Kubo helps Yokohama clinch stage late

TOKYO (AP) -- Striker Tatsuhiko Kubo scored the winner in injury time Saturday as Yokohama F Marinos defeated defending soccer champions Jubilo Iwata 2-1 at home to clinch the J-League's second stage.

With the victory, first-stage winners Yokohama became only the second team to win a two-stage double.

Kubo headed home in the waning seconds to give Yokohama the dramatic victory and the Marinos captured the title after Kashima Antlers were held to a 2-2 draw away against Urawa Reds.

Urawa's Emerson scored a last-minute equalizer to ensure Yokohama of the double.

Iwata is the only other J-League team to have won both stages in a season.

Yokohama, headed by former Japan national coach Takeshi Okada, finished top of the 16-team J-League table on superior goal difference, ahead of JEF United Ichihara which won 2-0 at Tokyo Verdy.

Iwata took the early lead in steady rain at International Stadium Yokohama when Rodrigo Gral converted a cross from Aleksander Zivkovic and fired into the bottom left-hand corner for his 21st goal of the season.

Yokohama goalkeeper Tetsuya Enomoto was sent off in the 16th minute when he shoved Gral, who had attempted to block his drop kick.

Marquinhos scored the equalizer six minutes after the break with a header from close range on a Dutra corner.

Elsewhere, Oita Trinita secured a spot in the first division for next season after a 1-1 draw at home to Veglata Sendai, who were relegated along with Kyoto Purple Sanga.