Shimizu S-Pulse See Off Zweigen Kanazawa with Clinical Display

Shimizu S-Pulse secured a comfortable 2-0 away win over Zweigen Kanazawa in the YBC Levain Cup on September 29, 2026, advancing to the next round with a professional performance at the Ishikawa Athletics Stadium. Two second-half goals were enough to see off a stubborn Kanazawa side.

The J1 visitors were made to work hard by their J3 opponents, who defended resolutely for the first hour. But Shimizu’s patience and quality eventually told, as they scored twice in the final 30 minutes to book their place in the next stage.

Match Overview

Kanazawa started with energy, pressing high and denying Shimizu time on the ball. The home side’s game plan was clear: frustrate the favourites and look for set-piece opportunities. For much of the first half, it worked. Shimizu dominated possession but struggled to find a way through a packed defence, with their best effort a long-range shot that clipped the crossbar.

The deadlock was broken in the 61st minute when Shimizu’s winger cut inside from the left and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner. The goal forced Kanazawa to come out of their shell, and Shimizu exploited the space to add a second on 78 minutes, a clinical counter-attack finished off by their striker.

Key Moments

• 29’ – Chance: Shimizu hit the crossbar with a dipping effort from 25 yards.
• 61’ – Goal: Shimizu S-Pulse take the lead with a curling shot from the edge of the box.
• 78’ – Goal: Shimizu double their lead on the break, a composed finish past the goalkeeper.
• 90’ – Save: Kanazawa’s late free-kick is tipped over by the Shimizu goalkeeper.

Tactical Story

Zweigen Kanazawa set up in a deep 5-3-2, aiming to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Shimizu S-Pulse used a 4-3-3, with their full-backs overlapping to provide width. The key tactical shift came when Shimizu switched to a more direct approach in the second half, playing early crosses into the box. Kanazawa’s defensive line, which had been so resilient, finally cracked under the sustained pressure.

Standout Players

Shimizu’s left winger was the standout performer, scoring the opener and causing problems all evening with his dribbling. Their central defender was a rock at the back, winning every aerial duel. For Kanazawa, their goalkeeper was excellent, making several saves to keep the score respectable, while their captain led by example in midfield.

What It Means

Shimizu S-Pulse progress to the next round, where they will fancy their chances against anyone. For Zweigen Kanazawa, the cup run ends, but they can take pride in pushing a J1 side close for over an hour. Their focus now shifts to climbing the J3 table.