ORETACHI NO KYOTO

Time Out

2009-06-26T13:49:00.001+09:00

Hi there everybody. It has been a while, and again I must apologize for neglecting the blog. Truth is I have been very busy with my new project at japanesesoccer.net, and I really have little time left for Sanga only... Funny that I can't write now that I am "breathing" Sanga every day (I have been to all home and a lot of away games, in the meantime ), but at the moment I feel like writing more about the J.League in general. Provided the time, I hope I will be able to pick up with this blog, and in any case I promise I will write my traditional "end of the season" summary.

Thanks to those still coming around, and GO SANGA!!!

JEF Utd Chiba-Kyoto Sanga FC (Nabisco Cup), 2nd Half Highlights - Amateur camera (Good Quality!)

2009-06-09T22:43:00.007+09:00

It looks more or less a repeat of the second half of the game vs FC Tokyo... A gazillion chances, but only a single goal, this time not even good enough to equalize. The way the attacks unfold seems very promising, but if we don't start hammering some ball in...

Yanagisawa's First Goal of 2009

2009-05-31T00:32:00.004+09:00

Since the game was not broadcasted on TV and the clip is not easy to find on YouTube, I post it directly here. It is a very good quality video taken from the goru-no-ura, courtesy of tyas30222. Thanks!!

Kyoto Sanga FC - FC Tokyo 1-1 (Nabisco Cup)

2009-05-30T23:09:00.007+09:00

Yanagisawa is back, and with him attacking soccer, runs, shots, chances and goals are back too. The second half today was really awesome, with Sanga players finally, attacking the ball, hassling, overlapping, creating chance after chance until the deserved tie.

Yuto was rested because of his broken nose, Lee Jong-soo is still away with South Korea and Kakuda and Hayashi got a day off. Kato Koken too had to come out after some decent 30 minutes (light injury?) and so it was a chance to see Teshima (some lightyears below Lee Jong-soo, by the way) and the two young Nakamuras, Taisuke and Atsuta, who both did rather well.

But, as said above, real joy today came from seeing Paulinho and Yanagisawa zooming across the attacking front, Diego playing as a real offensive midfielder (another assist for him), and the whole team storming up every time we stole a ball in the middle--and it happened a lot thanks to the very inspired Watanabe and Ando.

I should mention that Yanagisawa actually scored some FIVE minutes after coming in, while at the other end "Chicken-head" Mizutani made a couple of brilliant saves to deny FC Tokyo to kill the game on their rare counterattacks. In the end we had 23 shots!!

We had started badly, giving away a dumb goal on a cross that should have been cleared way before it got to Ishikawa, but gradually we took over the midfield, and from the 3oth minute we clearly dominated the game, leaving to the Tokyoites only the crumbs. It was a bit the reverse of the J1 game in Tokyo, where they had the ball most of the time, and I was sad only that celebrations at the end were mild, because the unwritten rules of Japanese Soccer say you go banzai only when you win...

Be that as it may, a very impressive game, and we finally got the idea of the value of this team when most of its effective are in place. All on a warm (or hot?) spring day, with 7,500 on the stands. Dominik came in late but he still bought me a beer as usual, so overall a wonderful day at Nishikyogoku.

Montedio Yamagata - Kyoto Sanga FC 0-0

2009-05-23T18:06:00.004+09:00

Mmmmhhh... Bittersweet result. Clearly, considering the season so far, NOT to lose away is already a great achievement -- we got slapped 3-1 in Yamagata in March (Nabisco), remember? It was snowing!!

However, we were so clearly superior to Montedio today, that it is a shame we couldn't slam one in. Hayashi and Diego lost an industrial quantity of balls, Toyoda missed an easy one and a ball was cleared on the line after a good direct shot from Watanabe. In the end we hit 18 shots, but two of the six Montedio missed were huge.

Mizutani is showing that he is more than just a decent keeper, and basically the defense and the two volante in front of them are doing the job. The problem starts with the top four players. Paulinho and Diego seem too often out of the game, Hayashi had another pathetic game, and only Watanabe showed what happens when a player actually dribbles away, beats a man and creates superiority. Too bad nobody could capitalize on that...

Dare I to say Sanga is one of the top-5 teams in Japan from the belt down... In the last four J1 game we raked up eight points, conceding only one goal in 360 minutes.

I think even a kid could see where the problem lies... Today Miyayoshi played 15 minutes: a sunbeam...? With three meaning less Nabisco games coming up, can we see some cojones, some attacking soccer and perhaps have some fun...?

Kyoto Sanga FC - Vissel Kobe 0-1 (Nabisco Cup)

2009-05-20T23:30:00.007+09:00

Ok, back on planet earth, and with a bang. Not much the score, but the performance in general was really miserable. The evening was warm, me and my 10yo buddy Akira (see picture) had free ticket on good seats, I ordered a beer and a sausage... all perfect, except one thong was missing... a game of soccer!!

Both Kyoto and Vissel were pitiful, somehow a repeat of the game versus Nagoya: boring, with few chances, a lot of confusion and two teams that played very-very ugly soccer. Truth to be told, Vissel seemed a bit more genki, plus they were fielding some subs (we had the full squad... wow...). So I believe Kobe stole nothing. It could have gone either way, but if one had to win, well, they were a bit better.

The very sad thing for Sanga is that even thou we brought in some SIX forwards this season, our team CAN NOT put together an attack. Data on shots and crosses are miserable, and there is nothing we can do besides counterattacking, which means that if we go a goal down, we're screwed. In fact... Only thing to do is pray that Yanagi will be back in four weeks for real, as they tell us.

Besides Paulinho (and Diego, when he makes it to the eighteen...), we have NO attacking power. Toyoda has been a disappointment, undecisive and poor at soccer's fundamentals; Kim definitely not ripe, and Hayashi... well, I have lost the will to look for an adjective. Suffices to say that in the first half he received the ball twelve times, and we counted that he lost it eleven times. The only time he did not, he dropped it back five meters. In the second half he had some very good touches, then he finally won a dribble, went 1v1 with the keeper... and shot it against him, again. Total numbers for his season, so far? He played 15 games, no goals and two assists, including one assist, coming out of a wrong shot, that in any case did not count, as we lost that game (vs Jubilo)...

So we're finally out of the dumbest soccer competition in Japan (that's how the Nabisco Cup is called, once your club is eliminated--teehee), and I hope in the remaining three games we'll have to play anyway will finally feature somebody who wants to play for real. Today, Watanabe, for example seemed there only because he REALLY had to... Really hit on my nerves to see him lose the ball, and watch the opponent running away without fighting back...

We returned home in a gloomy mood, surrounded by people wearing anti-swine influenza masks. I heard one child on the train saying that at least now he can fart and nobody will stare at him. That was perhaps the best thing happened since the game started.

Kyoto Sanga FC - JEF United 2-1

2009-05-18T00:36:00.001+09:00

Not sure I'll have the time to give a detailed description of another "Very Sanghy" game, but Paulinho did it. Goal #64 and 65, and we're back at the 8th place. Wow! I have vertigos...

Happy, Happy, Paulinho

2009-05-17T01:05:00.003+09:00

Quite a remarkable couple of weeks for our ace Paulinho.

His goal against Marinos two weeks ago not only put our season back on the right track, but was his #63 with the purple uniform, meaning he has surpassed Teruaki Kurobe and he is now the all-time scorer in the history of the club. Obrigado!

Even better news yesterday... Paulinho's got a baby-boy!!! His name is Mateus, he weights 3286 grams and he and the mom are doing great! Be happy Pau!! You're a great guy, and you deserve it!! How about a goal (or two) versus JEF United to celebrate together?

Here's MY New Stadium: Shin-Nishikyogoku!

2009-05-14T22:38:00.006+09:00

It has been A WHILE since Sanga fans have discussed a new stadium. Too long. Ours, said in simple words, sucks. When I went to Kobe and Shizuoka, I wanted to cry, ne... Only Gamba has one worse than ours!!!

Nishikyogoku has a HUGE track, the supporters terraces are so far away that (1) I wonder if the player can hear us; (2) When they run to us after a goal it takes them one minute and an enormous cost in terms of energy to get to us...

Plus, there is no cover and a jurassic display, still made of thousands of lightbulbs... It is all true!!

However, on the flip-side, ours is one of the most conveniently-located stadiums in Japan, just a short walk from a well connected train station, that is less than 15 minutes from downtown, and less than 30 minutes from the shinkansen. It is also surrounded by a decent amount of green, and not far from the Katsura river.

I don't really want to move, so here is my plan... ready?

Take down our glorious terraces behind the goals, scratch forever that horrible track, and turn the field around 90 degrees. Then, along the touchlines, build some straight stands, to make it look rectangular... as a soccer stadium should be! In this way we'd save a lot of money (half of the stadium would be already built), and we won't have to move from our wonderful location...!!

How would it look? Well, down here is the actual shape (bleurgh!!) and below is my Frankenstein's VERY ROUGH DRAFT, made by what would be left of our stadium (the "bakku-sutando" and the main stand), and some terraces I have "borrowed" (and painted purple) from Reysol's stadium. Not a Photoshop masterpiece, but it should give you the idea.

Well, I think it is quite awesome!

BEFORE THE CURE...

...AND AFTER THE CURE!!!

[J1 - 11th] Tokyo FC - Kyoto Sanga 0-0

2009-05-09T17:00:00.009+09:00

Mmmmmmmhhh... Tokyo shot about 20 times, and Hirayama headed over the bar some 5... 6... 7 times? But still, I think Sanga defended quite well, and our defenders got most balls in the area, and when they could not, they anyway threw in the body, making it hard for the opponents to have a clear chance. Mizutani can't block a ball, but with the help of Masushima (super booed by his former fans for preferring Sanga) and the post, he kept a clear shot. One amazing save in the first half, the one he deflected on the woodwork. Bravo!

The problem as I see it is on the sides: Hayashi and Watanabe could not put ONE cross together in 94 minutes of game, and so our counter via vertical passes were easy to read for Tokyo's defenders. I wish Sanga would have at least one aggressive player on the sides. Both Hayashi (a couple of "uh?" shots today as well), and Watanabe play too much dandy-style. Away, it doesn't pay. After all, we got Paulinho back and we brought in Diego, Toyoda and three young forwards (kim played a few minutes today as well), but without Yanagisawa we're stuck where we were last season. Very few goals. We're at the moment ranked 16 out of 18 for goal scoring...

Well, with all the above said, today's was our first point away, with the dreadful white uniform on. Next week we awaits for JEF United at Nishikyogoku, and IF we can play that game as we did against Albirex and Marinos, we could complete a 7-pointer in three games, that would mean a lot for the table and for the morale as well.

The Strange Case of Takenori Hayashi

2009-05-06T18:02:00.003+09:00

Ok, I am not a big fan of Hayashi, this should be known by now. There is one simple reason behind my opinion: this is the third season I see him play for Sanga, and he has been a decisive player in one game only, so far -- last season, at Omiya he scored a good and important goal. In theory, he is a forward, now recycled as attacking left winger, but in two seasons and a bit, he has scored the misery of two goals. If you have seen the games versus Frontale last week and Marinos this last Saturday, you probably know why. Even when completely free against the goalie, he can blast the ball, or touch it softly: it doesn't matter. He just won't score. Just as much as he will try unlikely passes in the air, roll on the ground at every tackle and as the second half starts, he'll stop defending on his side and virtually disappear from the pitch.

In Saturday's game, as the second half started, Marinos created four chances to score, mostly on Hayashi's (unprotected) side. Manager Kato should have realized that, because he finally pulled Hayashi out in the 59th minute, catapulting on he field a humble worker such as "long-leg" Nakatani. The result? Kyoto put together a string of six chances, including a goal. Marinos were completely shut-off, until the last 5 minutes, when the whole Sanga retreated.

Now, this and more evidence is not enough for Sanga fans to SEE what is happening. I tried to discuss it on forums, but all I get as answers is: "Hayashi works hard," " Hayashi can run very fast," "Hayashi moved a lot..." It really puzzles me how Japanese fans create a stereotyped image of a player, and live by it basically forever. these are the things that were true of hayashi when he was 23, he is now almost 29!! So fans have decided that Hayashi's play is somehow special and thus acceptable. No matter what, that is their opinion, even in front of the most compelling evidence against it.

Somebody has also written back to me: "You rally hate Hayashi!" Well, no, I don't, and I hope he could score a hat-trick every game. He also reminds me of my childhood's day hero Topo Gigio, and I am sure he is a nice dude. But what I see over and over (and I have been following soccer at every level for 30 years by now) is that he is a player that struggles when used as a starter in J1. He could be a good relief forward for Paulinho, or perhaps he could be a superstar in J2, as Tokushige is in Tokushima nowadays.

But if Sanga fans are satisfied with a player just because he works so hard or he runs so fast then you understand why we are an overall a club with a mediocre history in the last five years or so, and why we keep struggling to find an identity in J1.

The Goru no Ura after the Game vs Marinos

2009-05-05T23:39:00.004+09:00

Courtesy of Ichifusetaisuke-san

Lifesigns

2009-05-05T17:55:00.003+09:00

Hey, supporting Sanga is still fun... sorta... ;)

Down here are two reports, edits from posts I published on some forums. I'll always try to keep up, but life is busier and busier. Until the next time, and thanks to those who kept checking to see if I would update... well, I finally did!

[J1 - 10th] Kyoto Sanga - Yokohama Marinos 2-0

2009-05-05T17:45:00.004+09:00

Well, I am just back from Nishikyogoku, and today Sanga really kicked ass. Okee, in the end we tried hard to let Marinos score one goal, and we did miss our dozen of regular passes, but we attacked for most of the game, and if we had a player instead of a smurf (Hayashi), the game would have finished half-way through the first half, since today's Marinos would have never scored two goals, not even against FC Ryukyu.

What changed besides Kakuda for Someya? Simply, Diego finally played as attacking midfielder, Yuto was back on its (high) standard, Lee and Mizumoto did the job, and Paulinho is gradually finding himself after one season out. We still miss Yanagi badly, but when they play with 'cojones' Sanga are a decent team, surely not a 16th place team.

There were some 1,500 brave Marinos supporters who braved the rain, and were still chanting (although not exactly enthusiastically), when 0-2 down, with Sanga collecting one corner-kick after the next.

The two-goal cushion made it so that for once we did not have to see any pathetic time-wasting, and our subbed players even left the field jogging... unseen!!

Finally, one note for the ref: Paulinho zooming toward the goal, trounced from behind... how that was not a red, I would never know! Not sure he was against the last man, but it was a brutal and very useful foul... But since Marinos were already down 0-1, of course we needed to keep the game alive, I imagine... I am curious to see if the event will even be mentioned by the media.

[J1 - 9th] Kyoto Sanga - Nagoya Grampus 0-1

2009-05-02T17:42:00.003+09:00

Today Nagoya had one of its less convincing games ever in the last two seasons. With a lot of regulars rested or injured, all they put together were 2 (two) shots in 90 minutes. Still, Sanga managed to lose to them at home, and not so undeservedly, after all.

Somebody explains me the meaning of playing with one forward only, when it is clear that our problem is that we can't score. With Jubilo, we had Toyota as post-player, winning balls for... nobody. And today it was even more stupid, with Paulinho (165 cm) pathetically trying to win high balls booted up by our midfield... I mean, what are the coach and the players thinking?

Even more irritating was yet another start by Hayashi. I follow Sanga since the JFL days, and I have never seen a more useless player. He loses 10-15 balls every game, he doesn't have the power to strike a shot without falling, and when he does, it goes usually 5 or more meters on the side. He is an embarrassment for the club, please get rid of him, really, send him to Tokushima with the others... We have a bunch of youngsters beginning with Koken Kato who are waiting for a chance, why should they wait in the shadow of a "forward" who in three years of Sanga scored two goals... I mean are we kidding? And some japanese fans keep telling me: "SUPIDO GA ARU DE!" (=He is fast!!!). Good!! Put him on a helicopter, drop him in the wilderness in Hokkaido, and let him run fast there by himself, for god's sake!!!!!

And so, we're back where we belong, fighting for permanence in J1, and even a child can tell you that if we don't get two forwards on the field simultaneously, we won't score, we won't win and we'll be relegated. Enough with he BS that Diego is a forward, today he was very often behind Sato as the last of the midfielders, basically taking the place of last season's Sidiclei.

And -last thing, if you will excuse me- if Sidiclei and Paulinho are on the roster to play an average of 10-15m per game, wouldn't be better to get some foreign player who could actually do the difference, just as Grampus and Jubilo did...?

AAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww.......

Thanks for reading.

Overwhelmed

2009-04-05T10:55:00.004+09:00

Hey. I have loads of Sanga-related adventure in the last 10 days. I went to Shizuoka for the Nabisco game, I found a used JS Park uniform and met Jun Ando in a convenience store, besides almost smashing my TV after the game at Antlers' yesterday.

I also have a lot of work to do...

I hesitate to write that I am shutting down this blog, but I am really overwhelmed by life since I returned to Japan.

I will be around whenever the time and the feelings allow, but please don't expect too much, my friends.

[Video] Mizumoto's Miracle Save

2009-03-24T08:14:00.001+09:00

Not a bad play for somebody who was dumped half-way trough the past season...

All Because of the Ref...?

2009-03-24T02:40:00.005+09:00

I saw and heard Gamba's manager Nishino complaining at SkyperfecTV about the ref and the penalty. But what was really shocking is that he also said that he liked his team on Sunday... Mmmmhhh... Are Gamba trying hard to become more hated than their predecessors Asian Champions' Urawa Reds are?

Wo-ho, guys, because... I was at the game, and --really-- if all you've got is a goal scored right after a non-called clear offside (it was I think Lucas who was a meter ahead of our defenders and forced Mizutani to the punching that generated the goal), I am not sure there's much else left to say... Yeah, bad-bad ref, we could have won 2-0!!

Champions of Kansai: Kyoto Sanga FC - Gamba Osaka 2-1

2009-03-23T00:38:00.008+09:00

I wrote a "professional" (<=euphemism) article about the game for japanesesoccer.net. Click here to read it , it is a good intro to what you'll find here! So, on top of that, for ONK's aficionados only, here are my personal thoughts...

"...Oh well... Dear, dear, last thing I honestly expected was to bag three points against Gamba, especially after deserving them. It was a marvelous display of coolness from Sanga players, who kept playing football in front of an ultra-nervous Gamba (three yellows in 30 minutes, Paulinho sent to hospital...). Fujigaya after the penalty really behaved as a spoiled elementary school child, and Leandro really seemed to be one of those Brazilians who is very nice as far as things go his way, but quickly morphs into a whiner as soon as he is displeased. Problem with Gamba is that they took this game for granted, and if they wouldn't have chopped Pau after 13 minutes, they might have lost with a big goal difference, since we had dominated the game completely until then. They put together basically three chances in the whole game, two rather random. Not enough for the great team they can be on a good day.

My feeling is that Gamba, after the triumphal ending of last season is suffering of a bit of "Urawitis Acutis." How quick clubs forget where they come from, and how winning an Asian Champions League doesn't mean the refs you play with are immune from mistakes... OK, I don't think that the one on Yanagi was a penalty, but it is clearly one of those mistakes that can happen. There was no diving, and surely a contact. A controversial penalty against when you're one down pisses you off, sure, but with more than 30 minutes left, they had all the time to turn it around (and they nearly did, anyway), besides the fact that a penalty awarded is not a goal conceded yet.

OK, enough about Gamba, let me talk about Sanga. I believe that these are the best defenders we've ever had. I mean in the history of the club, so since 1922. Lee "Jonzu" is an awesome player, also very skilled with his feet, he has an elegance in his movements that [hyperbole coming, watch out!!!] reminds me a bit of Van Basten. And surely he scored one as Marco today, as he towered over the Gamba defenders to slam it in under the Gamba supporters' eyes. Besides that, how many balls did he win in his penalty area? 20? 25? He is fantastic, really, so much that we could afford today to field a debutant as left-back, Someya, who I believe won his duel with Yasuda. OK, he is not as nice-looking as Uchida, but watch him, because he seems very good too--just as Mizumoto, who did something superhuman when bicycling that ball away from our goal... Uh! Thanks for selling him to us, Gamba! If you want to get rid of Kaji next...

Finally, there were some moment of good soccer today: Diego dueted naturally with Paulinho, and later began to find some good geometries with Yanagisawa, Sato and Ando. The future looks bright, and we're look definitely a few notches above those at the bottom of the chart. I won't be overoptimistic, but I just say that Kato's goal (9th place) is not impossible. We're actually 5th, y'know!

Nabisco Cup incoming, two games next week. Time for some stressless soccer, and I will probably go to Shizuoka for the game.

Hey Ya

2009-03-20T00:13:00.000+09:00

I should get my fiberglass internet ultimate connection in two days. Hang on in there!

Three Points Are Always Three Points: Kyoto Sanga - Vissel Kobe 1-0

2009-03-08T22:56:00.006+09:00

I am not sure if Kyoto Sanga have ever won a kaimakusen (=Round 1 Game). I should check my brand new J.League Almanac, but I am too sleepy and I will trust my memory, even because it sounds great to see that today we won our first kaimakusen ever! Nishikyogoku was packed (almost 17,000) also thanks to the Kobe-san-tachi who filled the opposite stands. The match wasn't beautiful, and it could have finished 2-0 or, even (more likely?) 1-1, but we did win it and thanks to a great goal by Daigo Watanabe in the first half, so there is reason to celebrate, since the next three games (Trinita and Gamba and Antlers) really sound like troubles. I don't have much to say about the game, even because Akira dragged me in the middle of the craziest fans in the goru no ura, and I was in a sort of soccerly trance the whole time, I suppose. I just remember that at the end it seemed like Vissel had 20 corner kicks and the ref would never whistle, but probably it wasn't so dramatic--it was just me who desperately wanted to win the first J1 game I saw in three years or so with a victory. Probably I should have been cooler, as it is true that Vissel had its chances, but by the end of the game both teams seemed very tired, and Lee was towering every single ball that come close to our box, helping Mizutani to spend an overall quiet afternoon.

As the game was over, me and Akira (sporting his new Yuto Sato #7 replica shirt), sat on the stands for a good 30 minutes, awaiting for the human mass to move out. We chat with the Supporters' Kaicho (nice dude that he is, as always), we helped to clean up and to fold the huge flag and finally dragged ourselves home.

The sky was grey, if there was a sun out there it should have been a really pale one, because I don't remember it. But it was perfect. And now, just as when I was a boy, back home on the evening of a day I went to the stadium, now if I close my eyes I see the flags and hear the fans' chants.

Geez, I really missed this, and I would say the same if we had lost 0-4.

But we've won, and it makes it even better.

Akira poses with "Yanagi and Daigo" outside the stadium...

Minus 48 Hours

2009-03-06T06:05:00.003+09:00

And so, finally we're almost there: the weekend when J.League 2009 kick-off is behind the corner. That's the good news, but as usual life is not perfect, and here are the issues your truly one is struggling with: (1) I have ordered a Hikari Internet connection, which is the ultimate state-of-the-art... and takes some 6 weeks to be installed! Thus, I am here leeching from some of my neighbors (thanks) through an airport, but the quality of the connection is miserable. (2) I have received no season ticket yet, and at this point I am resigned: it will come later, and on Sunday I will have to line-up somewhere to get my first "coupon" -- meh! (3) Sunday it might rainy. Quite an anti-climax. (4) Nishino got injured badly, they talk about 6 months out. Poor little thing, worked so hard to recycle himself as a defender (he used to be a non-very-prolific forward) and now he's grounded for half-a-year... Oh well, all the best, and we're waiting for him to come back on a summer day, in August or September at the latest.

Sanga's game is on Sunday, but there are another seven games on tomorrow, plus all the J2 paraphernalia. My 10yo Akira is a little sick, so we're planning a LONG afternoon at home, with the kerosene stove on, tea, biscuits and a lot of Japanese Soccer--that is if wife and Alek (the 1yo) let us...

OK, I also believe here is the point where I must take the plunge and make my predictions for the season. OK, here we go: Champions, Nagoya Grampus; for the ACL Kashima Antlers and Shimizu S-Pulse. The letter will be the positive surprise, while for the negative I say Vissel Kobe or Gamba Osaka. Don't get me wrong, I hope I am mistaken here, but all three J1 Kansai teams have changed a lot, and at least one out of three is doomed to flop--and I can't say Sanga. Oh, by the way, where will Sanga finish? If no major injury strikes us, I'd say anywhere between 8th and 11th. I was actually surprised to see how the "experts" have rated our beloved team lowly. Nanami (former Jubilo, the irekae-sen guys) thinks we're going down! Well, I believe we were decent last year, and we added Diego, Toyoda, Lee... and Paulinho. That is four kick-ass players, let alone the awesome youngsters we brought aboard. I'd be VERY surprised if we don't improve significantly from 2008. But then again, it is Sanga, ne...

Getting Equipped

2009-02-26T02:30:00.003+09:00

Ok, this is perhaps a good post to introduce the new direction of this blog... First of all, I won't guarantee a picture for every single post, simply because it takes time to format them for the internet, and time I have not. I am shooting for a full time-job, and... Ok, more about that later. Second novelty is that I will leave most of the technicalities such as games' data and the like to www.japanesesoccer.net. It makes no sense for me to write the same stuff on two blogs, nor it makes sense for you to read it... twice. (Doh!)

In other words, this will become more of a personal blog, about my experience about supporting a Japanese team that has never played more than two years in a row in the first division... and we're at the beginning of one of those second year!!!

So, I haven't been living in Kyoto for almost three years, my last J1 game as vs Albirex in 2006, it was a crappy 1-1 that we should have won. I am so HUNGRY for a J1 game that I am literally counting the days as I did as a child before Christmas.

To kill the long days I am watching millions of J.League goals on the most refined of God's Creations (SkyPerfecTV), while I also flirt a bit with minor soccer (European Champions League and the like...).

The huge news is that -YES!- I invested with extreme (and frightening) joy 13,650 yen for a new Kyoto Sanga FC jersey. Now, the next step is to get equipped with a season pass, which costs only 26,000 yen for 20 games (a bargain, if compared with the jersey!).

Finally, the forbidden dream: hop on a shinkansen and escape to Oita to watch Sanga play there in round 2... Ok, well, let's begin to see how it goes with Vissel, since the pre-season games so far haven't been too exciting.

Big tactical drama at Sanga at the moment: 4-2-3-1 with Hayashi, or 4-4-2 with Toyoda...? Well, you know what I think, uh?

[Preview] Kyoto Sanga FC 2009

2009-02-24T12:45:00.004+09:00

Here is a short preview I wrote for japanesesoccer.net...

Kyoto Sanga FC faces in 2009 a very particular task: survival in J1 for the second year in a row. In fact, in its history, the Old Capital’s club has never played three consecutive seasons in the top flight. The good news for Sanga is that the team seems now equipped for the challenge: a team that ended 14th last season but showed some moment of sheer brilliance has been reinforced in every department, with the former Verdy’s midfielder Diego as cherry on the cake.

With many new faces around, it is hard to predict how Kyoto will play in 2009. Shunsuke Amazutsumi, a Japanese journalist who follows Sanga for El Golazo and Soccer Digest, predicts a 4-2-3-1 with Mizutani in the goal; Masushima, Mizumoto, Lee Jung Soo and Watanabe as defensive belt and Sidiclei and Sato as a midfield tampon. This very defensive back should allow for four offensive players on two lines: Diego, flanked by Hayashi and Paulinho, and Yanagisawa as spearhead. Other options for Coach Kato might involve the use of a second pure forward (Yohei Toyoda), a daring option in the goal (Kenya Matsui, already a member of the youth NT), and some of the youngsters Sanga seems to count on: Yuta Someya (DF), Koken Kato (MF), Jun Ando (MF) and the 17yo phenomenon Takumi Miyayoshi (FW). Finally, an interesting story is that of Nishino: not very prolific as a forward in the past seasons, he has been recycled as right side-back, and seems to be the most promising alternative for Masushima in that position.

Considering the number of experienced players, last year’s decent run and the newcomers, Sanga should have no problems to achieve permanence in J1, if that will come in the last rounds as in 2008 or much earlier, it is to be seen.

[Blog News] Hang on in there...

2009-02-24T02:45:00.001+09:00

I am FINALLY back in Kyoto, but looking for a job and fixing the home while nursing some health problem (ah... aging...). BUT! I am back, and ready for the new season, so hang on in there, it is a matter of days before I will be back at full steam.

[News] Slight Change in Jersey's Design

2009-02-02T19:28:00.003+09:00

J. League has asked Kyoto Sanga FC to modify the new uniform's design. The problem were the black numbers that were seemingly hard to read on the dark purple background. Sanga complied, presenting a new version featuring light golden numbers. (See graphic below).

[News] Coach Akita Scores Three in Memorial Game

2009-02-02T05:41:00.004+09:00

Former Japan national team’s defender Yutaka Akita (38, pictured), a 15-year J.League-career (11 at Kashima Antlers, 3 at Nagoya Grampus and 1 at Kyoto Sanga FC, now a coach at Kyoto Sanga FC) played yesterday (February 1st) his “Sayonara Game” at Kashima Stadium in front of 15,000 fans. The match was played between “historical” selections of Kashima Antlers and Jubilo Iwata, with the former prevailing for 4-2. For Jubilo, the attacking line was composed by Masashi “Gon” Nakayama and Naohiro Takahara (now at Urawa Reds), and both scored points. Akita, a defender who has scored 23 goals in 405 J.League games, did even better, with three goals. As the game finished with a standing ovation, a tired but happy Akita spoke with the journalists, telling his dream is to become manager at the three clubs he played for. For now, he is returning to Kyoto Sanga FC’s camp in Awaji-jima. Speculations are that Akita will take over Hisashi Kato when the latter will return behind a desk, possibly next season.

(from www.japanesesoccer.net)

[Test Match] Kyoto Sanga FC-Kyoto Sanga FC U18 7-0

2009-01-24T17:40:00.002+09:00

The game lasted two halves of 25 minutes each. Goals by Hayashi (as in every friendly match/satellite game...), Morishita (two!!), Ando, Kato, Watanabe and Nakayama.

[News] Tahara to Join Korean Club Daejeon Citizen

2009-01-24T17:29:00.010+09:00

Our dear old friend Yutaka Tahara, the guy of many spectacular goals, seems bound for a new adventure: sources give him very close to K-League's Daejeon Citizen (team logo in the picture), after our former striker was at a camp in South Korea. With him gone, it seems that all our 2008 roster has found a home for next season.

Here is the detail:

- Ueno (GK), to Tokushima Vortis (J2)

- Morioka (DF), retired, now coach at Sanga

- Okubo (DF), at SC Tochigi (J2)

- Ataliba (MF), back to Brazil*

- Ishii (MF), to Roasso Kumamoto* (J2)

- Kato D. (MF), to Yokohama FC (J2)

- William (MF), on a loan to Sagawa Shiga (JFL)

- Fernandinho (MF), to Vasco da Gama (Brazil)

- Tokushige (FW)、 to Tokushima Vortis (J2)

- Tahara (FW), to Daejeon Citizen* (K-League)

* = to be confirmed

Best luck to all our former dudes in their new adventures, and here is a compilation of Yutaka "airborne" Tahara. Least we forget.

[News] 2009 Uniforms and Numbers

2009-01-22T03:37:00.003+09:00

1 Hirai

2 Nishino

3 Sidiclei

4 Mizumoto

5 Teshima

6 Someya

7 Sato

8 Nakatani

9 Toyoda

10 Diego

11 Hayashi

13 Yanagisawa

14 Lee

15 Nakayama

16 Ando

17 Nakamura T.

18 Kato

19 Morishita

20 Paulinho

21 Mizutani

22 Watanabe

23 Nakamura A.

24 Masushima

26 Kakuda

27 Uesato

28 Kim

29 Morita

30 Matsui

31 Miyayoshi

[Site News/News] Renewal Update/Transfers

2009-01-21T18:01:00.009+09:00

I really apologize for letting the site down for so many weeks, but I am moving my family from the US to Kyoto, and I am very busy with a lot of stuff to do. I am slowly working on a renewal for this blog, and I will be ready to kick off as the season restarts in March. In the meantime I will try to keep you posted with pre-season matches.

In the end, besides the youngsters, Sanga picked up five new players, some of them impressive additions to the team: Suzuki (GK) and Morishita (DF, from Jubilo), Toyoda (FW, from Montedio), Diego (MF, from Verdy, in the picture) and Korean Lee Jung-Soo (DF, from Pohang). The players are already practicing, still no schedule for test-matches.

It looks as Coach Kato will play with two central defenders, and two midfielders in front of the defense, probably to allow Diego, Paulinho, Yanagisawa and perhaps Toyoda to play together.

You can keep yourself updated with Sanga and other news from J.League here: www.japanesesoccer.net

In any case, do not worry: I am NOT giving up this blog, and I will be back as often as I can. Best for a great 2009 to Sanga and you all!!

[News] Morishita and Toyoda Join Sanga

2008-12-18T20:19:00.004+09:00

First new faces at Sanga. Shun Morishita (DF, 22, in the picture) joined from Jubilo, while Yohei Toyoda (FW, 23), who has scored 11 goals last season in J2 at Montedio Yamagata and was part of the Japanese expedition to Beijing Olympics. According to Nikkan Sports he declared that “As soon as I have heard Kyoto wanted me, it took me seconds to decide.” He will replace Yutaka Tahara who was allegedly bound for Adelaide United, but is so far is still without a contract.

[News] Relief, at least: Yanagi Stays!

2008-12-15T21:27:00.005+09:00

Some oxygen for us, Kyoto Sanga FC fans: Yanagisawa has renewed his contract for an undisclosed fee, in the end tut in the end the negotiation were successful, as communicated today by Sanga’s official website. More good news: veteran Brazilian defender Sidiclei and Masushima (in the picture) the latter on loan from FC Tokyo, will stay in the old capital next season. Some sources report Sidiclei confessing it will be his last year as a professional.

[News] Ridicule Raise in Salary for Yanagi: "I Can't Say I Will Stay"

2008-12-12T16:46:00.003+09:00

After he single-handedly kept Kyoto Sanga FC in J1 with 14 goals, Atsushi Yanagisawa probably expected something more than a 2,000,000 yen increase. The club proposed in fact a 62,000,000 yearly salary for 2009, only slightly higher than last year’s. “At these conditions -said a clearly upset Yanagisawa- I can’t say I will stay.” But manager Hisashi Kato did not seem worried. “Yanagisawa will remain at Sanga, there’s no problem” (www.japanesesoccer.net).

No doubts this is appalling news. Should Umemoto let Yanagisawa go, Sanga fans would start a revolution that no coming of Toyoda or Diego might calm down... We're waiting for POSITIVE developments as soon as possible!

[News] Offer for Diego Formalized

2008-12-12T10:41:00.003+09:00

Sanga have made an official offer for relegated Tokyo Verdy’s Brazilian talent Diego (MF, 24) who has scored 11 goals keeping hopes alive for his fans, until the end of the season, when multiple suspensions deprived Verdy of its most effective player. In Hisashi Kato’s plans, Diego would team up with Paulinho and Yanagisawa, giving Sanga the fire-power they missed this year.

[News] Offer's Out for Montedio's Toyoda

2008-12-11T14:17:00.001+09:00

Kyoto Sanga FC has made a formal offer for Montedio Yamagata’s striker Yuhei Toyoda. This season, the 185cm, 23 year old has scored 11 goals in J2 in 23 games. He was also a member of the Japanese National team at Beijing Olympics. The negotiation is ongoing. Sanga hopes to bring to Kyoto Toyoda to replace Yutaka Tahara, who has been been released and is now tipped to join Adelaide United of Australia.

[News] Tahara going down... to Adelaide?

2008-12-10T17:07:00.004+09:00

Oretachi no Kyoto has received tips from both Japanese and Australian sources that former Sanga's Yutaka Tahara is ready to transfer to Adelaide United, in Australia. The team is participating to the Club's World Cup in these days, and has lost the ACL final to Gamba just a few weeks ago.

[News] Fernandinho As Well Cut From Roster

2008-12-08T21:08:00.006+09:00

With Fernandinho released and Morioka retirning, seven of the actual squad have been released. Ataliba a very likely 8th. In the meantime, Sanga seems interested in Verdy's Diego. A 11-goals worth midfielder would surely be a great addition to the team.

Fernandinho has joined Sanga half-way through teh season with a very epculiar "excuse." He wants to be close to his church, which is located in Osaka. Ruling out a transfer back to Gamba, we might expect him to look for employment at Vissel, Cerezo or perhaps even J2's newbies Fagiano Okayama. Shimizu has released him as well, he is at the moment a free agent. he contributed to Sanga's season with three goals, and plenty of convincing performances, but with the return of Paulinho his space would be probably very limited. Best of luck!

[Game Result] Kyoto Sanga-Shimizu S-Pulse 1-3

2008-12-06T16:33:00.003+09:00

Typical way to send off a filled up stadium, but -- ok... We stayed up. Lots of comments, evaluations and analysis coming, seriously. Stay tuned.

[News] Head Coach Kato to Stay for Next Season, Morioka Becomes Coach too

2008-12-03T20:33:00.004+09:00

Coach Kato has ferried the team up to J1 last winter, and managed to keep it up this season. He will be the coach for next season as well, trying to guarantee to Kyoto at least the 15th place, that would mean a third season in J1, a record for the club. While quite a few fans are not enthusiastic about Kato's soccer, I believe he still is the right person for a club and a team that must really keep its feet on the ground. The J.League system is getting gradually more demanding, and the struggle of clubs such as Cerezo Osaka and Avispa Fukuoka should teach how hard it is to achieve and resist in J1.

In the meantime Morioka has announced his retirement. Sadly he was not given the opportunity to play in the season's last game, but at least a lucky coincidence allowed him to celebrate with both Sanga and his former S-Pulse fans.

It is unlikely he will stay at Sanga: first of all his role might overlap with that of Akita, already a former defender coaching the top team, but also it seems that there is no much love between Coach Kato and Morioka, an impression confirmed by the fact that the veteran has seen the field only for 245 minutes in 7 games--while Kyoto defender conceded embarrassing goals such as the first one versus S-Pulse.

In any case, a huge "otsukare" to Morioka, and good luck wherever he will decide to coach. I till hope it is Sanga.

[News] Sayonara to Tahara (And Six More...)

2008-12-01T18:51:00.005+09:00

As usual, the day after the season is virtually over, the axe falls on the neck of a bunch of unfortunate players (in the picture). So far Sanga has revealed that seven of the actual roster will not see their contracts renewed for 2009. The most unexpected and prestigious departure will be that of Yutaka Tahara (26), who has collected 157 caps and 33 goals at Sanga. He would have been an ideal substitute for this team, but perhaps he has different ideas and would like to play more regularly. We'll miss his sporadic, super-acrobatic goals, plus eternal gratitude for the two goals in the irekae-game versus Hiroshima.

Others departing are: Tentoku Noborio (25), at the moment on loan at Tokushima; Takashi Hirajima (26), still on loan at Cerezo; Yuki Okubo (24) king of ahirstyle, but overall an inconsistent defender; Daishi Kato (25) another brilliant talent who lost himself in the meanders of J1; Toshiya Ishii (30); and Taka'aki Tokushige (33), an important player in 2007, and a former JFL top-scorer.

More are expected to leave. In particular, I'll be surprised if Fernandinho and Ataliba's contracts are extended. Hirai and Morioka as well, might prefer a place where they can see the field more often. Finally, I am wondering what will be the destiny of Nishino and Hayashi. besides the latter's crucial goal at Omiya, the two had an overall squalid season, showing some impressive game only in the Satellite League and in midweek scrimmages against crapoly teams.

Coach Kato is expected to stay in charge for one more year, while Sidiclei seemingly said that the next will be his last season in soccer.

THANK YOU, KYOTO SANGA FC 2008!!!

2008-11-30T21:54:00.000+09:00

[Video] Omiya Ardija-Kyoto Sanga FC, Highlights

2008-11-30T21:29:00.000+09:00

[Game Report] Omiya Ardija-Kyoto Sanga FC 1-1

2008-11-30T16:07:00.016+09:00

Sanga Starting Eleven: Mizutani; Teshima, Masushima, Mizumoto; Watanabe, Kakuda, Sidiclei, Sato; Hayashi, Yanagisawa, Ando. On the bench: Hirai; Morioka, Kato Koken, Nakayama, Miyayoshi, Nishino, Fernandinho.

We're playing! And three shots for Kyoto in the first 10 minutes, but no goals... while Omiya seizes the moment and takes the lead in the 12th minute. Ardija-Sanga 1-0.

Thirty minutes in the first half, a balanced game. Sanga has its chances, while our defense still looks a bit uncertain. Why not Morioka instead of Teshima?

First Half finishes with Ardija one goal up, even when shots are 8-8.

135 minutes left in this season, Sanga needs a point to secure permanence in J1.

Miracle at Omiya: in the 15th minute, Hayashi makes it 1-1. 30m left.

25 minutes left, Nishino comes in for Ando. Rather than defending the 1-1, Coach Kato throws in a pure forward (who still has to score a goal in J1 this season...). A good chance for Yanagisawa, overall a balanced game, a tie a fair score so far.

Five minutes left, and in the meantime FC Tokyo takes the lead over our rivals Albirex... Veteran Morioka comes in for today's hero Hayashi.

It's over!!! 1-1. Kyoto Sanga FC stays in J1!!!

[Game Preview and Analysis] The Situation Before Omiya Ardija-Kyoto Sanga FC

2008-11-30T00:20:00.004+09:00

Due to yesterday's results (most of our rivals played on saturday), we're now ONE mere point from arithmetic permanence in J1. We have 40 points, while Jubilo and Verdy have 37, and JEF 35. Sanga has two games left, the rivals only one. In between there are also Ardija and Albitrex with 39. With JEF stuck at 35, we're now sure we can't be directly relegated.

The only apocalyptic scenario sees us losing the next two games, while both Verdy and Jubilo win their last, and beat us on goal difference. At the moment Sanga and Jubilo have a -7, while Verdy is down to -10.

Well, we're almost there, but I'd wait before I uncork the champagne.

We'd be already safe without Nagoya's robbery last week, but we still have to earn it, and our last two games are not easy ones. Today at Omiya won't be easy, as they need two points to stay up, and surely they want to cheer up their fans, considering how next week they travel to Iwata (Jubilo).

Mizutani (in the picture) recovered, but Nakatani is out with a few ribs fractured (thanks, Nagoya!!). According to Yahoo Sport Japan, Coach Kato might opt for a three-players defense, with Sidiclei, Mizumoto and Teshima. I expect a very defensive 4-4-1-1, with Fernandinho and Yanagisawa on top, ready to counterattack while the team defends basically with 8 players. I won't mind seeing Morioka in our defense. Some experience in this game would really help.

Next week S-Pulse comes to pay us a visit at Nishikyogoku for the 34th and last game of another long season. How nice if, for the first time in four years, we could just sit, relax, and enjoy the game...

[News] Sanga Chasing Korean Young Talent Lee Sang-Ho

2008-11-26T16:35:00.006+09:00

According to some Japanese sport newspapers, Sanga has made an offer for young Korean talent Lee Sang-Ho (in the picture). Here is how a Korean friend described him: "[...] pivotal for Ulsan despite his age, running their midfield and providing the creative impetus for their best moves. He was a young talent at the last U-20 world cup, performing at a high level with the likes of Ki Sung-Yong and Lee Chung-Yong. He scores some spectacular goals (volley against Incheon I think during the 2006 or 2007 season) and is very quick and technically gifted."

Here are some of his data:

K-League

2006 -10 games started - 0 goals scored - 1 assist - 4 shots made

2007 - 17 games started - 3 goals scored - 1 assist - 20 shots made

2008 - 12 games started - 3 goals scored - 0 assist - 18 shots made

Korean Cup

2006 - 7 games started - 2 goals scored - 1 assist - 8 shots made

2007 - 5 games started - 1 goal scored - 1 assist - 4 shots made

2008 - 6 games started - 2 goals scored - 0 assist - 10 shots made

Finally, a clip of a goal he recently scored in the U20 World Cup.

Well, I thought that an offensive midfielder was not our priority, but after seeing him, I really hope this deal could go through, and we could have back a Korean flag at Nishikyogoku.

Thanks to the people at Big Soccer's Korean forum for providing the information!

[Video] Foul on Nakatani: Penalty NOT Given...

2008-11-24T11:07:00.002+09:00

[Video] Nagoya's Double Dive!

2008-11-24T00:47:00.000+09:00

[Video] Frode Jonsen: I Believe I Can Fly

2008-11-23T21:27:00.001+09:00

[Game Report] Kyoto Sanga FC-Nagoya Grampus 2-3

2008-11-23T08:48:00.011+09:00

Starting Eleven: Mizutani; Watanabe, Masushima, Mizumoto, Teshima; Sidiclei, Kakuda, Sato, Ando; Yanagisawa, Hayashi.

Subs: Nakatani for Teshima (46th); Fernandinho for Hayashi (70th).

First half ended with a very disappointing 0-2. As usual, Sanga can't put on a convincing game anytime Nishikyogoku fills up... And why in the world was Takenori "Zero" Hayashi a starter again, when we have Fernandinho and Miyayoshi on the bench?

Here's a lifeline!! Same old Yanagisawa makes it 1-2 in the 56th minute!

Impossible is nothing!!! Hayashi (omg!!) earns a penalty, Yanagisawa converts his 13th of the season in the 67th minute! We're 2-2 even now!

Absurd penalty for Nagoya in the dying moments. We lost 2-3. This year as well J.League is headed for a very exciting finale. Are you happy?

It ends with Masushima in tears. He is the alleged author of the foul that gave Nagoya the winning PK, but Sanga fans on various forums swear it was a simulation... (well, watch the videos above...)

[Picture] Awesome Banner in Yokohama

2008-11-17T20:26:00.002+09:00

[Video] Sanga-Reysol (Emperor's Cup), Highlights

2008-11-16T19:02:00.000+09:00

[Game Report] Emperor's Cup - Kyoto Sanga FC-Kashiwa Reysol 0-1

2008-11-15T12:58:00.004+09:00

OK, I think you have noticed by now that I am a totally unrealiable reporter when Sanga loses... It was an overall balanced game, with chances on both sides, we did not take ours, and one of Reysols' (a direct free-kick) went in. I am vary disappointed, as the Emperor's Cup is fun and next round would have been against Hiroshima, but anyway all is left now are three J1 games, so better focus on those and secure one more season in J1.

One good piece of news anyway: Fernandinho played a few minutes vs Reysol, he seems ok. I expect him to start against Nagoya.

[News] Mizutani's Middle Finger

2008-11-15T07:00:00.001+09:00

Thus I have heard...

87th minute: Sanga went up 2-1 in Yokohama, perhaps not so deservedly. A couple of minutes later, after a Marinos attack, Mizushima jumps up, falls on his back and needs a good 30 seconds to recover and get ready to play. In the meantime, Marinos fans (unhappy with the score and the clock running) insult him rather heavily from the stands.

92nd minute, Sato breaks away and makes it 3-1 for Sanga. At the other end of the field, Mizutani turns toward the Marinos fans who abused him, and... shows them his gloved middle finger!!!

On Sanga's forums and blogs there is now a huge debate about how rude, rather than how justified was Mizutani. He apologized after the game, in any case.

[News] Emperor's Cup Info

2008-11-09T19:05:00.003+09:00

Sanga's next Emperor Cup's game will be played on November 15th at 13:00 in Toyama (see picture). Considering how both Yanagisawa and Nishino are native of that prefecture, we can expect a 'home game' against my hated Reysol--who at the moment have only two points more than us in J1. Go get them, boys, I want to see some more games in December!!

[Short Analysys] Five More Points Mean J1 for 2009 (at 95%)

2008-11-09T18:52:00.004+09:00

Huge, huge victory in Yokohama. Considering todays' results, we're now only 5 points away from the mathematical security of staying up next season. Verdy and Jubilo can't do better than 45, and we'd need a horrible goal difference to lose to them. One more little push, Sanga, then we can have fun with the Emperor's Cup and with the transfer market.

[Video] Yokohama F Marinos-Kyoto Sanga FC, Highlights and Yanagi's Interview

2008-11-08T15:35:00.002+09:00

I found the whole game's highlights. Enjoy!!

[Game Report] Yokohama Marinos-Kyoto Sanga FC 1-3

2008-11-08T10:29:00.008+09:00

Sanga's Starting Eleven: Mizutani; Watanabe, Masushima, Teshima, Mizumoto; Sidiclei, Sato, Kakuda; Hayashi, Yanagisawa, Tahara. As it is, it looks very unbalanced. Coach Kato probably giving one last chance to Hayashi. On the bench: Hirai; Morioka, Nakatani; Ando, Koken; Miyayoshi, Nishino. Sadly, Fernandinho is not ready yet.

First time ended 1-1, with Yanagisawa's 10th goal of the season (assist by Kakuda). No doubt it has been a massacre: shots are 8-2 for Marinos. Mizutani made a miracle safe to somehow keep us afloat. Time for heroes, hold on boys, we really need this point...

Massive result for Sanga, with two late goals by Yanagisawa (assist by Ando) and Sato Yokohama is conquered: Kyoto Sanga FC wins 3-1, and we grab three crucial points for permanence in J1. Catch us if you can now!!

Subs in the second half were: Nishino for Hayashi (59') and Ando for Tahara (62'), thus we finished the game (and won) with a 4-4-2.

[Video] Kyoto Sanga FC-Mito Hollyhock 3-0, Highlights (Private Camera)

2008-11-03T17:58:00.001+09:00

This is all I have found, but kudos to the brave soul who filmed and posted this on YouTube.

[Game Data] Emperor's Cup - Kyoto Sanga FC-Mito Hollyhock 3-0

2008-11-02T13:18:00.009+09:00

Kyoto Starting Eleven: Mizutani; Watanabe, Masushima, Teshima, Mizutani; Kato Koken, Kakuda, Sidiclei, Ando; Hayashi, Yanagisawa.

Subs: Nishino for Nakatani (46'); Nakayama for Sidiclei (74'); Miyayoshi for Hayashi (80).

On the bench were also: Hirai; Morioka, Mizumoto; Williams.

Final Score: 3-0: Ando 11th minute, assist by Watanabe; 2-0 Nishino 46th minute; 3-0 Hayashi 47th minute.

Attendance: 2,800.

Next game will be against Kashiwa Reysol: date, time and venue TBA soon.

[Quick Analysis] 2 Points in the Last 6 Games Played...

2008-10-25T17:14:00.004+09:00

Terrible result for Sanga at home vs Verdy. Let's see what Niigata, Omiya and Chiba combine tomorrow, but my feeling is that Kyoto will be involved in a game not to go down (or not to play the irekae) on round 34. The team is completely off-phase, 2 points in the last 6 games. The main problem is Yanagisawa is a fantastic sparring FW, but his number of goals is limited (expect some 10 per season). And there is no real striker. Tahara is not bad, but ideal as a reserve-definitely not mature enough to guarantee the 15 goals per season a serious J1 striker should be capable to deliver.

Wouldn't have we been better off with a young, unknown Brazilian striker (as Alemao was, for example) than with Ataliba, an unuseful player in a position (MF) where we have a lot of skilled boys....?

Next four games are Yokohama (A), Nagoya (H), Omiya (A) and Shimizu (H).

[Game Report] Kyoto Sanga FC-Verdy Tokyo 0-0

2008-10-25T15:12:00.007+09:00

Kyoto Sanga's Starting 11: Mizutani; Watanabe, Masushima, Teshima, Nakatani; Kakuda, Sidiclei, Sato, Ando; Yanagisawa, Tahara. On the bench: Hirai; Morioka, Okubo; K. Kato, Ataliba; Nakayama and Miyayoshi.

First half ended 0-0, with as usual a lot of chances for Kyoto (shots are 7-5, Tahara and Yanagisawa two each), but none finding the back of Verdy's net. 45 more minutes to get some badly needed points toward permanence in J1.

Final score is 0-0. Shots were 11-9, an overall mediocre display of soccer. The closest we got to score was when Ando hit the crossbar half-way in the second half. Ataliba came in for the last 10 minutes, but to no avail. We must wait for tomorrow's result, but with 4 games to go, the impression is that Sanga will be deep into the relegation struggle.

Not much enthusiasm, but still plenty of support after the final whistle, as you can see in the clip below here.

[News] Sanga Grabs Another Two Top Youngsters

2008-10-24T20:33:00.005+09:00

Kyoto Sanga FC has signed two high school forward that have been ranked among the top-6 young strikers in the Japanese high-school soccer scene. The first one is Atsutaka Nakamura (in the picture, with the uniform #15), 18 and a native of Osaka. The most recent, who has signed yesterday is Takumi Uesato, which might very well be the first Okinawan ever to sign up for Sanga. Hoping to repeat the success of his "compatriot" Ganaha at Frontale, Uesato is 18 as well.

I believe (or should I say: "I hope") these two acquisition are a prologue to the departure of both Nishino and Hayashi, who have both underperformed this season. (Well, Hayashi was pretty bad in 2006 as well...).

The other big question is on the use of these youngsters for the next season. So far,w e have seen very little of the other Nakamura, Koken Kato and Miyayoshi. perhaps in the Emperor's Cup game vs Mito?

In the meantime Miyayoshi came back from Uzbekistan after losing the semifinal to South Korea (my apologizes for not following up...), and gets to sign a C contract with Sanga.

[Video] Kashima Antlers-Kyoto Sanga FC, Highlights

2008-10-19T17:12:00.001+09:00

[Game Report] Kashima Antlers-Kyoto Sanga FC 2-1

2008-10-18T16:47:00.002+09:00

Commentary, goals, analysis coming soon - Well, not so soon, sorry. REALLY BUSY HERE.

Sanga's goal by Tahara, assist by Kakuda.

[Video] Japan U16-Malaysia U16, Highlights

2008-10-12T16:03:00.000+09:00

Features Miyayoshi's goal.

[Test Match] Kyoto Sanga FC-Sagawa Shiga 1-0

2008-10-12T15:56:00.004+09:00

Sanga entertained friends from Shiga on this JLeagueless weekend, playing a friendly test match versus JFL team Sagawa. The game ended 1-0 for Sanga, with the only goal scored by Hayashi, who clearly feels comfortable against third division opposition.

[News] Three Young Ones Join Sanga

2008-10-10T19:39:00.008+09:00

Kyoto Sanga FC has made official through its website the acquisition of three very young talents who will be added to the roster next season. Two are Japanese and their names are Tatsuya Morita and Yuta Someya (in the picture). Morita (18) is a very promising 191cm goalkeeper, and joins Sanga after being pointed out as one of the most effective goalkeepers at the High School level and a selection for the JFA U18 representative. Someya (22) is a versatile defender/midfielder at graduating from Ryutsu Keizai University.

The third addition is a North Korean national who was born in Tokyo grew up in Japan. A member of North Korea U23, Kim Sengyong (21) is a big-sized (186 cm) centerforward that hopefully will help Tahara and co. to score a bit more goal. He is registered with Korea University in Tokyo, but at the moment on leave of absence.

[News] Miyayoshi Scores One for Japan U16

2008-10-07T21:03:00.006+09:00

Sanga's Young prodigy Miyayoshi, who has impressed in his debut vs Gamba, was called up for a Japan NT's game vs Malaysia. He finally hit the field in the 12th minute of the second half, and nailed a goal in the 19th. Japan won the game 4-0.

Hopefully a good omen during a bleak moment for our club...

Here is a clip from his aforementioned debut. Impressive.

[Video] Vissel Kobe-Kyoto Sanga FC, Highlights

2008-10-05T18:00:00.000+09:00

[Game Report] Vissel Kobe-Kyoto Sanga FC 4-1

2008-10-04T15:54:00.006+09:00

Here are the starting 11 for what I see as a 4-4-2... Mizutani, Teshima, Okubo, Mizumoto, Watanabe; Sidiclei, Ando, Nakatani, Sato; Yanagisawa, Tahara. On the bench: Hirai; Masushima; Ishii, Kakuda, Nakayama; Hayashi and Nishino.

First half: Sanga down 1-0 after 2 minutes, then trying to fix the game, but the early mistake has been so far paid dearly... Shots 8-7 for Sanga.

Second half: Vissel Kobe schooled us 4-1, with two goals in the first moments of each half, and two goals when we were up 11 v 10 players. In between, a goal from Tahara (assist by Yanagisawa). Here are the facts: we have not won a game in the last four, our defense seem back to 2006's standards and next game is in Kashima. The only good thing is there are still a few teams doing worse than we do. But i hope it is clear to the club that to become a permanent member of teh J1 club, we need something better than Teshima and Nishino as alternatives for our starters. Oh, by the way, today too shots were 15 to 15...

[Analysis] Unexpected Bloomers Keep Sanga Going

2008-10-03T09:59:00.004+09:00

And so, after three unconvincing home games vs Jubilo, Gamba and JEF United, Sanga decided to go to the reigning Asian Champions’ den to show us again some of the beautiful football that has characterized part of the season. A deserved tie, after dominating Urawa Reds for a good 80 minutes ,and holding on against the fury of the amazing player that Tulio has become in a very thrilling final. Overall, a fair result. Sanga pays two minutes of amnesia at the end of the first half (three times our defenders missed a clear on Takahara’s goal) and again some imprecision in front of the goal. It took 13 shots to score two goals.

The happy stories of these recent weeks is about two “minor” players who are now become crucial in Sanga’s season of survival in J1: Ando (24 next week) and Nakatani (30).

The first has a very curious history: picked by Minobe from University of Kansai, played the first four games last season (rather well), and then was completely discarded. Now Kato relaunches him in the middle of the season, and he delivers a series of amazing performances.

The latter, Nakatani, has a long career of lights and shadows mainly between Nagoya and Chiba (Reysol). Picked last season as a defender half-way through our most suffered J2 campaign, he has finally found his dimension as a defensive midfielder, and yesterday has finally scored his first J1 goal for Sanga, besides participating to the second goal and giving an overall convincing show of skill throughout the game.

Tahara as well contributed with two very particular assists (basically two precise touches under MUCH pressure) and might have won Okada’s heart by scoring one of the two headers he had late in the second half.

And talking about Okada, he went to Saitama to watch no doubt “his” boys in red… Sure, Tulio was impressive as ever, but for the rest… did he have a look at Kyoto players?

[Video] Urawa Reds-Kyoto Sanga FC, Highlights

2008-10-02T08:11:00.001+09:00

[Game Report] Urawa Reds-Kyoto Sanga FC 2-2

2008-10-01T16:24:00.011+09:00

If I can stay awake, I will follow the game tonight, even when I am afraid it will be a massacre... but of course, being J-League, you never know. See you later (19:00 Saitama time)

Here is the starting lineup for Kyoto: Mizutani; Masushima, Okubo, Mizumoto, Watanabe; Sato, Sidiclei, Nakatani; Fernandinho, Tahara, Yanagisawa. So, Sanga with a 4-3-3 (or 4-3-2-1?) and Watanabe as defender today. Tulio benched for Urawa, which is of course a huge advantage for us.

Japan NT's coach expected at tonight's game. Besides reds' players, will he check out our Watanabe and Sato as well...?

First Half. Sanga dominates the first half-hour, and even when we lost Fernandinho (subbed by Ando), we managed to take the lead in the 26th minute with Nakatani. Four yellow cards in 8 minutes (2 each) seemed to turn the game into a chaotic fight, until Reds scored two goals (40th, 42nd), as our defense went to sleep, as usually happens in this period. So, an overall dominated half ends with Sanga down: Urawa leads 2-1. (Shots were 5-5).

Yanagisawa's goal early in the second half is worth a VERY precious 2-2 in Saitama. More soon!!

[Video] Kyoto Sanga FC-JEF United Chiba, Highlights

2008-10-01T15:36:00.001+09:00

[Game Report] Kyoto Sanga FC-JEF United Chiba 0-1

2008-09-27T18:57:00.008+09:00

Here is Sanga's starting eleven: Mizutani, Masushima, Okubo, Mizumoto, Teshima; Sidiclei, Sato, Nakatani, Watanabe; Yanagisawa, Nishino. Thus, Kakuda and Fernandinho on the bench, while we have (unexplicably) Nishino on. It seems to me sheer madness, but I hope facts will prove me wrong. Hayashi (yiikes!) as well on the bench, and -sadly- no Miyayoshi.

First half dominated by Sanga, after an initial scare we owned the game. Total shots were 7-2 for Kyoto, including an unforgivable miss by Nishino.

After bombarding Chiba's goal with 12 shots and some unbelievable saves by their goalie, JEF punishes us at the first occasion. The second defeat at home, and now, only 5 points above the relegation zone, we have three away games.

No matters who comes in or who goes out. Sanga, is always a painful team to support... And by the way, what was Kato thinking...? Starting with Nishino? Is he a J1-level player...??

Unbelievable.

[Game Preview] Kyoto Sanga FC-Jef United Chiba

2008-09-27T04:30:00.004+09:00

Sanga did not play the midweek's round, as we had to make way for Their Highnesses Urawa Reds to play in the ACL. JEF United did play, and earned three unexpected points with an amazing comeback against league (ex-)leaders Nagoya Grampus. Unbelievably, JEF are almost out of the ditch after lagging at the bottom of the table for half of the season. They are in good shape and, hopefully, a little tired. Not many surprises in Sanga's lineup tonight: the only novelty will probably be the return of Okubo from the first minute. Miyayoshi possibly again on the bench. It is the third home game in three weeks, the one against Jubilo went well, that against Gamba did not, but this is the one that Sanga MUST win. Three points tonight, and virtually we can celebrate permanence in J1. Let's go Sanga!

[Video] Kyoto Sanga FC-Gamba Osaka, Highlights

2008-09-21T20:19:00.001+09:00

[Game Report] Kyoto Sanga FC-Gamba Osaka 1-2

2008-09-21T08:54:00.007+09:00

Kyoto Starting 11: Mizutani, Teshima, Masushima, Mizumoto, Nakatani; Sidclei, Kakuda, Sato, Watanabe; Fernandinho; Yanagisawa. On the Bench: Hirai; Ishii, Ando, Ataliba; Miyayoshi, Hayashi, Tahara.

A few comments on the starting line-up: Teshima gets to start again, even when he hasn't been totally convincing this season. Kakuda and Sidiclei as usual used as midfielder. A bench with no defenders, including 16yo youth star Miyayoshi.

GAME HAS BEEN NETCASTED (TEXT) LIVE AT THE LINK BELOW:

>>> JAPANESESOCCER.NET - LIVE NETCAST <<<

Did you follow it there? What do you think??

A great effort by Sanga, great goal by Sato, but still no luck vs Gamba. Miyayoshi debuted and impressed positively in the 20 minutes he was on. A more detailed commentary coming up tomorrow. Next game vs JEF United becomes a key appointment.

[Satellite Team] Satellite Update

2008-09-16T15:53:00.005+09:00

With a home-tie versus bottom-of-J2 Tokushima Vortis, Sanga' Satellite team (in the picture) almost concludes its yearly campaign with the so far modest record of 1-4-2.

Here is a detail of the results, including the scorers:

3/9 - Sanga-Vissel 1-1 (Tokushige)

4/14 - Sanga-Gamba 0-1

4/20 - Vissel-Sanga 2-2 (Nishino, Yamashita)

5/4 - Sanga-Cerezo 1-1 (Nishino)

6/1 - Cerezo-Sanga 4-1 (Hirajima)

7/7 - Gamba-Sanga 0-3 (Nakayama, Tahara, Hayashi)

9/14 - Vortis-Sanga 1-1 (Ataliba)

The last game of the season will be played versus Tokushima Vortis on 10/19 in Uji (Kyoto). The Satellite League basically consists of a bunch of scrimmages to keep in shape those who otherwise never play. The fact that both Nishino and Hayashi scored in this league should give you an idea of the level...

* updated on 10/10.

[J1 Table] After Day 24

2008-09-15T18:29:00.002+09:00

[Video] Kyoto Sanga FC-Jubilo Iwata, Yanagisawa's Goal

2008-09-13T21:14:00.000+09:00

[Game Report - was Netcasted LIVE!!!] Kyoto Sanga FC-Juilo Iwata 2-0

2008-09-13T14:20:00.023+09:00

Ready to take on Jubilo Iwata with these 18 purple warriors... The Starting 11: Mizutani; Teshima, Masushima, Nakatani; Sidiclei, Sato, Watanabe; Yan

agisawa, Fernandinho, Tahara. I expect a 4-3-1-2. On the bench: Hirai; Morioka; Ando, Kakuda; Hayashi, Nishino and... the 16yo forward Miyayoshi (in the picture)!!

A couple of results that should be encouraging for Kyoto: Sapporo lost again, and I believe they have earned their ticket for their next season in J2. So, one down. Yokohama Marinos struggled to eke out a tie with Kobe. A victory for Sanga tonight would be a HUGE boost toward securing permanence in J1 for the next season.

And the game kicks off at 19:04, Kyoto time...

...and Yanagisawa buries the first ball into Jubilo's net!!! 1-0 after two minutes only!!! The ball came from a cross by Watanabe, was deflected and finally put home by Sanga's top scorer.

Shots are 3-2 for Kyoto after 15 minutes. Iwata appears nervous, already 5 free-kicks whistled against them, and a yellow card for NT player Komano.

Half an hour of the first half on the clock, and it is now Jubilo to do the game, while Sanga awaits for a chance to punish their opponents with a counterattack. bad luck for yet another (former) Jubilo's NT player: Nanami must leave the field for injury. Still 1-0 Sanga, at the moment the top Kansai team in J1...!

The first half ends with a good chance with a header by Masushima, but the score is still locked on the initial 1-0. Again, Sanga struggles to extend a lead, even when playing at home, with three forwards... In the 38th minute, Watanabe has earned a yellow card for gesturing against the ref.

Here we go with the second half. 45 minutes separate Kyoto Sanga FC from 7th place in the J1 table. No subs, and an early chanche for Jubilo, in the meantime. Total shots are 6-4 for Jubilo. Sanga unusually constipated up front...

"Oh my Kami-sama!!" Foul in the box, allegedly caused by Teshima in the 12th minute. Penalty for Jubilo, but Jucinho misses the chance kicking the penalty out!! Sanga survives a scare, but it doesn't look good. Four minutes before Tahara left the pitch to bring in Kakuda. Kyoto back to its more usual 4-4-1-1. On the 17th minute Coach Kato pulls out Teshima (finally... Sorry, I don't consider him a J1-level player) and throws in Ando, who probably takes a spot in the midfield, while Kakuda moves on the defensive line with Mizumoto, Masushima and Nakatani. Ok, we look a bit more solid now... By the way, where are our counter-attacks??

Half-way through the second half, total agony for Sanga fans. Jubilo keeps attacking, and went once again very close to tie the game. Shots are now 10-5 for the guests. I hypotized Kakuda in the back, but he is allegedly playing as midfielder. The sideback is Watanabe, who is apparently no needed as Tahara has quit the game already.

Torture is over!!! Sidiclei's marubozu head slams home a corner from Fernandinho, and Kyoto is unbelievably two goals up: 2-0 in the 29th minute of the second half. Sorry Jubilo, it's a tough life...!! The last time Sanga was two goals up was in the home game against Kobe, when Tahara scored twice in the first half. That game ended 2-1. We have NEVER won by more than a one goal difference this season, but we are some 10 minutes away from achieving this historical result...

Five minutes plus additional time left... C'mon Kato, throw in Miyayoshi!! ...nope, it is Hayashi, who actually had a crappy season at Jubilo last year. Out comes Fernandinho, who had another assist. Well, looks like it is over...

It's in the bag!! Kyoto Sanga FC beats Jubilo Iwata 2-0 and climbs to the 7th place in the J1's table! Gambs loss at home versus Nagoya also emans we are at the moment the top kansai team in Japan, and considering today's results we're VERY close to claim permanence in J1. A very lucky game, but we need some after what happened to us in too many matches this season. Final count for the shots was 15-6 for Jubilo, possibly our worse score ever... but this is the first time we won with more than one goal difference: amen!

[Emperor's Cup] Sanga to Start Against a J2 team

2008-09-13T14:10:00.004+09:00

Sanga debut's in the Emperor's Cup is scheduled for November 2nd. As a J1 club, Sanga starts from the fourth round and will face at home the winner of the previous round (to be played on 10/2): Mito Hollyhock or Avispa Fukuoka.

[News] Sanga on Winning Eleven 2008

2008-09-06T20:02:00.002+09:00

Not much going on, while Okada leads yet another absurd japanese selection vs Bahrein, we awaits for the Jubilo game and the two following home games, dreaming of 9 points and an early celebration of permanence in J1.

Well, I am not a big fan of videogames, but here is what Winning Eleven did of Sanga players and fans in its latest installment. Definitely cute computer renditions.

[Game Report - was Netcasted LIVE!!!] Oita Trinita-Kyoto Sanga FC 1-0

2008-08-28T17:03:00.015+09:00

Tough game tonight in Kyushu: we take up Oita Trinita, possibly the most surprising, surely the most solid team of the season. The only hope come from the fact that we had largely dominated the home game, that ended 1-1 only because of outrageous bad luck. Teshima for Okubo in the back, and Ando for Kakuda in the middle are the two 'novelties,' with Tahara and Tokushige back again on the bench. Winning would project us to an unlikely 6th place, above Gamba. In the meantime, to be more concerned with more down-to-earth issues, Sapporo, Chiba and Iwata tied, while Shimizu lost. Coming back with a tie would be a very good result.

I will follow the game live on this blog, updating every few minutes... that is, if I don't fall asleep before, ne!

First update after the first half. Sanga is one goal down, scored by the player we did not want to get from Cerezo: Morishima (aka: Deka-Morishi). However, we have shot 6 times versus Oita's 7, and we're very much in the game. Ando and Yanagisawa got yellowed, while Kato pulled out Teshima in the 33th minute already, and threw in a third forward, Tahara. Thus, we must be playing with a 3-4-1-2.

Second half has kicked off, Tokushige came in for Ando. I am trying to follow: I think we're playing with a 3-3-2-2... Or something like that: basically a VERY offensive squad. I read that Oita struggled until the goal, just as they had struggled in Kyoto. Well, whatever teh case, I expect more goals in the second half, hopefully for Sanga.

15 minutes into the second half. Chanches on both sides, but still Oita leading 1-0.

30th, more chances for Sanga, but nobody puts the ball in. In the meantime, Oita's Morishima has been subbed. Good news (for us) from other stadiums: both Marinos and Albirex are losing.

Only 5 minutes left. Kato's last gamble: Kakuda in for Yanagisawa, probably pushing up both Tahara and Tokushige with Fernandinho (3-4-3?) More chances on both sides, with some great saves by Mizutani. A very balanced game, but the score is still 1-0.

Game over. Oita Trinita, Kyoto Sanga FC 1-0. Again, we made the game, but could not find the net. Sanga needs a scoring forward, it is a matter of fact... At home we outshot Oita 15-6, and we only tied 1-1, today again shots were 18-11 for us, but we lost. In total: 2 games, 30 shots, 1 goal, 1 point...

Luckily, the pill is sweetened by the other games' scores: none of our rivals won, and only FC Tokyo past us. We are still 10th, and we have now three home games awaiting for us. next one is the key game of the season: at home vs Jubilo Iwata. Winning would basically mean to stay up for another season... and we have some credit with luck!

[News] Yanagisawa is Hikari TV's MVP for July

2008-08-25T17:25:00.004+09:00

...but the genius who coaches Japan's National Team still prefer to call Tanaka and Tamada. Good going, Oka-chan... Well, at least there is no risk of overwork or injury. And in any case, congratulation Yanagisawa! If there is any doubt about who is the top Japanese striker, we'll go and have a look at the top-scorers ranking!

[Video] Kyoto Sanga FC-Albirex Niigata 1-0, Highlights (1st)

2008-08-23T21:50:00.000+09:00

[Game Report] Kyoto Sanga FC-Albirex Niigata 1-0

2008-08-23T20:28:00.015+09:00

Under a pouring rain, Yanagisawa (in the picture)'s goal in the 28th minute, gave Sanga a crucial victory over Albirex Niigata (1-0). Assist came by Watanabe. Shots were 16-14. So, in the end we did took revenge for that shameful game during which Albirex's Yano had three of our players sent out, two of them by simulating fouls. Sanga is now 8th, and well above the relegation zone. (I apologize for the short report: blogger fractured his right hand...)

[News] It's a Bird? It's a Plane? No it's Yano Kisho!!!

2008-08-20T19:02:00.005+09:00

Hey, quite a lot of water went under the bridge, but we haven't forgotten Yano's shamelss simulations in the game in Niigata, that costed us three red cards and basically ruined the season for us. So, here is an invitation to welcome him at Nishikyogoku with the loudest BOOOOOING ever heard in Kyoto. because there should be no mercy for cheaters. Ok, you have one players sent off, you dive and get a second one redded. What kind of person are you to have the guts do it a third time? Well, just watch below the helmet... Shame on you Yano, until you apologize!!! Kakuda go get him!!!

[Blog News] Looking for Podcasters in English on J-League

2008-08-19T18:10:00.002+09:00

Hi there guys. I was wondering if anybody would be "seriously" interested in producing a Podcast on J-league. All it would take is to record a decent quality 2-3 minutes report about your favorite club and mail it to me. I'd do the whole production and uploading. The style could be as personal as you want, and no need to be professional journalists. Just limit the profanities...

It would also be awesome to have somebody doing a weekly piece on the following:
- J1
- J2
- Japanese National Teams
- A piece on J-relate topic (such as the riots in Saitama, Hulk and Bare leaving... -- some generic topic, not club or games related).
- and even JFL, if anybody volunteers.

If there is at least a volunteer for J1 and three volunteers for their own clubs, I am ready to start anytime. (That would make it 5 pieces: J1, mine on Sanga and three more clubs...) The frequency would be weekly, and the idea would be to send me the pieces by Monday night, so that it could be out Tuesday.

Email me if you are interested!!

[Video] Consadole Sapporo-Kyoto Sanga FC 1-2, Goals

2008-08-17T18:34:00.003+09:00

You can watch it in higher Quality on YouTube. Follow the link and click "watch in high quality" below the clip, bottom right.

[Game Report] Consadole Sapporo-Kyoto Sanga FC 1-2

2008-08-17T15:29:00.011+09:00

So, in the end, Sanga came home from Hokkaido with a crucial victory that possibly transform a nightmare-like end of the season in a pleasant stroll around the half of the chart, while we wait to adjust for next season. The first half was a complete disaster, we were outshot 11-3 and it was a miracle that we got away with only one goal in our sack. Davi's exposed Teshima's incapability to compete at J1's level: he first underestimated Davi's speed, then he tried to match him, just to be mercilessly burned by the Brazilian. In the meantime, we had Ataliba vegetating around the field, as Sapporo midfielder attacked every ball and bombarded our penalty area. Everything changed with a simple move: Tahara in for the mummified Ataliba. The second half reminded of the home game, with Sanga possessing and attacking, and capitalizing on two really bad piece of defense by Consadole. Watanabe, completely free with six red-and-black defenders around, scored on a lucky fumble, then, with the clock ticking away late last seconds, again sapporo allowed Fernandinho to control the ball, aim, and shave the inside of the post (see celebration in the picture below).

Three golden points, that bounces us back up around midtable, paradoxically not too far from the ACL zone... Now we need either Jubilo or S-Pulse (possibly both) not to win later today to breatu a bit purer J1's air. Aaaahhhh....

Besides the good result, there are still a few things out of tune. Teshima would be probably happier at Tokushima Vortis, while Ataliba wastes one spot for a foreign player. I would trade him for Davi right now, but Ando (today on the bench) too seems better and more willing to put in an effort. Yanagisawa worked hard as usual, but he had no shots in the last two games: it is no surprise that we woke up when a third forward (Tahara) came in... hat is if we consider Yanagisawa a forward. last note for Tokushige: he popped out from the bench after quite a few games (seven to be precise). Welcome back, little soldier.

Next week, it is revenge time against "Flight Simulator" Yano's Albirex who have lost three of the last four and are now below us on goal difference. Let's pulverize them.

[Test Match] Kyoto Sanga FC-Aichi University 1-2

2008-08-14T17:16:00.003+09:00

Kyoto Sanga yesterday played and lost a test match with Aichi University of Nagoya (see picture, I think the Sanga players are Nakatani (l) and Ando (r)). To show how impotent our attack is, we scored ONE goal in 135 minutes of game (three "halves"), and it was a penalty taken by Nishino. So that you know, Sanga has the second worst attack in J-League, only bottom club JEF Chiba has scored less than us.

[Breaking News] Yanagisawa Caught Eating Watermelon!!!

2008-08-13T20:35:00.003+09:00

Shocking news from Sanga's practice today. Hard to believe, but striker Yanagisawa has been spotted eating watermelon (see incriminating picture below). What is even worse, he seemed to have no shame or regret. According to the official site, when asked by a reporter: "Nani o shiteru no??" ("What are you doing?") he replied: "Umai!" ("Delicious!")

I do not know what to think or say. This is a very embarrassing day for Kyoto Sanga FC... I hope he will quit soon, and we'll go back to talk about soccer...

[Analysis] Floating Gently over the Abyss

2008-08-12T12:04:00.003+09:00

Aloha from the Apple Store of Honolulu. I am waiting to get my iMac back--on a sidenote: do NOT put adhesive labels on your DVD-ROM: they might get stuck into the DVD player.

So, as we have a look at Sanga's situation, this has been an important season so far, and I believe that in a way is exactly what we needed, with its highs and lows, BUT it is imperative to stay up and to do it in decent fashion. The reason of my concern is due to the fact that we are now only four points above the dreadful 16th spot, and the three teams between us and that playoff/playout position are Jubilo, S-Pulse and Marinos, three of J-League biggest clubs, with history, fans and media behind them.

Our defense, especially without Mizumoto is what it is. Teshima is clearly not a first division (J1) asset and Masushima alternates great moments (and massive throw-ins) to some amnesia that has costed a few key goals so far (why not using veteran Morioka, sometimes??)

On top of that, we have possibly one of the most impotent attack in the whole league. Yanagisawa has been scoring more than I expected, but he is not a superbomber. Fernandinho is clearly an assist-man more than a finisher. But the problem is: who after them? Tahara apparently fell of grace, lately is not even on the bench, Hayashi is the emblem of the Japanese striker who won't score, not even in front of an open goal, and Nishino has so far been better at getting yellow cards than at shooting on goal. Bottom line is we miss badly Paulinho and his 15-20 goals per season.

So, how come we're not sinking already? because, imho, we have one of the best midfield around. Sato is definitely material for the NT, Sidiclei is a rock, and youngsters Watanabe, Ando and Kato Koken are a safe bet for the future.

So, what is important now is to conclude this season with some more important results, possibly finish around the 10th place, and -why not?- try to have a decent run in the Emperor's Cup.

More than hat, I believe would become dangerous. the risk would be to have another 2002's syndrome, when -after an unreal season- we thought we were ready to swap Japan, and instead we precipitated to J2.

This team has a good frame, but needs some more muscles and some more quality. We need at least a strong, reliable forward, and one more expert defender. Ataliba has been a honest contributor, but is he worth one of the three spots for the foreign player? Can't we do a little better?

Well, so far next week's game in Sapporo is crucial, as we could basically kill out one of our direct rivals for relegation. Kakuda is out after his fourth yellow, but -thanks to the japanese Olympic team's flop- Mizumoto should be back. Ok, he might eb a bit tired, but after all it takes only two hours and a half to fly from Beijing to Kansai airport!!

The picture is from the friendly match vs Chosen University... lost 2-3 (Tahara and Nishino our goals.)

[Video] Kyoto Sanga FC-Kawasaki Frontale 1-2, Highlights

2008-08-10T19:05:00.000+09:00

[Game Report - (Was Netcasted) LIVE!!!] Kyoto Sanga FC-Kawasaki Frontale 1-2

2008-08-09T13:27:00.026+09:00

Some 30 minutes before kick-off, Sanga will try to wash off the shameful 2-7 suffered in 2006 starting with these eleven: (4-4-1-1) Mizutani; Kakuda, Okubo, Masushima, Teshima; Watanabe, Sato, Sidiclei, Ando; Fernandinho; Yanagisawa. Mizumoto is of course absent, since he is the captain of the olympic team plying in Beijing (see in the picture Nakayama and masushima loading him with Sanga talismans... while Ando peeks from behind. In his place, an "old glory," Teshima. he never full convinced me as J1 player, let's hope he proves me wrong tonight. In the middle, Ando seems to have suddenly become a regular starting member, and indeed he has played a great game (with a goal!) in Kashiwa. (One wonder where was him all this time...).

On the bench, ready to spring into action: Hirai; Nakatani; Ishii, Ataliba; Daishi Kato; Nakamura (!!!) and Hayashi (???).

The key to this game is simple: shut off Juninho (a hat-trick in Kyoto in 2006...) and seize the chance. Kawasaki is in brilliant shape, but so are we!

In the meantime, Sapporo has lost at home, thus a great chance to widen the gap from the deadly 17th spot. Let's go Sanga!!

And at 19:04, Kyoto time, we have kicked-off!!!

And 2 minutes into the game, Mizutani already needs to save on Juninho. Gosh. (Two years ago it would have been a goal, surely...) A couple of minutes later, Watanabe tries one, and hopefully makes Kawasaki understand that we mean business too. A good start for both teams.

We're now played 20 minutes, and Watanabe and Juninho seem the two most dangerous players. A very windy night in Kyoto. Sidiclei in the meantime gets hit hard by a Frontale's player, and might have to leave the field. Nakatani gets ready. It could be a serious problem for Sanga, that would lose its "lighthouse" in front of a defense that already lacks the class of Mizumoto. Still 0-0 in Kyoto, while Tokyo Verdy scores a fourth goal (to zero) against the Niigata Cheaters. Should we win our game, we would top them in the league.

Half of the first half is gone, now our midfielders Ando and Sato try with longer shots, while it starts to rain seriously. Sidiclei, luckily is OK. (On the otehr hand, I am jet-lagged and tired...)

A tough game, with Kawasaki coming closer and closer as we near the end of the first half. Juninho is on fire with already five attempts on goal. It would be good to finish the first half with a 0-0, at this point... Shots are 8-5 for Frontale. Elsewhere, no goals in the other five games played more or less simultaneously with the exception of Tokyo FC winning in Nagoya 1-0.

And sure enough, in the dying moments of the first half Kawasaki scores. A classic. Now we face a second half where we must score without opening to Frontale's counterattacks, all under a mean sky pissing down rain. Ole'...

Second minute of the second half, and second nail in our coffin. It's 0-2 now, and as Ando take a sure shot to cut the deficit, he hits... Yanagisawa. One of those days, and I feel very sorry for those at Nishikyogoku, under the rain.

Kato tries a desperate remedy, switching to a desperately attacking line-up. Nakatani (DF/MF) in for Okubo (DF), and Nakamura (MF/FW) for Kakuda (DF). To be honest, I have no idea of how we are playing tactically, but at least Nakamura will make some experience. Kakuda was yellowed in the first half, which means another hole in the back for next game (did we really need to sell Hirajima...??). I haven't heard of Fernandinho today, but who could we put in instead? We're now 20 minutes into the second half, still 0-2 and the Kawasaki players are passing the ball around an impotent Sanga.

71st minute: suddenly the light: Fernandinho rifles in a free kick, gets some help from a deflection by the wall and we're now 1-2. There are more than 20 minutes to be played.

Now we're down to the last 10 minutes: three subs (Ganaha is on now) and a few chances for Kawasaki, but Sanga too gets close to the 2-2 with a rocked by Sidiclei.

81th minute: Fernandinho taken down in the penalty area: probably a penalty, but the same old japanese mediocre referee gives to our Brazilian number 10 a yellow card. Congratulations. (Let's add another insult to Sanga in this season's long list...)

Game over: nothing to do, Sanga tried until the very end, even Ataliba came in, but Kawasaki goes home with the three points: final score: Kyoto Sanga FC-Kawasaki Frontale 1-2. (Well... much better than 2-7!!!)

[Quick News and Video] Kashiwa Reysol-Kyoto Sanga FC 2-2

2008-07-27T05:15:00.005+09:00

(Reporting from San Diego, CA)

Sanga tied away at Reysol. Ando scored early, and after Reysol first tie, Yanagisawa put Kyoto ahead again. Kashiwa came back in the second half, in what was an overall balanced game.

[Blog News] Blogger Going to California

2008-07-22T21:08:00.004+09:00

Hi there, my Sanghista friends et al. I am off to california for a junior tournament and for some driving around the deserts. I will be back in a couple of weeks, so I will miss the next game at Reysol, but should be able to report on the clash vs Frontale. Until then, take care and Forza Sanga!! (Note: this is my last absence until the end of the season... I promise... Perhaps...)