SHIZUOKA, Japan (Interstat) — Substitute Naoki Hayashi scored in the 18th minute to lift Shimizu S-Pulse to a 1-0 victory over Tokyo Verdy in the J1 League on Saturday at IAI Stadium Nihondaira. The match, which defied a national statistical projection for a 1-1 draw, was the season opener for both clubs in Japan’s top flight. Defender Yūtaka Yoshida was credited with an assist on the decisive play. The win gives Shimizu a perfect start to the campaign, while Tokyo Verdy begins with a loss. The contest was a physical affair, with four yellow cards issued in the first half alone.