JSoccer News » Mitchell Duke

Shimizu S-Pulse v Nagoya Grampus J1 highlights, matchday 3 (2nd Stage), July 19th, 2015

Alan Gibson — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 03:21:46 +0000

Shimizu S-Pulse v Nagoya Grampus J1 highlights, matchday 3 (2nd Stage), July 19th, 2015

Shimizu S-Pulse 0-5 Vissel Kobe

Alan Gibson — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 02:18:27 +0000

Vissel Kobe ended the first day of the 2nd Stage atop J1 after a convincing five goal away victory over 1st Stage cellar dwellers Shimizu S-Pulse. With goals coming from all over the field, it was a total victory that can only bring confidence for the coming stage.

Leandro – rejoining Vissel from Kashiwa Reysol – and, of course, teaming up again with manager Nelsinho, was thrown straight into the starting line-up and repaid that faith with hard work, creation of chances, and an easy finish to get on the score-sheet himself.

An interesting team selection from Nelsinho – with most of the squad available to him after a 1st Stage beset by injuries – saw nominal defensive midfielder Masatoshi Mihara return to the line-up, although just behind the strikers, while Ryota Morioka seems to have settled into his defensive midfield role, while previously accepted as an attacking player. Marquinhos was selected as a supporting striker/attacking midfielder to Leandro, the lone forward – technically – in a 3-2-2-2-1 formation.

The opening goal came from Morioka, in the 7th minute, who poked home a loose ball after Leandro had controlled a Takahito Soma cross, then created space from nowhere for an excellent shot that the keeper couldn’t hold.

Shunki Takahashi was next on the mark, volleying home another excellent far post cross from Soma in the 19th minute, with Leandro getting his goal four minutes before the break, after having a 22nd minute effort blocked by the desperate home defence. The returning Brazilian’s goal was simplicity itself, as a pinpoint pass from Jung Woo Young found Shunki Takahashi on the right wing. He sprinted to beat Mitchell Duke – no slouch in the speed stakes himself – to the ball and crossed it first time where the unmarked Leandro poked it home from close range.

In the 55th minute it was Soma yet again racing forward to send in a low, early cross for Marquinhos to stab home from close range. 4-0, and Vissel were cruising.

The final goal was, perhaps, the best of the day, and a personal victory for Shohei Takahashi. The central defender won the ball, found Leandro and sprinted off behind the Brazilian forward. Leandro sent the ball long and wide to Marquinhos in the right channel and the Vissel number 18 timed his run to perfection, reaching the ball for a first time cross to Takahashi for the defender to head home the final goal of the game after completing his 70 yard dash.

And so, Vissel end the day on top of J1 and looking forward to a successful 2nd Stage. A win against Shonan Bellmare on Wednesday night is next on the cards!

Team – Yamamoto, Iwanami, Masukawa, Sho.Takahashi, Morioka, Jung, Shu.Takahashi, Soma, Marquinhos, Mihara, Leandro

Vissel Kobe goals:
7′ Ryota MORIOKA
19′ Shunki TAKAHASHI
41′ LEANDRO
55′ MARQUINHOS
75′ Shohei TAKAHASHI

Attendance: 14,037

Mitchell Duke joins Shimizu S-Pulse – another Australian in the J.League

Alan Gibson — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 06:32:28 +0000

The Central Coast Mariners can today confirm that striker Mitchell Duke is set to join Japanese J.League outfit Shimizu S-Pulse effective immediately.

Duke has signed a pre-agreement and will leave for Japan on Tuesday February 10th to link up with Shimizu S-Pulse for a training camp to complete his obligatory medical.

Duke has scored on three occasions this season and 16 in total across all competitions since making his debut for the yellow and navy back in the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.

During his time with the Mariners Duke was a part of the club’s Hyundai A-League 2012/13 Championship winning season and his form with the yellow and navy also warranted a Socceroos call up where he featured and scored twice in the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup.

Duke paid homage to the development, supporters, mates and memories he attained from his time at the Central Coast Mariners.

“I came through the youth stages of the Mariners for two years and was rewarded with a first team contract, so my time at the Mariners has been unbelievable… the J.League is well-respected around the world, all you have to do is take a look at the Japanese national team to see the quality players the J-League can produce. ..” Duke said.

Edited from the Central Coast Mariners official web site at:
http://www.ccmariners.com.au