Yokohama FC, the club formed by the former Yokohama Flugels supporters 1 1/2 years ago, is fighting hard, both on and off the pitch, in its quest to gain promotion from the Japan Football League to the J. League's second division next season. But the club is struggling financially and this has put pressure on German manager Pierre Littbarski.

On the pitch, Yokohama FC extended its winning streak to 13 against no losses with a 1-0 win over FC KYOKEN at Yokohama's Mitsuzawa Stadium on Sunday. Former JEF United midfielder Yoshikazu Goto scored the sole goal on a free-kick and goalkeeper Hiroki Mizuhara made some good saves before the 3,185 fans. Yokohama FC, which won the 12-team JFL last year, remains on top this year. Littbarski says his team is better than last year.

"We play more consistently and we are more organized," he noted. "Our players in the second year know our style of play better. But I didn't expect we would win 13 games in a row."