Levain Cup

B Group Match 1

Shimizu S-Pulse 0-0 Nagoya Grampus

Wednesday February 22nd 2pm

Toyota Stadium, Toyota

S-PULSE GOALS

YELLOW CARDS Kuribara (89)

RED CARDS

PENALTY KICK

ATTENDANCE 8295

LINE UP

GK Okubo

DF Kishimoto, Kikuchi, Yoshinori Suzuki, Yamahara

MF Miyamoto, Naruoka, Takahashi, Nakayama

FW Taki, Kolloli

SUBSTITUTIONS

Tatsuta on for Yoshinori Suzuki (46)

Yuito Suzuki on for Kolloli (59)

Kamiya on for Taki (73)

Kuribara on for Takahashi (73)

Katayama on for Nakayama (83)

REPORT

A gritty draw away against a top team should be considered as a moral victory1

Shimizu S-Pulse once again had to cope with a full infirmary and give a chance to play to young and new players while carefully husbanding regulars to a limited time on the field with more games coming fast and thick!

They did not create many clear-cut occasions up front but were solid enough at midfield and backs level to successfully contain a strong Nagoya side playing in front of their fans.

Okubo had the occasion to keep goal for the first time after a completely empty last year and did job very well with at least a deciding save. Gonda found himself on an unusual seat of the bench as only two healthy goalkeepers were available on that day.

It was a young side with a few veterans who showed promises for the future and the whole picture is very heartwarming with dedicated players in the most adverse conditions.

This draw means they are well placed in their group, meaning more importance attached to this Levain Cup which has not always proved beneficial in the past.

It certainly will attract more fans during home games!

On Saturday it is back to the J 1 League with the first derby edition of this year after a two-year hiatus!

Plenty of action and excitement in one of the best stadiums in Japan!

NEXT GAME

Meiji Yasuda J1 League

Match 2

Shimizu S-Pulse vs Yamaha Jubilo

Saturday February 26th 1:30pm

Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, Fukuroi