Saturday Preview: Yamagata Shows Late Season Strength, Yokohama FC Arrives on a Roll with an Unbeaten Streak

On August 31 at 6 PM, the 29th round of J2 League will see Yamagata host strong contenders Yokohama FC.

Yamagata triumphed 1-0 away against the offensive-minded Fujieda MYFC last weekend in the 28th round of J2 League. New summer transfer Dizaro scored the winning goal, helping the team secure victory while playing almost the entire game with one more player. This also marked their third consecutive win in the league, demonstrating significant late-season strength. Speaking about this well-deserved victory, Yamagata’s head coach Susumu Watanabe commented, “Today’s victory was achieved with the help of many people. Our pressing in the first half did not work and we could not take control, but we persisted in moving the ball around and eventually secured the win. We need to reflect on why we didn’t turn it into a 2-0 or 3-0.”

Currently, in the J2 League standings, Yamagata is temporarily ranked 9th with 11 wins, 6 draws, and 11 losses, trailing the promotion playoff zone by 6 points. The opportunity for them to obtain a playoff spot this season remains high. In this season’s 14 home games, Yamagata has recorded 6 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, ranking 9th in home scoring ability in the league, which is lukewarm compared to other competitors. However, in their recent two home games, Yamagata has consecutively defeated Tokushima Vortis and Nagasaki, both teams of considerable strength, under passive circumstances.

In terms of lineup, Yamagata’s main center-back Takashi Anbe is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. The team’s left-back Yasunori Yoshitake and center-back Yudai Kumasaka are also out injured, weakening the defensive line.

The visiting Yokohama FC comfortably won 2-0 at home against Tokushima Vortis in the previous round, capitalizing twice on defensive coordination errors by their opponents. Key midfielder Yuri delivered an outstanding performance on both ends of the pitch, and new summer transfer Joao Paulo became a crucial pivot within the box. After the match against Tokushima Vortis, Yokohama FC’s head coach Koshite Suemasa stated, “We knew before the game that this would be a tough battle, but our focus throughout the 90 minutes was key to scoring. Going forward, we will continue to enhance our front pressure to maintain the excellent form shown in the second half today.”

Currently, in the J2 League standings, Yokohama FC is temporarily ranked 2nd with 18 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses, trailing the top Shizuoka Pulse by only one point. The championship race this season remains highly suspenseful. In their 14 away games this year, Yokohama FC has achieved 8 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses, leading the league in away scoring ability. They concede just 0.65 goals per away game, boasting a solid defense. Since losing away to Chiba City Original on May 6, Yokohama FC has remained unbeaten in 14 consecutive league matches, showing steady improvement without any signs of decline.

In terms of lineup, Yokohama FC’s striker Kai Watasu is close to rejoining the team but is unlikely to play in this round. Additionally, key center-back Katsuyoshi Iwatake suffered an injury during the off-season training and will likely miss the rest of the season along with Vietnamese attacker Cong Phuong and local winger Minori Arai.

In their past 20 encounters, Yamagata has slightly the upper hand with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses. In this round, Yamagata aims to leverage its home advantage and strong offensive form to extend their winning streak, while Yokohama FC looks to extend their unbeaten run to 15 games on the road. What sparks will fly between these two teams?

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