Shimizu substitute forward Fabinho scored the game's only goal with five minutes remaining, helping S-Pulse edge the Yokohama F. Marinos 1-0 in J. League Division One action Saturday night.
S-Pulse rookie goalkeeper Takaya Kurokawa celebrated his J. League debut with a clean sheet after making a series of fine saves against the first-stage champions. Kurokawa was forced into action after first-choice goalkeeper Masanori Sanada suffered severe back pain 2 1/2 hours before kickoff. Sanada's appearance streak ended at a league-record 145 games.
Despite playing in high heat and humidity, both Shimizu and Yokohama put on a good show before 20,354 fans at Tokyo's National Stadium. After the two sides squared off in the first half, the game got rolling after the break.