Serginho struck his first goal of the J. League first-division campaign Sunday as Kashima Antlers outclassed struggling Vissel Kobe 1-0. The Brazilian forward found the net in the 17th minute at Noevir Stadium to consign Vissel to its sixth straight league defeat. With a host of ...
Vissel faces challenges after week of turmoil
Seven weeks ago, David Villa's first J. League goal in front of an enthusiastic home crowd led even the most cynical of observers to wonder whether this could be the year that perennial underperformer Vissel Kobe would finally put together a campaign worthy of ...
Andres Iniesta replaces Lukas Podolski as Vissel Kobe captain
Andres Iniesta on Tuesday was named Vissel Kobe's new captain, a week after German teammate Lukas Podolski relinquished the armband. The club announced on Twitter that the Spanish great, who has been at the club for less than a year, would be taking over the ...
Reds battle past struggling Vissel
Once again, the stage was set for Andres Iniesta to dazzle in front of a gigantic crowd at Saitama Stadium. But once again he was a no-show, disappointing large contingents of both traveling supporters and media who anticipated a chance to see the former Barcelona ...
FC Barcelona to meet Chelsea, Vissel Kobe in summer friendlies in Japan
FC Barcelona will face English Premier League veteran Chelsea and the J. League's Vissel Kobe this July, adding to the list of star-studded club friendlies set to take place in Japan this summer. The Spanish first-division leader, which last October announced plans to visit Japan ...
Vissel add Sergi Samper to loaded lineup
Vissel Kobe has added another name to its ever-growing list of Barcelona connections. The J. League first-division club announced on Thursday the signing of defensive midfielder Sergi Samper, who will become the third player to trade the famed Spanish side's blue and red for Kobe's ...
With super club dreams, Vissel Kobe tries to rewrite history
Most sports writers have their own personal pantheon of inspirations. At the top of mine is Hunter S. Thompson. The legendary gonzo journalist was never a soccer person ("Hey Rube," his published collection of essays for ESPN.com, mentions the sport just once in passing), but ...
Vissel edge Sagan on David Villa's goal
The fireworks around the Noevir Stadium pitch lit up as the players made their entrance. The fireworks on the pitch took slightly longer. With an open roof and a number of upgrades in place for this fall's Rugby World Cup, the hallowed Kansai ground played host ...
Iniesta excited about new season
The J. League set out to leverage its newfound star power on Thursday at the league's annual kickoff conference. The media event usually offers a chance for the country's soccer media to interact with all three of the J. League's divisions. But on Tuesday at a ...
J. League bids farewell to era-defining group of legends
There are few praises which have not already been sung for Yokohama F. Marinos defender Yuji Nakazawa and Nagoya Grampus goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki, both of whom announced their retirement on Tuesday. They join Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara, SC Sagamihara goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, and Sanfrecce ...
