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Japan: Kawasaki Frontale's Title Hopes Fade After Shock Defeat

The title race is wide open...

Nov 23, 2009 12:37:33 AM

Kawasaki Frontale coach Takashi Sekizuka (Getty Images)

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Kawasaki Frontale coach Takashi Sekizuka (Getty Images)

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Kawasaki Frontale’s dreams of a first J-League title received a huge blow on Sunday as they lost 1-0 at already-relegated Oita Trinita.

Kashima Antlers had won the previous day to return to the top of the league, two points above the Kanagawa club, but Oita have prevented a swift return to the summit.

With two games to go, Kawasaki can’t afford any more slip-ups.

Oita struck two minutes after the hour as Fernandinho fired home from just inside the area.

The title challengers tried desperately to get back in the game but headed home empty-handed.

"Oita played better than we did and we couldn't offer enough support to our three players up front and couldn't show the good parts of our game," said Kawasaki boss Takashi Sekizuka according to PA Sport.

"But we still have two games to play and we should keep our heads up. It's important for us to win our next game at home and collect three points."

Next weekend sees Kashima host third-place Gamba Osaka.

1: Kashima 60 2: Kawasaki 58 3: Gamba Osaka 57

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