 |
When Sogahata joined the Kashima Antlers, in 1998, the team already fielded one of the top goalkeepers in the league, and a frequent NT member, Daijiro Takakuwa. However, Sogahata certainly did not allow that to discourage him. His defensive skills were well recognisd by both the Antlers and by national team coach Phillippe Troussier, and even while he was playing in a reserve role, he won caps for both the U-21 and U-23 national teams. In 2001, Sogahata got a break when Daijiro Takakuwa was injured, and within two months, he had captured the starting spot for the Antlers, and has held it ever since.
At the National Team level, he demonstrates calm unflappability even against top-quality opponents, and has excelled in the few starts that he received, Though officially Japan's #2 or #3 keeper, he boast by far the best goals-against average of any keeper who has played in net for Japan since the mid-1990s, at 0.5 goals per match. Though his quiet demeanour may prevent him from winning the role as starting keeper for the national team, it is always a comfort to know that he is available as the backup. |
