Getting closer

http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/soccer/jleague/news/20080401-OHT1T00111.htm

If you believe Sports Hochi......and I usually don't.....it looks like Verdy might be bringing back the big striker Hulk in the next day or two. Good move if it happens.

WINNING 11-March edition

These are Soilent Green's 11 best for March

FW Leandro Vissel Kobe- The striker has had his hand in many things for the Kansai club and is a main reason why they are in the position they are in. 2 months without him is gonna hurt.

FW Marquinhos-Kashima Antlers- Best striker on the team so far. We'll see if it lasts.

MF Yoshizumi Ogawa Nagoya Grampus- The young mid has helped lighten the burden of losing Honda to europe and deserves credit for the fast Nagoya start.

MF Yasuyuki Konno FC Tokyo- The engine that runs the gasman attack. 7 goals is not too shabby.....maybe focus on defense a bit though?

MF Mu Kanazaki Oita Trinita- Like Ogawa, Kanazawa has filled in nicely for the departed Umezaki and injured Ienaga. The retarded turtles are probably the shock team of 2008.

MF Keisuke Kurihara Vissel Kobe- The old man and former Kawasaki Verdy player is quietly putting together a nice season in midfield for the 2nd place squad.

DF-MF Sidiclei Kyoto Sanga- Although Yanagisawa and Watanabe are grabbing the headlines, Sidiclei has been a rock in the middle of the field for the upstart Sanga squad. Definetely worthy of praise for a man Gamba thought was past it.

DF Takanobu Komiyama Yokohama F Marinos- Great start so far and often overshadowed by his more illustrious teammate in D

DF Yuji Nakazawa Yokohama F Marinos- Lazarus of the back 4. Always in the mix and incredibly hyped. He's played up to it so far.

DF Toru Araiba Kashima Antlers- Best player on the best defense so far. God Kashima is scary.

GK- Koji Ezumi Omiya Ardija- Ezumi has stolen points for Omiya by playing like a demon between the pipes. Unbelievable skill shown by a guy who Soilent Green thought didn't have it in him.

Best player for Verdy IMHO- GK Yoichi Doi. Didn't really like the pickup at first but Doi has kept the squad in position to steal points. Allowing only 2 goals while being placed in a Gamba shooting gallery deserves some praise.