Shimizu S-Pulse faced their second consecutive defeat on March 16, 2025, losing to Kyoto Sanga F.C. 1-2 at home during the J1 League's 6th match of the season. This defeat marked their first match where they conceded multiple goals this season, quickly sinking the morale of the team after previously suffering their first loss to G Osaka.
While fans were hoping for recovery on their home turf at IAI Stadium Nihondaira, Shimizu struggled significantly against Kyoto's high-pressure tactics. The game saw Shimizu field five new starters, aiming for fresh energy and strategy to challenge their opponents.
The first half left Shimizu trailing when Rafael Elias of Kyoto scored from the penalty spot at the 38th minute, putting the visitors up 1-0. A resilient Shimizu team failed to create significant scoring opportunities and struggled to adapt to the swift attacks mounted by Kyoto.
The second half did not bring any immediate relief as Kyoto converted another chance when Joan Pedro scored on the 67th minute, extending their lead to 2-0. It wasn’t until the 82nd minute when Shimizu managed to get on the scoreboard. Forward Kitagawa Hangye successfully converted their own penalty, reducing the deficit to 1-2.
Despite Kitagawa's effort, Shimizu couldn't find the equalizer, leaving their home crowd disappointed. "We are going to have to reflect deeply on this loss at home. It's something we cannot accept as a team, we need to show resilience and determination to win again at home," stressed manager Akiba Tadahiro during the post-match interview.
Akiba emphasized the significance of winning at home and the urgency to rebuild the team's dynamics during the upcoming 10-day international break. "This time will be precious for us to regain form and work on our strategies for the next eight consecutive matches," he stated confidently.
He acknowledged the team's defensive lapses, noting, "Control of the rhythm of the game is very important especially during those moments of stoppages. We must learn to manage our mental state and keep the flow of the game steady, regardless of interruptions like penalties and fouls."
The defeat leaves Shimizu with just two wins, one loss, and two draws this season, placing them seventh on the league table. Following last season's success as champions of J2, expectations were high for their first season back in J1.
The upcoming break will provide Shimizu with ample opportunity to analyze and resolve issues, enhancing their tactical approaches both offensively and defensively. Akiba noted, "We need not only focus on our mental strength but also on our tactical execution to show we can perform well at home. Winning together is going to require all of us to bring our A-game - mentally, physically, and tactically," showcasing his determination to turn their season around.
While fans are supportive, they expect results on the pitch. Shimizu will need to rally back strong to uphold the pride of their home field and continue building their momentum through tough upcoming matches. The squad’s persistence and strategic execution will be tested as they navigate through these grueling fixtures.
Shimizu’s upcoming challenges include incorporating lessons learned during difficult matches and developing more consistent attacking efforts to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The team will look to blend the experiences from the last two games to recover and turn the tides as the season progresses.
With high hopes still riding on their capabilities, the fans remain hopeful for improvements and thrilling moments as IAI Stadium prepares for practice matches and competitive challenges on the horizon. "The home arena is sacred ground for us; we want to remain invincible here," concluded Akiba, as he rallied the team for upcoming training sessions focused on resilience and rebuilding their drive.