Kashima wins to keep pressure on J-League leaders Hiroshima
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TOKYO (AP) Mu Kanazaki scored the only goal as Kashima Antlers beat Ventforet Kofu 1-0 Saturday to keep the pressure on J-League leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Kanazaki's header in the 61st minute allowed the seven-time league champions to improve to 25 points in the second-stage standings.
Hiroshima, held to a goalless draw with Sagan Tosu, also has 25 points but is ahead of Kashima on goal difference.
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Also, Shinzo Koroki, Yuki Muto and Yosuke Kashiwagi all scored in the second half to lead Urawa Reds to a 4-1 win over Shimizu S-Pulse. First-stage winners Urawa has 20 points.
Veteran Yoshito Okubo scored a hat trick to power Kawasaki Frontale to a 6-1 thrashing of Nagoya Grampus while Cayman Togashi scored as Yokohama F Marinos edged FC Tokyo 1-0.
Kosuke Yamamoto scored in the 85th as Albirex Niigata beat Vissel Kobe 2-1 and a second-half equalizer from Yoshito Fujita gave Shonan Bellmare a 1-1 draw with Vegalta Sendai.
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Last season's treble winners Gamba Osaka face Matsumoto Yamaga and Kashiwa Reysol host bottom club Montedio Yamagata in Sunday's games.