Less than one hour away until gametime and Kashiwa finds itself on a remarkable 13 game unbeaten streak. More impressive though, is the way it's come about.
Last year, the team was the worst defense in J1. Hands down. So Nelsinho purged alot of the guys who were regular contributors to the back line. On the outs were former stalwarts Kota Sugiyama (Shimizu), DF Jiro Kamata (Vegalta), Yusuke Muraki, and Masahiro Koga (bench). In their place, Park Dong Hyok, Naoya Kondo, Yuzo Kobayashi, and Wataru Hashimoto have comprised a back line that has allowed a measly 5 goals in 13 contests. 5 goals. Last year, the team allowed 4 goals in a game 4 times and 3 goals 5 times.
The offense has been even more amazing. The squad is tied for 3rd in the league with 24 goals. They've managed to do this without the services of last years leading scorers Franca (10 goals-in and out with multiple injuries), Yuji Otsu (6 goals-out with injuries), Minoru Suganuma (4 goals, not in Nelsinhos plans), Popo (4 goals relased to Vissel Kobe), Yusuke Murakami (4 goals, injured and not in Nelsinhos plans), and Hideaki Kitajima (4 goals, infrequent player).
Nelsinho has opted instead to go with a more youthful group anchored by new Brazilian import Leandro Dominguez, and supplemented with young offensive players Junya Tanaka, Masato Kudo, and Akimi Barada. All three of the youngsters accounted for all 6 goals in a big win over potential promotion challenger Tokushima Vortis.
The core of this team is very young. Of the starting 11, only Park Dong Hyok is over 30. Today's roster only has one guy over 30 and a plethora of guys under 23.
7 of the 18 members of today's lineup came from the Kashiwa U-18 program. 10 have been with the team their entire professional careers.
Looking at this squad, it has to remind you of the dominant Sanfrecce side from 2 years ago. That team disappointed and slumped to 16th place, kept most of its core and manager in place and rolled to a comfortable championship. They came up to J1 the next year and finished a remarkable 4th.
The job Nelsinho has done has been remarkable, and somewhat predictable. His M.O. has been to come in and shake things up, get instant results, and leave. Next year will be the real test of his acumen.
(As of this posting, last place Thespa Kusatsu put up a goal in the 9th minute of play to take a
1-0 lead......the streak might be coming to a close today.)
Anyhow, if you missed it, here are some links to highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILsKuPFVHu4&feature=player_embedded
2-1 win versus Kataller Toyama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAEjjOxvTH4&feature=related
6-0 slaughter of Tokushima Vortis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F36qLIvyIk&feature=related
2-0 victory over FC gifu
