SAITAMA — Shinzo Koroki struck with a 67th-minute diving header to give Kashima Antlers a tension-drenched 1-0 win over Urawa Reds and a record third consecutive J. League title on Saturday.
Antlers went into the match two points clear of sole challengers Kawasaki Frontale but knowing that only a win would suffice if Frontale beat already-relegated Kashiwa Reysol.
That scenario began to unfold as Kawasaki raced to a 3-0 halftime lead, ramping up the pressure on a Kashima side unable to break the deadlock in front of a partisan crowd of 53,783 at Saitama Stadium.