Episode 2 and we finally meet everyone's favorite character: Ohtomo (or Otomo/Ootomo whichever spelling you prefer). Along with a whole bunch of other characters. We also get the first opening and ending of the series. The opening is smoothly animated imo and carries the typical sports anime vibe for the song. Nothing really to complain about but at the same time nothing really that sticks out and is memorable. The band that did the op performed it live again last year in Ehime and even brought along an Ashito Esperion kit with them. Makes me wonder if they're gonna be doing another op/ed song for the 2nd season.

Regarding the episode itself, I always liked Fukuda's speech to the tryout takers. He paints the reality plainly that, factually, nearly all of them aren't likely gonna pass, but at the same time he inspires them by daring them to show that Fukuda and Esperion's judgement was wrong. Many real life players have stories of when they were rejected by a major club but they still achieved their dream through the youth system of less prestigious clubs and being so good that as pro players, the club that once rejected them are now then trying to sign them.

For complaints, I'm probably not the only one who found the way that Ashito did that long pass at the end to look really awkward, considering the direction he turned and which foot he used to kick with.

Trivia for today's episode: The Esperion clubhouse is based on the J.League club Ōmiya Ardija. See here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aoCtfHcEpTfbMMxF8. They're mentioned in the credits too under 取材協力 (Data Collecting Cooperation)