With the sun lingering in the sky, maintaining the day’s high temperatures, the opening whistle sounded and the match took no time in developing into a back and forth affair where neither team could afford a lapse in concentration. For every minute that Fukuoka held possession and controlled the play, there were equal moments when Verdy kept the ball and pushed back. The back lines of both teams performed well, steadfastly repelling each other’s attacks and preventing opportunities for a finish. In the midst of such tension, it was Verdy who would earn the first clear chance. In the 24th minute, the team gained the ball after a clearance on the right side of the penalty area and completely shed their markers to break forward and play a ball across the face of goal. With his eyes on the keeper’s positioning, Douglas drifted to the far side and applied a tricky header, but the effort was cleared off the line by a covering defender. Later, Ri would have a shot from a point-blank header as Verdy continued to create chances from the wide areas. Thus, the team went into the break with rising confidence.

As the second half began, however, it was Fukuoka who would strengthen their pressure. The Verdy players were unable to carry out their build up in the face of the opposition’s aggressive high press and began to rely on long balls to Douglas. In doing so, the supporting runs from midfield and push up from the back line were lacking and they found their attacks ending as quickly as they began. Despite the struggles of the offense, the Verdy defense maintained their shape and the squad managed risks well enough to prevent any clear opportunities. As they continued to shut down play in the final third, Verdy would be tested by a strong mid-range shot in the 76th minute, but Naoto Kamifukumoto’s sharp reflexes enabled him to bat the ball away just as it seemed bound for the top corner. With the players struggling to move up the pitch and unable to win the second ball, a later substitution would change the momentum back in their favor. It was the 80th minute and Leandro was brought on for Douglas. Leandro was able to secure the ball in forward areas and his hold-up play granted enough time for support to come, giving Verdy more opportunities to move the ball in the opposition half. He also showed the will to fight for the ball, while the precision and threat of his play was enough to gradually push the opponents back. Though he was unable to earn a goal, Leandro’s appearance was enough to provide cover for the others and as he learns to combine with his new teammates, he should be a very exciting addition to the squad.

In the end, the match would close as a scoreless draw, but it is worth praising the growth in the Verdy squad, as they demonstrated their ability to maintain composure and play until the final whistle. Such growth may not be enough for the full three points, but it was just as important to get a single point in a match where they were on the back foot for large periods. Now the test is whether the team can increase the value of that point as they face a busy period of matches. To do so, a win in their next match against Albirex Niigata is an absolute must. With little time to prepare, the players must do the best they can in training and grasp the opportunity to move up the table.

Your thoughts on the match?
It was very even and both teams had opportunities to control the play. We were able to accomplish more than I expected in the first half. When we had the ball and when we were off it, we didn’t allow them to create chances. In the second half, they applied greater pressure and managed to push us back more.

What were the reasons you played Jin Izumisawa on the right wing?
I wanted us to play without changing our system or our basic approach, so I decided to play him on the right. It was a decision I made fully knowing that he is more comfortable on the left.

How do you rate today’s performance, including Leandro’s play?
I was only able to play him for 12 minutes. I felt it was too risky to use our third substitution too early, so I could only give him that small time today. He came on at a time when our opponents were dominating the ball and I think he showed his quality. He is able to receive the ball between the lines and did so continually. That’s what he contributed for us, today.”