15 November 2008

The Three-Way North Kanto Derby is Nigh

While Tochigi SC could lose every game and still be promoted to J2 for next year, that promotion can now be guaranteed by winning one of the last three of the season. Tomorrow's match will be against Arte Takasaki, who have lost eight in a row by sometimes huge margins. If anyone in the area wants to be a part of Japanese soccer history and experience the birth of a new pro club, this is your best chance.

This would be a mixed blessing for Mito, as a new rival so nearby will create more interest in the team. Utsunomiya is actually easier to reach by car than Mito's spiritual prefectural rival Kashima. However, Mito will likely lose the fans actually living in Tochigi who came to Mito as the closest pro team.

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