Brazilian forward Will converted a penalty in the 93rd minute to give the Yokohama F. Marinos and their new manager Yoshiaki Shimojo a 1-0 extra-time win on Sunday afternoon at Tokyo's National Stadium.
Having sacked Brazilian manager Sebastiao Lazaroni on Tuesday, Yokohama was aiming for a change in the club's fortunes and got it with its third win in the J. League second stage and its first under Shimojo.
The Marinos struggled in the first half to adapt to their new system which had been changed by Shimojo from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 but improved in the second half and won a penalty two minutes into extra time.
Will dribbled into the box only to be blocked by Reysol defender Kensuke Nebiki. Substitute forward Tatsunori Hisanaga collected the loose ball but was then brought down by Kashiwa defender Takeshi Watanabe in the area for the penalty. Will calmly converted the kick to finish the game.
"We showed some of what we are trying to do late in the second half," said Shimojo. "I'm content with our performance and the win."
In the day's other game, Sanfrecce Hiroshima lost 3-1 at Nagoya Grampus Eight to move into the relegation zone of the overall table.
Urawa takes lead
Brazilian striker Tuto produced a breathtaking all-around display by scoring twice and setting up another as the Urawa Reds came from a goal down to demolish host Kyoto Purple Sanga 4-1 in the J. League on Saturday.
Urawa dislodged Jubilo Iwata at the top of the second-stage standings with the victory.