Matsumoto Yamaga earned a 1-1 home draw against the league-leading Kashima Antlers on Friday night.
Using their strong defense to stymie one of the league's top-scoring sides, Yamaga scored first before the Antlers equalized on a penalty. Although the hosts remain 17th in the 18-team J1, it was their second draw against a top club in three games after a scoreless Sept. 29 clash against then-leader FC Tokyo.
In a steady rain at Sunpro Alwin, Ryo Nagai looked as surprised as anyone after scoring with his back to the goal in the ninth minute. A teammate's shot from beyond the arc deflected off his right instep, through his legs and in.