SAITAMA, Japan (AP) - Mu Kanazaki scored in the 23rd-minute to help Kashima Antlers beat Urawa 1-0 on Thursday and overhaul the Reds for the lead in the J-League standings.
Kanazaki took a pass from Mitsuo Ogasawara and fired in a left-foot shot that deflected off an Urawa defender.
The eight-time champions improved to 21 points, two clear of Urawa which lost its second straight game after winning four in a row.
Urawa, which lost to last-place Omiya Ardija last weekend, had numerous scoring chances in the second half but couldn’t find an equalizer.
Gamba Osaka faces Shimizu S-Pulse on Friday with a chance to move level with Kashima. Kawasaki Frontale hosts Albirex Niigata in Friday’s other game.
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