JEF United Chiba squandered another golden chance to notch its first win of the season in a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Jubilo Iwata as surprise package Montedio Yamagata temporarily went top of the J. League on Saturday.
An own goal from Daisuke Nasu handed Chiba the lead at Fukuda Denshi Arena but after dominating for long periods, the home side switched off and allowed Ryoichi Maeda to snatch a late point for the visitors.
Kashiwa Reysol, thrashed 4-1 at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, have also yet to get off the mark but Yokohama F. Marinos consigned their winless start to the dustbin in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 rout of Vissel Kobe. Kazuma Watanabe and Koji Yamase both scored twice at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.
At the top of the table, promoted Yamagata moved ahead of Albirex Niigata on goal difference after Kyoto Sanga condemned Niigata to its first defeat, Paulinho's fourth-minute goal securing a 1-0 win at Nishikyogoku Stadium.