■ We will be missing three key players
On August 25th, in the 28th round of the J1 League, Tokyo Verdy (12th place) will take on Kashima Antlers (3rd place) at 18:00 at Ajinomoto Stadium. Due to contractual obligations, important players including Yuzuki Someno, Yuta Matsumura, and Naoki Hayashi will be unavailable. This match will be a true test of the depth of the team that manager Hiroshi Jofuku has been developing, as well as the motivation of the players who will seize this opportunity.
“For a team that has not won in its last three matches, this is a critical moment. Our attacking game has definitely improved, and I feel we are getting better at breaking down the opposition’s defense, whether they have four or five defenders. However, we still need to enhance our quality in front of goal,”
said Matsuhashi Yuan. In the previous match against FC Tokyo (0-0 draw), he came close to scoring the decisive goal in the derby. Just before the end of the game, Matsuhashi leaped to connect with a cross from Yamami Hiroto, but just missed the ball.
“Yamami-kun has a unique way of cutting back, and he was waiting for the right moment to make his move, but he was a tad late. I need to improve my quality in those situations: knowing how to position myself and where to go when receiving a cross. It’s something I am consciously working on,”
he said.
Matsuhashi has developed defensive tenacity and commitment, steadily improving his ability to get behind opponents and the accuracy of his crosses. “Kashima is a top team, but there are areas where our style of play can be effective. We want to approach the match with that mindset and aim for a good result,” he expressed with determination.
The weather forecast for match day predicts cloudy skies with occasional sunshine, with a high temperature of 32°C. Tickets are available for purchase at Verdy Tickets.
Club Watch
The match against Kashima will feature “Hino City Verdy Support Day”, where residents and students of the city can attend for free. This match will also debut the new third kit, which boasts a stylish gray-green color. Additionally, children under elementary school age will receive a complimentary kids’ T-shirt featuring a silhouette of the mascot character “Rivern” (for the first 10,000 attendees). “To offer a refreshing experience, we have arranged various water events called ‘Summer Splash 2024.’ We encourage children to wear their Rivern T-shirts, enjoy themselves, and create summer memories,” said a club representative.
[Average attendance per game this season] 19,981 people (→ 11/20th place)）
Average attendance per game over the last five seasons:
5,371 in 2019
2020: 2,429 people (not counted due to COVID-19 impact)
3,246 in 2021 (not counted)
4,955 in 2022 (not counted)
7,982 in 2023
●Land Hell Ears●
▼Following Yoshito Kawamura’s departure, Takumi Kawamura has also temporarily joined Blaublitz Akita, the former club of Kaito Senda. “Since Yoshito has already left, there’s no need to worry. I’ve told him a bit about the kind seniors,” Senda mentioned, showing his care.
▼After the match against FC Tokyo, the players had two days off. Matheus took the opportunity to tidy up and clean his room, as his mother and cousin will be visiting Japan for the first time soon. “I need to ensure my place is clean to welcome them. This is a rare opportunity, and I want to take them to various places.” Matheus’s family runs a pizza shop. By the way, he recently met a supporter who visited Brazil to go to the shop and thanked him, saying, “Thank you for your son. Thanks to you, we were able to get promoted!” Matheus expressed a desire to thank him in person at the stadium if they meet again.
Key Players Missing as Tokyo Verdy Prepares for Crucial Clash Against Kashima Antlers
Matsuhashi Yuan is steadily improving. His second goal of the season is expected.
Upcoming Match Against Kashima Antlers
On August 25th, Tokyo Verdy is set to face Kashima Antlers in the 28th round of the J1 League. This much-anticipated match will take place at the Ajinomoto Stadium at 18:00. Currently, Tokyo Verdy sits in 12th place while Kashima Antlers ranks 3rd. Unfortunately, key players such as Yuzuki Someno, Yuta Matsumura, and Naoki Hayashi will miss the game due to contractual obligations. This situation places significant pressure on the club’s manager, Hiroshi Jofuku, to assess the depth of his squad and the readiness of other players to step up.
Matsuhashi Yuan Addresses Recent Performance
Matsuhashi Yuan expressed optimism about the team’s recent performances, despite not winning their last three games. “Our attacking has definitely improved, and I feel that we are getting better at breaking down the opposition’s defense. However, we still need a little more quality in front of the goal,” he remarked.
In the last match against FC Tokyo, which ended in a 0-0 draw, Matsuhashi came very close to securing a win for the team during a tense derby. He described how he just missed connecting with a crucial cross from Yamami Hiroto as the game was drawing to a close.
Key Considerations for the Match
- Player Availability: Missing key players may affect the team’s performance.
- Team Morale: Boosting morale through consistent performance in training sessions is pivotal.
- Opponent Analysis: Understanding Kashima’s playing style is essential for formulating a successful game plan.
Attention to Tactical Planning
Matsuhashi highlighted areas where the team can improve tactical execution, especially in their movements during set plays and crosses. “I am conscious of the positioning and timing when receiving crosses. It’s crucial for scoring opportunities,” he added.
Defensively, the team needs to maintain their focus against one of the league’s top sides. “Kashima is a top-ranked team, but there are definitely aspects of our gameplay that can exploit their weaknesses,” Matsuhashi told the press.
Match Day Details
The weather forecast for match day indicates cloudy skies with occasional sunny spells, with a high of 32°C expected. Fans can purchase tickets through the official Verdy Tickets website.
Club Initiatives: Community Engagement and Promotions
Support for Local Residents
The upcoming match will also be recognized as “Hino City Verdy Support Day”, allowing residents and students from the city to watch the match free of charge. This event highlights a community engagement initiative by the club to foster support among locals.
New Uniform Debut
The clash with Kashima Antlers will mark the debut of Tokyo Verdy’s new third uniform, featuring a stylish grayish-green design. This fresh addition to their wardrobe is expected to enhance the team’s identity on the field.
Fun Activities Planned for Young Fans
To make the match entertaining for families and young fans, children under elementary school age will receive a complimentary T-shirt featuring the silhouette design of the club’s mascot, Rivern, for the first 10,000 attendees. The club has also organized various water-themed events titled “Summer Splash 2024” to ensure an exciting atmosphere.
Historical Performance and Attendance
As the season progresses, it’s interesting to note Tokyo Verdy’s attendance statistics:
| Year | Average Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 5,371 |
| 2020 | 2,429 |
| 2021 | 3,246 |
| 2022 | 4,955 |
| 2023 | 7,982 |
| 2024 (current average) | 19,981 |
Off-Pitch Highlights
In other note-worthy updates, Kaito Senda has transferred temporarily to Blaublitz Akita, his former club. Meanwhile, Matheus has been busy preparing for a family visit, as his mother and cousin are traveling from Brazil. He expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “Thanks to you, we were able to get promoted!”
Staying Engaged with Fans
These personal stories reflect the strong bond between players and supporters, showcasing a genuine sense of community within the team. Engaging activities like these are essential for fostering a deep connection with the audience and attracting more local fans to future matches.
