Yuki Soma's first career goal secured Nagoya Grampus a badly needed 1-0 win at Cerezo Osaka on on Tuesday.
Grampus' first win in three games lifted them into 15th place in the first division, one point clear of the drop zone. At the other end of the table, the Kashima Antlers won 3-2 at Kashiwa Reysol to move up to third on 52 points, one ahead of Consadole Sapporo, who host Urawa Reds on Saturday.
Soma, who made his J. League debut on Aug. 11, had come off the bench six times before making his first start at Kincho Stadium. Poised in the middle of the penalty area in the 53rd minute, Soma was in the right place at the right time. Cerezo goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon punched the ball his way and Soma headed it back into the goal.