Matsumoto Yamaga vs Ventforet Kofu

Higuchi's goal in the 30th minute was the moment Ventforet's resolve cracked. Having weathered the early storm after Murakami's opener, the J2 side were building some possession when Higuchi struck. The 2-0 lead meant Ventforet had to chase the game in the second half, leaving space that Takano exploited within 15 minutes of the restart.

Daiki Higuchi (Matsumoto Yamaga) — Scored the crucial second goal and provided the assist for Takano's third. His influence in midfield was the defining individual factor in the match.

Haruto Murakami (Matsumoto Yamaga) — Set the tone with the early opener in the 8th minute. His movement and pressing from the wing kept Ventforet's defence under constant pressure until he was substituted in the 74th minute.

Ryo Takano (Matsumoto Yamaga) — Took his goal clinically in the 60th minute to seal the win. Had 69 minutes of valuable pre-season minutes before being replaced.

Shoten Kobayashi (Matsumoto Yamaga) — The goalkeeper marshalled a backline that kept a clean sheet, making way for Masaya Tomizawa in the 77th minute.

Matsumoto's three goals, spread across the 8th, 30th and 60th minutes, tell a story of controlled dominance rather than a late surge. The first goal inside 10 minutes forced Ventforet into an uncomfortable high press, and the second before half-time effectively decided the contest. That the third arrived in the 60th minute — before the major substitution wave that began around the 69th minute — suggests the starting XI had established clear superiority.

No cards were recorded in the match, reflecting the pre-season friendly context and the disciplined approach of both sides.

For Matsumoto Yamaga, this is an ideal start to their pre-season schedule ahead of the 2026/27 J3 campaign, which kicks off in August. Beating a J2 side — albeit in a friendly — will build confidence. The clean sheet, clinical finishing and cohesive midfield performance are all positives.

For Ventforet Kofu, the result is a reality check. The J2 side will need to address defensive organisation and attacking sharpness before their own season begins. Pre-season is designed for these lessons, but the margin of defeat will focus minds.

Matsumoto's next pre-season fixture was not confirmed at the time of writing. Ventforet Kofu continue their preparations for the 2026/27 J2 season.

A statement win for Matsumoto Yamaga. The J3 side outplayed their higher-division opponents from the opening whistle and the scoreline was a fair reflection of the gap on the day. For Ventforet, there is work to do before the real action begins in August.