Kashima Antlers continued their dominant form at the top of the East table in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE on Sunday, rounding off REGIONAL ROUND Match Week 10 with a 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale.
Kawasaki-F’s Yuki Yamamoto was the first to threaten in the seventh minute at Uvance Todoroki Stadium by Fujitsu, firing just over from the edge of the area.
Kashima goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa saved from Marcinho 15 minutes later, before Leo Ceara headed Kashima’s first clear chance just off target in the 26th minute.
The breakthrough then came at the start of the second half, when Kento Misao was fouled by Tatsuya Ito inside the area.
Yuma Suzuki stroked the resultant penalty into the bottom corner to give Kashima the lead in the 53rd minute, and then turned provider 11 minutes later as he crossed from deep for Leo Ceara to wrap up the win.
The result moved Kashima onto 26 points - three points clear at the summit, and with a game in hand over the sides in second and third place.
The day’s other game required a penalty shoot-out to determine the victor, after Urawa Reds and Tokyo Verdy drew 1-1 at Saitama Stadium 2002.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, it took just 20 seconds for Urawa to open the scoring in the second half.
Matheus Savio fed the ball in behind for Renji Hidano to chase, and Hidano used his searing pace to bear down on goal before coolly slotting into the far side of the net.
Tokyo-V were given a way back into the game when they won a penalty after a handball by Kenta Nemoto with 18 minutes remaining, and Itsuki Someno kept his composure to sweep home from 12 yards in the 74th minute.
That was to be the end of the scoring in regular time, and with three of Urawa’s players missing from the spot and three of Tokyo-V’s converting their efforts, the visitors were able to celebrate a 3-1 win in the shoot-out.
Kawasaki Frontale vs Kashima Antlers - Game Highlights | MW10
Urawa Reds vs Tokyo Verdy - Game Highlights | MW10
