Kagoshima United FC of J2 played against Oita Trinita at home on June 22nd. They won with three goals, recording their first consecutive wins of the season and escaping the relegation zone.

Since Asano took over as manager, United have been undefeated with one win and two draws. They faced 12th-placed Oita at home in an attempt to record their first consecutive wins of the season.

Approximately 7,500 fans and supporters gathered at the stadium, including over 1,000 away supporters, creating a scene unique to the Kyushu Derby.

From the start of the game, United’s lone striker Fujimoto repeatedly targeted the space behind the opposition.

In the 35th minute, Fujimoto reacted to Nodake’s through pass, but was brought down from behind and the opposing defender was sent off. United had the numerical advantage.

Immediately afterwards, Toyama picked up the ball cleared by the opponent and sent a pass towards the goal.

Suzuki jumped on the ball and scored his second goal of the season, giving United the lead.

United were on a roll and changed ends in the 24th minute of the second half.

After a one-touch pass on the right wing, Suzuki crossed for Fujimoto, who made a brilliant move to score an additional point, extending the lead to 2-0.

After this, Oita had another player sent off, and United had an overwhelming advantage. In the 39th minute, substitute Kawabe scored the third goal from a counter attack. The stadium erupted in cheers as the long-awaited goal rush took place.

United won 3-0, their third clean sheet of the season. This was their first consecutive win of the season, and they’ve risen to 16th place and escaped the relegation zone.

Shota Suzuki, who scored one goal and one assist
“I myself feel a sense of responsibility when I play in a match, and I have a strong sense of not slacking off for the sake of my teammates, so I want to show that side of myself more on the pitch.”

The official commentary for this match was provided by Ken Kamikataira, an announcer at Kagoshima TV. Here is the scene that made the biggest impression on Kamikataira.

(Second goal scene)
“Oita decided to defend with a 4-4-1 block. Kagoshima exchanged passes between them. A one-touch cross and a header!”

Pay attention to the positioning in the second goal scene.

Endo, who was originally on the right wing, moves in, and Suzuki, who was in the center, moves to the right wing. In addition, Notake, the right fullback, moves forward, and Fujimura, the defensive midfielder, drops back to receive the ball.

Since Asano took over as coach, the team has been more conscious of “rolling tactics,” in which players switch positions during a match.

This will make it harder for the opponent to mark you, making it easier to pass the ball.

Although it may seem like they are moving freely, they are actually switching positions while working together. Please pay attention to the players’ positions in the next game.

United’s next game will be away, against JEF United Chiba at Fukuda Denshi Arena on June 30th.