KASHIMA — Kashima Antlers pulled off an unbelievable J. League title triumph on Saturday with a 3-0 demolition of Shimizu S-Pulse, as championship rival Urawa Reds blew the defense of their crown with a stunning 1-0 defeat to Yokohama FC.
Kashima forward Marquinhos (right) reacts with teammate Yuzo Tashiro after scoring a goal in the 59th
minute against Shimizu at Kashima Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With a 3-0 win over S-Pulse, Antlers
clinched their first league title in six years.
KYODO PHOTOAntlers had not led the league at any time going into the final day of the season, but goals from captain Mitsuo Ogasawara, Masashi Motoyama and Marquinhos meant Kashima claimed top spot when it really counted.