TOKYO: Yokohama Marinos lost an equalizer in injury time as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ventforet Kofu, surrendering their top place to Omiya Ardija in the J-League standings on Saturday.
Yokohama took an early lead in the fourth minute with former Japan international midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura’s direct free kick, but Naoaki Aoyama canceled it with a heading goal five minutes into injury time.
“I was disappointed as we lost three points from a win in the very last play. It was a game we should have won,” said Yokohama coach Yasuhiro Higuchi.
“We took the lead very well, and we couldn’t score another goal. That allowed them to get a chance. But it was not a result that we hang our heads down,” he added.
Omiya overwhelmed Kashiwa Reysol 4-0 on Friday to take an interim lead in the standings on 20 points. Yokohama are now second on 19 points, followed by Urawa Red Diamonds on 16 points and Kashima Antlers on 15 points.
Urawa bowed to Shimizu S-Pulse 1-0 with Brazilian forward Bare scoring the only goal, while seven-time champions Kashima downed Albirex Niigata 3-2.
In other games, Jubilo Iwata posted their first win of the season by beating Shonan Bellmare 4-0, defending champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Nagoya Grampus were 1-1 draw, and Cerezo Osaka and Oita Trinita were 0-0 draw.
Brazilian striker Lucas netted a 19-meter shot to lead FC Tokyo to a 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale.
Yokohama surrender J-League lead
