Kanazaki sends Kashima to J-League playoff against Urawa

KAWASAKI, Japan (AP) — Kashima Antlers advanced to the J-League championship playoff final with a 1-0 win against Kawasaki Frontale on Wednesday, with Mu Kanazaki heading in the winning goal in the 50th minute.

Kashima will face Urawa Reds in the home-and-away final on Nov. 29 and Dec. 3. Urawa earned an automatic place in the final as the team with the most points in the overall standings.

Kawasaki forward Tatsuya Hasegawa was injured in the 21st minute and replaced by Kengo Nakamura but the hosts could not produce the first goal with their captain present.

Needing only a draw to advance because of their higher position in the season standings, Kawasaki pressed for an equalizer but the seven-time J-League champions held on.