Kashima Antlers start year off right

With the J-League season nearing, the Kashima Antlers started the season off right with a 3-0 defeat of Gamba Osaka at Tokyo National Stadium to win the 2009 Super Cup.

After an early Gamba attack, Oswaldo de Oliveira's side found composure and Blue Samurai Shinzo Koroki netted the first goal only six minutes into the match with a powerful left-footed drive. Only eight minutes later last-years J-League MVP Marquinhos made it 2-0 as the Antlers capitalized on a powerful break down the left side. Long time Kashima veteran Takuya Nozawa sealed the match off six minutes before the break to make it 3-0. Gamba tried to adjust in the second half with a more attacking formation but they couldn't budge the scoreline and Kashima won the Cup 3-0.