J-league: Round Eleven

Round 11 of the 2011 J-league proved to be the most exciting yet as the nation went on a massive goal glut.

Only two matches had less than three goals scored as seven different teams found the net three times in their games. Kawasaki Frontale, Gamba Osaka and Sanfrecce Hiroshima all won 3-2 against Kashima Antlers, Avispa Fukuoka and Yokohama F Marinos respectively.

Meanwhile Ventforet Kofu won 3-1 with Kashiwa Reysol also scoring three and keeping a clean sheet away to Albirex Niigata. Vegalta Sendai and Jubilo Iwata played out an enthralling 3-3 draw while Vissel Kobe scored five times in their away trip to Shimizu S-Pulse.

All in all 37 goals were scored in nine matches – an average of just over four goals a game. Only in Omiya’s 1-0 away victory against Montedio Yamagata and Urawa Reds 1-1 draw with fellow relegation threatened Cerezo Osaka did we see under three goals.

The match of the round was definitely the 3-3 draw in Sendai. The game had everything for the 11,544 fans and a draw seemed fair. Vegalta grabbed two early goals and maintained their lead until half-time. After the break it was Jubilo who scored a couple of quick-fire goals, scoring in the 58th and on the hour. The game was at a standstill with the scores locked at 2-2 until Vegalta snatched what they must have thought would be the winner in the 88th minute. A 92nd minute equaliser denied them the three points.

It summed up the week the J-League had had; lots of goals, great comebacks and numerous scares. Gamba Osaka fell 1-0 down to winless Avispa before equalising in the first half and nailing another two goals in quick succession in the second half. Avispa pulled one back and gave Japanese heavyweights Gamba a real run for their money though their experience helped them hold on.

Yokohama did similar in their away trip to Hiroshima. They fell behind 2-0 but pulled it back to 2-1. Then just two minutes after conceding their third, they scored another to set-up an exciting finish. They couldn’t complete the comeback but they emphasised the J-League spirit and the excitement seen in most matches.

Kashima almost did similar, though their 2nd goal to make it 3-2 came in injury time. It would have been a miracle to grab a point from there but their never say die attitude is admirable. It may be an approach vital during next week's fixtures when they take on Urawa Reds – a team they are level on points with at the bottom of the ladder.

Shimizu S-Pulse would be extremely disappointed with the complete thumping they received at home. Just a week earlier they travelled to Nagoya and gave the reigning Champions a fantastic game and left with a point. Their inconsistency was evident though as Vissel Kobe enjoyed their away day in style and netted five times.

Kashiwa’s win away win over Albirex makes it seem they may be the real deal this year as they continue their brilliant form – five wins from their opening six games. But the real test for the promoted side will be next weekend when they can prove their worth against Nagoya. While Nagoya aren’t in the greatest form the away trip gives Kashiwa a real chance to declare their intent.

Omiya continue to fly under the radar and they sit 8th. While their attack is lacking that killer instinct their defence seems to be shaping up well as they held their second straight clean sheet in their 1-0 away win to Montedio.

Full results:

Vegalta Sendai 3 – 3 Júbilo Iwata

Montedio Yamagata 0 – 1 Omiya Ardija

Shimizu S-Pulse 1 – 5 Vissel Kobe

Albirex Niigata 0 – 3 Kashiwa Reysol

Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3 – 2 Yokohama F. Marinos

Ventforet Kofu 3 – 1 Nagoya Grampus

Urawa Reds 1 – 1 Cerezo Osaka

Avispa Fukuoka 2 – 3 Gamba Osaka

Kawasaki Frontale 3 – 2 Kashima Antlers

Full table:

All teams have played 6 matches bar: Nagoya & Cerezo (5 matches) and Gamba & Kashima (4 matches)

1. Kashiwa Reysol – 15pts

2. Sanfrecce Hiroshima – 12pts

3. Vegalta Sendai – 12pts

4. Yokohama F Marinos – 11pts

5. Vissel Kobe – 10pts

6. Jubilo Iwata – 9pts

7. Albirex Niigata – 9pts

8. Omiya Ardija – 9pts

9. Gamba Osaka – 9pts

10. Kawasaki Frontale – 9pts

11. Ventforet Kofu – 6pts

12. Nagoya Grampus – 5pts

13. Shimizu S-Pulse – 5pts

14. Cerezo Osaka – 4pts

15. Kashima Antlers – 4pts

16. Urawa Reds – 4pts

17. Montedio Yamagata – 4pts

18. Avispa Fukuoka – 0pts