Kansai Roundup (Round 4: The Late, Late Show)

This week saw more heroics from the purple hearts in Kyoto and miracle of miracles, Vissel managed to earn a point against the rampant Marinos.

Vissel Kobe 1-1 Yokohama Marinos

A last gasp free kick, five minutes into added time, earns Vissel a deserved share of the points against a Marinos team that was far below the form it showed in demolishing Frontale. Popo's 25-meter effort just reward for the home team. Indeed, Kobe should probably have won this game, but profligate finishing kept them from capitalizing on an otherwise good performance.

Jubilo Iwata 2-3 Kyoto Sanga

And yes, it was another late, late goal that earned Sanga all three points against struggling Jubilo in Iwata. This time. it was a Nakayama goal two minutes into added time that did the damage. Earlier, veteran Yanagisawa nothced the 99th goal of his illustrious career, with well taken first-time shot from a long, raking pass from Ando.

Cerezo Osaka 2-3 Urawa Reds

Alas, Cerezo could not follow Vissel and Sanga's example and lost at home, despite another good game. Although the home team edged the amount of possession, the visitors showed more intent and the mercurial Edmilson had one of his good days, banging i both second half goals that sealed the points. (See Peter's report below for all the gory details.)

Yokohama FC 1-2 Tokushima Vortis

Tomohiro Tsuda struck for the second game running, to give the visitors a half time lead. He then extended Tokushima's lead before former Japan golden boy Oguro pulled a goal back for the home team. The results leaves Vortis clear at the top of J2 as the only team in the j.League with a 100% record.

Gamba Osaka 2-2 Vegalta Sendai

Meanwhile in the final game of the weekend, Gamba battled to 2-2 draw against the newly promoted Sendai. And yet again it was a late goal by North Korean Ryang that earned the visitors the point that denied Osaka their first win of the season.