On April 20, 2025, the J3 League Section 10 match between Matsumoto Yamaga FC and Tochigi City kicked off at 14:00 at Sunpro Alwin in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The referee for this exciting encounter was Hirokazu Otsubo, overseeing a clash that both teams approached with high hopes of securing valuable points in the league standings.
Matsumoto Yamaga FC, under the guidance of coach Tomonobu Hayakawa, fielded a solid lineup featuring goalkeeper Hitoyuki Ohnishi (1), defenders Yasuyo Ninomiya (27), Gen Matsumura (36), and Hayato Nonomura (44). The midfield was bolstered by Yuta Kikuichi (10), Koyu Yamamoto (15), Ryuhei Yamamoto (17), Hisashi Ohashi (18), Akiharu Tsukui (22), and Hiroki Ogawa (24), while forward Satoru Tanaka (42) led the attack. The substitutes included goalkeeper Kim Jun-hyun (33) and a mix of defenders and midfielders who could make an impact off the bench.
Tochigi City, managed by Naoki Soma, aimed to bounce back from previous performances and refine their attack, which had shown signs of sluggishness. Their starting lineup featured goalkeeper Peter Kwame (31), defenders Aoi Okui (5), Yoshiki Sato (15), Yuto Suzuki (22), and Keita Kosai (28). The midfield was anchored by Yuto Okada (10), Motohiro Sekino (14), and Riku Tsuchida (20), while the forward line included Ryuya Suzuki (7), Paulo Junichi Tanaka (77), and Masahiro Hiratsuka (99). The bench also boasted a strong squad ready to contribute.
As the match commenced, both teams showcased their strategies, with Matsumoto looking to control possession and dictate the pace of the game. Tochigi, on the other hand, sought to exploit counter-attacking opportunities, aiming to catch Matsumoto off guard. The first half unfolded with both sides trading chances, but neither could find the back of the net.
In the stands, fans were treated to a vibrant atmosphere, with supporters from both clubs cheering passionately, hoping to inspire their teams to victory. Matsumoto's home crowd was particularly vocal, encouraging their players to maintain pressure and break the deadlock.
As the match progressed into the second half, Tochigi City began to find their rhythm, with their midfielders starting to link up effectively. Coach Soma's adjustments appeared to pay off as they started creating more opportunities. The pivotal moment came when Tochigi's forward line combined beautifully, leading to a close-range shot that was brilliantly saved by Matsumoto's goalkeeper Ohnishi, keeping the match scoreless.
With the clock ticking down, both teams pushed for a breakthrough goal. Matsumoto's coach Hayakawa made tactical substitutions, bringing in fresh legs to try and turn the tide in their favor. As the minutes slipped away, the tension mounted, with fans on the edge of their seats.
Tochigi's persistence finally bore fruit when they managed to break through Matsumoto's defense, leading to a shot that ricocheted off the post, sending a ripple of excitement through the visiting supporters. The near miss galvanized both teams, with Matsumoto responding by ramping up their offensive efforts in search of a late winner.
As the match approached its conclusion, both sides had their chances to score, but excellent defensive work and goalkeeping kept the scoreline unchanged. The final whistle blew, and while the game ended in a hard-fought draw, players from both teams left the pitch with a sense of determination, knowing they had given their all.
Looking ahead, Matsumoto Yamaga FC will aim to build on this performance in their next fixture, focusing on converting chances into goals. Meanwhile, Tochigi City will take heart from their improved attacking display, looking to carry that momentum into future matches. The J3 League remains competitive, and every point counts as teams vie for a chance at promotion.
