ICHIHARA, Chiba Pref. -- JEF United and South Korea forward Choi Yong Soo struck two goals to give Ichihara a convincing 2-1 win over promoted Kyoto Purple Sanga at Ichihara Seaside Stadium in Division One action on Sunday.
Ichihara new manager Jozef Venglos of Slovaia celebrated his J. League debut with the victory. But Kyoto, which returned to the top flight after winning Division Two, had a bitter start to the new season.
JEF United took control of the match from the outset with midfielders Shinji Murai and Masaki Sakamoto shining on the flanks.