07 September 2009

Mito 1 - 1 Yokohama

Despite skirting with the lowest place in the standings, Yokohama is now one of the very few teams Mito could not defeat at least once this year.

It was very painful for Mito fans who had braced for one more draw, until defender Suzuki crossed the ball right into Arata for an injury time header. Mito players and fans celebrated but the celebration ended in the 5th minute of injury time, as Yokohama managed a drawing goal in the last second of the game.

Players, fans, and coach Kiyama all yelled at the official after the game for at first announcing 4 minutes of injury time, then allowing 5 and a half minutes, letting Yokohama get two more chances to score before blowing the final whistle. Of course, the decision is final, but it is still very unfortunate. Luckily for the second round in a row other top teams would draw and the gap to 3rd place is the same.

The next match on Sunday at Kasamatsu against Tochigi should be a nice bounce back, unless they can extend their unlikely warm streak an extra week. Mito needs to win to have a chance to make movements toward the top 4. Mito needs at least a draw to secure the North Kanto trophy which would be Mito's first title of any type. If Mito loses, there is a chance that the team could drop to 6th place for the first time in a long time.

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