In the quarterfinals, we faced "U Sports Club" from Yamanashi Prefecture.
We quickly found our rhythm with our characteristic early pressing, and in the 2nd minute of the first half, Iwama scored the opening goal from Yamaguchi's free kick on the right wing. After that, both teams created chances but failed to convert, until Miyauchi sent a left corner kick into the center in the 4th minute of the second half, and Koide headed it in for a much-desired additional goal. Our defense and goalkeeper showed great focus, and we won 2-0 to advance to the semifinals.
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As usual, we started with great focus, dominated possession, and attacked several times, but couldn't find the back of the net. However, in the 11th minute of the first half, Ito received the ball in the center after passing on the right wing, beat a defender, and unleashed a mid-range shot that went straight into the goal, giving us the opening score. In the second half, our opponents came out aggressively, and we made a mistake on the right side, losing possession. We committed a foul on an opponent who had advanced into the center, giving away a penalty kick. They converted it, and the score was tied. However, having won several close matches by a single goal, Antlers remained calm and continued to play their game. Then, Owa, who stole the ball from an opponent on the right wing, carried it forward and scored a goal himself, giving Antlers a 2-1 victory and a spot in the final.
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Comment from Coach Koyano:
“I expected the quarterfinal to be a tough match because the opposing goalkeeper was good. I thought we might have a chance on a set piece if we defended well, and it was good to score at good times in both halves. In the semifinal, we started well and scored, but then conceded a goal due to our own mistake, and there was a period where the momentum was against us, but it was good that we managed to endure. Tomorrow is the final, and now that we've come this far, I want us to fight as a team and win.”
Tomorrow, we will face "Regista FC" from Saitama, aiming for our first championship in three years.