Being happy with a point

As the saying goes "Beggers can't be choosers" and right now for the Reds any point will do. Of cause the preference is always the 3 points for a win, but the way the Reds are playing a point will sometimes have to do. The importance of the point we earned against Kashima? We are now out of the "drop zone" on 5 points (from seven games).

The game finished 2-2, but really it was a game of two halves (well for the Reds it was at least). The Antlers played pretty well for the entire match, and if I was an Antler, I would have been disappointed not to come away with the 3 points. Esspecially after witnessing how the Reds played in the first half; if it was a dream, it would be beyond a nightmare. Nothing was happening and no passes were connecting (it felt like it anyways). Seeing the referee blow for half time, I had wished that it was full time. I didn't want to know what could have been in the second half. (Mind you we were only down 1-0)

Luckily for the Reds there was a second half and with it came a glimmer of hope. That glimmer came in the form of Mazola who came on at half time replacing Sergio. I don't know what it is, but with Mazola on the field, the Reds looks more dangerous. So why hasn't he started a game yet for the Reds? The other player who  made an impact for the Reds is Takasaki. Came on in the 64min and scored a goal 3mins later. How's that for impact?

Takasaki has always played well for the Reds, though not in the J-1. When playing in training match Takasaki seems to always have a nose at goal. Which begs the question, "Is it time to replace Edmilson?"

Mazola scored the equaliser 2mins after Takasaki's but wont be available to start next week after collecting 2 yellow cards. I would like to see Mazola in the starting XI. Seeing Mazola on the opposite wing to Haraguchi seems very tempting right now and makes us somewhat dangerous. Add Takasaki in the middle, could that be our most potent front 3? Have to wait and see.

For now, this is how the Reds lined u against Kashima;

GK: Yamagishi
DF: Takahashi; Spiranovic; Nagata; Ugajin
MF: Keita; Kashiwagi; Richardes
FW: Sergio; Haraguchi; Edmilson

Subs:
HT Sergio > Mazola
HT Keita > Yamada, No
64min Kashiwagi > Takasaki

Up next the Reds welcome the Swans of Niigata on Saturday. Should I be expecting a win?