Omiya Ardija took center stage last Saturday after setting a new J. League record for consecutive unbeaten games, but the unheralded Saitama side can expect plenty more attention if it manages to maintain its impressive start to the season.
Ardija beat local rivals Urawa Reds 1-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 18, moving past Kashima Antlers' 2009 mark and jumping into second place in the table behind Yokohama F. Marinos. Such success represents uncharted territory for a low-key club that has yet to win a major trophy, but with the team growing in confidence with every game under the shrewd guidance of manager Zdenko Verdenik, anything currently seems possible.
"Little by little we are beginning to believe that we have a strong team and that we can play well," Verdenik said after Saturday's game. "On top of that, people are beginning to look at us and praise what we are doing."