Machida Zelvia continued their impressive pre-season form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fujieda MYFC in an International Club Friendly played at the Machida Athletic Stadium on 18 July 2026. The match, played in sweltering summer heat, saw Zelvia dominate the first half and hold on after a spirited Fujieda fightback.

Match Overview

Machida Zelvia, preparing for their return to the J2 League after promotion, started strongly. Fujieda MYFC, also in J2, fielded a rotated side but showed defensive resilience. The goals came from set-piece situations in a game that lacked fluidity but never lacked effort.

Key Moments

• 9th minute: Zelvia opened the scoring. A corner from the right was met by centre-back Tatsuya Kishi, who planted a header into the top corner.
• 34th minute: Machida doubled the lead. A free-kick swung in from deep was misjudged by Fujieda goalkeeper Takuya Toyoda, allowing striker Shunta Tanaka to tap in from close range.
• 61st minute: Fujieda pulled one back. A quick counter-attack ended with winger Yudai Tokunaga cutting inside and firing a low shot into the far corner.
• 72nd minute: Fujieda pressed for an equaliser, but Zelvia goalkeeper Kengo Nagai made a crucial save from a header.
• 86th minute: Zelvia nearly added a third, but substitute Yoshiki Shirai shot over the bar from a promising position.

Tactical Story

Machida Zelvia set up in a 4-4-2, using direct balls to bypass Fujieda’s press. Their set-piece efficiency was the difference. Fujieda, in a 4-3-3, improved after half-time, moving the ball quicker and exploiting spaces behind Zelvia’s full-backs. The visitors had more shots in the second half (6 to Zelvia’s 3) but lacked composure in the box.

Standout Players

• Tatsuya Kishi (Machida Zelvia): The defender scored the opener and won four aerial duels, a constant threat from set pieces.
• Yudai Tokunaga (Fujieda MYFC): The winger was bright throughout, scoring a fine goal and causing problems with his dribbling.

Season Impact

For Machida Zelvia, the win builds momentum ahead of the J2 League campaign. Set-piece proficiency will be a key weapon. Fujieda MYFC can take heart from the second-half performance but must tighten up defensively from dead-ball situations. Both teams will face tougher tests in the regular season.