I think we can end the season strong! “

“With regards to your second point – I definitely think we’ve learnt a lot, but it’s hard to see us doing really well in that strong league – what do you think?”

Think it’s a progression at each level you move up, or down. When going up, survival first and foremost, and then incremental building towards to the top. When you go down, it is probably how you respond to the previous season’s failures and adjustments to the assumed financial losses/troubles at a lower level. In either case it’s really how the club management builds, or unfortunately, craters a team with their business, managerial, and personnel decisions. I think there’s enough players there at YFC to recall the struggles of J1 and you all could rebound much like Reysol did in 2020 after they won the J2 in 2019.

Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu

The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen

1. A fast start with multiple goals. Likelihood 0. How else can you beat one of the top teams in the table without knocking them back on their heels quickly and forcing them into making some mistakes. Multiple goals would be a drastic change of pace for this side but Ryukyu cannot sit back and absorb the pressure from YFC only to have a limited response in the attack. Need to go for it.

Round 39 in J2

Up Top: League Leaders (1) Albirex Niigata head out on the road to kick things off this round where they will face (7) Montedio Yamagata. Niigata will look to extend their lead at the top with Yamagata on the outside looking in at the promotion playoff zone at the moment as they are four (4) points behind (6) Vegalta Sendai.

Promotion Playoffs: (3) Fagiano Okayama, who have won eight (8) out of their last ten (10) matches head to (16) Zweigen Kanazawa who have turned things around following a shaky drop in form and who have now only lost once (1) in their last seven (7) games. Elsewhere it is (4) Roasso Kumamoto hosting (15) Blaublitz Akita and the abovementioned (6) Vegalta Sendai hosting (12) Tokyo Verdy.

The biggest game concerning those teams in and around the playoff zone is between (5) Oita Trinita, having only lost one (1) time in their last seventeen (17) games, and (8) V-Varen Nagasaki who, after reaching the playoff zone, have now lost three (3) of their last four (4) games. Nagasaki has to be viewing this match as a must win or it will likely end their promotion dreams yet again.

Down Below: (20) Thespakusatsu Gunma host (19) Omiya Ardija in what could be the final nail in the FC Ryukyu coffin if Gunma were to win, and Ryukyu were to lose. Come on Omiya! (21) Iwate Grulla Morioka will head to (14) Renofa Yamaguchi who demolished Gunma last week so let’s hope for a similar set of events to play out on Sunday in Yamaguchi.

Free J-League International Broadcasts: Well would you just look at that. FC Ryukyu vs Yokohama FC headlines the first of two free broadcasts this weekend in what could be Ryukyu’s final appearance on the J-League International YouTube Channel if they are demoted. Click>>> FC Ryukyu v Yokohama FC

The second match will showcase Vegalta Sendai at home versus Tokyo Verdy on Sunday. Click>>> Vegalta Sendai vs Tokyo Verdy

Conclusion

Simply put, FC Ryukyu must win this game, and the next, and the next after that. If Gunma extend their lead anymore over FC Ryukyu we will be relegated before we set foot on the pitch at the Fukuda Denshi Arena in Chiba. Despite the long odds facing Ryukyu I am looking forward to this match as it will be the first time that all members of my supporter group, the Ryukyu Army, will be attending the match at the same time. It is truly going to be a great weekend. I would also like to thank the Yokohama FC Foreign Supporters for their excellent contribution to the preview this week, please give them a follow on Twitter, and I wish them continued success throughout their J-League journey.

Now Come On Ryukyu, Let’s Fucking Do This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(22) FC Ryukyu vs (6) FC Machida Zelvia #FC琉球

Intro

Let’s not kid ourselves. A lot of things need to break right for FC Ryukyu to avoid the drop. We cannot reasonably expect teams around Ryukyu in the standings to lose every week, suffer the same set of bad luck, or accrue the same set of injuries since Ryukyu have unfortunately left it super late to save the season. Not only are Ryukyu at the foot of the table following three (3) consecutive losses, they are also seven (7) points behind Iwate and Omiya in the relegation race. The tall task will fall upon newly appointed manager Nacho Fernandez and Ryukyu need to start netting positive results almost immediately. That will be no easy ask as Machida Zelvia have historically had the better of Ryukyu and who, like everyone in J2 these days, is eyeing this matchup as a get right game to gain some valuable points.

Weather Forecast & Match Day Info

Doesn’t it just figure that Okinawa finally comes out of rainy season, has enjoyed nice weather for the past seven days, and now on game day, splat!

Click>>> Match Day 23 Information from FC Ryukyu

Team Previews

FC Ryukyu: Ryukyu were not able to enjoy any “new boy bounce” following the departure of Kina after the Yamagata match and are now winless in their last six (6) games with four (4) defeats. Perhaps due to the fact that Head Coach Kuranuki had already had his shot at such a bounce earlier in the season, but FC Ryukyu did name a new manager in the time between blog entries. Nacho Fernandez will oversee what will hopefully be a restoration of the club and push out of the relegation zone.

There are so many problems that require fixing at Ryukyu it must be a difficult decision for where to start for their new manager. Tactics, Lineup Selection, defending, scoring, motivation, and confidence are equally important, but so too is mental focus. Ryukyu dropped five (5) points in three (3) out of their last four (4) matches due to goals conceded in extra time. Vortis were able to equalize late with both Nagasaki and Okayama earning victories in the waning seconds of the game. Ryukyu have now conceded ten (10) extra time (both first and second half) goals inside of twenty two (22) games. That has to stop right now to avoid falling even farther behind teams just above us in the table.

Nacho has to instill a system that encourages players into taking more shots while also preventing the breakdown of defending at the back. All the while with both a depleted attacking and defending corps. We know Kusano is out until at least September and hopefully recently signed Kelvin can regain some of the form he displayed throughout his career with each match he plays. Of course, don’t hold your breath on any news of Takuma Abe returning to aide in the attack, though his return would be a massive boost to the side that is still three weeks out from seeking reinforcements in the summer transfer window.

Then there is the issue Ryukyu face in defending, and some could argue, goalkeeping. Ryukyu really don’t have the luxury of having their young defenders, Omori and Nakagawa, grow into the position as that time passed long ago. What they need is consistent solid performances while Okazaki remains out injured. Then there was the curious decision to start Makito Uehara over Keita Tanaka at right back last match. Maybe the decision was based on an injury that Tanaka picked up, and though I believe Makito can develop into a fine player one day, I will once again state that it is probably as a central defensive midfielder, and not a central defender/fullback.

Taguchi isn’t enjoying nearly the success he had last season, though he does flash at times and it probably is not all his fault with what is in front of him, but nevertheless, he has surrendered thirty eight (38) goals in twenty one (21) games. Hopefully a switch at manager may result in shaking up the lineup that includes another start for Dany Carvajal. Ryukyu have a lot of work ahead of them to find suitable ‘central’ defenders and forwards in the upcoming transfer window but must now focus on accumulating some points, however miniscule they maybe, in the near term.

FC Machida Zelvia: You know what you are going to get when facing Zelvia. A team loaded with attacking talent, but with plenty of questions about their defending. Zelvia also seem to be more of a ‘home’ team than one that does well on the road. Seven (7) of their nine (9) wins have come at home this season with zero (0) road wins in their last seven (7) away games.

Watching their past five games the home/road split is really evident. Losses to Tochigi SC and Oita on the road with wins at home over Akita and Kanazawa, with a draw against Kumamoto mixed in. Though Zelvia’s road form offers the slightest glimmers of hope for Ryukyu this week, let’s not forget that Zelvia own Ryukyu in the series with eight (8) wins and only a single (1) loss dating back to their time in the J3. Which coincidentally was the last time FC Ryukyu defeated Zelvia in any match (2014).

In the first meeting between these two sides Ryukyu looked good by holding Zelvia to a 0-0 draw before embarking down their current path. Granted, Zelvia did not have Dudu or Vinicius in the lineup for the opening match of the season so it must be taken with a grain of salt. Most Ryukyu fans pointed to the strong performances from young CBs Nakagawa and Omori in limiting Zelvia’s opportunities as well as shutting down the veteran striker Chong Tese. Ryukyu will need another such performance out of their defense this week if they wish to leave the match with any points.

Keys to Victory Keys to Nicking a Point for FC Ryukyu

The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen

1. Score early. Likelihood 2. The second part of this would be to frustrate Zelvia by clogging their shooting lanes with the third, and most important, being the ability to finish the match without surrendering any late goals. The last being an almost impossible ask these days as indicated by Ryukyu’s poor record for conceding goals after the 75th minute mark games in addition to the amount of extra time goals they’ve hemorrhaged. But in the Zelvia games I watched, when Zelvia played on the road and conceded early, they seemed extremely frustrated at times when trying to score and were thus unable to recover.

2. Pressure the Zelvia back line into making mistakes. Likelihood 2. This largely depends on who is in the attacking role for Ryukyu this week as this game would have been perfect for a player of Kusano’s quality. Zelvia had several mistakes in defending, and playing out from the back, in their last five games which means there should be opportunities for Ryukyu in both the turnover category and to find space in between Zelvia defenders. That is, if Ryukyu can press, find space, find the key last passes and get quality shots on net.

Round 23 in J2

Headlining this weeks fixtures is the top of the table clash between (2) Yokohama FC and (1) Albirex Niigata. Kind of depressed this game is on the same day as the Ryukyu match as I would definitely want to tune into this one. But luckily the J-League has decided to broadcast this match to the world on the J-League International YouTube Channel and the link can be found under this paragraph. Right behind this tasty draw is the match featuring (3) Vegalta Sendai at home to (7) Montedio Yamagata who are both coming of losses and attempting to stay squarely in the promotion zone.

Click>>> J-League Int’l YouTube Channel: Yokohama FC vs Albirex Niigata

Depending on the outcomes for both the Ryukyu match and (19) Tochigi SC versus (21) Iwate Grulla Morioka game, Ryukyu could find themselves in an even deeper hole than before this round kicked off. Keeping one eye on those teams situated at the bottom of the table also sees a resurgent (20) Omiya Ardija, who are on a nice run of win one/draw one/lose one, hosting (14) Zweigen Kanazawa who have suffered two (2) defeats in their last three (3) games. The second free J-League International YouTube broadcast, and what is likely to be a staple the remainder of the year, features (8) JEF United Chiba at home to (11) Tokyo Verdy. Link is below.

Click>>> J-League Int’l YouTube Channel: JEF UTD Chiba vs Tokyo Verdy

Conclusion

So you have FC Ryukyu with only one (1) home win to date facing a Zelvia side that struggles for results on the road (two wins on the road all season). I think Zelvia is having the type of season that Ryukyu initially hoped for this year; overpowering teams in the attack, while trying to make up for the void in defense. As we’ve seen, it can get you places, but it isn’t enough to push teams over the line. Zelvia definitely have more quality in the attack than Ryukyu these days but I don’t feel these teams are separated by much. Sure, Ryukyu have conceded 20 more goals than Zelvia this season, but Ryukyu have also dealt with a rash of injuries to key players with Zelvia remaining largely unscathed. Would it be so hard to believe these teams are, or could be, two evenly matched sides on Sunday? Consecutive 0-0 score lines their past two meetings would at least indicate as much.

(6) Montedio Yamagata vs (21) FC Ryukyu #FC琉球

Intro

Ryukyu face an uphill battle when they travel North to Yamagata this Sunday. To be fair, every game remaining may seem like an uphill battle for a team that has been riddled with injuries and shell-shocked by late goals resulting in crucial points dropped. This games kicks of five (5) tough fixtures in a row for Ryukyu which also happens to coincide with that time of the year when Ryukyu are prone to slumps. A mid season slump feels like a yearly occurrence for the club, usually due to key injuries in the squad, and if Ryukyu were to suffer another slump this season, it would likely be the next to last nail in their relegation coffin.

Weather Forecast & Match Day Info

Traveling fans will have some nice weather to enjoy this weekend.

Click>>>> Match Day 20 Information from Montedio Yamagata

Team Previews

Montedio Yamagata: Montedio Yamagata, like they seem to do every year, started a bit sluggish before embarking on a run of nine (9) games unbeaten that included a streak of five (5) wins in a row. I would love if Ryukyu could pull of a winning streak like that, but for Yamagata, these streaks never really result in promotion. Maybe that will change this year?

Yamagata might have a tough time getting over line now that, like FC Ryukyu, they’ve lost their top scorer for an extended period of time. Yoshiki Fujimoto was on seven (7) goals this season before succumbing to a season ending ACL injury. Like Ryukyu, Yamagata will be heavily invested in the transfer window this summer to try and find a replacement. Unlike Ryukyu, they likely they have the finances and clout to replace their lost striker with a talented player.

Yamagata’s lone loss in the past two months came at the hands of Albirex Niigata last week to the tune of 3-0. They did also lose their Emperors Cup match with Thespakusatsu Gunma in the mid-week 1-3 so perhaps there is the smallest of chances that Yamagata are reeling at the moment. But I think this matchup presents a “get right” game for Montedio to get back on track for the promotion playoff race as Ryukyu have never won at Yamagata. In 2019, an 88th minute goal from Yamagata wiped out an earlier Takuma Abe PK goal. In 2020, Yamagata destroyed Ryukyu 3-0. However, in 2021 it was Ryukyu’s turn to play spoiler as they scored a late goal to end that match in a 2-2 draw.

FC Ryukyu: Ryukyu are coming off a heartbreaking draw at home last Sunday against Tokushima Vortis (3-3) and a mid-week Emperors Cup loss (1-4) to Omiya Ardija. Both games were at home so those fans that did venture out were at least treated to eleven (11) goals inside of a few days. Ryukyu have some serious questions heading into one of their toughest matchups with injuries continually piling up. Luckily, Ryukyu escaped any further damage to players in the EC match with Omiya despite playing some of the regular starters. But then there was the news on Thursday that Yuki Kusano, Ryukyu’s top scorer, will be out three (3) months with a torn MCL. A crushing blow to our hopes and dreams for avoiding relegation.

There will be a new center-back duo playing this match as Yong Jick went off injured during the Vortis match which leaves Ryukyu with just a couple of healthy defenders. The obvious choice would be the Numata/Omori pairing with So Nakagawa in reserve. Omori did play the entire match on Wednesday in an attempt to get him so game experience heading into a brutal run of fixtures for Ryukyu. On the other hand, Nakagawa played sparingly compared to Yusuke Murase who made just his second ever appearance for the club, the other being last year’s Emperors Cup match with Matsumoto Yamaga. It is hard to say if any of the central defenders had a decent game on Wednesday considering we conceded four (4) goals.

It is what it is until players return from injury or we acquire some players in the transfer window next month. Speaking of depth, we got a long look at some of the players that rarely feature for FC Ryukyu against Omiya. Van Luan Pham, the on-loan player from Saigon FC, arguably had the best shift for Ryukyu that night. The defensive mid-fielder more than held his own, was involved in some nice build up plays (though rarely passed to by some of his teammates) and was an absolute spark plug you covet from a central defensive midfielder. I am not sure of how many ‘regulars’ Omiya deployed that match to accurately gauge Pham’s abilities at the J2 level, but I think he did enough to at least warrant dressing for some of the senior matches going forward. This is especially true considering Ryukyu also lost central midfielder, Kazuto Takezawa, to a shoulder injury for the next few weeks.

Unfortunately, many of the other players we would’ve liked to seen play, or liked to see them do something, were not able to during a game largely controlled by Omiya. With Ryukyu’s next five (5) games coming against some tough opponents, does Ryukyu have enough healthy players to garner some results and prevent a mid-season collapse that would all but dash any hopes for avoiding relegation?

Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu

The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen

1. Concede fewer goals than Yamagata. Likelihood 1. Tough place to be in as a Ryukyu fan these days when you’re team is desperate for results and having to do it shorthanded. Good luck boys.

Kinain’ Ya Around

Ryukyu have only lost once in their last five (5) games, twice in their last eight (8), but there has been too many matches that have ended in draws (4). No doubt this is due to Ryukyu surrendering eight (8) goals after the 75th minute this season. Ryukyu have been outscored 19-10 in the second half of games with the unthinkable stat of conceding four (4) goals in extra time of the second half. Their first half performance is only slightly better with a 16-13 goals conceded to scored ratio, but they’ve also conceded four (4) goals within the allotted extra time of the first half! Killer to Ryukyu, momentum swinging for our opponents. In nineteen (19) games this season Ryukyu have managed only one (1) extra time goal in either half. And perhaps this is why teams really walk all over Ryukyu in the later stages of games.

Round 20 in J2

No top of the table clashes this week but plenty of games with teams next to one another in the standings. The top three sides (Sendai, Niigata, and Yokohama) have extended their point lead to nine (9) at the top and all have games against teams in currently in the mid table. Teams ranked between fourth and fourteenth – separated by just four (4) points – are likely to see the continued churn in that part of the table.

At the bottom, where we as Ryukyu supporters are most concerned, sees (21) Iwate at home to (9) Ventforet Kofu. Iwate have lost thee (3) in a row and have yet to win at home this season with Kofu having drawn their last five (5) matches with four (4) consecutive 1-1 score lines. (20) Omiya Ardija are also at home to (16) Mito Hollyhock. Omiya are coming off two (2) wins and a draw in their last three (3) games, including the Emperors Cup, with Hollyhock suffering three (3) straight losses in all competitions. The round 20 free broadcast on the J.League International YouTube channel will feature (1) Yokohama FC hosting, and wait for it, (14) Tokyo Verdy again. Click>>>> J.League Int’l YouTube Channel.

Conclusion

Ryukyu just have to go out and defeat a team they’ve never beaten, but one they’ve had some limited success against (2 draws) on the road, without their top scorer and a makeshift back line. Drinks on me everyone!

(21) FC Ryukyu vs (14) Tokushima Vortis #FC琉球

Intro

Ryukyu need to put their recent loss to Omiya in the rearview mirror and focus on Tokushima Vortis right now. Time is definitely not on the side of Ryukyu anymore as they quickly approach the halfway point of the 2022 season on just fourteen (14) points. Short of a miracle winning streak to push Ryukyu up the table and closer to forty points, which seems all but a pipedream at the moment, we need to collect points in as many games as we can. The best Ryukyu can hope for in the interim is to keep within striking distance of Omiya and Iwate to keep this a three horse race for relegation.

Weather Forecast & Match Day Info

We may actually see the sun in Okinawa for the first time in six days! But you still need to prepare for wet weather.

Click>>>> Match Day 19 Information from FC Ryukyu

Team Previews

FC Ryukyu: I really have no idea what to write about for the Ryukyu team preview this week. Too many times we’ve talked about Ryukyu holding loads of possession and failing to score. Something that plagued us against Omiya. We’ve talked about the team’s inability to finish despite the aforementioned possession. Clearly indicated by the fact that Ryukyu have only scored more than two (2) goals in a game four (4) times this season, while conceding more than two (2) goals ten (10) times in eighteen (18) games. So what should we talk about then? Injuries? Sure.

Kusano’s injury is absolutely catastrophic, and since we have no idea what he is dealing with – perhaps to let whatever swelling that may have occurred in his knee to subside so they can get an accurate MRI – we can only hope it is not a lengthy injury. But then again, we never heard anything from the club about the injury (probably a pulled hamstring) that Abe has been dealing with the past twelve (12) games. We could really use Abe back in the near term, that is, until Kusano returns, or we sign a striker on loan. Compounding the current crisis are the injuries to our central defense in which we have a patchwork back line, though to their credit, is doing enough to at least put Ryukyu in a position to win some games. They are certainly not the reason why we lost at Omiya.

That loss last Wednesday stems directly from sloppy play – balls passed out of bounds, wild shots, careless turnovers – and a lack of understanding what to do when near the oppositions goal. Ryukyu have not improved at all on defending, or attacking, set pieces this year which seems a very simple thing to fix throughout training. The constant rotation of players week in, week out, has yet to produce a solid lineup and the injuries certainly don’t help. But we are also talking about a team loaded with veterans and experienced players, not a team full of rookies making their J2 debut.

What we need is an on field general to start getting in the asses of some of these players when play begins to dip. Someone needs to be more vocal out there to get the boys back in line and that starts with the captain. Taguchi currently wears the captain arm band, which could change if Okazaki returns this week, but other than setting his back line, how can he influence play at the top? At this point our only real hope is we haven’t totally capitulated and for an outfield player to assert themselves, outside of just their play, to lead this team. But who will that be?

Tokushima Vortis: Tokushima are not finding life in the J2 as easy as when they departed it back in 2020. They started off the year undefeated in their opening eight (8) fixtures but with only one (1) win to their credit. After suffering their first loss of 2022 Vortis rebounded with a pair of wins and a draw but still found themselves in the lower half of the table with fellow demoted side Oita Trinita, a place that Vortis currently occupy.

Over their last five (5) games Vortis had one (1) win, two (2) draws, and two (2) losses. They suffered consecutive losses for the first time all season when they were handily beaten by Yokohama FC before pulling one back in stoppage time, and then were shocked at home the following week when Tochigi SC beat them 1-0. This past Wednesday night they only managed a draw against Kofu after taking the early lead and even with Kofu having a man sent off in the second half. But lets not kid ourselves as Vortis are a very good defensive side having conceded only eleven (11) goals all season which is good for best in the league.

Another feather in the defensive cap of Vortis is the nine (9) shutouts in eighteen (18) J2 games played this season. That includes five (5) games with nil/nil score lines. Vortis maybe very good at shutting down the opposition’s attack, but they also struggle to find the back of the net as they’ve been shutout two other times for a total of seven (7) this the year. A bit like Tochigi SC last year, who we beat at home in 2021 despite their impressive defensive record. Still, I’d gladly switch struggles with Vortis at the moment as they are likely to figure out the problem in the attack long before they breakdown at the back.

Tokushima also have nearly identical home/road splits for wins, draws, losses and goals scored/conceded. I thought they looked a bit shaky in two of their past road matches but they turned things around against Kofu before surrendering a needless PK. Finally, forward Shota Fuji may lead the team in goals with five (5), but the Vortis attack funnels through one man, MF Kazuki Nishiya. Kazuki is so heavily involved in much of the Vortis build up play that if Ryukyu can somehow take him out of the game, tactically not physically, they could easily grind the Vortis attack to a halt.

Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu

The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen

1. Execute shots from distance, pepper Vortis with crosses into the box, and for god’s sake, score from a set piece. Likelihood 1. Right, three things Ryukyu haven’t done all year and have struggled with all season. But these type of ‘long balls’ into the box maybe the only defensive weakness to this defensively strong Vortis team. Vortis can deal with the up close pressure pretty well barring some deflections, but if we dance around with possession looking for the perfect pass to unlock the Vortis defense, we will lose. If we try more of the long game approach as outlined above, like Gunma and Tochigi did, we may actually walk out of the ‘Tapista’ with points (or a win) on Sunday.

Kinain’ Ya Around

Maybe I got a little out in front of my skis last week when I assumed Ryukyu were primed to take the leap above Omiya and move up in the table. After doing a little research on transfermarkt, a phenomenal website by the way, I came across some stats that are really worrisome. Since 2019, FC Ryukyu have gone 6-3-10 (W-D-L) against teams in the relegation zone. If you include the loss to Iwate this year, though not in the relegation zone at the time of the match, as well games against teams who were in similar positions as Iwate when they faced Ryukyu earlier in the season, Ryukyu’s record stands at 7-3-12 (W-D-L). Which equates to winning about 1/3 of those games.

FC Ryukyu have zero (0) wins against teams that are either currently, or were once inside the relegation zone this season. They have suffered five (5) losses with what seems to be only a few games left this season against teams facing the prospect of relegation. Granted, anything could happen during the remainder of the campaign but Ryukyu haven’t defeated a bottom side since Matsumoto Yamaga on Match Day 35 last season. Ryukyu have only had one (1) season in which they had a winning record against the relegation sides and that was 2020 when there was no relegation so I had to use stats against the bottom four clubs that year. To sum this all up, Ryukyu struggle, regardless of Ryukyu’s position in the table at the time of matches, to defeat the bottom sides of J2 in what could’ve/should’ve been winnable and were must win games.

Round 19 in J2

(1) Vegalta Sendai could do all the teams currently in the relegation battle a favor, expect Tochigi of course, by defeating back-to-back winners (19) Tochigi SC. (3) Yokohama FC is in the same boat as Sendai, and looking to keep pace up top, when they host (18) Renofa Yamaguchi who are winless in their last four (4) matches. It would also be nice if (10) Zweigen Kanazawa continued their winning ways by defeating (22) Iwate Grulla Morioka. Writing those past few sentences makes me regret the loss to Omiya even more with how the schedule shakes out this week.

The top of the table clash that some neutral fans may enjoy will be the game between (2) Albirex Niigata and (4) Montedio Yamagata. Niigata have eight (8) wins in their last eleven (11), but Yamagata is undefeated in their last nine (9). It should be a good game to watch. And finally, there is the J-League International YouTube broadcast featuring (12) Tokyo Verdy at home to (20) Omiya Ardija. This is Verdy’s sixth, and final, match (at least this month) on the YouTube channel where they’ve won once (1), drawn once (1), and lost three (3) times. It will also be Omiya’s first game with their new manager Naoki Soma in charge. I am a bit conflicted here because Verdy is one of Ryukyu’s main rivals, and one that I enjoy watching lose at any point in the season, but we also need Verdy to win in the event that Ryukyu earn, or drop, points at home this round. Click>>>> J.League International YouTube Channel.

Conclusion

I just have that strange feeling that this game could end 0-0 on the heels of some lackluster offensive performances, or one team blows the other out in an unexpected (or expected) manner. Whatever the case maybe for Ryukyu on Sunday the fans need an uplifting performance out of their team as life is pretty drab around Okinawa these days with the CV-19 virus raging, rainy season pounding the island, and Ryukyu in the relegation zone. At least the Ryukyu Golden Kings are vying for another championship.

Omiya Ardija vs FC Ryukyu #FC琉球

Intro

Ouch. This one is going to sting for a long time. Ryukyu failed to continue their climb out of the relegation zone by dropping three (3) crucial points at Omiya Ardija last night. Ryukyu controlled nearly every aspect of this game but were not able to convert a single shot, despite the nearly 70% possession. They simply allowed Omiya to hang around all game and grab the win in the second half. The loss drops Ryukyu back into the relegation zone with now a 3-point gap between them and Omiya. This was a must win game for Ryukyu last night and they simply couldn’t get over the line. It is not good and with the season nearly half over, there probably isn’t enough time to recover if the point gap gets even slightly wider.

Match Highlights

Review of the Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu

The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen

1. Win the set piece battle. Likelihood 2. Ryukyu did not, and as predicted, this match came down to a set piece goal where Omiya found the breakthrough. Ryukyu finally won some corner kicks and free kicks in dangerous areas but couldn’t convert a single one.

Matchday 18 Takeaways

1. The attack really missed Kusano. As expected, Kusano was not in the lineup following his injury from the previous match. Without him, Ryukyu looked limp in the attack. Despite some great build up play, shots were sent high, wide or weakly hit directly at the Omiya GK. Omiya, even with such limited chances, looked far more dangerous in the attack and with their shots. Omiya were asking questions of Taguchi whereas Ryukyu seemed genuinely disinterested in scoring at all last night even with Omiya struggling with goalkeeping as we did nothing to test the Omiya GK. The stat sheet says we had eight (8) shots on net but I’m hard pressed to believe it was anymore than two (2). Ren Ikeda and Kiyotake had decent games, nearly scored in the opening half, but it should’ve been Kiyotake receiving the pass from Ren on the fast break, and not Nakano, as Kiyotake scores from that part of the box nearly every time. How can we be so bad at finishing?

2. No room to complain on the blatant missed handball call at the end. The fact is Ryukyu should’ve taken care of business a lot sooner and not merely relying on the luck of a handball deep into the match. Sure, it would’ve been great to see Ryukyu get back into the game with a PK, but it didn’t happen. I believe there was a couple of these no calls on handballs from the referee, Toru Kakinuma, last night. And he really should of sought some assistance from the linesman that was right there when Tanaka took the shot that the Omiya defender raised his hand and deflected out of bounds. But, such is life sometimes when there are some bad no calls that go against your team.

3. 70% possession with over 700 passes and only 2 shots on net. Do we have eleven (11) good players to start each week? Is it coaching or effort at this point? Perhaps the yearly talent drain at Ryukyu has finally caught up to us. Nearly impossible to make wholesale changes with injuries, but Ryukyu need to find a spark from somewhere and it should start with giving some run outs to unproven players who have a desire to crack the starting lineup, play, play well, and succeed.

Round 18 in J2

Tochigi executed another shocker when they defeated Zelvia 1-0 to increase their cushion over the relegation sides to seven (7) points. If Omiya pulls any further away from Ryukyu then it is all but over as there aren’t too many winnable games coming up in that Ryukyu schedule. Also, it seems the best thing that teams can look forward too these days if they suffer a surprise loss to Ryukyu is, you almost go on a little bit of winning streak right after (see Kumamoto and Tochigi). Sendai remained top with their draw but allowed Niigata and Yokohama to inch a little closer with both of their 3-goal performances last night. Kanazawa also had a nice win in which they netted three (3) goals against Tokyo Verdy on the J-League International YouTube channel.

Conclusion

The supporters of FC Ryukyu deserve better, but until that happens, here are some great photos by the supporters at the Omiya match.

(21) Omiya Ardija vs (20) FC Ryukyu #FC琉球

Intro

Let’s get it on! Ryukyu play their second match against a team near the bottom of the table this month and it a massive 6-pointer with Omiya Ardija. FC Ryukyu have only lost once in their last six (6) games while riding a three (3) game unbeaten streak. Omiya have failed to win in their last four (4) games while suffering consecutive defeats to Iwate and Sendai the past week. These are the type of games that Ryukyu need to win and neither side wants to leave this match without all three (3) points. The match might not have the shine of the games between teams at the top of the table, but it will have its own type of fireworks for us to enjoy.

Weather Forecast & Match Day Info

Cool and breezy with the slightest chances of rain. But then again, I’ve been wrong before.

Click>>>> Match Day 18 Information from Omiya Ardija

Team Previews

Omiya Ardija: Omiya have been inside the relegation zone around the same amount of time as Ryukyu. They didn’t earn their first win of 2022 until Match Day 9, then experienced a bit of bump in performance when they went four (4) games undefeated (2 wins and 2 draws), before losing two (2) games in a row. Omiya has also been hit hard by the injury bug this year as they’ve lost both of their top two goalies in Yuta Minami (Achilles Tendon Rupture) and Tomoki Ueda (Patellar Tendon Rupture) for the season, and most recently FWD Seiya Nakano (hamstring). This has thrust Ko Shimura, on loan from Giravanz Kitakyushu, into the starting role where he has already conceded five (5) goals in two games.

Omiya won once, drew twice, and lost twice in their last five (5) matches. The 2-1 victory at Zweigen Kanazawa pulled Omiya out of the relegation zone for the first time since Match Day 4, which was further aided by the draws the following rounds at Tochigi and Nagasaki, but found themselves in familiar territory once again with consecutive home losses to fellow relegation team Iwate and most recently Sendai. The Iwate match was a rescheduled game due to CV-19 in which Omiya actually played three (3) consecutive matches on the road prior to Iwate and Sendai followed by what will now be three (3) consecutive home matches ending with Ryukyu.

The schedule doesn’t get much easier for Omiya moving forward as they will play Tokyo Verdy after the Ryukyu match and then play their sixth game in under three (3) weeks when they travel to Okinawa to play FC Ryukyu again, but this time for the Emperors Cup. The cup competition could be a major distraction for both sides who are trying to battle their way to safety while dealing with major injuries at the moment.

Omiya’s top three point leaders this year are: FWD Atsushi Kawata (6 goal & 1 assist), MF Shinya Yajima (3 goals & 1 assist), and MF Masaya Shibayama (5 assists). But none of these players have seen the score sheet since Match Day 13. Similarly, Ryukyu are likely to be without their top scorer in Kusano which may even things out a bit for the two teams tomorrow night.

FC Ryukyu: Ryukyu are in the midst of their best stretch of results this season. Two (2) wins and one (1) draw in their last three games has resulted in Ryukyu finally moving off the bottom of the table, albeit on goal differential, but a mentally significant point nonetheless. This is a hugely important match for Ryukyu right now and unfortunately they’re likely going into this match at less than 100%. Yuki Kusano, FC Ryukyu’s leading goal scorer, was subbed off with an injury to his left knee last match and with such a quick turn around between fixtures, it is unlikely that he features for Ryukyu in the midweek.

That means the combination of Shinya Uehara and Ryunosuke Noda will lead the Ryukyu attack. Ryukyu are also unlikely to see the return of Takuma Abe (now going on eleven matches since he last featured, and still no word on his status) and Ryohei Okazaki. This probably means we will see Takuya Hitomi in a reserve role at forward with Keigo Numata returning to play CB alongside Lee Yong Jick. Ryukyu really need the offense to show up tomorrow, and more importantly, have it driven through Kiyotake and Ikeda with Kusano out. Uehara and Noda seem to be a like-for-like with each other’s playing style but I’d give the slight advantage to Uehara in the aerial department, with Noda being slightly better with the ball at his feet. Either is capable of putting it in the back of the net so long as we can provide the service to them.

It is a whole other story on the defensive side of the ball for Ryukyu as the preferred deployment of Numata over Omori at CB must be based on the need for a veteran presence along side Yong Jick and not one based solely on skill. Numata faired decently in his CB debut, and will need to do so again if Ryukyu are to grab all three points, in addition to Yong Jick going the full distance on Wednesday night. Yong Jick’s play has improved the past three weeks and we need to find a capable defensive partner for him in the absence of Okazaki.

I cannot emphasize the importance of this game enough for Ryukyu. A win would provide a three (3) point cushion over Omiya, and with Iwate playing Yokohama FC, a win could provide a three (3) point cushion from the relegation zone. Ryukyu won’t catch Tochigi, even if Tochigi lose, but it brings them just a little closer to possibly dragging Tochigi down the table. It has to be three (3) points for Ryukyu on Wednesday night.

Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu

The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen

1. Win the set piece battle. Likelihood 2. Omiya seems very capable in attacking set pieces, particularly corner kicks, but struggles at defending those same type of set pieces. Ryukyu don’t really earn, or capitalize, on set pieces (CKs) but this one area could make all the difference tomorrow.

Kinain’ Ya Around

In what could be Kazuki Kuranuki’s last game in charge of Ryukyu before Kina returns, Ryukyu need one more positive result inside this brief, temporary, “new boy bounce.” So far the results have been good under Kuranuki as some of things that plagued Kina’s coaching style this season – specifically opponents easily adjusting to the Ryukyu game plan mid game and Ryukyu failing to make subsequent adjustments – have largely gone away the last two weeks. Ryukyu played within themselves last week against a strong Kofu side despite having little offensive production. They seemed content on taking what was given to them by Kofu, parked the bus a little bit after taking the lead, and nearly pulled off the unthinkable. Ryukyu will need a similar type of performance this match if we wish to leave Saitama with all the points. And I think Kuranuki is up to the task.

Round 18 in J2

League Leaders (1) Vegalta Sendai headline this round’s matchups when they welcome in (6) Fagiano Okayama. But since Ryukyu are squarely inside the relegation battle, I will focus on the games for teams near Ryukyu in the standings. (22) Iwate Grulla Morioka host (3) Yokohama FC in what should be a very tough matchup for the hosts, and one in which we’d (Ryukyu fans, and Omiya fans) like to see YFC win. This only adds fuel to the fire for the Omiya/Ryukyu game as the winner could potentially move ahead of the bottom two sides. (19) Tochigi SC will face (4) FC Machida Zelvia at home in another tough matchup for a bottom four side. Tochigi surprised everybody last week with their win over Vortis but a slip up here, coupled with wins for any of the bottom three teams, would pull Tochigi further into the relegation scrap.

It maybe a bit premature to look at the games concerning JEF United Chiba as they are six (6) points ahead of the chasing pack but they do have a difficult draw at (7) V-Varen Nagasaki this round. The free broadcast on the J-League International YouTube channel will once again feature (11) Tokyo Verdy this time hosting (17) Zweigen Kanazawa in a game that some of the fans from the bottom four teams will at least monitor the score tomorrow evening. Verdy went undefeated to open the season but have only managed a single (1) win in their last nine (9) matches. This game is quickly shaping up to be one of two evenly matched teams, not on paper but based on recent performances, squaring off for the international audience. Click>>>> J.League Int’l YouTube Channel.

Conclusion

Got to have it on Wednesday. Nothing more needs to be said.

FC Ryukyu vs Ventforet Kofu #FC琉球

Intro

Ryukyu almost did the unthinkable on Saturday night when they were just four minutes from winning their third game in a row. The game was largely controlled by Kofu and it is just unfortunate that Shinya Uehara’s beautiful 71st minute header was nullified by a 90th minute goal from Kofu ending the game in a draw and pushing Ryukyu’s record to 0-2-6 following a run of two wins in a row. But, Ryukyu were able to grab a crucial point when others around them dropped points this weekend. The draw pushes Ryukyu out of the relegation zone, based on goal differential over Omiya and Iwate, for the first time since Match Day 5.

Match Highlights

Review of the Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu

The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen

1. Take the game to Kofu. Likelihood 3. No. Ryukyu may have come close to splitting the overall possession with Kofu, but a preponderance of that possession was in our own end. Ryukyu created three (3) goal scoring chances this match with the goal being the lone shot on net.

2. Someone steps up in central defense. Likelihood 2. Almost. Yong Jick was having a decent game, with some mental errors/turnovers mixed in, but once he came off for Omori, Kofu scored their goal.

Takeaways from Match Day 17

1. Kusano’s injury. This one could be catastrophic for FC Ryukyu. Ren Ikeda collided with Kusano in the 40th minute after going for a contested ball and being slightly tripped up by the Kofu defender. Ikeda fell directly into Kusano’s left knee, bending it inward, and immediately dropping Kusano to ground. Kusano was seen grabbing his knee and the Ryukyu trainer was performing the initial assessment to see if a ligament (ACL) was snapped. While Kusano was not writhing in pain, he was not able to carry on. Hopefully it is something minor, but I am not a doctor, and if it season ending, or even a 2-3 month recovery time, Ryukyu are in big trouble. Uehara stepped up later for a goal, and thankfully Noda has returned to the lineup, but are we sure that either one of those players can lead the Ryukyu line like Kusano? I don’t know and it would help to see Abe return as that only leaves Hitomi, Vinicius, Paso (who we haven’t seen in months) and possible Kelvin – if he signs with Ryukyu – at the forward position. Goal scorers like Kusano just don’t grow on trees and would be nearly impossible to replace in the summer transfer window.

2. May have felt dejected we didn’t see out the win, but have to be happy with the result. Kofu had several opportunities, with quality looks on net, that went narrowly wide. Ryukyu dodged a serious bullet following a Numata foul at the top of the box and then having the Kofu shot taker put it just inches high over the bar. Ryukyu didn’t really offer much in the attacking department on Saturday but played well enough in defense to avoid conceding more than just one. The upsetting part of the Kofu equalizer was, unlike their earlier attempts, the Kofu goal scorer was unmarked and all alone inside our 18-yard box while some Ryukyu defenders were wildly chasing the ball. I do not know who blew their responsibility for marking that man but that has been the typical mental breakdown Ryukyu suffer through this season that drastically change outcomes of their games. The Kofu match marks the sixth time this season where Ryukyu have lost the lead and ended the games in either a loss or a draw (0-3-3).

3. Lineup choices. We were wondering who would start at CB for Ryukyu after the Okazaki injury last week. Well, it turned out to be LB Keigo Numata. That is an interesting choice considering Omori is fit enough to dress, and come off the bench, as a natural CB. I am not sure of the reasoning behind this choice and it seemed to work up until we took Yong Jick off late in the second half. It seems Ryukyu only have two (2) healthy CBs at the moment and choose to start just one (1) in their 4-4-2 lineup. Sure would be nice to know the status of some of other central defenders on the roster as well as see Ryukyu make a move for a central defender in the summer transfer window. I cannot see Numata being the long term solution to our central defender injury crisis.

4. The ‘new boy bounce’ is helping. Kina missed his second game in a row due to CV-19 and Ryukyu earned a point and our now in the midst of a three game unbeaten run. It would be great to see Kuranuki lead the team in a few days at Omiya in what is going to be a crucial 6-point match up in the relegation battle. If we can get one more game out of Kuranuki, with all three points, it would release some of the pressure on the team before a run of six difficult matches in a row.

Round 17 in J2

Albirex Niigata ran rampant over Yokohama FC this week and moved into second place. Blaublitz Akita roared back from three goals down to draw with Tokyo Verdy at home. League leaders Vegalta Sendai defeated Omiya Ardija 4-2 for a result that helps Ryukyu. Though the end of this match was marred with some scuffles between each teams fans. Another result that helped Ryukyu was the 3-0 defeat of Iwate by FC Mito Hollyhock. One result that didn’t help Ryukyu was the shocking win by Tochigi on the road at Tokushima Vortis that snapped their winless run at nine (9) games.

Conclusion

It doesn’t get much bigger for Ryukyu this year when they travel to Omiya on Wednesday. But I’ll leave that for the Match Preview tomorrow. For now, some fan photos from Round 17.

(22) FC Ryukyu vs (6) Ventforet Kofu #FC琉球

Intro

Finally some momentum. And this game will be a real test to see how far Ryukyu have progressed as Ventforet Kofu are undefeated in their last four (4) with only one (1) loss in their last eight (8). Kofu, and their fans, definitely come to town with three points on their mind, and why shouldn’t they? They’ve experienced nothing but success against Ryukyu in the past three seasons and now face a Ryukyu side in the midst of a relegation battle. Ryukyu, on the other hand, have done something remarkable by winning two in a row thanks to two clean sheets. Can Ryukyu do the unthinkable and win three games in a row?

Weather Forecast & Match Day Info

Not a bad forecast for it being the height of rainy season in Okinawa.

Click>>>> Match Day 17 Information from FC Ryukyu

Team Previews

FC Ryukyu: For those of you expecting (hoping) FC Ryukyu will win their third game in a row, let me offer this stat. Since they entered the J2 in 2019, Ryukyu have only won three (3) games in a row twice. And yes, you guessed it, those were during the fast start years of 2019 and 2021. Outside of those fast start seasons, and well into the season since that is where we are at the moment, FC Ryukyu have a record of 0-1-6 following a two (2) game winning streak. Not great. But then again, we are in some unchartered territory these days so anything is possible.

If they hope to reverse that trend then they will have to do it against a side in which they’ve only notched one (1) win in the six (6) matches they’ve played. Granted, that lone win did come at home – where this game will be played – but was also inside the early part of last season when FC Ryukyu were beating everyone. A third win in a row largely depends on Ryukyu executing a repeat performance of the last two weeks.

The fact is we need Kusano, Kiyotake, and Ikeda to get into a rhythm as we cannot rely solely on Kusano scoring each match to see out wins because that has happened on several occasions this season, only to be let down by the defending in the end. We need others to step up, especially when we are razor thin at CB these days, so we can continue to take some pressure off the defense. But who? Tanaka cannot fire in crosses from his current position on the bench; we rarely win set pieces – or corners – in dangerous areas; and we rarely get our two central defenders involved on set pieces inside the opposition’s box. I think we need to rethink how we attack teams in order to put us into advantageous situations and not simply rely on luck to see us through. The only thing we have to lose is J2 next year, which should be enough to make us as dangerous as a cornered animal.

Ventforet Kofu: Kofu started the season slow with only one (1) win their opening eight (8) fixtures. Where have I seen that before? Never mind. They then embarked on a four (4) game winning streak that propelled them into the sixth spot of the table. A position, despite some recent wobbles, they still maintain as of match day 17.

Kofu have two (2) wins, two (2) draws, and one (1) loss in the past five (5) matches with wins over Verdy and Gunma; draws with Tochigi and Renofa; and the lone loss suffered at the hands of Mito Hollyhock. One thing that immediately jumps out about this Kofu side is their speed up top and relentless pursuit of rebounds in the box. That kind of makes them a forward leaning side that are extremely vulnerable at the back, which, seems to be the team’s Achilles’ heel at the moment.

Kofu had several moments where they were hitting their opponents on either counter attacks or straight from the center of the pitch with long breakaways. But they also looked extremely poor when playing it out from the back with a bevy of costly turnovers, or simply allowing the opposition to exploit their weakest position in the team. There is no doubt that Ryukyu must respect the speed of Kofu in the attack, but not fear it, because the Ryukyu attack needs to find away to create havoc within the Kofu back line that could lead to turnovers and goals. That also means Ryukyu players in the starting eleven that may not enjoy tracking back in games really need to this game. And since the Kofu attack seems to come in multiple waves, Ryukyu cannot be caught ball watching the initial shot as the on-rushing attackers from Kofu will certainly be there to pounce on any rebound.

Keys to Victory for FC Ryukyu

The Scale: 5- An almost certainty it will occur 4-Fairly-Certain it will happen 3-Somewhat Certain it could happen 2-Very Unlikely that it happens 1- Requires a Miracle for it to happen

1. Take the game to Kofu. Likelihood 3. No frills or messing about here just dictate the terms of play inside the Kofu 18-yard box. We are keen to own loads of possession, yet do very little with it. Change that. Take risks, create chances, ask questions in dangerous areas and let’s see what happens. Otherwise, it is more of the same old drab that got us to where we are right now.

2. Someone steps up in central defense. Likelihood 2. We looked so good to start the season with Nakagawa and Omori in central defense, but that denigrated into something completely different as the season wore on. Perhaps Nakagawa is injured, but we cannot gamble by throwing Makito Uehara to the wolves and think he’ll be OK out there. Yong Jick had a great game last week, but we need consistent performances out of the senior man in defense, not just a singular good game. Ryukyu will have to contend with loads of speed and counter attacks from Kofu, which means defending has to be a total team effort, and we better have the horses out there on Saturday to do it.

Kinain’ Ya Around For Whom the Bell Tolls

Kina gets a bit of a reprieve as he was absent for last weeks win as he will be for this weeks match with Kofu after succumbing to CV-19. However, it still seems that Kina can do no wrong. How he is still here is beyond me. Sure, he was in charge when we won our second game of the season, in week 15! But was it just me or did the entire club enjoy a relaxed, worry free environment last week to earn their third win?

Now humor me as we venture down this loosely cobbled path of logic. We all know that sometimes clubs can experience a bit of a ‘bounce’ when there is a managerial change. Ryukyu saw this last year when we switched from Higuchi to Kina, and we are witnessing it right now with FC Gifu and to some extent, Omiya Ardija when they added Hiromi Hara as head of the Omiya Football headquarters. In the games following these moves, each club experienced a change in fortunes. Some were brief, and some are still going, but how important were those changes for the clubs this season?

In the case of Omiya, it pulled them off the bottom of the table. Something Ryukyu desperately need to do these days. And right now, Ryukyu are in the midst of the slightest of ‘bounces’ with head coach Kazuki Karanuki taking over duties in Kina’s stead. How huge would it be for Ryukyu if we had two, even three (possibly serving as coach for Omiya with such a quick turnaround in fixtures) games with wins and or points? The change may only be temporary, and the bounce brief, but it could be enough to pull us up a little bit and provide vindication that a change in manager is needed. This is especially true if Ryukyu go straight back into the trash bin upon Kina’s return. Just saying, think about it.

Round 17 in J2

We all know that the real excitement in any season is watching how the relegation battle plays out, bit of recency bias down here these days for sure, and not just the boring promotion race (though I do miss that dearly) where a couple of teams pull far away from the pack. The sheer look of disappointment and frustration written across many teams, coaches and their fan’s faces make the battle for survival all the better. However, I should mention that there is a very nice top of the table tilt between (3) Albirex Niigata and (2) Yokohama FC this week that could see those teams swap positions or YFC extend their lead to six (6) points in the automatic promotion zone.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at those teams struggling at the foot of the table. (19) Tochigi SC, who haven’t won in nine (9) games, travel to (11) Tokushima Vortis. Vortis are coming of consecutive losses (1 in J2, 1 in the Levain Cup), are looking to rebound, and are the best defensive side in the table based on goals allowed while Tochigi is one of the worst scoring sides in J2. (20) Omiya Ardija host (1) Vegalta Sendai after losing to Iwate in the midweek while down their starting GK. Omiya will have played two (2) games inside of a week when Ryukyu come to town so perhaps they rest some players (aka rollover) in order to prepare for the all important 6-pointer with FC Ryukyu next Wednesday. Perhaps Ryukyu does the same this week??

Then there is (21) Iwate Grulla Morioka, who usurped FC Ryukyu in the standings with their 1-0 win on the road at Omiya on Wednesday and who travel to (17) FC Mito Hollyhock. Prior to that victory Iwate were on a seven (7) game losing streak and now they face a Mito side who has won (3) out of their last six (6) games. Omiya and Ryukyu have the toughest path to points this week with Tochigi a close second, followed by Iwate who looked far better against Omiya than they have in recent weeks. But that’s just it, teams down here always seem to look good against each other, which needs to be taken with a grain of salt when jumping to conclusions for any side at the bottom.

The free broadcast this week will feature (8) Blaublitz Akita hosting (9) Tokyo Verdy. This will be Verdy’s fourth appearance on the free broadcast this month, with still two (2) more to go. Perhaps Verdy can make it three consecutive losses in a row on the channel. Click>>>> J.League Int’l YouTube.

Conclusion

I am glad we won our first home game of the season last week as weekly blog entries felt more like obituaries than posts in recent months. But now we need do something different, and that is to win a third game in a row deep into a season marked by strife and setbacks. I’ll be there, the Ryukyu Army will be there, will you join us in spirit?