Japan: Champions Kashima Antlers Down Urawa Reds As Shunsuke Nakamura Watches Yokohama Lose

A fourth straight title could be on the cards if Saturday is anything to go by...

Mar 6, 2010 10:59:00 AM

Marquinhos -Kashima

Champions Kashima Antlers got their defence off to a perfect start on Saturday with a 2-0 win over rivals Urawa Reds.

A full house saw the Antlers, going for a fourth successive championship, scored early and late, to take three points.

Koji Nakata opened the scoring after just five minutes and then four minutes from the end, Brazilian hotshot Marquinhos sealed the win.

Last season’s runners-up Kawasaki Frontale opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory at home to Albirex Niigata.

The newly-promoted teams had a good day. Vegalta Sendai won 1-0 at Jubilo Iwata, thanks to a first minute goal from Ryang Yong-Gi, while Shonan Bellmare drew 1-1 with Montedio Yamagata.

Elsewhere, Sanfrecce Hiroshima were held to a 1-1 draw by Shimizu S-Pulse while FC Tokyo defeated Yokohama F Marinos 1-0 with a last minute Sota Hirayama strike.

New signing Shunsuke Nakamura watched from the stands and is expected to make his debut next week.
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