S-PULSE 2-3 Kashima Antlers
IAI Stadium Nihondaira


S-PULSE GOALS Kaneko 41, Shirasaki 71
YELLOW CARDS Tese 44, Matsubara 69
RED CARDS None
ATTENDANCE 16951


LINE UP

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


SUBSTITUTIONS

Duke on for Kaneko (84)
Murata on for Edamura (86)
Hasegawa on for Notsuda (88)


REPORT

A snow capped Mt Fuji towered majestically over Shimizu as fans poured through the turnstiles to enjoy a classic Japanese fixture: S-Pulse vs Antlers. As two of the J. League’s original 10 teams, the pair have met more frequently than most, often producing memorable occasions. Saturday was no exception, the visitors ultimately delivering a pointed display of the prowess which has helped them to eight J1 titles. Having added to their trophy cabinet just last year, the Ibaraki team was welcomed to town as champions, a label well befitting given the composure and purpose with which they applied their craft. Kobayashi’s Shimizu both contained and threatened the guests for the majority of the game however, and Antlers had to rally hard to emerge victorious over their newly promoted opposition.

Kaneko, continuing his fine form from last season, crashed home the opening goal shortly before the break having forced Kashima defender Ueda into error, and it was the number 30 involved again later, laying off the ball for Shirasaki to double the lead on 71 minutes. Coming at the end of sustained S-Pulse pressure, it was no less than the hosts deserved. When the opponents are Kashima nothing can be taken for granted, and having leveled up the score with goals on 74 and 79 minutes, Shimizu found themselves on the ropes going into the final ten minutes. The wind in their sails, the champions took the lead through Kanazaki on 85 minutes, and sadly for the majority of another bumper Nihondaira crowd, 2-3 was how the game ended.

The 74 minutes preceding Antlers’ resurgence were encouraging for all connected with S-Pulse, and bode well for the remainder of the season. Shimizu are playing with organization and verve, and for most of the afternoon matched the best team in the country. Few sides will see S-Pulse as anything other than a tough proposition and, with that in mind, next up is a big one. The big one. For the first time since 2013’s fiery October meeting at the Yamaha Stadium, S-Pulse face off with neighbours Júbilo in the Shizuoka Derby. To accommodate the huge crowd anticipated the game will be held at the 50000 capacity Ecopa Stadium. The travelling orange army are certain to play their part in turning the arena into a colourful cauldron, so why not get along there yourself for one of biggest derby days in Japan?

Forza S-Pulse!


NEXT GAME

Meiji Yasuda J1 League
Match Day 5
Jubilo Iwata vs S-PULSE
Saturday April 1st, 3pm
Ecopa Stadium, Fukuroi