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 Andrew MCKIRDY

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Andrew MCKIRDY
Andrew McKirdy is a sports writer for The Japan Times. His main beat is soccer, but he has also covered rugby, tennis, volleyball, golf and even tug-of-war. A native of the Scottish Borders, he has written for The Scotsman newspaper and organized filming for a program on Japanese soccer for ITV television.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Aug 20, 2011
Strong play has Kofu's Havenaar out of father's shadow
Ventforet Kofu might be struggling to keep their heads above water this season, but striker Mike Havenaar is making a big splash in the J. League's first division.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Aug 11, 2011
Full-blooded competition a fitting tribute to Matsuda
Last weekend's J. League fixtures were always going to be difficult so soon after the shock death of former Yokohama F. Marinos and national team defender Naoki Matsuda, but in the event the passion and determination on show were a fitting tribute.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Aug 7, 2011
Kashiwa climbs back to top of standings
Kashiwa Reysol wrested leadership of the J. League away from Yokohama F. Marinos with a 2-0 win on Saturday night, just two days after the shock death of former Marinos defender Naoki Matsuda.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Aug 6, 2011
Nakazawa hoping to return to national team
On Tuesday afternoon, Yuji Nakazawa could never have imagined the events that would unfold over the course of the week.
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 31, 2011
Reds complete season double over Frontale
Urawa Reds stretched their unbeaten run to eight J. League games and dented Kawasaki Frontale's title hopes into the bargain with a 1-0 win on Saturday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 30, 2011
Rafael says Ardija must keep poise despite home struggles
Omiya Ardija are yet to win a single game at their own Nack5 Stadium this season, but Brazilian striker Rafael is determined to find some home comfort as soon as possible.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 24, 2011
Marinos edge Vissel, extend unbeaten streak
Yokohama F. Marinos held on to first place in the J. League with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vissel Kobe on Saturday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jul 21, 2011
Marinos look to hold on after scratching five-year itch
The J. League has a new leader, and after more than five years away from the summit, Yokohama F. Marinos are not likely to give up first place without a fight.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Jul 20, 2011
'Nadeshiko' Japan feted upon return
Japan's Women's World Cup-winning soccer team made a triumphant return on Tuesday, with captain and tournament MVP Homare Sawa shrugging off suggestions she may retire in order to target gold at next year's London Olympics.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 14, 2011
Reysol recover from early setback to maintain top spot in league table
Kashiwa Reysol came from a goal down to beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 3-1 and preserve their lead at the top of the J. League on Wednesday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 9, 2011
Haraguchi charts path for eventual move to Europe
While more and more young players look to Europe for a soccer education, Urawa Reds midfielder Genki Haraguchi is enjoying the benefits of home schooling.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jul 3, 2011
Haraguchi matches Usami with late goal to help Reds salvage point
Genki Haraguchi scored a late equalizer to force Bayern Munich-bound Takashi Usami to share the spotlight as Urawa Reds drew 1-1 with Gamba Osaka on Saturday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / SOCCER SCENE
Jun 30, 2011
J. League's loss is Bayern's gain as Usami aims for stars
J. League fans will be sorry he did not stick around longer, but there can be no denying the opportunity facing Takashi Usami as he prepares to begin a six-month loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 26, 2011
Kobayashi salvages draw for Frontale
Substitute Yu Kobayashi pounced with virtually the last kick of the game to complete a remarkable turnaround for 10-man Kawasaki Frontale in a 2-2 draw with Kashima Antlers on Saturday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 25, 2011
Yamase says Frontale coming together after changes
After the upheaval of an offseason transfer to Kawasaki Frontale, Koji Yamase is happy to see his new team occupy familiar ground near the top of the J. League table.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 23, 2011
Gamba earns pulsating victory over league-leading Reysol
Gamba Osaka cut Kashiwa Reysol's cushion at the top of the J. League to one point with a breathless 4-2 win over the league leaders on Wednesday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 19, 2011
Bosnar's training pays dividends in victory over Reds
Eddy Bosnar struck a pair of thunderbolt free kicks and Naohiro Takahara returned to haunt his former team as Shimizu S-Pulse beat Urawa Reds 3-1 on Saturday night to keep the 2006 J. League champions mired near the foot of the table.
SOCCER / J. League / J. LEAGUE NOTEBOOK
Jun 18, 2011
Reysol, Vegalta continue to impress in season of unpredictability
An impressive start from the less-fancied teams while the big guns struggled gave the early J. League table something of an upside-down appearance. Few expected it to last, but with almost a third of the season played, the underdogs continue to bark the loudest.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 16, 2011
Maeda strikes twice in Jubilo's rout over Kashiwa Reysol
Jubilo Iwata brought Kashiwa Reysol crashing back to earth with a comprehensive 3-0 thrashing of the J. League leaders on Wednesday night.
Japan Times
SOCCER / J. League
Jun 12, 2011
Kashiwa Reysol display impressive form in triumph over F. Marinos
J. League leader Kashiwa Reysol gave another example of their growing championship credentials with a comfortable 2-0 win over Yokohama F.Marinos on Saturday.

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