Couldn't catch the game at all...
Mito is now back in 8th place.
The team was making a big deal about who would score the 400th goal... It was an own goal put in by Cerezo, which really took the wind out of that sail.
29 June 2009
28 June 2009
Spy Report for Tonight's Game
Like the Okayama team previously, Cerezo Osaka had planned to stay in Mito's Daiichi Hotel, as the team flags were in the window. Very inexpensive but notoriously poor quality, and probably not offering the best rest. Probably after seeing the conditions, I saw that the team bus pulled into a nearby slightly less expensive yet much better hotel lot at about 7:30 PM. Could the 8 hour daylight ride plus whatever stress and frustration cause a negative impact on tonight's match?
25 June 2009
Mito 1 - 0 Okayama
Although weaker teams on the table and accomplished narrowly, Mito has a winning streak again for the first time in months. Mito is now edged out as 5th and leader of the group of chasers, still 4 full wins and immense numbers of goals behind the top four teams which are also neck and neck in the promotion race.
Okayama, like in the first meeting of the year, played very strongly and the match was close to the very end. They were forced to play with 10 on the field after a second yellow card in the second half, and their sole forward Nishino (who played with Mito for three years through 2008) was slightly injured in the face in a fall which seemed to nag at him for the rest of the game. Despite this, if Mito's keeper Honma hadn't been on the ball in the final minutes, it would have ended up a draw.
Mito's goal was early on from Kota Yoshihara, his fourth of the year, who now has a two-game scoring streak. Takasaki fired a shot that should have gone in but Okayama's keeper defended well... right into a Mito cross toward Yoshihara. It was a blazing fast sequence and he instinctually swung his weak foot to toe-kick the ball through a line of defenders and into the center of the net. It's the kind of shot that most players tend to overthink and send wide or high, but whether experience came in or he was just lucky, it was perfectly played and won the game.
Despite the loss of Arata and several other players for so long now Mito is still in the upper range of teams. With almost half the season over it's hard to think of anyone making the top three outside of Shonan, Osaka, Sendai, or Kofu. But if at least two of those teams slip up, Mito is just as likely as any other candidate to take that third spot, especially if Arata heals up and plays like the beginning of the season. That's how it happened in Kofu in 2005, Kobe in 2006, Tokyo in 2007, and Yamagata in 2008. A sudden charge from September could be Mito's ticket to being the weakest, poorest, and most devastated team in J1 history this time next year.
Okayama, like in the first meeting of the year, played very strongly and the match was close to the very end. They were forced to play with 10 on the field after a second yellow card in the second half, and their sole forward Nishino (who played with Mito for three years through 2008) was slightly injured in the face in a fall which seemed to nag at him for the rest of the game. Despite this, if Mito's keeper Honma hadn't been on the ball in the final minutes, it would have ended up a draw.
Mito's goal was early on from Kota Yoshihara, his fourth of the year, who now has a two-game scoring streak. Takasaki fired a shot that should have gone in but Okayama's keeper defended well... right into a Mito cross toward Yoshihara. It was a blazing fast sequence and he instinctually swung his weak foot to toe-kick the ball through a line of defenders and into the center of the net. It's the kind of shot that most players tend to overthink and send wide or high, but whether experience came in or he was just lucky, it was perfectly played and won the game.
Despite the loss of Arata and several other players for so long now Mito is still in the upper range of teams. With almost half the season over it's hard to think of anyone making the top three outside of Shonan, Osaka, Sendai, or Kofu. But if at least two of those teams slip up, Mito is just as likely as any other candidate to take that third spot, especially if Arata heals up and plays like the beginning of the season. That's how it happened in Kofu in 2005, Kobe in 2006, Tokyo in 2007, and Yamagata in 2008. A sudden charge from September could be Mito's ticket to being the weakest, poorest, and most devastated team in J1 history this time next year.
22 June 2009
Mito 2 - 1 Kusatsu
After taking only one goal in four winless matches, the team is on better footing after the first win since the last North Kanto Derby game against Tochigi.
Mito scored early on with a great play by new goal co-leader Takasaki. Just past the center line, he noticed Kusatsu's keeper poking out further than he should, and let a fast lob fly over his head and into the net. This was his ninth goal of the season but was actually his first scored at home. Yoshihara Kota would get his third for the year after the Kusatsu keeper cleared it right to him. He shot it past two defenders to put Mito up by two.
Kusatsu would score one just before the break thanks to a bobble in front of the goal, but Mito's defense shut down any further chances for the rest of the match. While not converting, the majority of the dangerous chances in the second half came from the home side and the evenly divided stadium's oohs and ahs came mostly from the north half.
The win brings Mito back up to the top third of the table and can take 5th next round with a win. Just as importantly, if both Mito and Kusatsu can defeat their next matches against Tochigi, Mito will be a point away from securing the Kita Kanto trophy. It's an actual trophy! I touched it!
Mito scored early on with a great play by new goal co-leader Takasaki. Just past the center line, he noticed Kusatsu's keeper poking out further than he should, and let a fast lob fly over his head and into the net. This was his ninth goal of the season but was actually his first scored at home. Yoshihara Kota would get his third for the year after the Kusatsu keeper cleared it right to him. He shot it past two defenders to put Mito up by two.
Kusatsu would score one just before the break thanks to a bobble in front of the goal, but Mito's defense shut down any further chances for the rest of the match. While not converting, the majority of the dangerous chances in the second half came from the home side and the evenly divided stadium's oohs and ahs came mostly from the north half.
The win brings Mito back up to the top third of the table and can take 5th next round with a win. Just as importantly, if both Mito and Kusatsu can defeat their next matches against Tochigi, Mito will be a point away from securing the Kita Kanto trophy. It's an actual trophy! I touched it!
17 June 2009
Matches for Free in June, Cheaply for 2009
Mito's next home game on Sunday against Thespa Kusatsu will provide free admission to residents of Hitachinaka City. Showing an official ID will grant free entry into the backstand area.
One week later, the home game against Cerezo Osaka will provide the same for Mito City residents.
Those expecting to be attending at least 7 of the remaining home games in 2009 should purchase a half season ticket which will be available from the next match. For as little as 10000 yen, you can attend each match and be enrolled in the supporters program for gifts and discounts. The first 50 to sign up will receive a Holly-kun stuffed mascot doll.
One week later, the home game against Cerezo Osaka will provide the same for Mito City residents.
Those expecting to be attending at least 7 of the remaining home games in 2009 should purchase a half season ticket which will be available from the next match. For as little as 10000 yen, you can attend each match and be enrolled in the supporters program for gifts and discounts. The first 50 to sign up will receive a Holly-kun stuffed mascot doll.
15 June 2009
Mito 0 - 0 Tokyo
Mito's negative streak continues as the team's 4th match at National stadium is the first not to result in a Mito victory over Tokyo Verdy. The atmosphere was dim and humid, but luckily no rain until the sudden deluge that made driving back to Ibaraki perilous.
Game play by both sides was very good, and it was testimony to the quality of both keepers that no goals were conceded. Also positive was the play of midfielder Kikuoka who came on as a second half sub, having been injured for two months. While heavily taped and not quite as fast as before his play led to the two best chances Mito had to score. Scoreless draws are seldom satisfying for all spectators but in this situation, with a good display and teams of perhaps equal quality, the time at the stadium was very enjoyable.
All the teams nearby on the table drew and so the standings remain unchanged in the middle. Mito is still in decent stabbing distance of 5th place, but anything higher will be difficult for any team. Kofu had a big win and is now in the hunt for a top 3 finish, while every other club needs at least 4 wins more than Kofu for even a chance. As the middle of the season approaches that order is getting taller.As far as Mito goes, despite the Arata-fueled excitement of the chance at being a top team, play continuing like yesterday should result in the optimistic prediction of a top 8 finish.
Game play by both sides was very good, and it was testimony to the quality of both keepers that no goals were conceded. Also positive was the play of midfielder Kikuoka who came on as a second half sub, having been injured for two months. While heavily taped and not quite as fast as before his play led to the two best chances Mito had to score. Scoreless draws are seldom satisfying for all spectators but in this situation, with a good display and teams of perhaps equal quality, the time at the stadium was very enjoyable.
All the teams nearby on the table drew and so the standings remain unchanged in the middle. Mito is still in decent stabbing distance of 5th place, but anything higher will be difficult for any team. Kofu had a big win and is now in the hunt for a top 3 finish, while every other club needs at least 4 wins more than Kofu for even a chance. As the middle of the season approaches that order is getting taller.As far as Mito goes, despite the Arata-fueled excitement of the chance at being a top team, play continuing like yesterday should result in the optimistic prediction of a top 8 finish.
11 June 2009
Mito 0 - 1 Kofu
Mito's winless streak continues and finally it has caught up in the standings with the team now in 8th, just barely in the top half of the current rankings.
Both teams played very defensively and cut into passes well. There were more turnovers split between the teams than I've seen in a long time. A combination of lax attack and strong defense on both sides would result in a scoreless game if it weren't for a Mito defensive lapse in the first half that would allow two Kofu players uncovered in the penalty area.
The stadium was about half and half as far as supporters go, and with away fans always the more hardcore of the group, the field must have felt pro-Kofu for the players.
Near the end of the game was a sudden instant of drama for the home team, as what would be the final corner kick in injury time brought keeper Honma to the opposite goal to add a man advantage. He wasn't involved in the two quick shots that couldn't go through, but he did pull off an awkward front kick to clear a ball as it sped beside him after the last attempt. If he hadn't, the waiting Kofu player could have taken it back casually to take goal number 2 in the final moments.
The next game is in Tokyo's National Stadium on Sunday, which is a very welcome change of scenery. Mito has four wins against Tokyo Verdy, and all away wins have been at that Olympic landmark. In previous meetings there Mito have defeated Tokyo 1-0, then 4-1, and in the last meeting there 5-1. If the good fortune there continues, Mito can get back in the hunt towards the top teams. A loss will mean sinking to the lower half of the rankings.
Both teams played very defensively and cut into passes well. There were more turnovers split between the teams than I've seen in a long time. A combination of lax attack and strong defense on both sides would result in a scoreless game if it weren't for a Mito defensive lapse in the first half that would allow two Kofu players uncovered in the penalty area.
The stadium was about half and half as far as supporters go, and with away fans always the more hardcore of the group, the field must have felt pro-Kofu for the players.
Near the end of the game was a sudden instant of drama for the home team, as what would be the final corner kick in injury time brought keeper Honma to the opposite goal to add a man advantage. He wasn't involved in the two quick shots that couldn't go through, but he did pull off an awkward front kick to clear a ball as it sped beside him after the last attempt. If he hadn't, the waiting Kofu player could have taken it back casually to take goal number 2 in the final moments.
The next game is in Tokyo's National Stadium on Sunday, which is a very welcome change of scenery. Mito has four wins against Tokyo Verdy, and all away wins have been at that Olympic landmark. In previous meetings there Mito have defeated Tokyo 1-0, then 4-1, and in the last meeting there 5-1. If the good fortune there continues, Mito can get back in the hunt towards the top teams. A loss will mean sinking to the lower half of the rankings.
05 June 2009
Mito 1 - 1 Gifu
Mito drew against Gifu for the second time this year, albeit without the stress of giving up a huge lead. Forward Takasaki scored in the 6th minute while Gifu scored the tying goal 30 minutes later. Otherwise, the match resembled a battle of attrition as Mito's back end seemed to bunker down and focus on preventing goals and give the forwards a chance to counter-attack. Gifu remained strong until the end, though, and both teams held until the final whistle. Mito seemed technically better in regards to individual player performance, but Gifu held possession much more often and played with a lot more drive.
Takasaki's goal brings him up to 8 for the year, making him tied for 6th in the league. Arata (still sole holder of 5th, behind 4 who have scored 10) had 9 goals in 12 games before his injury and Takasaki has had 6 goals in the 6 games since that injury. While both players are capable and work well together, this shows that the coaching style and the plays used might be more involved than individual performances of the forwards.
Mito still manages to stay in the top 6 on a very slim margin. There is a good chance to be pushed out of the top third of the table with a loss against Kofu on Sunday. However, a win against Kofu might not only pull Mito back into 5th, but also pull Kofu down far enough so that Osaka, Shonan, and Sendai can pull away from the pack. With the same squads that played to a 1-1 draw in Kofu only recently though, another one seems just as likely as predicting either side to win.
Takasaki's goal brings him up to 8 for the year, making him tied for 6th in the league. Arata (still sole holder of 5th, behind 4 who have scored 10) had 9 goals in 12 games before his injury and Takasaki has had 6 goals in the 6 games since that injury. While both players are capable and work well together, this shows that the coaching style and the plays used might be more involved than individual performances of the forwards.
Mito still manages to stay in the top 6 on a very slim margin. There is a good chance to be pushed out of the top third of the table with a loss against Kofu on Sunday. However, a win against Kofu might not only pull Mito back into 5th, but also pull Kofu down far enough so that Osaka, Shonan, and Sendai can pull away from the pack. With the same squads that played to a 1-1 draw in Kofu only recently though, another one seems just as likely as predicting either side to win.
02 June 2009
Mito 0 - 5 Sendai
Last year's matches vs. Sendai were all high scoring encounters, and I knew that especially this year, the last 3-goal match would be an anomaly and that the second match would have more goals. Unfortunately, Sendai took all of them.
It is difficult to be optimistic. The team is woefully injured and the two players brought in to help patch things up aren't meshing well yet. It is now to the point where the unthinkable happened as attacking midfielders are in such short supply. Naoto Ishikawa, who joined the team last year after being on the youth squad, needed to fill the gap on the bench. With 9 minutes left and the match clearly out of reach, coach Kiyama put him in for the experience, and he became the first product of Mito's youth team to play in a J. League match. His former teammate Yanagisawa is on Yokogawa's roster in the JFL but has never played. Until Saturday, the highest league play of any former Mito youth team member was in the Tohoku regional league's Fukushima United as midfielder Ohashi moved there earlier this year.
Luckily that was the only historical event that took place. Another close call was the chance to lose by 6 goals for the first time in league history... It took several nice saves from Honma to prevent that.
Until this point, the only matches to allow large amounts of goals and then lose have been against Shonan, Osaka, and now Sendai. Mito can remain competitive against other teams despite injury, I feel. Those three teams though are also a foresight into J1 promotion this year as I don't think other teams will be able to overtake them. Mito seems stuck on a second tier with Kofu and Sapporo (with whom Mito could draw even after Arata's injury). Despite the injuries Mito seems competitive and ready for its best finish ever, probably beating the prediction of 8th place Kiyama made before the season. But even if Mito ONLY loses to the three top teams, they can probably keep a better record to make it to J1. It will take a combination of close competitors drawing and a resurgent Arata in 2 months as well as a drop in form for the top three sides for Mito to have a chance, and that probably won't happen.
Still, it's much better than fighting to prevent being the bottom club. The ride continues tomorrow at Gifu, where a loss would rattle the team's confidence and more than likely dump Mito out of the top 6 for the first time since round 2.
It is difficult to be optimistic. The team is woefully injured and the two players brought in to help patch things up aren't meshing well yet. It is now to the point where the unthinkable happened as attacking midfielders are in such short supply. Naoto Ishikawa, who joined the team last year after being on the youth squad, needed to fill the gap on the bench. With 9 minutes left and the match clearly out of reach, coach Kiyama put him in for the experience, and he became the first product of Mito's youth team to play in a J. League match. His former teammate Yanagisawa is on Yokogawa's roster in the JFL but has never played. Until Saturday, the highest league play of any former Mito youth team member was in the Tohoku regional league's Fukushima United as midfielder Ohashi moved there earlier this year.
Luckily that was the only historical event that took place. Another close call was the chance to lose by 6 goals for the first time in league history... It took several nice saves from Honma to prevent that.
Until this point, the only matches to allow large amounts of goals and then lose have been against Shonan, Osaka, and now Sendai. Mito can remain competitive against other teams despite injury, I feel. Those three teams though are also a foresight into J1 promotion this year as I don't think other teams will be able to overtake them. Mito seems stuck on a second tier with Kofu and Sapporo (with whom Mito could draw even after Arata's injury). Despite the injuries Mito seems competitive and ready for its best finish ever, probably beating the prediction of 8th place Kiyama made before the season. But even if Mito ONLY loses to the three top teams, they can probably keep a better record to make it to J1. It will take a combination of close competitors drawing and a resurgent Arata in 2 months as well as a drop in form for the top three sides for Mito to have a chance, and that probably won't happen.
Still, it's much better than fighting to prevent being the bottom club. The ride continues tomorrow at Gifu, where a loss would rattle the team's confidence and more than likely dump Mito out of the top 6 for the first time since round 2.
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