The Deers ended last season by losing to the Obic Seagulls 21-12 in the semifinals of the X League playoffs at Yokohama Stadium. It was also their last game as the Kajima Corporation-owned football team.

A year later at the same site, the Deers, now sponsored by Lixil Corporation, picked up a big win which not only avenged last year's defeat but also made them the Central Division champion in the X League.

The Seagulls' winning streak in the first stage ended at 24. Their last loss in the first stage was on Oct. 24, 2009.