Jubilo striker Naohiro Takahara, who missed the World Cup due to a sudden illness, struck twice to give his team a 2-0 win over FC Tokyo at Tokyo Stadium on Saturday night in J. League Division One action.
With the win, Jubilo took the lead in the first-stage standings over the Yokohama F. Marinos by one point. The Marinos play Tokyo Verdy on Sunday.
Takahara put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute. Japan midfielder Takashi Fukunishi hit a shot, which was deflected off Tokyo goalkeeper Yoichi Doi and defender Tetsuya Ito in the area. Fukunishi reacted well to collect the deflection to pass the ball to Takahara. The 23-year-old striker, unguarded right in front of the goal, had an easy tap-in for his first goal since March 31 this season.