Mitch Duke provided two assists as Japanese J2 League leaders Machida Zelvia fought back from a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 over Omiya Ardija on Saturday.
Machida found themselves 2-0 down after 36 minutes against the bottom club, before Duke provided the pass for Erik’s goal in the 39th minute. Duke cleverly cushioned down a hopeful ball to the edge of the box, finding Erik who fired home with a low shot.
Erik equalized in the 79th minute, before Duke headed wide a good chance in the 86th minute.
But Duke again was the provider for Shota Fujio’s 88th minute winner, holding up play nicely inside the box before laying off for the poked finish.
Duke put in a full shift as Machida moved eight points clear at the summit, ending their two-game run of draws in the process.
Mitchell Langerak put in a full shift and kept a clean sheet as Nagoya Grampus defeated Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to move into second spot in the Japanese J1 League on Saturday.
Thomas Deng played a full game in defence as Albirex Niigata won 2-0 over Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Saturday.
Elsewhere in J2, Stefan Mauk was a 62nd minute substitute as Fagiano Okayama beat Mito Hollyhock 1-0.
Milos Degenek returned to action for the first time since April due to an ankle injury, playing as a 79th minute substitute as Columbus Crew won 2-1 over New York Red Bulls in the MLS on Saturday.
Crew Substitution:
Milos Degenek 🔄 Christian Ramirez #Crew96 | @meijer pic.twitter.com/p2CnliqVTP
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 2, 2023
Brad Smith was a 77th minute sub for Houston Dynamo in their 1-0 loss to his former side Seattle Sounders.
In Korea’s K League 1, Alex Grant got on the scoresheet as Pohang Steelers beat Lachlan Jackson‘s Suwon 3-1.
Grant opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a header from Yoon Min-Ho’s corner. Grant and Jackson both played full games.
Harrison Delbridge was a 73rd minute substitute in Incheon United’s 1-0 win over Gangwon, while Aaron Calver was unused as Gwangju lost 1-0 to leaders Ulsan.
Patrick Yazbek started and played 90 minutes and Nick D’Agostino was a 68th minute substitute as Viking won 2-1 at Valerenga in the Norwegian Eliteserien.
