Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0-1 S-PULSE
Edion Stadium, Hiroshima

S-PULSE GOALS Tese 53 (pen)
YELLOW CARDS None
RED CARDS None
ATTENDANCE 13489


LINE UP

GK Rokutan
DF Kamata, Inukai, Kakuda, Matsubara
MF Musaka, Freire, Edamura, Shirasaki, Kaneko
FW Tese


SUBSTITUTIONS

Kitagawa on for Tese (74)
Sugiyama on for Edamura (88)
Duke on for Kaneko (90+3)


REPORT

The first victory of S-Pulse’s campaign was secured at the home of 2015’s champions following a keenly contested 90 minutes. Maximum points were brought back to Shizuoka courtesy not just of Chong Tese’s penalty kick, but also a solid and disciplined orange defensive display.

Though the game’s only goal was to come via the spot, that it was the Tese who dispatched it was fitting given the constant threat the number 9 posed the home goal. An early example came in the 11^th minute when, having latched on to Matsubara‘s fine through pass, he drove a shot narrowly wide.

Shimizu continued to create chances throughout the first half, but when the interval arrived with the deadlock unbroken, it presented a chance for the home team to catch their breath and reassert themselves. It is with all credit to Kobayashi’s team that this swing in momentum failed to materialise, and after a period of sustained pressure Hiroshima’s Inagaki fouled Matsubara in the area. Referee Ryuji Sato pointed to the spot and Tese, having celebrated his 33^rd birthday two days prior, stepped up to crash the ball home with ultimate composure. Last year’s J2 top scorer is on his way in 2017, and we can justifiably look forward to what the captain has in store for us this term.

As the game progressed S-Pulse were happy to defend their lead, and defend it they did. The clock ran down with Sanfrecce enjoying most possession, but the visitors restricted their hosts to few genuine chances, Rokutan rarely called on to make a save. It was a game plan perfectly executed, and produced S-Pulse’s first three points against Hiroshima since August 2012.

S-Pulse are away again for match day 3, this time heading to the west coast to face fellow orange-clad side Albirex Niigata. Niigata are still searching for their opening win of the season, so will carry with them a dangerous hunger. Shimizu will be well aware of this as they themselves look to add to their points tally. Be sure to stay in touch via our Twitter feed @spulse_eng and help cheer the boys on to glory!

Forza S-Pulse!


NEXT GAME

Meiji Yasuda J1 League
Match Day 3
Albirex Niigata vs S-PULSE
Saturday March 11th, 3:30pm
Denka Big Swan Stadium, Niigata