Watched the game last night at ohhh 3am and saw what happened.
Verdy looked real chippy, taking Nagoya on at every turn. while in the first half it looked like Nagoya had the better of play, Verdy held their own. One sign that had me worried was a lack of skill on their short passing game. It seemed like the midfield was giving up way too many turnovers with lazy passes.
The second half saw Hattori float one in the box to Diego, who stumbled, causing the Nagoya defender to lose his footing and fall down. Diego recovered and put in a fairly tepid shot which Narazaki reacted far too late to and Verdy scored. Very soft goal. Diego then started crying for some unknown reason which kinda freaked me out.
The second goal was a thing of beauty. Wada boomed one from about the half line and sent it into the box for the pre-pubescent Kawano, who got past his man and headed a rocket past Narazaki. Great goal, excellent effort and nice cross. That kid is a pretty special player.
Oh, yes.......3 points at home for Verdy which puts them in 16th. Also it puts them in first in the Kappa standings with the loss by Consadole.
Next week is a Tuesday match away to Albirex Niigata. Hulk and Tomisawa will be back. Fukunishi will be out with card accumulation. He kinda gets on my nerves with his complaining. Between him and Hulk, Verdy should see alot of cards this year.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
2 hours till agony or ecstasy.
I've looked at the lineup for today's match against Nagoya......I'm gonna go with agony.
Here is the Yahoo prediction.
Iio (goal machine that he is)
Leandro (Maybe Verdy can get Francisimare back?)
Diego (Eventually he will start to score.......what year is unknown)
Ono (Speed kills..........so he's about as dangerous as a kitten)
Sugawara (He's still on the team?)
Fukunishi (This year's Nanami? Has not done much as of yet and he would be the bookend kitten to match Ono)
Wada (Wada.........you doing? I dunno but defense isn't one of the things)
Tsuchiya (has he finally hit the wall? Is he marginal now in J1? )
Nasu (Actually solid in the middle.....remember Hagimura is waiting)
Hattori (Is he this year's......ummm....Hattori?)
Doi (Does anyone else think that maybe it would have been better for someone like Kashiwa to sign him as a good backup and let Sugeno come here...........he's adequate but not really that great. It seems like he would be a good starter for an up and coming J2 team instead of one on the cusp of falling down)
Oh yeah, you are also playing the hottest team in Japan at the moment. Super!
Guests From other teams
Welcome! I actually love having visitors from other teams come in and voice their opinions. 2 things though............1. Try to watch the language a bit. Not real pleased to read F#$$$$ or S### on the comments. I'm not against the blue language but it looks a little unclassy shall we say (And this site is nothing if not classy......LOVEDOLL ahoy!!!!!) 2. Try and keep the (what do the kids call it these days? ) aggro down to a minimum......when did I become "BIG VERDY SOCCER"? The banter and smack talk are fine but please keep the hate down to a respectable level........I guess this goes for everyone. Again Bienvenue and welcome!
Finally......Christmas comes early
Saw this little gem on Yahoo Auctions
http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r41030504
For only 248,000 yen you too can soak up the aura and scent of the AOD himself, Takuya Yamada. Dress up like the Exotic Terminater and pretend you too are going to battle to defend Yomiuri Nippon Verdy Kawasaki Chofu 1969 FC against the likes of Yokohama and ummm, Yokohama.
If anybody buys this you must take a picture of yourself in the full attire and after I'm done laughing, I will post in on the site......and laugh some more!
Here is the Yahoo prediction.
Iio (goal machine that he is)
Leandro (Maybe Verdy can get Francisimare back?)
Diego (Eventually he will start to score.......what year is unknown)
Ono (Speed kills..........so he's about as dangerous as a kitten)
Sugawara (He's still on the team?)
Fukunishi (This year's Nanami? Has not done much as of yet and he would be the bookend kitten to match Ono)
Wada (Wada.........you doing? I dunno but defense isn't one of the things)
Tsuchiya (has he finally hit the wall? Is he marginal now in J1? )
Nasu (Actually solid in the middle.....remember Hagimura is waiting)
Hattori (Is he this year's......ummm....Hattori?)
Doi (Does anyone else think that maybe it would have been better for someone like Kashiwa to sign him as a good backup and let Sugeno come here...........he's adequate but not really that great. It seems like he would be a good starter for an up and coming J2 team instead of one on the cusp of falling down)
Oh yeah, you are also playing the hottest team in Japan at the moment. Super!
Guests From other teams
Welcome! I actually love having visitors from other teams come in and voice their opinions. 2 things though............1. Try to watch the language a bit. Not real pleased to read F#$$$$ or S### on the comments. I'm not against the blue language but it looks a little unclassy shall we say (And this site is nothing if not classy......LOVEDOLL ahoy!!!!!) 2. Try and keep the (what do the kids call it these days? ) aggro down to a minimum......when did I become "BIG VERDY SOCCER"? The banter and smack talk are fine but please keep the hate down to a respectable level........I guess this goes for everyone. Again Bienvenue and welcome!
Finally......Christmas comes early
Saw this little gem on Yahoo Auctions
http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r41030504
For only 248,000 yen you too can soak up the aura and scent of the AOD himself, Takuya Yamada. Dress up like the Exotic Terminater and pretend you too are going to battle to defend Yomiuri Nippon Verdy Kawasaki Chofu 1969 FC against the likes of Yokohama and ummm, Yokohama.
If anybody buys this you must take a picture of yourself in the full attire and after I'm done laughing, I will post in on the site......and laugh some more!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
All over but the pouting
Days like this happen............after coming off a 5-0 pasting at the hands of Shimizu, Verdy ventured to Chiba to meet their nemesis, a lackluster Kashiwa Reysol side. And like in many games of the past, they got their taint force fed to them.
Didn't see the game, but I imagine after playing a defensive 4-5-1, letting in goals means there is a flaw with the team as a whole. Maybe it's a case of meeting a tough matchup on a bad day and getting snowballed by a confluence of bad events. Or maybe the team is built in the mold of squads like Yokohama FC and Vissel Kobe, a collection of old players past their seel by date and young guys not quite ready to turn the corner sprinkled in with marginal talent who really shouldn't be in the league. Or maybe the team just needs a catalyst who can spur them to greater things on any given night.......like Hulk.
Whatever the case may be, Coach Hashiratani and crew need to straighten things out and quick because the gap between J1 squads in 2009 and those that won't be got a touch bigger yesterday and players like Doi, Hattori, Fukunishi, Ono, Tsuchiya, and Hiroyama aren't getting any younger.
And like clockwork, the schedule does no favors for teams that need it the most as a surprisingly resurgent Nagoya Grampus comes into town on Saturday to add insult to injury. Hulk will be serving game 3 of his suspension so I assume the donkey will be front and center for this nasty little affair. Personally, I think the team needs to go 3-5-2 with a Diego/Hiramoto pairing up top or 3-6-1 with Hiramoto as the point of the spear.
My vision
Hiramoto
Leandro Diego
Komano Fukunishi
Ono Hattori
Wada Nasu Tsuchiya
Doi
Against Nagoya, you need to load up the middle so they don't have room to operate......the layered 6 is going to clog things up and have people helping on the break. You also have Leandro and Diego filling the post so you can at least get a semblance of a counterattack. The pieces are slow but there's no helping that.
Tough day ahead next week. at least Albirex is coming up and a chance for some points.
Didn't see the game, but I imagine after playing a defensive 4-5-1, letting in goals means there is a flaw with the team as a whole. Maybe it's a case of meeting a tough matchup on a bad day and getting snowballed by a confluence of bad events. Or maybe the team is built in the mold of squads like Yokohama FC and Vissel Kobe, a collection of old players past their seel by date and young guys not quite ready to turn the corner sprinkled in with marginal talent who really shouldn't be in the league. Or maybe the team just needs a catalyst who can spur them to greater things on any given night.......like Hulk.
Whatever the case may be, Coach Hashiratani and crew need to straighten things out and quick because the gap between J1 squads in 2009 and those that won't be got a touch bigger yesterday and players like Doi, Hattori, Fukunishi, Ono, Tsuchiya, and Hiroyama aren't getting any younger.
And like clockwork, the schedule does no favors for teams that need it the most as a surprisingly resurgent Nagoya Grampus comes into town on Saturday to add insult to injury. Hulk will be serving game 3 of his suspension so I assume the donkey will be front and center for this nasty little affair. Personally, I think the team needs to go 3-5-2 with a Diego/Hiramoto pairing up top or 3-6-1 with Hiramoto as the point of the spear.
My vision
Hiramoto
Leandro Diego
Komano Fukunishi
Ono Hattori
Wada Nasu Tsuchiya
Doi
Against Nagoya, you need to load up the middle so they don't have room to operate......the layered 6 is going to clog things up and have people helping on the break. You also have Leandro and Diego filling the post so you can at least get a semblance of a counterattack. The pieces are slow but there's no helping that.
Tough day ahead next week. at least Albirex is coming up and a chance for some points.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Get the Vaseline
Cause Wednesday night was a major league reaming. To be fair though, it was a B team that trudged out against Shimizu S Pulse in the Nabisco Glorified Satellite Cup in Shizuoka. Seriously, any coach that puts out an A squad in this competition in qualifiers should be fired. I was ecstatic over the results against Yokohama by my Ardija because #1 It means more playing time for the kids in the last 3 games #2 Players like Nishimura, Morita, and Aratani showed themselves to be truly useless in their one big chance to impress and #3 Other squads who do qualify, like say ohhh, Jubilo are much more likely to wear down mentally after getting run out of the quarters.
Verdy should be happy with this result. Here's a quick question.....of Ventforet, Sanfrecce, and Omiya, which team did not qualify for the Nabisco Quarterfinals? Omiya. Which team barely survived relegation? Omiya. Coincidence, maybe......but when you aren't a deep team, every extra game hurts you a bit more and more.
Nabisco Cup gets you a trip to Hawaii.......that's it. Look at who won in the past. Kashiwa, FC Tokyo, JEF Chiba with Amar Osim. Not a real big list of killers there huh.
So great, you won Nabisco Cup. Whadda you want, A Cookie?
Next up is the nefarious yellow beasts from Kashiwa. The last time the teams faced in J1 competition, Verdy got sent to the lower depths. Should be a blast!
Verdy should be happy with this result. Here's a quick question.....of Ventforet, Sanfrecce, and Omiya, which team did not qualify for the Nabisco Quarterfinals? Omiya. Which team barely survived relegation? Omiya. Coincidence, maybe......but when you aren't a deep team, every extra game hurts you a bit more and more.
Nabisco Cup gets you a trip to Hawaii.......that's it. Look at who won in the past. Kashiwa, FC Tokyo, JEF Chiba with Amar Osim. Not a real big list of killers there huh.
So great, you won Nabisco Cup. Whadda you want, A Cookie?
Next up is the nefarious yellow beasts from Kashiwa. The last time the teams faced in J1 competition, Verdy got sent to the lower depths. Should be a blast!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The bull sees red as Verdy gets the gas
Yesterday saw the first official Tokyo Derby since the relegation years and unfortunately Verdy dropped it 2-1 on an own goal from young midfielder Shibasaki. Didn't catch the game but someone who did was our very good friend Nick, who has the report!
well moving on to the Tokyo Derby... the first half an absolute snorefest. Somebody correct me if I am mistaken but neither goalkeeper made a save?? Boring! Boring Boring!! NOTHING doing from either side until Hulk won a free kick on the edge of the FC Tokyo box. Diego teed it up to make the angle and the boy Hulk curled it round the keeper for a 1-0 lead. Cue the crap rocking the baby celebration...dear oh dear, next guy who does it should be shot for sheer unoriginality. In the World Cup 15 years ago for Brazil, OK it was cool, now its just rubbish. Anyhow, on a score basis I was happy at half time and chuckled that I had been pissed off to not be able to make the game because of work. On to the second half, started as before though with increasing regularity, the play was getting further and further towards the Verdy goal, this is not to say that Doi was being tested in any way, just that the crap game was being contested nearer to our goal than theirs. Diego (after being played in brilliantly by Hulk)had a glorious chance to put us 2 up 10 mins or so after the break only to fire at the keeper from just inside the box.This was made 100 times worse when around the 60 minute mark FC Tokyo, lashed in a corker. Quick 1-2 outside the box and Hanyu (I think) hit it first time on the volley, Doi got his fingers to it but it wasn`t enough. An excellent strike and the marker for the last 30 minutes. We were at full stretch for the last third with little going forward. The other team in Tokyo were REALLY pressing but fortunately they struggled with the final ball big time. Their guy Cabore...wow! hope he didn`t cost much on todays performance. Anyhow Verdy wouldn`t be Verdy without messing things up in injury time. To be fair they had battered us for the last 30 minutes since their goal and although its always a sickener to lose in injury time, it WAS on the cards. Own goal again im afraid... Even more annoying and made me want to puke was Hulks sending off!! Now we were very lucky last week with decisions but the opposite today, Hulk got his marching orders for THE most fussy yellows ever. The first a debatable foul ok,Ive seen them given, the second in the 93rd minute for jumping for a header!!If ANYONE can find an offence in Hulks second yellow card today, please write in.Is it an offence to jump within someones "personal space" now?? Sorry sir, yellow card, your armpits smell?? The Tokyo guy didnt go down, didnt feign injury, didn`t do anything, just carried on. Maybe the rocking the baby celebration was too much for the ref...We lost today but gave as good as we got. A draw would have been fair but since when have Verdy made things easy!!?? Its great being Green!!
I too hate the baby rocking.
A couple of other notes, looks like a Gashead has popped up on the Rising Sun News message board and there are unflattering pictures of Verdy up and away. Show your love!
Also, I don't understand why the good folks at the LoveDoll headquarters keep writing but they do. I think it's for prostitutes but I'm not sure. any of you brave souls wanna check it out and let me know, I would love for the LoveDolls to be my first site sponsor. maybe one of them could be Miss Soilent Green 2008. Just a thought!
Next up for team green is a Nabisco Cup match against somebody evil.....ahh yes, Shimizu away. After that is a quick jaunt to the always hated Kashiwa Reysol, where Diego and Yukio Tsuchiya get to meet up with their old friends and Verdy gets a shot at the squad who sent them to second tier hell. Good Times!
well moving on to the Tokyo Derby... the first half an absolute snorefest. Somebody correct me if I am mistaken but neither goalkeeper made a save?? Boring! Boring Boring!! NOTHING doing from either side until Hulk won a free kick on the edge of the FC Tokyo box. Diego teed it up to make the angle and the boy Hulk curled it round the keeper for a 1-0 lead. Cue the crap rocking the baby celebration...dear oh dear, next guy who does it should be shot for sheer unoriginality. In the World Cup 15 years ago for Brazil, OK it was cool, now its just rubbish. Anyhow, on a score basis I was happy at half time and chuckled that I had been pissed off to not be able to make the game because of work. On to the second half, started as before though with increasing regularity, the play was getting further and further towards the Verdy goal, this is not to say that Doi was being tested in any way, just that the crap game was being contested nearer to our goal than theirs. Diego (after being played in brilliantly by Hulk)had a glorious chance to put us 2 up 10 mins or so after the break only to fire at the keeper from just inside the box.This was made 100 times worse when around the 60 minute mark FC Tokyo, lashed in a corker. Quick 1-2 outside the box and Hanyu (I think) hit it first time on the volley, Doi got his fingers to it but it wasn`t enough. An excellent strike and the marker for the last 30 minutes. We were at full stretch for the last third with little going forward. The other team in Tokyo were REALLY pressing but fortunately they struggled with the final ball big time. Their guy Cabore...wow! hope he didn`t cost much on todays performance. Anyhow Verdy wouldn`t be Verdy without messing things up in injury time. To be fair they had battered us for the last 30 minutes since their goal and although its always a sickener to lose in injury time, it WAS on the cards. Own goal again im afraid... Even more annoying and made me want to puke was Hulks sending off!! Now we were very lucky last week with decisions but the opposite today, Hulk got his marching orders for THE most fussy yellows ever. The first a debatable foul ok,Ive seen them given, the second in the 93rd minute for jumping for a header!!If ANYONE can find an offence in Hulks second yellow card today, please write in.Is it an offence to jump within someones "personal space" now?? Sorry sir, yellow card, your armpits smell?? The Tokyo guy didnt go down, didnt feign injury, didn`t do anything, just carried on. Maybe the rocking the baby celebration was too much for the ref...We lost today but gave as good as we got. A draw would have been fair but since when have Verdy made things easy!!?? Its great being Green!!
I too hate the baby rocking.
A couple of other notes, looks like a Gashead has popped up on the Rising Sun News message board and there are unflattering pictures of Verdy up and away. Show your love!
Also, I don't understand why the good folks at the LoveDoll headquarters keep writing but they do. I think it's for prostitutes but I'm not sure. any of you brave souls wanna check it out and let me know, I would love for the LoveDolls to be my first site sponsor. maybe one of them could be Miss Soilent Green 2008. Just a thought!
Next up for team green is a Nabisco Cup match against somebody evil.....ahh yes, Shimizu away. After that is a quick jaunt to the always hated Kashiwa Reysol, where Diego and Yukio Tsuchiya get to meet up with their old friends and Verdy gets a shot at the squad who sent them to second tier hell. Good Times!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Chatroom fun
http://www.chatzy.com/145877716756 Password: ruyramos
Gora from the Sanga blog has graciously set up this chat room for all gametime discussions. If you would like, please pop in and discuss Verdy and Hulk.
Also, Shintaro Kano reveals that another former Hulk club, Consadole Sapporo, was hot on the heels of the bombastic striker.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20080406TDY24303.htm
See ya in a few!
Gora from the Sanga blog has graciously set up this chat room for all gametime discussions. If you would like, please pop in and discuss Verdy and Hulk.
Also, Shintaro Kano reveals that another former Hulk club, Consadole Sapporo, was hot on the heels of the bombastic striker.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20080406TDY24303.htm
See ya in a few!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Vissel Kobe up next after another loss
The rags are all saying that we might see the Hulk system in action tomorrow against Kobe at HomeStadium.
Wednesday's game might have offered a clue as to what the team will look like for the foreseeable future.
Wednesday
Hiramoto
Diego
Leandro Kawano
Tomisawa Fukunishi
Hattori Nasu Tsuchiya Wada
Doi
So Hulk, who managed to put up 13 shots in a reserve match against the kids yesterday in for Hiramoto. I'm actually wondering what will happen to Hiramoto now that Hulk is back. Last year he was finished before it started......would we possibly see another rental or will he be a 10 minute man?
Actually that brings up a good point...........who lost in this little acquisition?
Francisimare-Well, he's done already
Hiramoto- Similar style player and shows he and Hulk don't mesh well together.
Iio- Leandro gets his spot on the wing, fair or not. I'd say fair!
Chiba, Albirex, Consadole, Omiya, and others who were in a position to drop- Adding a big gum in the season hurts the lower level squads immensely. Without Hulk, it was pretty clear to see Verdy would struggle greatly......with him? Maybe still a struggle, but it won't be dull.
Also, if you get a chance, Nick posted another excellent review of the games. Check it out!
Wednesday's game might have offered a clue as to what the team will look like for the foreseeable future.
Wednesday
Hiramoto
Diego
Leandro Kawano
Tomisawa Fukunishi
Hattori Nasu Tsuchiya Wada
Doi
So Hulk, who managed to put up 13 shots in a reserve match against the kids yesterday in for Hiramoto. I'm actually wondering what will happen to Hiramoto now that Hulk is back. Last year he was finished before it started......would we possibly see another rental or will he be a 10 minute man?
Actually that brings up a good point...........who lost in this little acquisition?
Francisimare-Well, he's done already
Hiramoto- Similar style player and shows he and Hulk don't mesh well together.
Iio- Leandro gets his spot on the wing, fair or not. I'd say fair!
Chiba, Albirex, Consadole, Omiya, and others who were in a position to drop- Adding a big gum in the season hurts the lower level squads immensely. Without Hulk, it was pretty clear to see Verdy would struggle greatly......with him? Maybe still a struggle, but it won't be dull.
Also, if you get a chance, Nick posted another excellent review of the games. Check it out!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
HE'S BACK!!!!!
The squad announced today that in hopes of shoring up this campaign and surging ahead they have brought in Dedimar.............Ahhh, April Fools was yesterdayNo, actually Hulk is officially back.
http://www.jsgoal.jp/club/00062000/00062938.html
And Francisimare is no more.
Here are 9 reasons why Hulk will be a better fit in Verdyland
1. He is in his natural position as a spearhead for the offense
2. He will get plenty of chances to touch the ball
3. He is surrounded by complimentary players like Diego and Leandro
4. He's not competing against another primadonna
5. He has a good relationship with Hashiratani and his boss
6. He's a shot machine on ateam that doesn't shoot.
7. He knows the system and it's tailor made for him
8. Strong leaders who have been there before, unlike Frontale
9. He's in Green
Hulk back on the 6th?
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2008/04/01/01.html
Sponichi house of sports and porn (via Gora) is reporting that it is pretty much a done deal between Verdy and Kawasaki for Hulk. the rag is reporting that if all goes well, Hulk might be in the lineup against Vissel Kobe at Kobe. Ironically enough, that was Hulk's last game in the black and blue of Frontale. Look for more info Tomorrow, but for now it looks as if Hulk is coming back.
Sponichi house of sports and porn (via Gora) is reporting that it is pretty much a done deal between Verdy and Kawasaki for Hulk. the rag is reporting that if all goes well, Hulk might be in the lineup against Vissel Kobe at Kobe. Ironically enough, that was Hulk's last game in the black and blue of Frontale. Look for more info Tomorrow, but for now it looks as if Hulk is coming back.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Getting closer
http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/soccer/jleague/news/20080401-OHT1T00111.htm
If you believe Sports Hochi......and I usually don't.....it looks like Verdy might be bringing back the big striker Hulk in the next day or two. Good move if it happens.
WINNING 11-March edition
These are Soilent Green's 11 best for March
FW Leandro Vissel Kobe- The striker has had his hand in many things for the Kansai club and is a main reason why they are in the position they are in. 2 months without him is gonna hurt.
FW Marquinhos-Kashima Antlers- Best striker on the team so far. We'll see if it lasts.
MF Yoshizumi Ogawa Nagoya Grampus- The young mid has helped lighten the burden of losing Honda to europe and deserves credit for the fast Nagoya start.
MF Yasuyuki Konno FC Tokyo- The engine that runs the gasman attack. 7 goals is not too shabby.....maybe focus on defense a bit though?
MF Mu Kanazaki Oita Trinita- Like Ogawa, Kanazawa has filled in nicely for the departed Umezaki and injured Ienaga. The retarded turtles are probably the shock team of 2008.
MF Keisuke Kurihara Vissel Kobe- The old man and former Kawasaki Verdy player is quietly putting together a nice season in midfield for the 2nd place squad.
DF-MF Sidiclei Kyoto Sanga- Although Yanagisawa and Watanabe are grabbing the headlines, Sidiclei has been a rock in the middle of the field for the upstart Sanga squad. Definetely worthy of praise for a man Gamba thought was past it.
DF Takanobu Komiyama Yokohama F Marinos- Great start so far and often overshadowed by his more illustrious teammate in D
DF Yuji Nakazawa Yokohama F Marinos- Lazarus of the back 4. Always in the mix and incredibly hyped. He's played up to it so far.
DF Toru Araiba Kashima Antlers- Best player on the best defense so far. God Kashima is scary.
GK- Koji Ezumi Omiya Ardija- Ezumi has stolen points for Omiya by playing like a demon between the pipes. Unbelievable skill shown by a guy who Soilent Green thought didn't have it in him.
Best player for Verdy IMHO- GK Yoichi Doi. Didn't really like the pickup at first but Doi has kept the squad in position to steal points. Allowing only 2 goals while being placed in a Gamba shooting gallery deserves some praise.
If you believe Sports Hochi......and I usually don't.....it looks like Verdy might be bringing back the big striker Hulk in the next day or two. Good move if it happens.
WINNING 11-March edition
These are Soilent Green's 11 best for March
FW Leandro Vissel Kobe- The striker has had his hand in many things for the Kansai club and is a main reason why they are in the position they are in. 2 months without him is gonna hurt.
FW Marquinhos-Kashima Antlers- Best striker on the team so far. We'll see if it lasts.
MF Yoshizumi Ogawa Nagoya Grampus- The young mid has helped lighten the burden of losing Honda to europe and deserves credit for the fast Nagoya start.
MF Yasuyuki Konno FC Tokyo- The engine that runs the gasman attack. 7 goals is not too shabby.....maybe focus on defense a bit though?
MF Mu Kanazaki Oita Trinita- Like Ogawa, Kanazawa has filled in nicely for the departed Umezaki and injured Ienaga. The retarded turtles are probably the shock team of 2008.
MF Keisuke Kurihara Vissel Kobe- The old man and former Kawasaki Verdy player is quietly putting together a nice season in midfield for the 2nd place squad.
DF-MF Sidiclei Kyoto Sanga- Although Yanagisawa and Watanabe are grabbing the headlines, Sidiclei has been a rock in the middle of the field for the upstart Sanga squad. Definetely worthy of praise for a man Gamba thought was past it.
DF Takanobu Komiyama Yokohama F Marinos- Great start so far and often overshadowed by his more illustrious teammate in D
DF Yuji Nakazawa Yokohama F Marinos- Lazarus of the back 4. Always in the mix and incredibly hyped. He's played up to it so far.
DF Toru Araiba Kashima Antlers- Best player on the best defense so far. God Kashima is scary.
GK- Koji Ezumi Omiya Ardija- Ezumi has stolen points for Omiya by playing like a demon between the pipes. Unbelievable skill shown by a guy who Soilent Green thought didn't have it in him.
Best player for Verdy IMHO- GK Yoichi Doi. Didn't really like the pickup at first but Doi has kept the squad in position to steal points. Allowing only 2 goals while being placed in a Gamba shooting gallery deserves some praise.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
5 shots
5 shots today. 5 little shots. 5 measly shots
22 shots on the season so far........22 shots total.
2 goals....1 on a PK
Today saw Coach Hashiratani run out a lineup without Kaz Iio, instead choosing to line Leandro on the side and pair up Diego with the big donkey. And it worked, sort of. The donkey got his goal but the previously inept Gamba Osaka got 2 on an incredible 19 shots. Lucas AKA Lionel Richie Jr. managed to grab one late to seal the deal for Gamba and send Verdy into relegation territory for the first time this season.
More troubling for the team is that fellow promotion debutants, Kyoto Sanga and Consadole Sapporo both have wins in league play and seem to have their teams in position to at least be competitive. Today's game saw 4 yellow cards for the Verdy side......almost matching the shot total.......which did I mention was a paltry 5 today?
Somebody on the Big Soccer boards asked the question "Are Verdy really that desperate to spend 500000000 yen to get Hulk from Frontale?"
Yes, they are.
The good news is Sports Hochi is reporting that indeed there is interest from the team to sign Hulk. They are currently exploring ways to make this come to fruition. Whether or not Kawasaki wants to deal with Verdy is another matter, but I think the yen is mightier than the possible fan grudge that could happen if Hulk is successful and Juninho still stinks.
Other news from the Hochi is that Rui Ramos is getting a change in title from Executive Director to Managing Director. Why? Who F@#$$$$ Knows?
So if your keeping score at home
Albirex really sucks right now and that makes me sad because I like Albirex and their fans.
Urawa, Gamba, and Kawasaki don't suck as bad as everybody thought.
Chiba is starting to suck like everyone thought they would.
Omiya is not bad but kinda suck at scoring still. Shimizu sucks sometimes. Kashiwa sucks without Fransa. Consadole and Kyoto don't quite suck as much as promoted teams usually do.
Oita sucks even though they don't suck. Nagoya hasn't sucked yet but are due to. FC Tokyo sucks because they are FC Tokyo. Jubilo sucks against everyone except for Gamba and Verdy.
Verdy doesn't have enough offense to not suck. Yokohama F Marinos don't suck very much. Vissel sucks because they are owned by Rakuten and they changed their shirts and they bought their way to respectability and Leandro should come back to Omiya.
Kashima desn't suck at all and if they keep up their pace, the J League will suck this year meaning that in fact Kashima sucks for screwing up the J league.
Kazu Sucks.
22 shots on the season so far........22 shots total.
2 goals....1 on a PK
Today saw Coach Hashiratani run out a lineup without Kaz Iio, instead choosing to line Leandro on the side and pair up Diego with the big donkey. And it worked, sort of. The donkey got his goal but the previously inept Gamba Osaka got 2 on an incredible 19 shots. Lucas AKA Lionel Richie Jr. managed to grab one late to seal the deal for Gamba and send Verdy into relegation territory for the first time this season.
More troubling for the team is that fellow promotion debutants, Kyoto Sanga and Consadole Sapporo both have wins in league play and seem to have their teams in position to at least be competitive. Today's game saw 4 yellow cards for the Verdy side......almost matching the shot total.......which did I mention was a paltry 5 today?
Somebody on the Big Soccer boards asked the question "Are Verdy really that desperate to spend 500000000 yen to get Hulk from Frontale?"
Yes, they are.
The good news is Sports Hochi is reporting that indeed there is interest from the team to sign Hulk. They are currently exploring ways to make this come to fruition. Whether or not Kawasaki wants to deal with Verdy is another matter, but I think the yen is mightier than the possible fan grudge that could happen if Hulk is successful and Juninho still stinks.
Other news from the Hochi is that Rui Ramos is getting a change in title from Executive Director to Managing Director. Why? Who F@#$$$$ Knows?
So if your keeping score at home
Albirex really sucks right now and that makes me sad because I like Albirex and their fans.
Urawa, Gamba, and Kawasaki don't suck as bad as everybody thought.
Chiba is starting to suck like everyone thought they would.
Omiya is not bad but kinda suck at scoring still. Shimizu sucks sometimes. Kashiwa sucks without Fransa. Consadole and Kyoto don't quite suck as much as promoted teams usually do.
Oita sucks even though they don't suck. Nagoya hasn't sucked yet but are due to. FC Tokyo sucks because they are FC Tokyo. Jubilo sucks against everyone except for Gamba and Verdy.
Verdy doesn't have enough offense to not suck. Yokohama F Marinos don't suck very much. Vissel sucks because they are owned by Rakuten and they changed their shirts and they bought their way to respectability and Leandro should come back to Omiya.
Kashima desn't suck at all and if they keep up their pace, the J League will suck this year meaning that in fact Kashima sucks for screwing up the J league.
Kazu Sucks.
Friday, March 28, 2008
You say goodbye, I say hello?
I hate the Beatles and if I never hear another song by them again it would be too soon.
Anyhow, Sports Hochi has a little blurb today saying that Verdy is very interested in the possibility of signing Hulk to the squad.
http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/soccer/jleague/news/20080328-OHT1T00291.htm
Two things standing in the way of signing the big man are the transfer fee of 5 big fat ones (problem) and the lack of a foreign spot (not a problem *COUGH*Francisimare*COUGH*)
The article said that Verdy will elaborate more today. The team would look much better with the big man in the lineup again.
Speaking of lineups, El Golazo picks these 11 for tomorrows game with Gamba
GK Doi
DF Hattori-Nasu-Tsuchiya-Wada
MF Hiroyama-Tomisawa-Fukunishi-Iio
MF Diego
FW (I guess) Leandro
Take a look for Inoue and Hiramoto to be on the bench and the team to switch to two top later in the game. Hiramoto scored 3 against the university squad they had a friendly against last week.
Anyhow, if things work out with Hulk..........we might see the last of the no shot offense.
Anyhow, Sports Hochi has a little blurb today saying that Verdy is very interested in the possibility of signing Hulk to the squad.
http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/soccer/jleague/news/20080328-OHT1T00291.htm
Two things standing in the way of signing the big man are the transfer fee of 5 big fat ones (problem) and the lack of a foreign spot (not a problem *COUGH*Francisimare*COUGH*)
The article said that Verdy will elaborate more today. The team would look much better with the big man in the lineup again.
Speaking of lineups, El Golazo picks these 11 for tomorrows game with Gamba
GK Doi
DF Hattori-Nasu-Tsuchiya-Wada
MF Hiroyama-Tomisawa-Fukunishi-Iio
MF Diego
FW (I guess) Leandro
Take a look for Inoue and Hiramoto to be on the bench and the team to switch to two top later in the game. Hiramoto scored 3 against the university squad they had a friendly against last week.
Anyhow, if things work out with Hulk..........we might see the last of the no shot offense.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Deja Vu in Kawasaki?
A while ago, a team called Verdy Kawasaki left the Kanagawa city and headed for Tokyo. Yesterday, a man who for all intensive purposes WAS Verdy last year, packed up and left Kanagawa. Today, Hulk is the most sought after talent in the J League. 2 league ames into the season and the Brazilian has decided that the coupling of him with the rapidly aging Juninho wasn't in the cards. Playing out on the wing, rather than his natural middle position has left the mercurial striker in a very foul mood.
Speculation has already started as to where the big boy is headed.
Here are some options in Japan and out as well.
1. URAWA REDS- Rumors were flying about Hulk being gobbled up by the big red machine. With the early flops of Takahara and Edmilson, you have to say it's a good bet that Urawa will be a player in any bidding war. Add to the fact that they still have one slot open for a foreign allocation and it would be an easy assumption that Hulk lands in red just like another moody Brazilian striker (well 2 actually, Edmundo and Washington both ended up in Urawa)
2. Tokyo Verdy- No discussion of possible destinations would be complete without mentioning the green of Verdy. Hulk had a career year here, he is tailor made for the system and has a great chemistry going with Diego. Dropping either Leandro or Francisimare would not be a huge loss considering what would be coming back in.
3. Omiya Ardija- Yeah, stop laughing. Omiya was in the bidding war for Maki during the offseason and it's becoming increasingly clear that Denis Marquez is not going to be in the plans of Coach Higuchi anytime soon. The service of Marquez to Juninho and Chong Tese is exactly what is needed for Frontale to get their ball rolling again and Hulks pressing style and strength with the ball would be a perfect compliment to the young Pedro Junior up top. It would also allow Kota Yoshihara to use his speed on the wing. A swap of cash and Marquez for Hulk would be a perfect fit for both teams and it would also help a squad that doesn't really get in the way of Kawasaki's championship intentions.
4. Shizuoka squads- Both Jubilo and Shimizu seem to be in ruts. The addition of Hulk would change the complexion and chemistry of both teams. Probably for the better......especially with Jubilo.
5. Middle East- Hulk has been in Japan for 3 years and he has mentioned the fact that he'd like to become a citizen......however there is alot of money to be made in the desert. Ask Rodrigo Gral.
6. Europe- there was talk that Bayern Munich were looking at Hulk as a potential addition. He could probably find a job in the Netherlands or smaller leagues and excel. He might have to wait on that though with the transfer window closed.
As I said before, I didn't think he was gonna fit in with the scorers at Kawasaki and he didn't. I couldn't imagine it would be only a month in though. Good luck to him wherever he lands.
Speculation has already started as to where the big boy is headed.
Here are some options in Japan and out as well.
1. URAWA REDS- Rumors were flying about Hulk being gobbled up by the big red machine. With the early flops of Takahara and Edmilson, you have to say it's a good bet that Urawa will be a player in any bidding war. Add to the fact that they still have one slot open for a foreign allocation and it would be an easy assumption that Hulk lands in red just like another moody Brazilian striker (well 2 actually, Edmundo and Washington both ended up in Urawa)
2. Tokyo Verdy- No discussion of possible destinations would be complete without mentioning the green of Verdy. Hulk had a career year here, he is tailor made for the system and has a great chemistry going with Diego. Dropping either Leandro or Francisimare would not be a huge loss considering what would be coming back in.
3. Omiya Ardija- Yeah, stop laughing. Omiya was in the bidding war for Maki during the offseason and it's becoming increasingly clear that Denis Marquez is not going to be in the plans of Coach Higuchi anytime soon. The service of Marquez to Juninho and Chong Tese is exactly what is needed for Frontale to get their ball rolling again and Hulks pressing style and strength with the ball would be a perfect compliment to the young Pedro Junior up top. It would also allow Kota Yoshihara to use his speed on the wing. A swap of cash and Marquez for Hulk would be a perfect fit for both teams and it would also help a squad that doesn't really get in the way of Kawasaki's championship intentions.
4. Shizuoka squads- Both Jubilo and Shimizu seem to be in ruts. The addition of Hulk would change the complexion and chemistry of both teams. Probably for the better......especially with Jubilo.
5. Middle East- Hulk has been in Japan for 3 years and he has mentioned the fact that he'd like to become a citizen......however there is alot of money to be made in the desert. Ask Rodrigo Gral.
6. Europe- there was talk that Bayern Munich were looking at Hulk as a potential addition. He could probably find a job in the Netherlands or smaller leagues and excel. He might have to wait on that though with the transfer window closed.
As I said before, I didn't think he was gonna fit in with the scorers at Kawasaki and he didn't. I couldn't imagine it would be only a month in though. Good luck to him wherever he lands.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Hashiratani Enthusiastic about the Forwards!!!!!!
Or not so much actually. Shintaro Kano of the Daily Yomiuri had an interview with the coach who gave a less than stellar response.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20080324TDY20304.htm
While Hashiratani managed to keep his chin up after the draw, he didn't sound particularly enthusiastic about his team's future prospects for goals, with Verdy next traveling west to face Gamba Osaka in the league on March 30. The manager even seemed to be signaling SOS.
"I thought the boys fought hard for 90 minutes," the former Japan defender said. "But again, we just didn't have enough quality in front of goal.
"All I can say to the players is that we have to work harder in training. If we can get someone new, that would be great but it's not up to me to make that decision; it's the company's.
"All we can do is try to work better with what we're given."
The team did well in the offseason to build up the back 4 but one has to wonder if bringing in a complementary, assist oriented striker and a less than stellar midfielder to serve as a backup was the best use of resources for the team in regards to the foriegn player allocations. Starting to look like the J1 versions of Basilio and Anailson.
Meanwhile throwing the explosive personality of Hulk in the already unstable mix at Kawasaki Frontale has caused the team to arguably be the biggest disaster in the J League thus far. Frontale dropped another game to the lambs of the great north end in Sapporo yesterday, giving them an awful 1 point in 4 matches (League and Cup). Thankfully for them, Urawa has been the main story as front running flops.
The Heat Index
Blazing Hot
1. Kashima Antlers-ridiculous 21 goals in 4 matches and no signs of slowing down soon. Didn't Marquinhos used to play for Verdy?
2. Yokohama F Marinos- The tie against Omiya was predictable.......they haven't won against Omiya since Nabisco Cup 2005.
3. Oita Trinita-Shockingly at the top of the heap when almost everyone left them for dead. They will go as far as Ueslei's ancient legs and crotchety soul will take them.
4. Kyoto Sanga FC- who knew that Elevator Sanga would be the hot squad in the Kansai area. Even when they get down, they manage to claw their way back. Could make some noise in the Nabisco Cup.
Sunny Outlook
5. Nagoya Grampus- Pixy has his boys off to a fine start and wins over Kobe and Urawa don't hurt at all. We'll see if they remain the Grampus of old or if the new gaffer has instilled some fighting spirit.
6. Vissel Kobe- Back to Back wins over Kawasaki and Urawa would be remarkable in any other season but this isn't any other season. If Leandro and Okubo are able to kick it up a notch, they have an outside chance to contend for the title.
7. FC Tokyo- Odd team, FC Tokyo. They look respectable right now but wait a few weeks and they will go cold again. Victories over Jubilo and Niigata really pose more questions than answers and getting run out at Shimizu doesn't look good. However Cabore and Emerson look like real players.
Cool Breeze
8. Shimizu S Pulse- Another up and down squad. Opening day disappointment against Oita followed by wins against less than stellar Chiba and FC Tokyo.
9. Omiya Ardija- Much improved over last seasons snorefest. Troubling signs involving their second half collapses to Albirex and Kyoto on the road. However, the home scoreless streak continues. Big tests against Shimizu and Nagoya ahead.
Cold Front
10. Jubilo Iwata- even though the squad has won twice, one wonders if this a team capable of competing in the upper levels. Filled with big names and NT perenialls. I think the crush will be on once the heart of World Cup qualifying starts. Smells like Sanfrecce.
11. Kashiwa Reysol- I'm sorry but you should never, ever let a lead go when your a man up against a team like Chiba. Ever. Not happy with you Kashiwa......not at all.
12. Gamba Osaka- Eeks in on the gutty performance in Korea. Somebody did something to Bare after his crushing of the Dynamo in Hawaii. Maybe he got the cursed tiki from one of the Brady boys and now he has to go find Vincent Price to take off the voodoo........or something like that.
This group sponsored by Kappa who could possibly see all three of their squads in J2 next year.
13. Tokyo Verdy-Scoring is nice and it helps you stay in J1. Try to find someone that can actually do it. Shades of Omiya 2007.
14. Consadole Sapporo- Big win yesterday against Kawasaki. Unfortunately that didn't come in a match that counts (league wise) so they are the early front runners to take the plunge. Takagi is back though so the dude with the really awful mullet can step away from the goal.
15. JEF Chiba- Kuse has the team playing a tight, lock down, drag out type of game which has netted them a creible 2 draws. Good coach.......so-so talent. We'll see if he can keep them above water.
Blizzard Conditions
16. Urawa Reds- The fans are pissed, the team is dysfunctional, the coach has been sacked. Yep, I'm in Heaven!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately we saw signs of them coming out of their funk with a hat trick by Edmilson against Kyoto in a 3-3 draw.
17. Kawasaki Frontale- Wow...........not pretty at all. I thought that Hulk wasn't gonna be a good fit but man........didn't think it would be this bad. The Tokyo tie was bad, the Kobe thrashing was worse, but that loss against Consadole had to take the cake.
18. Albirex Niigata- Omiya wishes they could play Niigata every week.....drubbings at the hands of Oita and FC Tokyo aren't helpful either. Should be helped by the eventual return of Richardes but will it be too late for coach Suzuki?
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20080324TDY20304.htm
While Hashiratani managed to keep his chin up after the draw, he didn't sound particularly enthusiastic about his team's future prospects for goals, with Verdy next traveling west to face Gamba Osaka in the league on March 30. The manager even seemed to be signaling SOS.
"I thought the boys fought hard for 90 minutes," the former Japan defender said. "But again, we just didn't have enough quality in front of goal.
"All I can say to the players is that we have to work harder in training. If we can get someone new, that would be great but it's not up to me to make that decision; it's the company's.
"All we can do is try to work better with what we're given."
The team did well in the offseason to build up the back 4 but one has to wonder if bringing in a complementary, assist oriented striker and a less than stellar midfielder to serve as a backup was the best use of resources for the team in regards to the foriegn player allocations. Starting to look like the J1 versions of Basilio and Anailson.
Meanwhile throwing the explosive personality of Hulk in the already unstable mix at Kawasaki Frontale has caused the team to arguably be the biggest disaster in the J League thus far. Frontale dropped another game to the lambs of the great north end in Sapporo yesterday, giving them an awful 1 point in 4 matches (League and Cup). Thankfully for them, Urawa has been the main story as front running flops.
The Heat Index
Blazing Hot
1. Kashima Antlers-ridiculous 21 goals in 4 matches and no signs of slowing down soon. Didn't Marquinhos used to play for Verdy?
2. Yokohama F Marinos- The tie against Omiya was predictable.......they haven't won against Omiya since Nabisco Cup 2005.
3. Oita Trinita-Shockingly at the top of the heap when almost everyone left them for dead. They will go as far as Ueslei's ancient legs and crotchety soul will take them.
4. Kyoto Sanga FC- who knew that Elevator Sanga would be the hot squad in the Kansai area. Even when they get down, they manage to claw their way back. Could make some noise in the Nabisco Cup.
Sunny Outlook
5. Nagoya Grampus- Pixy has his boys off to a fine start and wins over Kobe and Urawa don't hurt at all. We'll see if they remain the Grampus of old or if the new gaffer has instilled some fighting spirit.
6. Vissel Kobe- Back to Back wins over Kawasaki and Urawa would be remarkable in any other season but this isn't any other season. If Leandro and Okubo are able to kick it up a notch, they have an outside chance to contend for the title.
7. FC Tokyo- Odd team, FC Tokyo. They look respectable right now but wait a few weeks and they will go cold again. Victories over Jubilo and Niigata really pose more questions than answers and getting run out at Shimizu doesn't look good. However Cabore and Emerson look like real players.
Cool Breeze
8. Shimizu S Pulse- Another up and down squad. Opening day disappointment against Oita followed by wins against less than stellar Chiba and FC Tokyo.
9. Omiya Ardija- Much improved over last seasons snorefest. Troubling signs involving their second half collapses to Albirex and Kyoto on the road. However, the home scoreless streak continues. Big tests against Shimizu and Nagoya ahead.
Cold Front
10. Jubilo Iwata- even though the squad has won twice, one wonders if this a team capable of competing in the upper levels. Filled with big names and NT perenialls. I think the crush will be on once the heart of World Cup qualifying starts. Smells like Sanfrecce.
11. Kashiwa Reysol- I'm sorry but you should never, ever let a lead go when your a man up against a team like Chiba. Ever. Not happy with you Kashiwa......not at all.
12. Gamba Osaka- Eeks in on the gutty performance in Korea. Somebody did something to Bare after his crushing of the Dynamo in Hawaii. Maybe he got the cursed tiki from one of the Brady boys and now he has to go find Vincent Price to take off the voodoo........or something like that.
This group sponsored by Kappa who could possibly see all three of their squads in J2 next year.
13. Tokyo Verdy-Scoring is nice and it helps you stay in J1. Try to find someone that can actually do it. Shades of Omiya 2007.
14. Consadole Sapporo- Big win yesterday against Kawasaki. Unfortunately that didn't come in a match that counts (league wise) so they are the early front runners to take the plunge. Takagi is back though so the dude with the really awful mullet can step away from the goal.
15. JEF Chiba- Kuse has the team playing a tight, lock down, drag out type of game which has netted them a creible 2 draws. Good coach.......so-so talent. We'll see if he can keep them above water.
Blizzard Conditions
16. Urawa Reds- The fans are pissed, the team is dysfunctional, the coach has been sacked. Yep, I'm in Heaven!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately we saw signs of them coming out of their funk with a hat trick by Edmilson against Kyoto in a 3-3 draw.
17. Kawasaki Frontale- Wow...........not pretty at all. I thought that Hulk wasn't gonna be a good fit but man........didn't think it would be this bad. The Tokyo tie was bad, the Kobe thrashing was worse, but that loss against Consadole had to take the cake.
18. Albirex Niigata- Omiya wishes they could play Niigata every week.....drubbings at the hands of Oita and FC Tokyo aren't helpful either. Should be helped by the eventual return of Richardes but will it be too late for coach Suzuki?
Fit to be tied
The scoreless streak continues as Coach Hashiratani and the lads went out to a 0-0 draw with the always tough Shimizu S Pulse.
Verdy opted to go with the behemoth Yuzo Funakoshi up top in place of Leandro in a bizarre one top formation. However, the team did manage to get off 12 shots to Shimizu's 8.
The tie puts the team last in the 4 team group
Standings
Shimizu 4pts 1-1-0 +2
FC Tokyo 3pts 1-0-1 0
Jubilo 3pts 1-0-1 0
Tokyo Verdy 0-1-1 -2
Next up for team green is a visit to out of form side Gamba, who find themselves in the same precarious position as Verdy early on in the season. A win would do wonders for the confidence of Tokyo's other squad.......hell, a goal would probably boost their spirits immensely.
Anyhow, if you have any thoughts or views on the game, as always feel free to post them here!
Verdy opted to go with the behemoth Yuzo Funakoshi up top in place of Leandro in a bizarre one top formation. However, the team did manage to get off 12 shots to Shimizu's 8.
The tie puts the team last in the 4 team group
Standings
Shimizu 4pts 1-1-0 +2
FC Tokyo 3pts 1-0-1 0
Jubilo 3pts 1-0-1 0
Tokyo Verdy 0-1-1 -2
Next up for team green is a visit to out of form side Gamba, who find themselves in the same precarious position as Verdy early on in the season. A win would do wonders for the confidence of Tokyo's other squad.......hell, a goal would probably boost their spirits immensely.
Anyhow, if you have any thoughts or views on the game, as always feel free to post them here!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Hagimura sees red as Verdy stumbles
Another 2-0 loss is in the books as Verdy drops one to Jubilo at Ajinomoto
Personally I don't care about Nabisco Cup at all and think if you aren't using it to either A. Blood young players in live competition or B. Trying to straighten out some sort of team defect then the whole thing is a waste of time
Hell, FC Tokyo won one of these stupid competitions once......how important could it be?
Anyhow, I'm still not in the mood to write but I will post little snippets here and there and let you talk about the games.......it seems there still is a desire for you guys to connect with eachother and since I started this monster, it's the least I can do.
BTW......I don't think one top with a non-scoring forward is the best idea. Not sold on Leandro and I'm wondering where Chubbymoto waddled off to after his first successful foray into Verdy green.
Personally I don't care about Nabisco Cup at all and think if you aren't using it to either A. Blood young players in live competition or B. Trying to straighten out some sort of team defect then the whole thing is a waste of time
Hell, FC Tokyo won one of these stupid competitions once......how important could it be?
Anyhow, I'm still not in the mood to write but I will post little snippets here and there and let you talk about the games.......it seems there still is a desire for you guys to connect with eachother and since I started this monster, it's the least I can do.
BTW......I don't think one top with a non-scoring forward is the best idea. Not sold on Leandro and I'm wondering where Chubbymoto waddled off to after his first successful foray into Verdy green.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Weekend Wrapup
This is gonna be quick........
Shinji Muro transferred to Sagan Tosu. The GK who was acquired from the highly prestigious Bay United in New Zealand played never for Verdy last year and probably won't play for Sagan next year either. Good Luck
A team of second stringers tied newly promoted J2 side Roasso Kumamoto 1-1 on Saturday in Kumamoto. Practice match superstar Kazunori Iio notched an early goal for the squad before Kumamoto tied late.
The team also won 7-0 to Miyasaki girls school of beauty and Gynecology 7-0 (Some University squad.....dunno, don't care)
Don't write angry.
Shinji Muro transferred to Sagan Tosu. The GK who was acquired from the highly prestigious Bay United in New Zealand played never for Verdy last year and probably won't play for Sagan next year either. Good Luck
A team of second stringers tied newly promoted J2 side Roasso Kumamoto 1-1 on Saturday in Kumamoto. Practice match superstar Kazunori Iio notched an early goal for the squad before Kumamoto tied late.
The team also won 7-0 to Miyasaki girls school of beauty and Gynecology 7-0 (Some University squad.....dunno, don't care)
Don't write angry.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Another "Guest" weighs in on Verdy
Shocking developments as a certain controversial Japanese Superstar weighs in on the 2008 version of Tokyo Verdy. Diva Kumi Koda has a bone to pick with this year's squad. Who knew this salty siren had an opinion on Tokyo Verdy? Who knew she liked soccer? Who knew she had my e-mail address? Anyhow, here's Kumi
Look, I'm totally not down with this years team. Seriously......they are OOOOOOLLLLLLLLD. It's a fact that once you hit 35, you are not only poisoned in your ancient womb, you are poisoned in life. Look yo, Tsuchiya, Doi, Kaimoto, Hagimoora, and Fukunishi are as old as my daddy and that creepy guy that walks the sidelines in the dinner jacket and the greasy hair.........Two words, Conditioner Byatch!
What's with their keeper? Who wears pink? It reminds me of that Ho Ayumi Hamasaki.
I hate her....she's like anorexic and she's easy too. My gawd, yo, she is so nasty. Speaking of nasty have you seen that new dude Leandro, seriously, he looks like one of those dudes that I made with on the yamanote line when I was in high school. Ewwww, garlic breath!Anyhow, yo, i'm outty. Verdy is as over as SMAP and I'm hittin one of those dudes.
Who knew Kumi Koda spoke English? On second thought, after reading this we still don't know, do we?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Preseason Shenanigans!
Camp schedule is out and ooooooh it looks fun
Verdy will have preseason matches against the cream of J2, regional leagues and college teams. Surprisingly, not J1 squad is on the slate.
Miyasaki
2-7 vs Miyasaki University of something or other
2-9 preseason match vs Roasso Kumamoto
2-11 vs Ventforet Kofu
2-14 vs Tokushima Verdy......err Vortis
2-15 vs V Varen Nagasaki
2-17 vs Avispa Fukuoka
Verdy Beats on the Brats
The big boys took on their little brothers in a friendly and were victorious 5-0 in a 2x35 game
The first half saw Verdy field a squad of
Hiramoto and Funakoshi up top
Ono at the point
Hiroyama and Wada on the wings
Hattori and Fukunishi in the d mid position
Nasu, Hagimura, and Tsuchiya as the back 3
and Doi in goal
Hiramoto notched the first goal of the new preseason
In half 2, the team switched to a 3-4-3
Osama was up top with Iio and Inoue in support
Yoshitake and Fukuda played as wings
Sugawara and a student were in the middle
Miyasaka, Tomisawa, and Shinmura all teamed in the back
Takagi played keeper
Inoue and Osama both put up a brace to end the scoring at 5-0.
Now, if you remember last year, Hashiratani toyed with the 3 back setup as coach of the sattelite team. And for the most part it was successful in a shor period of time. Considering the pieces in place at the moment and the plethora of options at mid, it seems to be a wise decision to pursue a 3-5-2. Nasu, Hagimura and Tsuchiya all have experience playing in a 3 back system and the flexibility allows Diego to play as an attacking mid with the two former Jubilo men as anchors.
I'm guessing opening day might look like this
Leandro Hiramoto
Diego
Hiroyama Wada/Iio
Hattori Furuhashi
Nasu Hagimura Tsuchiya
Doi
Bench: Inoue, Funakoshi,Ono, Shibasaki, Kaimoto, Tomisawa, Iio/Wada, Takagi
Verdy will have preseason matches against the cream of J2, regional leagues and college teams. Surprisingly, not J1 squad is on the slate.
Miyasaki
2-7 vs Miyasaki University of something or other
2-9 preseason match vs Roasso Kumamoto
2-11 vs Ventforet Kofu
2-14 vs Tokushima Verdy......err Vortis
2-15 vs V Varen Nagasaki
2-17 vs Avispa Fukuoka
Verdy Beats on the Brats
The big boys took on their little brothers in a friendly and were victorious 5-0 in a 2x35 game
The first half saw Verdy field a squad of
Hiramoto and Funakoshi up top
Ono at the point
Hiroyama and Wada on the wings
Hattori and Fukunishi in the d mid position
Nasu, Hagimura, and Tsuchiya as the back 3
and Doi in goal
Hiramoto notched the first goal of the new preseason
In half 2, the team switched to a 3-4-3
Osama was up top with Iio and Inoue in support
Yoshitake and Fukuda played as wings
Sugawara and a student were in the middle
Miyasaka, Tomisawa, and Shinmura all teamed in the back
Takagi played keeper
Inoue and Osama both put up a brace to end the scoring at 5-0.
Now, if you remember last year, Hashiratani toyed with the 3 back setup as coach of the sattelite team. And for the most part it was successful in a shor period of time. Considering the pieces in place at the moment and the plethora of options at mid, it seems to be a wise decision to pursue a 3-5-2. Nasu, Hagimura and Tsuchiya all have experience playing in a 3 back system and the flexibility allows Diego to play as an attacking mid with the two former Jubilo men as anchors.
I'm guessing opening day might look like this
Leandro Hiramoto
Diego
Hiroyama Wada/Iio
Hattori Furuhashi
Nasu Hagimura Tsuchiya
Doi
Bench: Inoue, Funakoshi,Ono, Shibasaki, Kaimoto, Tomisawa, Iio/Wada, Takagi
Friday, February 01, 2008
Squad numbers and something different!
Finally, the team has released the uniform assignments for 2008. Here they are (* denotes new guy)1. Yoichi Doi* GK
2. Kensuke Fukuda DF
3. Shigenori Hagimura DF
4. Takumi Wada* DF
5. Daisuke Nasu* DF
6. Tomo Sugawara MF
7. Leandro* FW
8. Kosei Shibasaki MF
9. VACANT
10. Diego MF
11. Harutaka Ono MF (Captain)
12. THE FAN
13. Taira Inoue FW
14. Seitaro Tomisawa DF
15. VACANT
16. Kazunori Iio FW
17. Yukio Tsuchiya DF
18. Koijiro Kaimoto DF
19. Yuzo Funakoshi FW
20. Nozomi Hiroyama MF
21. Yoshinari Takagi GK
22. VACANT
23. Takashi Fukunishi* MF
24. Tsuyoshi Yoshitake MF
25. JUMBO Hiramoto* FW
26. Takahiro Shibasaki GK
27. Masaki Iida* DF
28. Sho Asuke* DF
29. Sho Miyasaka DF
30. VACANT
31. Junpei Shinmura MF
32. Osama El Samni FW
33. Hiroki Kawano* MF
34. Tomoyuki Suzuki* GK
Some interesting omissions..........No Nagai or Silva.....which means that the team will try and bring in one more foreign player. Also of note, #9 is still open. A gentleman who donned the #9 shirt for Yokohama F Marinos last year is still without a team..........Takayuki Suzuki possibly signing?
ODDITIES........
If your looking at the picture and thinking to yourself, "Damn, Ueslei put on some weight in the offseason!" you are a tiny bit off. Oita unveiled their new mascot whose name I don't really friggin care to know. I guess it was originally supposed to be a turtle, but the Dr. Moreau inspired designer went horribly, horribly wrong and came up with this blue and white piece of fecal matter. I hate Oita. Can't wait to see what kind of abortion FC Tokyo puts out there.
Speaking of plans gone awry, the little team from Yokohama have entrusted former Verdy head man and perennial relegation victim Takuya Yamada with the title of Captain for the 2008 season. The good news is that Yokohama can't be relegated. There is always bankruptcy though so don't breathe so easily yet.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Well 2008 and it seems that Verdy really enjoy monochrome. The home unis are pretty much the same save the absence of cyberagent on the front.
The all-yellow isn't my favorite. Last year's blue was excellent. This year kinda is a let down.
Here is a pic of Fukunishi sporting green
Leandro in white. I don't mind the white look but last years road uniform was something special. One thing we learned is that Leandro is very short.
Finally the pink is back and we know how Takagi responds to pink. The orange piping makes this the most hideous keeper kit since last year's Omiya Samon jubilee. This year it's Krappa. Thursday, January 24, 2008
Leandro in, Sonoda out and yes we have a schedule
I'll write it up this weekend, but real quick
Here is the link to the schedule
http://ameblo.jp/nobuyuki-s/entry-10067765523.html
Tough go till the derby on April 12th
Leandro officially signed with the squad yesterday
Keiji Sonoda is headed to V Varen Nagasaki........I have a scarf from V Varen Nagasaki
Here is the link to the schedule
http://ameblo.jp/nobuyuki-s/entry-10067765523.html
Tough go till the derby on April 12th
Leandro officially signed with the squad yesterday
Keiji Sonoda is headed to V Varen Nagasaki........I have a scarf from V Varen Nagasaki
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
2 players go down...or up.
WE GOT LOTS OF NEWS SO LET'S DIG IN
1. Yes, we have a schedule.....or at least part of one. Those wacky guys in the J League scheduling department decided it would be groovy to have an old fashioned grudge match for Verdy's first game back. So Verdy gets to go back to where it all began for their first game in the big show........that's right, Verdy goes to Kawasaki! March 9th the green boys get to face Hulk, Masato Ohashi and Shinya Yoshihara in what could be an epic battle......or a Globetrotters/Washington Generals match......Who knows.
The Home opener sees Verdy take on Defending Champions Kahima and old friend Marquinios on the 15th. SUPER! the league must not like Tokyo having two teams in J1.
For the second straight year, J1 Champs will take on the cream of the J2 crop as Consadole takes a trip south to Kashima for their opener.
Taisei Fujita accepted a contract to play for Tokushima Vortis. Fujita only appeared in 10 games but I was impressed with him for the most part. I think Vortis will be a good situation for him.
AL BANGURA UPDATE: An arbitration panel ruled that Bangura offers enough to English Society to be granted a work permit. It's good news for now, but Bangura is still not quite out of the woods yet. He still needs to get a more permanent status before we can stop worrying. But great news nonetheless. Here's hoping he can stay for good.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/watford/7179542.stm
1. Yes, we have a schedule.....or at least part of one. Those wacky guys in the J League scheduling department decided it would be groovy to have an old fashioned grudge match for Verdy's first game back. So Verdy gets to go back to where it all began for their first game in the big show........that's right, Verdy goes to Kawasaki! March 9th the green boys get to face Hulk, Masato Ohashi and Shinya Yoshihara in what could be an epic battle......or a Globetrotters/Washington Generals match......Who knows.
The Home opener sees Verdy take on Defending Champions Kahima and old friend Marquinios on the 15th. SUPER! the league must not like Tokyo having two teams in J1.
For the second straight year, J1 Champs will take on the cream of the J2 crop as Consadole takes a trip south to Kashima for their opener.
Taisei Fujita accepted a contract to play for Tokushima Vortis. Fujita only appeared in 10 games but I was impressed with him for the most part. I think Vortis will be a good situation for him. 
AL BANGURA UPDATE: An arbitration panel ruled that Bangura offers enough to English Society to be granted a work permit. It's good news for now, but Bangura is still not quite out of the woods yet. He still needs to get a more permanent status before we can stop worrying. But great news nonetheless. Here's hoping he can stay for good. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/watford/7179542.stm
Finally, Adieu to Kento Tsurumaki who takes a 1 year trip north to Mito Hollyhock in hopes of getting some playing time. Tsurumaki last appeared with recent JFL promotees Fagiano Okayama, appearing in 19 games and notching 5 goals. Tsurumaki is just 20 years old so this could be a really good thing for the kid.
BTW.......Here is a list of all the home openers for J1 and J2
Go Thespa!
http://www.jsgoal.jp/news/00059000/00059648.html
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I guess the Yokohama-Tokyo express goes both ways
News off the Verdy website is that Kenta Togawa is now headed to Yokohama FC. Togawa appeared in 32 games for Verdy last year, notching 1 goal in the process. He will reunite with Tsunami and former (and future) teammates Shingo Nejime and Takuya Yamada.http://www.verdy.co.jp/news/topteam/?cmd=DispNews&news_id=399
Tubby is back!
Mr 20% is back in green. Verdys official website has reported that Kazuki Hiramoto has indeed returned from his less than successful stint in Yokohama. Hiramoto ended the campaign with 3 goals in 14 games for the fulie. Here's hoping he shrugs it off and moves forward from here.
Yokohama FC Watch
With the Hiramoto departure, it's tough to figure out who is left on the squad who is not named Miura.
Well, let's try it
Coach Julio Leal and Takuya Takagi
GK Takanori Sugeno---Kashiwa Reysol 1
DF Motohiro Yamaguchi-retired 2
MF Daisuke Oku-retired 3
FW Tatsuhiko Kubo-unaffiliated 4
DF Ichiei Muroi-retired 5
MF Yohei Sakai-unaffiliated 6
DF Yoichi Akiba-unaffiliated 7
DF Kazuya Iwakura-unaffiliated 8
MF Jun Tamano-Tokushima Vortis 9
DF Norio Omura-Gainare Tottori 10
DF Takumi Wada- Tokyo Verdy 11
FW Kazuki Hiramoto-Tokyo Verdy 12
MF Tomoya Uchida-Omiya Ardija 13
MF Tomoyuki Yoshino-Gainare Tottori 14
MF Oh Beom Sook-Pohang Steelers 15
MF Marcos Paulo-Shimizu S Pulse 16
MF Catatau- Brasilense FC 17
MF Chong Yong De- Consadole Sapporo 18
DF Be Song jin- Thespa Kusatsu 19
DF Takanori Nakajima- Avispa Fukuoka 20
FW Takahisa Nishiyama- Kawasaki Frontale 21
MF Mitsunori Yabuta- FC Gifu 22
MF Hiromasa Kanazawa- Mito Hollyhock full transfer 23
Who's left?
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Kohei extends his stay
Fagiano Okayama continues the tradition of stocking their squad with Verdy players by extending the deal of 19 year old forward Kohei Kiyama. Kiyama will be with the club until the start of 2009.
http://www.verdy.co.jp/news/topteam/?cmd=DispNews&news_id=398
http://www.verdy.co.jp/news/topteam/?cmd=DispNews&news_id=398
Leandro deal coming very soon
Talk in the Brazilian Press is that Leandro will be bought for about 2 million US. News outlets in Japan had him down as a forward but it seems he is more in the model of Marcus......except he's not 80 years old.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Kazuki's new diet plan?
Sponichi Annex spotted erstwhile Verdy superstriker at the Yomiuri training grounds this week. The report states that Hiramoto needs to lose 5 kilos before the start of the new campaign or, like me, he will find himself sitting on his ample derriere. The always generous CyberAgent have offered to help Hiramoto lose weight by lightening his wallet. Sponichi reports that Hiramotos donut money will drop from 210,000,000 yen to a paltry 60,000,000 yen......a 72% paycut.
NASU IS SIGNING NUMBER 4
As expected Yokohama Central Defender Daisuke Nasu has joined Verdy. Nasu played 6 years for Yokohama before falling out of favor. He will be expected to slot in the always dangerous slot next to Yukio Tsuchiya because it seems nobody has been capable of consistently playing there.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
2 more off the list
First off, we say adieu to backup keeper Shinya Yoshihara, who heads back to Kawasaki after his 1 year loan. Yoshihara played admirably in 13 games for Verdy before getting injured. The writing was on the wall when Doi was signed in.
2 more of the WSM target 9 were snatched up by other squads when K-League striker Popo and Kawasaki MF magnum were snatched up by Kashiwa and Nagoya respectively. It seems like there are new big signings everyday and Tokyo teams aren't among them.
Anyhow, more reflections for the weekend.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Island of Misfit Toys
In 1964, a team of creative geniuses by the name of Rankin and Bass made a television show telling the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer using clay, marginally outdated actors, and sappy songs that stuck in your head for months. Nothing was ever the same. The most famous part of the show was the Island of Misfit toys.......a train with square wheels, a doll that cried grape jelly, a Charlie in the box. Year 2008 of Tokyo Verdy sees the squad using the same formula minus the songs and the clay...........unless you count the stuff in Rui's perm. 
The newest target is recently release Yokohama Marinos striker and former National Teamer Takayuki Suzuki. Suzuki made his name up north in Kashima Red. Known as a "Defensive Striker", Suzuki has never been known to score in great numbers. His best scoring year was in 2001, when he notched 6 for the J League Champs. Suzuki has spent time in Brazil, Belgium, and most recently Serbia, where he played sparingly for Red Star Belgrade. Suzuki fits in perfectly in the Island of Misfit Toys as the striker that doesn't score. Thursday, January 03, 2008
Coalition of the Underwhelming?
It's official......Takuya Wada has been signed by Verdy.
http://www.verdy.co.jp/news/topteam/?cmd=DispNews&news_id=394
So to get you up to date on signings thus far
In
DF Takuya Wada Yokohama FC
MF Takashi Fukunishi FC TOKYO
GK Yoichi Doi FC TOKYO
FW Hiroki Kawano Verdy youth
GK Tomoyuki Suzuki Kokushikan University
DF Sho Azuke Kokushikan University
Coach Takuya Takagi
Out
MF Yuskue Sato Tochigi SC
DF Naoki Mihara Fagiano Okayama
DF Takaya Shigemitsu Fagiano Okayama
FW Hulk Kawasaki Frontale
FW Martin Saito
DF Taisei Fujita
GK Shinji Muro
MF Masato Ohashi
MF Hiroshi Nanami Jubilo Iwata
MF Shin Kanazawa Omiya Ardija
http://www.verdy.co.jp/news/topteam/?cmd=DispNews&news_id=394
So to get you up to date on signings thus far
In
DF Takuya Wada Yokohama FC
MF Takashi Fukunishi FC TOKYO
GK Yoichi Doi FC TOKYO
FW Hiroki Kawano Verdy youth
GK Tomoyuki Suzuki Kokushikan University
DF Sho Azuke Kokushikan University
Coach Takuya Takagi
Out
MF Yuskue Sato Tochigi SC
DF Naoki Mihara Fagiano Okayama
DF Takaya Shigemitsu Fagiano Okayama
FW Hulk Kawasaki Frontale
FW Martin Saito
DF Taisei Fujita
GK Shinji Muro
MF Masato Ohashi
MF Hiroshi Nanami Jubilo Iwata
MF Shin Kanazawa Omiya Ardija
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
The new target
Well, it's official.......the WSM list has been blown to smithereens. According to the Sponichi Annex of sports and soft core pornography (ohhhh, the classic is back...but seriously they advertise copius amounts of porn on that site), talks with Yasuhiro Hato have broken down and their sights are now set on Shimizu S Pulse man and former Takagi protege, Takumi Wada. Wada appeared in 23 games for Yokohama FC before Julio Real took over and decided he wasn't worthy of playing. How'd that work ou Julio? http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2008/01/03/05.html
In other news, Sports Hochi has Atsushi Yanagisawa joining up with the newly promoted Kyoto Sanga and not joining Verdy.
Our friend Gora has a mock up of Yanagisawa in purple here
http://sangananbanjin.blogspot.com/2008/01/news-happy-2008-and-here-comes.html
The Hochi article is here
http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/soccer/jleague/news/20080103-OHT1T00061.htm
NAGOYA IN FOR BIG CHANGES
Rumors are that alot of changes are in store for the always underwhelming Nagoya Grampus not 8. Watch in a couple days and you might see this man sign for the Grampusistas
http://www.fc-redstar.net/seasonPlayerDetail.aspx?playerID=834&cultureID=1
Also look for Oita DF Takashi Miki to head north to Nagoya. I looked at the magic site so put money on it.
Finally.......I have been very impressed with J2 squad Shonan Bellmare and their moves. Not only did they add 16 goal scorer Lincoln from Avispa, they also added Yoshiro Abe from FC Tokyo via Kashiwa Reysol as well as two young guns from Urawa in MF Shunsuke Oyama (46 games for Ehime) and MF Yuya Nakamura. Also coming in are DF Kohei Usui who appeared in 27 games for Montedio and Niigata DF Hikaru Mita, who fell out of favor after starting the lions share of games for Niigata in 2006.
Amongst all the talk of Sanfrecce coming back with a super squad, Cerezo coming in with the young guns, and Avispa and Vegalta reloading, it would be wise not to overlook a team that was not too far away from promotion.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
And the newest Brazilian is???????
This is San Paulo's own Leandro Lessa Azevedo, a 27 year old striker who is playing for San Paulo. Leandro is 170cm tall and can hold the ball in traffic......if you believe Sports Hochi.
The Hochi article is below
http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/soccer/jleague/news/20071231-OHT1T00080.htm
東京Ｖがブラジルの名門・サンパウロＦＣのＦＷレアンドロ（２７）を獲得することが３０日、明らかになった。３年ぶりにＪ１復帰を果たした東京Ｖは、新助っ人に移籍金、年俸を合わせ４億円（推定）を投じる大補強を敢行。待望の突破力に優れたブラジル人ＦＷの加入で、Ｊ１定着、名門復活を目指す。
３年ぶりのＪ１を戦う東京Ｖに加わるのは、サンパウロの「９番」だ。
２００６年にフルミネンセから加入したレアンドロは１７０センチと小柄ながら、抜群のスピードと中盤もこなすテクニック、ドリブルを生かしたプレーを得意とするＦＷで、今季は国内リーグ戦３５試合に出場。守備でも豊富な運動量を生かして献身的にピッチを動き回る姿から、国内では「Ｇｕｅｒｒｅｉｒｏ（ゲレイロ＝ポルトガル語で戦士、勇士の意味）」の愛称も持ち、ブラジル代表候補にも挙げられてきた。
今季、Ｊ２最多得点記録タイとなる３７ゴールを挙げ、Ｊ１昇格の立役者となったＦＷフッキ（２１）の川崎復帰が確定的となっており、ストライカーの獲得が東京Ｖ最大の補強ポイントに挙がっていた。残留に成功したＭＦディエゴ（２３）との交渉の一方、水面下で外国人選手数人をリストアップしていたが、関係者によれば、レアンドロとほぼ合意に達しているという。
フロント側は苦しい台所事情を強いられる中、名門復活を期して“先行投資”。レアンドロに移籍金と年俸を合わせ推定４億円を投じる大補強を敢行した。元日本代表ＧＫ土肥洋一（３４）、同ＭＦ福西崇史（３１）＝いずれもＦ東京＝らの加入も正式決定し、緑の王国が華々しくＪ１の舞台に帰ってくる。
◆レアンドロ・レッサ・アセヴェド（Ｌｅａｎｄｒｏ Ｌｅｓｓａ Ａｚｅｖｅｄｏ）１９８０年８月１３日、ブラジル・リベーランプレト生まれ。２７歳。９９年にボタフォゴに入団。コリンチャンス、ロコモティフ・モスクワ（ロシア）、ゴイアス、フルミネンセを経て０６年にサンパウロに移籍。背番号９をつけ０６、０７年のブラジル全国選手権連覇に貢献した。１７０センチ、６６キロ。
◆横浜Ｍ・那須も 横浜Ｍのアテネ五輪代表ＤＦ那須大亮（２６）が来季、東京Ｖに完全移籍することが３０日までに正式決定した。年俸４５００万円（推定）の複数年契約で合意しており、近日中に発表される。那須は本職のセンターバックで勝負することを希望し、移籍を検討。ＤＦラインの柱として補強リストの筆頭に挙げた東京Ｖと代理人を通じて交渉を行ってきた。
Leandro bio here
３年ぶりのＪ１を戦う東京Ｖに加わるのは、サンパウロの「９番」だ。
２００６年にフルミネンセから加入したレアンドロは１７０センチと小柄ながら、抜群のスピードと中盤もこなすテクニック、ドリブルを生かしたプレーを得意とするＦＷで、今季は国内リーグ戦３５試合に出場。守備でも豊富な運動量を生かして献身的にピッチを動き回る姿から、国内では「Ｇｕｅｒｒｅｉｒｏ（ゲレイロ＝ポルトガル語で戦士、勇士の意味）」の愛称も持ち、ブラジル代表候補にも挙げられてきた。
今季、Ｊ２最多得点記録タイとなる３７ゴールを挙げ、Ｊ１昇格の立役者となったＦＷフッキ（２１）の川崎復帰が確定的となっており、ストライカーの獲得が東京Ｖ最大の補強ポイントに挙がっていた。残留に成功したＭＦディエゴ（２３）との交渉の一方、水面下で外国人選手数人をリストアップしていたが、関係者によれば、レアンドロとほぼ合意に達しているという。
フロント側は苦しい台所事情を強いられる中、名門復活を期して“先行投資”。レアンドロに移籍金と年俸を合わせ推定４億円を投じる大補強を敢行した。元日本代表ＧＫ土肥洋一（３４）、同ＭＦ福西崇史（３１）＝いずれもＦ東京＝らの加入も正式決定し、緑の王国が華々しくＪ１の舞台に帰ってくる。
◆レアンドロ・レッサ・アセヴェド（Ｌｅａｎｄｒｏ Ｌｅｓｓａ Ａｚｅｖｅｄｏ）１９８０年８月１３日、ブラジル・リベーランプレト生まれ。２７歳。９９年にボタフォゴに入団。コリンチャンス、ロコモティフ・モスクワ（ロシア）、ゴイアス、フルミネンセを経て０６年にサンパウロに移籍。背番号９をつけ０６、０７年のブラジル全国選手権連覇に貢献した。１７０センチ、６６キロ。
◆横浜Ｍ・那須も 横浜Ｍのアテネ五輪代表ＤＦ那須大亮（２６）が来季、東京Ｖに完全移籍することが３０日までに正式決定した。年俸４５００万円（推定）の複数年契約で合意しており、近日中に発表される。那須は本職のセンターバックで勝負することを希望し、移籍を検討。ＤＦラインの柱として補強リストの筆頭に挙げた東京Ｖと代理人を通じて交渉を行ってきた。
Leandro bio here
Saturday, December 29, 2007
2 come in from the list
The VERDY Website is reporting that Takashi Fukunishi has been signed after one less than stellar year at crosstown rival FC Tokyo. Fukunishi managed to be the second leading scorer on FCT with 6 goals, but last scored in September against Yokohama FC. Fukunishi is a two time member of Japan's World Cup and a personal favorite of Zico. 
Another former National teamer and a surprise signing is longtime FC Tokyo starter Yoichi Doi. Doi got bumped halfway through this season for Hirshi Shiota. Now it remains to be seen if Shinya Yoshihara (long term loan from Frontale) or Takuya Takagi will be the odd man out in the keeper rotation.So as it stands now, the lineup might look like this
HIRAMOTO
Diego
Fukunishi Hiroyama
Sugawara ONO
Kaimoto NASU Tsuchiya Hattori
Doi
Not a great lineup so far!
Omiya Ardija called back Shin Kanazawa after a two year loan to Verdy. Kanazawa fell in and out of favor with Ramos during his two year stint. Another one of my favorite Verdy player has left the team.
The list is now down to 8
2007 J League Newcomer of the year Takanori Sugeno officially joined bitter rival Kashiwa Reysol from recently departed Yokohama FC. Presumably, Sugeno will fill in to a role much like Kawasaki Frontale man Eiji Kawashima, who went from starter to apprentice under Seigo Narazaki.
YANAGISAWA NOT HAPPY?
It seems mercurial Kashima striker is souring on the negotiating techniques of messrs. Hashiratani and Ramos. My babelfish is a little confusing but I think somebody pushed to hard for a signature and Ramos had to smooth it over with Yanagisawa. Not helping matters is that rival Kyoto's main point man in recruitment of the former National teamer is none other than longtime Kashima defender and current Kyoto coach Yutaka Akita
Nasu to get the 5 shirt
Yokohama F Marinos DF Daisuke Nasu will don the 5 shirt next year if he so chooses to join Verdy next campaign, according to Sports Hochi. So 1 out of 9 ain't bad I suppose
PURPLE PEOPLE PUSH FOR PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE
Impressed, huh! Anyhow, the dismally underacheiving Sanfrecce Hiroshima squad have turned the Emperor's Cup competition on its ear with a 3-1 victory over Nabisco Cup winners Gamba Osaka. Sanfrecce moves onto the final against J league champs Kashima Antlers for a chance to pull off the biggest upset since Thespa Kusatsu managed to beat Yokohama F Marinos with only 9 men.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Fatty Fatty 2 by 5
While there is nothing wrong with wanting to be the next Diego Maradona, someone needs to tell Kazuki Hiramoto that he should go with the 1986 model and not the more recent mode. Sponichi Annex is reporting that Hiramoto met with Coach Hashiratani today and came in at a remarkable 20% body fat. Hiramoto wasted away on the Yokohama FC bench after transfering in May. Not a good way to make a good impression and another sign that Hiramoto doesn't get it.
Yokohama FC Watch
Fulie nation saw all three of their late season foreign imports depart the squad. Korean MF Oh Beom Sook, MF Marcos Parana, and MF Catatau all leave after varying degrees of success. Rumors have it that Sagan Tosu refuse Anderson and former FC middle man Augusto will be two of the targets for 2008.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
THE NINE
Weekly Soccer Magazine has a list of the 9 players Verdy is looking at in terms of upgrading the squad next season.
GK Yoichi Doi
Former team FC TOKYO
Age 34
2006 World Cup member Doi has seen his stock fall drastically after being usurped in the other Tokyo teams lineup by Hitoshi Shiota. Would I sign him.......2 years ago, yes. Today, not so much.
Other teams in pursuit Kyoto Sanga FC
GK Takanori Sugeno
Team Yokohama FC
Age 23
The former Verdy youth player and 2007 J1 Newcomer of the Year would be a definite upgrade to half the squads in J1. Young and capable of taking a team to a championship, his capable hands kept the Fulie from being even more embarassing. Would I sign him.......YES
Other teams in pursuit Kashiwa Reysol
DF Daisuke Nasu
Team Yokohama F Marinos
Age 26
Nasu has seen his time cut back in the last two years after being a regular. The Athens Olympian would pair with Yukio Tsuchiya in the middle. Not the largest guy for a defender, Nasu would benifit from learning from the equally undersized Tsuchiya. There lies the problem.
Would I sign him........yes, for the right price.
DF Yasuhiro Hato
Team Omiya Ardija
Age 31
Hato has been less than stellar in the back for Omiya since his signing from the (then) relegated Reysol squad. Not my favorite player by any stretch of the imagination, but maybe he'd be better teaming up with old friend Tsuchiya. Would I sign him......considering his lack of good service and mental mistakes, I'd say no. I think Kaimoto needs to be upgraded and I'm not sure he is.
MF Takashi Fukunishi
Team FC Tokyo
Age 31
The mainstay of SAMURAI BLUE since the 2002 World Cup, Fukunishi was jettisoned from the gasmen after one lackluster season. A decent passer and scoring threat, Fukunishi is not the fleetest of foot. Pairing him with Hiroyama would be suicide. Would I sign him......I think his best days are behind him and the qualities he has, experience, is in abundance on this squad already.
Other teams in pusuit Consadole Sapporo
MF Magnum
Team Kawasaki Frontale
Age 25
Magnum has been the off again/on again schemer in the middle for Kawasaki Frontale the past year and a half. Injuries and erratic play have deemed the Brazilian expendable. Would I sign him......when he is on, he is a very good J1 level player. Unfortunately, that's rare. With Diego in the fold, one of the other two has to be a dependable player and he's not....as the third Brazilian, he'd be allright. Maybe.
Other teams in pursuit Nagoya Grampus 8
FW Atsushi Yanagisawa
Team Kashima Antlers
Age 29
Another one of the old World Cup guard, Yanagisawa is shopping for a new squad after falling down the 2007 Champions depth chart. Maybe confidence is the key for the mercurial striker.
Would I sign him........for the right price, he has scored big goals, including the one against Honda FC to put them in the Emperors Cup semifinal.
Other teams in pursuit Kyoto Sanga FC
FW Popo
The K League scoring machine is rumored to be headed for Japan. Don't know enough about him to have an opinion.
Other teams in pursuit Kashiwa Reysol
FW Shota Matsuhashi
Team Oita Trinita
Age 25
The speedy wing would fit right in to the system Verdy is trying to run, although he is coming off a disappointing season. Matsuhashi would be my choice of the field players on this list, so yes I'd sign him.
Other teams in pursuit Albirex Niigata Vissel Kobe
Yokohama FC watch
DF Kosuke Yatsuda joined the team from FC Tokyo. Yatsuda managed one game for FCT, being the victim in the fabulous Leandro effort. Yusuke Sudo joins from Nagoya to help shore up the midfield. Finally Yusuke Nakata comes in from Vegalta Sendai to help shore up the defense.
Finally, in a curious move, Yusuke Sato heads to Tochigi SC in the JFL. Why, I have no idea, I think the guy could fight for a starting spot on half of the J2 squads next campaign, but maybe he has a big check coming. Good luck and Vaya Con Dios!
GK Yoichi Doi
Former team FC TOKYO
Age 34
2006 World Cup member Doi has seen his stock fall drastically after being usurped in the other Tokyo teams lineup by Hitoshi Shiota. Would I sign him.......2 years ago, yes. Today, not so much.
Other teams in pursuit Kyoto Sanga FC
GK Takanori Sugeno
Team Yokohama FC
Age 23
The former Verdy youth player and 2007 J1 Newcomer of the Year would be a definite upgrade to half the squads in J1. Young and capable of taking a team to a championship, his capable hands kept the Fulie from being even more embarassing. Would I sign him.......YES
Other teams in pursuit Kashiwa Reysol
DF Daisuke Nasu
Team Yokohama F Marinos
Age 26
Nasu has seen his time cut back in the last two years after being a regular. The Athens Olympian would pair with Yukio Tsuchiya in the middle. Not the largest guy for a defender, Nasu would benifit from learning from the equally undersized Tsuchiya. There lies the problem.
Would I sign him........yes, for the right price.
DF Yasuhiro Hato
Team Omiya Ardija
Age 31
Hato has been less than stellar in the back for Omiya since his signing from the (then) relegated Reysol squad. Not my favorite player by any stretch of the imagination, but maybe he'd be better teaming up with old friend Tsuchiya. Would I sign him......considering his lack of good service and mental mistakes, I'd say no. I think Kaimoto needs to be upgraded and I'm not sure he is.
MF Takashi Fukunishi
Team FC Tokyo
Age 31
The mainstay of SAMURAI BLUE since the 2002 World Cup, Fukunishi was jettisoned from the gasmen after one lackluster season. A decent passer and scoring threat, Fukunishi is not the fleetest of foot. Pairing him with Hiroyama would be suicide. Would I sign him......I think his best days are behind him and the qualities he has, experience, is in abundance on this squad already.
Other teams in pusuit Consadole Sapporo
MF Magnum
Team Kawasaki Frontale
Age 25
Magnum has been the off again/on again schemer in the middle for Kawasaki Frontale the past year and a half. Injuries and erratic play have deemed the Brazilian expendable. Would I sign him......when he is on, he is a very good J1 level player. Unfortunately, that's rare. With Diego in the fold, one of the other two has to be a dependable player and he's not....as the third Brazilian, he'd be allright. Maybe.
Other teams in pursuit Nagoya Grampus 8
FW Atsushi Yanagisawa
Team Kashima Antlers
Age 29
Another one of the old World Cup guard, Yanagisawa is shopping for a new squad after falling down the 2007 Champions depth chart. Maybe confidence is the key for the mercurial striker.
Would I sign him........for the right price, he has scored big goals, including the one against Honda FC to put them in the Emperors Cup semifinal.
Other teams in pursuit Kyoto Sanga FC
FW Popo
The K League scoring machine is rumored to be headed for Japan. Don't know enough about him to have an opinion.
Other teams in pursuit Kashiwa Reysol
FW Shota Matsuhashi
Team Oita Trinita
Age 25
The speedy wing would fit right in to the system Verdy is trying to run, although he is coming off a disappointing season. Matsuhashi would be my choice of the field players on this list, so yes I'd sign him.
Other teams in pursuit Albirex Niigata Vissel Kobe
Yokohama FC watch
DF Kosuke Yatsuda joined the team from FC Tokyo. Yatsuda managed one game for FCT, being the victim in the fabulous Leandro effort. Yusuke Sudo joins from Nagoya to help shore up the midfield. Finally Yusuke Nakata comes in from Vegalta Sendai to help shore up the defense.
Finally, in a curious move, Yusuke Sato heads to Tochigi SC in the JFL. Why, I have no idea, I think the guy could fight for a starting spot on half of the J2 squads next campaign, but maybe he has a big check coming. Good luck and Vaya Con Dios!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
One more out......but who's coming in?
Verdy.......NOT VERDY 1969!......confirmed the 1 year loan of part time U-23 player Yugo Ichiyanagi to perennial 4th place finisher Vegalta Sendai. Ichiyanagi got into 8 games for Verdy this year, failing to crack the lineup over Kenta Togawa, Seichiro Tomisawa, and Shigenori Hagimura. One of the failings of an otherwise sucessful 2007 was the failure to truly develop young talent like Ichiyanagi. Good luck to Yugo, here's hoping you pick up your game.
Speaking of Last Year's model, NIKKAN SPORTS is reporting that Verdy are now trying to outbid Kyoto for the rights to FW Atsushi Yanagisawa. Yanagisawa saw limited time this season, netting 5 goals. He did however net the game winner in extra time to avoid an embarrassing loss to Honda FC (ERRRRRRR, I mean a hard fought battle against a quality squad, ERRRRRRRRR).
来季Ｊ１に昇格する東京Ｖが鹿島ＦＷ柳沢敦（３０）獲得に乗り出すことが２１日、関係者の話で分かった。今季３７得点でＪ２得点王のＦＷフッキが川崎Ｆに復帰したことから、新たなＦＷ探しが急務。関係者は、出場機会の減少などから移籍を志願している柳沢について「リストに入っているのは間違いない。おそらく交渉することになると思う」と話した。今後、本格交渉に入る見込みだ。
柱谷監督も「柳沢が欲しい。とにかく点を取れるやつが欲しい。経験もあるし、老け込むにはまだまだ早い」と明言。この日、就任が決まっている高木コーチとも、柳沢について話し合ったという。柳沢は現在３０歳で移籍金は発生せず、すでに京都が獲得オファーを出している。
Another Kashiwa player on the radar is 22 year old MF Chikashi Masuda. Masuda, who fell out of favor right about the time Kashima started their run to the championship, scored 3 goals in 23 games. Masuda can play anywhere in the midfield but was stuck at right back for most of his tenure. The U-22 member is also being pursued by Oita and Vegalta. Sanspo has the story here
http://www.sanspo.com/soccer/top/st200712/st2007122305.html
Yokohama FC WATCH
More little blue are jumping ship as Korean MF Chong Yong De makes his move to Consadole permanent. Mini midfielder Tomoya Uchida has been rumored by numerous outlets to be venturing inland to Saitama to don the orange of Omiya. G!G!O!A! has a more detailed story here http://furtho.blog4.fc2.com/blog-entry-1068.html#comment
Finally, I'd like to say thank you agin to all of you that have been reading this blog.......Thursday marked the end of year 2 of Soilent Green and I have appreciated all the feedback, even if I don't respond. The bet part of the blog has been the comments from people as close as Saitama, to varied places such as Ibaraki, Tokyo, Spain, England, Hawaii, Chile, Norway, and numerous other spots that have slipped my mind (Yamanashi?).
As a blast from the past, I republish the first post ever from frequent contributor and superfan Nick........
Can`t believe how many players have left either!!As our two best players; Washington and Soma were always going to leave but Im surprised anybody bothered picking up the most hapless defenders ever to grace the field!!i thought we`d still have the treat of seeing them bumble along in J2. Also Ramos reaks of "numpty" don`t reckon he`ll be around too long....my wish is to see Takagi shown the exit on account of his appalling haircuts for the last few seasons. Any team that has a dandelion in a pink top in nets deserves relegation!! We can`t complain really.. Its gonna be a long season me thinks. If Ramos is on about raiding the retirement home, how about Big Pat Mboma, or Edmundo.I hear Bobby Charlton is free on most Saturday afternoons.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone out there! Here's hoping your team finishes a distant second to the little orange monsters in Saitama!
Speaking of Last Year's model, NIKKAN SPORTS is reporting that Verdy are now trying to outbid Kyoto for the rights to FW Atsushi Yanagisawa. Yanagisawa saw limited time this season, netting 5 goals. He did however net the game winner in extra time to avoid an embarrassing loss to Honda FC (ERRRRRRR, I mean a hard fought battle against a quality squad, ERRRRRRRRR).
来季Ｊ１に昇格する東京Ｖが鹿島ＦＷ柳沢敦（３０）獲得に乗り出すことが２１日、関係者の話で分かった。今季３７得点でＪ２得点王のＦＷフッキが川崎Ｆに復帰したことから、新たなＦＷ探しが急務。関係者は、出場機会の減少などから移籍を志願している柳沢について「リストに入っているのは間違いない。おそらく交渉することになると思う」と話した。今後、本格交渉に入る見込みだ。
柱谷監督も「柳沢が欲しい。とにかく点を取れるやつが欲しい。経験もあるし、老け込むにはまだまだ早い」と明言。この日、就任が決まっている高木コーチとも、柳沢について話し合ったという。柳沢は現在３０歳で移籍金は発生せず、すでに京都が獲得オファーを出している。
Another Kashiwa player on the radar is 22 year old MF Chikashi Masuda. Masuda, who fell out of favor right about the time Kashima started their run to the championship, scored 3 goals in 23 games. Masuda can play anywhere in the midfield but was stuck at right back for most of his tenure. The U-22 member is also being pursued by Oita and Vegalta. Sanspo has the story here
http://www.sanspo.com/soccer/top/st200712/st2007122305.html
Yokohama FC WATCH
More little blue are jumping ship as Korean MF Chong Yong De makes his move to Consadole permanent. Mini midfielder Tomoya Uchida has been rumored by numerous outlets to be venturing inland to Saitama to don the orange of Omiya. G!G!O!A! has a more detailed story here http://furtho.blog4.fc2.com/blog-entry-1068.html#comment
Finally, I'd like to say thank you agin to all of you that have been reading this blog.......Thursday marked the end of year 2 of Soilent Green and I have appreciated all the feedback, even if I don't respond. The bet part of the blog has been the comments from people as close as Saitama, to varied places such as Ibaraki, Tokyo, Spain, England, Hawaii, Chile, Norway, and numerous other spots that have slipped my mind (Yamanashi?).
As a blast from the past, I republish the first post ever from frequent contributor and superfan Nick........
Can`t believe how many players have left either!!As our two best players; Washington and Soma were always going to leave but Im surprised anybody bothered picking up the most hapless defenders ever to grace the field!!i thought we`d still have the treat of seeing them bumble along in J2. Also Ramos reaks of "numpty" don`t reckon he`ll be around too long....my wish is to see Takagi shown the exit on account of his appalling haircuts for the last few seasons. Any team that has a dandelion in a pink top in nets deserves relegation!! We can`t complain really.. Its gonna be a long season me thinks. If Ramos is on about raiding the retirement home, how about Big Pat Mboma, or Edmundo.I hear Bobby Charlton is free on most Saturday afternoons.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone out there! Here's hoping your team finishes a distant second to the little orange monsters in Saitama!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Too much to say!
We will start with the important news first...........Al Bangura. It looks like he is going to get a reprieve, which is gret news. Fans all across England have spoken out on the stupidity of deporting a kid whose life is threatened. Well, the home office has decided to let him apply for a work permit. It's not done, but it's looking alot better! Here's hoping for a Merry Christmas for Al.
Now Verdy newsapalooza......
Not a surprise but Hulk is going back to Kawasaki to team with Juninho. Not sure if this is a good thing for Kawasaki, considering that both players need the ball to be effective. It is bad for Verdy, who I don't think will try to fill the void with Kazuki Hiramoto.
Diego signed an extension for next year. If he comes in shape, he should be physical enough to be decent. If he comes in like last year, it's gonna be dreadful.
Yusuke Sato gets cut. After a bright start, Sato seemed to trail off, getting intermittent shots at playing time. Sato probably wasn't cut out for J1, considering he's been J2 most of his career. I think he'll find another gig somewhere.....I liked him as a player but he wasn't consistent.
Takuya Takagi joins new man Hashiratanis coaching staff. I think it's a good signing because he had some time as a top guy, he's still relatively young, and he can do the job if Hashiratani stumbles.
Verdy also changed their name officially to Tokyo Verdy......dropping the most endearing part of their name, 1969. Don't like it but whatever.....Grampus dropped the 8.
3 new prospects came in as well.......U17 National teamer and Verdy Youth star Hiroki Kawano joins the squad after his final 8 appearence in the Sahara cup. DF Sho Asuke and GK Tomuyuki Suzuki come in from Kokushikan University. Wait till the end of the year and the signings should stepped up big time.
Yokohama FC Watch
Nikkan sports is reporting that former Jubilo, Marinos, and Yokohama FC MF Daisuke Oku will retire and pursue coaching opportunities.
Former Verdy youth MF Yusuke Sudo joins Yokohama FC from Nagoya Grampus 8
Yusuke Nakata joins as well from Vegalta Sendai.
Now Verdy newsapalooza......
Not a surprise but Hulk is going back to Kawasaki to team with Juninho. Not sure if this is a good thing for Kawasaki, considering that both players need the ball to be effective. It is bad for Verdy, who I don't think will try to fill the void with Kazuki Hiramoto.
Diego signed an extension for next year. If he comes in shape, he should be physical enough to be decent. If he comes in like last year, it's gonna be dreadful.
Yusuke Sato gets cut. After a bright start, Sato seemed to trail off, getting intermittent shots at playing time. Sato probably wasn't cut out for J1, considering he's been J2 most of his career. I think he'll find another gig somewhere.....I liked him as a player but he wasn't consistent.
Takuya Takagi joins new man Hashiratanis coaching staff. I think it's a good signing because he had some time as a top guy, he's still relatively young, and he can do the job if Hashiratani stumbles.
Verdy also changed their name officially to Tokyo Verdy......dropping the most endearing part of their name, 1969. Don't like it but whatever.....Grampus dropped the 8.
3 new prospects came in as well.......U17 National teamer and Verdy Youth star Hiroki Kawano joins the squad after his final 8 appearence in the Sahara cup. DF Sho Asuke and GK Tomuyuki Suzuki come in from Kokushikan University. Wait till the end of the year and the signings should stepped up big time.
Yokohama FC Watch
Nikkan sports is reporting that former Jubilo, Marinos, and Yokohama FC MF Daisuke Oku will retire and pursue coaching opportunities.
Former Verdy youth MF Yusuke Sudo joins Yokohama FC from Nagoya Grampus 8
Yusuke Nakata joins as well from Vegalta Sendai.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
BIG NEWS
I'll write more tomorrow but as expected, Diego signs an extension and Hulk leaves for Frontale. Also, Yusuke Sato gets the hook and Takuya Takagi is hired on as a coach.
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