KASHIMA, Japan (AP) - Luis Alberto’s first goal of the season propelled Kashima Antlers past Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1 and back into first place in the J-League on Tuesday.
Kashima scored in the fourth minute on an own-goal by Shimizu defender Yasuhiro Hiraoka, but striker Milivoje Novakovic equalized for the visitors seven minutes later. Alberto sealed the win with 12 minutes to go as Kashima moved one point ahead of defending champion Sanfrecce Hiroshima, which beat Sagan Tosu 2-1.
In other matches, Kishi Yano scored as Nagoya Grampus ended a five-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over FC Tokyo, and Tokushima Vortis won its first game in the top flight after Yuya Hashiuchi’s 73rd-minute goal gave it a 1-0 win over Ventforet Kofu.
Albirex Niigata and Vissel Kobe finished in a 1-1 draw. Niigata’s World Cup hopeful Kengo Kawamata scored the equalizer in the 90th minute.
Junya Tanaka scored a pair of goals in the first half to lead Kashiwa Reysol to a 2-1 win over Gamba Osaka, while Tadanari Lee’s header in the 55th minute gave Urawa Reds a 1-0 win over Yokohama F Marinos.
Cerezo Osaka and Omiya Ardija finished 1-1, and Vegalta Sendai and Kawasaki Frontale played to a 0-0 draw.
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