Machida – FC Tokyo Machida Eleven celebrate their victory over FC Tokyo at the National Stadium (Photo by Koshiro Hirano)
The Meiji Yasuda J1 soccer team played eight matches in the Round of 36 at various venues, with 3rd place Machida easily beating FC Tokyo 3-0 and scoring their first win in six matches. With 63 points, they are 4 behind the leader Kobe. If Kobe wins against Tokyo V on the 10th, the possibility of winning for the first time will be gone.
◆ Shirasaki, who joined in the summer, scored the first goal.
Machida regained his strong, simple style of soccer from the start of the season and defeated FC Tokyo. The Kimon/Kunitachi jinx was also broken, and they were able to break through this season’s longest five game winless streak and move into the championship.
Machida – FC Tokyo In the first half, Shirasaki ㊧ Machida scored the opening goal. The goalkeeper is FC Tokyo Nozawa University (41) at the National Stadium (photo by Kei Asai)
Vertical and fast without any hassle. The opening goal was typical of Machida. In the 15th minute of the first half, Ó Se-hun, who is good in the air, went down a long pass from his own half to the starting line. Eriki picked it up and made a move to the right of the goal to lure the opponent, while Shirasaki ran up and pushed in the middle.
The 31-year-old, who scored his first goal since his summer move, also assisted the second, adding to his presence in attack. “I felt responsible for the long difficult periods of the team,” he said with a gentle look on his face.
Machida – FC Tokyo Machida and manager Kuroda celebrate their victory over FC Tokyo at the National Stadium (Photo by Koshiro Hirano)
This season, Machida was undefeated against FC Tokyo, who had won all their matches at the National Stadium. As if he had shaken off his bad experience, he took shots strongly from the start and found a flow. Coach Kuroda, who decided to continue playing next season, praised Machida, saying, “He expressed Machida’s spirit with his bold play.”
If Kobe wins on the 10th, they will have a seven-point lead with two games remaining, and their dream will be over. On this day, Machida’s supporters continued to chant, “No matter how steep the road is, we can get there.” saying, “Even if it’s only 1%, there’s still a chance.” (Kenta Kato)
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Soccer Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our edition where we dive deep into the exhilarating world of soccer! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Aiko Tanaka, a renowned sports analyst and expert in Japanese soccer. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Tanaka.
Dr. Aiko Tanaka: Thank you for having me! It’s exciting to discuss such a thrilling recent match.
Time.news Editor: Let’s jump straight in. The recent match saw Machida Eleven achieve a fantastic 3-0 victory over FC Tokyo. What do you think were the critical factors that led to this impressive win?
Dr. Aiko Tanaka: A pivotal factor was Machida’s ability to return to their strong, straightforward style of play that characterized their early season. They demonstrated a vertical and fast game without overcomplicating things, allowing them to control the tempo. Their first goal, scored by Shirasaki, was a clear reflection of that strategy. It was executed perfectly, showcasing their ability to capitalize on aerial plays and quick transitions.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Shirasaki’s goal was a highlight. What does this victory mean for Machida’s momentum moving forward in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League?
Dr. Aiko Tanaka: This win is indeed crucial for their momentum. It not only marked their first victory in six matches but also broke a long winless streak, which can often be psychologically burdensome for a team. With 63 points, they are just behind the league leaders, Kobe. If Kobe wins against Tokyo V on the 10th, the championship hopes for Machida may diminish, but this victory puts them back in a winning mindset, which is vital as they push for the title.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the pressure is on! What can you tell us about the psychological impact of breaking the “Kimon/Kunitachi jinx” as it has been referred to?
Dr. Aiko Tanaka: The “Kimon/Kunitachi jinx” symbolizes the struggles Machida has faced in past encounters with FC Tokyo, which can weigh heavily on players’ minds. Overcoming that psychological hurdle is significant; it instills confidence and a sense of belief in the team. It tells the players that they can achieve success against their rivals, and that’s a powerful motivator as they continue this season.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating insights! What should we expect from the remaining matches for Machida?
Dr. Aiko Tanaka: Moving forward, consistency will be key for Machida. They have shown that they can compete with the top teams, but maintaining a high level of performance will determine their ultimate success. They need to leverage their strengths—speed, aerial prowess, and strong teamwork—while also being mindful of any defensive lapses. Their upcoming matchups will be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the season.
Time.news Editor: Before we sign off, what are your thoughts on how the league as a whole is evolving, especially with performance from teams like Machida?
Dr. Aiko Tanaka: The Meiji Yasuda J1 League is becoming increasingly competitive, and teams like Machida are proving that with the right blend of strategy and resilience, they can stand toe-to-toe with historical powerhouses. This not only adds excitement for fans but also elevates the overall quality of soccer in Japan. If this trend continues, we could see a more unpredictable and thrilling league in the years to come.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for your valuable insights. It’s always a pleasure to hear from an expert who understands the nuances of the game. We look forward to watching how the rest of this season unfolds!
Dr. Aiko Tanaka: Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure! Let’s keep our eyes on the exciting developments in the league.
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End of Interview