Sagan Tosu 0-0 S-Pulse
Best Amenity Stadium, Tosu

S-PULSE GOALS None
YELLOW CARDS None
RED CARDS None
ATTENDANCE 10501


LINE UP

GK Sugiyama R
DF Musaka, Kakuda, Hiraoka, Kamata
MF Edamura, Honda, Shirasaki, Duke
FW Utaka, Tese


SUBSTITUTES

Takeuchi on for Honda (70)
Omae on for Shirasaki (74)


REPORT

After the international game break, Saturday meant a long trip south for S-Pulse for an early autumn face off with Sagan Tosu. The host side were eager to put space between themselves and the bottom three, while Shimizu were of course looking to close the gap on 15^th position; the safety zone.

During the first half both teams struggled to get a firm grip of the game. As a steady downpour saturated the pitch and slickened the ball, unforced errors left fans at both ends of the stadium frustrated. The first dangerous shot on goal came only in the 30^th minute via Tosu’s Mizunuma, but his deflected drive was dealt with efficiently by Sugiyama.

Scoreless at the break, there was a significant increase in goal-mouth action after the interval. S-Pulse racked up an impressive 14 shots in the second half, the pick of which tended to come by way of Tese. These included a long range effort from on 67 minutes deflected just past the post, and a shot five minutes later which produced a fine one-handed save from former S-Pulse and Plymouth Argyle keeper Akihiro Hayashi.

Not to be outdone, defender Kamata also drew a fine stop from the Tosu goalkeeper with a powerful header, but perhaps the closest chance of the night came right at the death. Again Tese was the driving force as he directed a strong headed effort towards the bottom corner of the goal. Hayashi again had the final say, his outstretched palm spectacularly keeping the ball out.

A point on the road and clean sheet for Shimizu is nothing to be sniffed at, but over the remaining seven games of the season a significant increase in point intake is required. This mission will continue in earnest on Saturday when Urawa Red Diamonds are guests at Ecopa Stadium. Come on S-Pulse!

Keep the faith!


NEXT GAME

Meiji Yasuda J1 League
2nd Stage, Game 11
S-PULSE v Urawa Red Diamonds
Saturday September 19th, 7:00pm
Ecopa Stadium