The Japan TimesApr 24
Machida Zelvia shared its clubhouse with senior citizens doing fitness classes less than a decade ago. Now it is one win away from being Asian champion. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/04/24/soccer/machida-acl-fairy-tale/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #soccer #machidazelvia #gokuroda #asianchampionsleague #alahli
Machida Zelvia looking to complete fairy tale in Asian Champions League final

The club is led by a former high-school coach and plays at a homely tree-lined stadium in front of an average of 14,000 fans.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesNov 23, 2025
Machida Zelvia's rapid ascent in Japanese soccer reached a new high point when the upstart club defeated Vissel Kobe in the Emperor’s Cup final to earn its first piece of major silverware. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/11/23/more-sports/machida-emperors-cup-victory/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #moresports #machidazelvia #gokuroda #visselkobe #emperorscup
All systems Go for upstart Machida Zelvia after landmark Emperor’s Cup triumph

It is the latest success for manager Go Kuroda, the former high school coach who has brought his golden touch to the professional game.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesApr 18, 2024
Machida Zelvia have made a strong impression since arriving in the J. League’s top flight and sit near the top of the table. In many ways, the club's early success highlights that, in Japanese soccer, the competition is wide open. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/04/18/soccer/j-league/machida-j-league-parity/ #soccer #jleague #machidazelvia #gokuroda #visselkobe #tokyo
Upstart Zelvia shows that, in the J. League, it’s anyone’s game

The fast start by Go Kuroda’s men has highlighted the remarkable parity in the Japanese game when compared with top competitions in Europe.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesMar 9, 2024
J. League first-division debutants Machida Zelvia continued their excellent start to the season, beating Kashima Antlers 1-0 for their first home J1 win Saturday. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/03/09/soccer/j-league/machida-first-home-win/ #soccer #jleague #machidazelvia #kashimaantlers #gokuroda
J1 debutants Machida see off Kashima for first home win

Attacker Yu Hirakawa's 13th-minute winner gave the western Tokyo side all three points at Machida Gion Stadium.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesFeb 23, 2024
Machida Zelvia's climb to its maiden J. League first-division season has been far more than the typical rags-to-riches promotion story, with manager Go Kuroda leading the way. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/02/23/soccer/j-league/go-kuroda-machida-zelvia/ #soccer #jleague #gokuroda #machidazelvia
Go Kuroda eager to continue defying conventional wisdom with J1 debutant Machida

Kuroda and Machida took a bold punt on an unheard-of collaboration that spawned a chorus of critics but has paid off so far.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesOct 24, 2023
Under Go Kuroda, a high school soccer maestro with no professional experience before this year, Machida Zelvia have reached the promised land of the J. League's first division. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/10/24/soccer/j-league/machida-kuroda-j1-promotion/?utm_content=buffer297b3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=bffmstdn #soccer #jleague #machidazelvia #gokuroda #cyberagent
Go Kuroda's one-year revolution brings Zelvia to J1 promised land

The western Tokyo club will play in the top flight for the first time in 2024 as it continues to flourish on and off the pitch.

The Japan Times