Kashiwa fail to grasp J-League lead

Kashiwa Reysol failed to take advantage of Gamba Osaka's shock defeat as they suffered a 3-1 reverse on Sunday to struggling Omiya Ardija in a weekend of surprises in the J-League. Kashiwa were trailing league leaders Gamba by a point after Ventforet Kofu won 2-0 in Osaka on Saturday. But Kashiwa, who were also at home, squandered the opportunity to go top.
Brazilian striker Rafael was their nemesis, scoring twice before Leandro Domingues pulled one back for Kashiwa in the 63rd minute. Kashiwa had a chance to level but Omiya goalkeeper Takashi Kitano saved from the spot and Takuya Aoki wrapped up the game 13 minutes from time. Gamba Osaka stay top on 54 points, one point clear of defending champions Nagoya Grampus and Kashiwa.