22 January 2008

Ibaraki Soccer Festival 2008 Announced

The annual preseason match between Mito HollyHock against league champion and Emperor's Cup winner Kashima Antlers will take place next month on the 24th. This year it will take place at Kashima Stadium, with gates opening at noon for a 2PM kickoff.

Mito has fared much better away than at home in these matches. In the 4 previous meetings between the teams, Mito has lost by margins of only 1 or 2 at Kashima while losing 0-4 at the only home game in their recent play history.

Should Mito somehow beat Kashima, it would undoubtedly become national news in soccer due to Kashima's recent show of strength. If Mito can just make a good showing, though, it will demonstrate that the newly crafted team is ready to take a stronger standing in J2.

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