Knockout!

Verdy wrapped their season series with the Mikan Madmen of Ehime. Led by Silvas 2 goals, Verdy managed to take the season series against Ehime (2-1-1) and knock them out of any chance for promotion officially. Unfortunately for Verdy, top table sitters Vissel Kobe, Yokohama FC and Kashiwa all managed to get the full three points on the day.

Now we know that Tokushima, Ehime, and Thespa Kusatsu will all be on the J2 schedule. We also know that Avispa Fukuoka is likely to be this years Vissel and head on down to second city barring a miraculous turnaround or collapse by a combination of 3 teams.

Verdy decided to go with most of the same crew that went up against Yokohama FC. No sign of Saitoh in the lineup and Hiramoto did not see any time. One bit of unfortunate news for the Verdy squad is the booking of midfield stalwart Marcus. Next game will earn the crafty vet a one game siesta against a dangerous Montedio squad regaining the services of Verdykiller Leandro who has managed to notch 3 goals in 3 games against ganggreen. Nozomi Hirayama managed to notch the only in the July 22 game which saw an irate Montedio fanbase go after the Verdy bus following a controversial performance by the referee squad.