Mito 2 - 2 Kusatsu

A very good match but rough for Mito fans. Kusatsu's drawing goal came in the 88th minute by Nakamura, who played for years for Mito until this season.

If Mito defeats Tochigi next month, Mito wins the North Kanto Derby. If it is a draw, Mito can still win if Kusatsu later beats Tochigi or draws at 1-1 or 0-0. If Tochigi wins they win it all.

Statistics are fun!

Mito 1 - 2 Kumamoto

Not that it seemed so likely, but this loss mathematically eliminated Mito from promotion contention for 2011.

Honma Milestone

With yesterday's win, long time keeper Koji Honma has become the first J-League goalkeeper to earn 100 shutouts.

Honma also has 399 league appearances, which is a record for J2. He'll break the J. League record with 10 more appearances. This seems almost a sure thing as he remains a top keeper even at age 34, and should be continuing in 2012 as long as he stays healthy.

Mito 1 - 0 Chiba

Mito 1 - 1 Tokyo Verdy

Mito and Tokyo just played out an incredibly entertaining game. Even knowing the result, you should go out of your way to catch it if you couldn't see it live.

Emperor's Cup: Mito 3 - 2 Sapporo

Mito won in extra time to move onto the 3rd round, but to be fair, Sapporo is more focused on the promotion race and fielded many subs and youth members.

The next match will be in Osaka, against either Gamba Osaka (likely) or Sagawa Express (the team defeated by Mito last year in the 2nd round).

Mito 2 - 0 Kyoto

Off to Kyoto

Driving off to Kyoto in a few hours for a 9 hour journey to Mito's away game against Sanga.

First time to go to Nishikyogoku as an away spectator. I'll be incredibly sleepy!

Mito 0- 0 Oita

Mito 1 - 1 Okayama

Mito 2 - 3 Shonan

Mito 0 - 2 Oita

Mito 1 - 2 Sapporo

Mito 1- 2 Tosu