Kashima Antlers tripped up again in the J. League first-division title race Saturday as the three-time defending champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Shimizu S-Pulse, leaving them nine points off the pace of Nagoya Grampus with nine games to go.
As Nagoya came from behind to beat Vegalta Sendai 2-1 at home for its fifth in six games, Oswaldo Oliveira's side allowed Shimizu to grab the early lead through Shinji Ono's first strike in an S-Pulse shirt — one of the league's best goals this season.
Daiki Iwamasa restored parity shortly after halftime, but Kashima could not move in front despite taking 20 shots.
Antlers are on 45 points, one point ahead of Cerezo Osaka, who defeated Albirex Niigata 2-1 earlier. S-Pulse have just one win in their last eight games, and are 13 points out of first place.