CHŌFU, Japan (Interstat) — FC Tōkyō and Albirex Niigata played to a 1-1 draw in a J1 League match Saturday at Ajinomoto Stadium.

Albirex Niigata substitute Matheus Moraes opened the scoring in the ninth minute, assisted by Michael Fitzgerald. FC Tōkyō equalized just before halftime in first-half stoppage time when forward Keita Endo converted a pass from defender Sei Muroya.

The result defied pregame projections that heavily favored the home side. Both clubs opened their league seasons with a draw, moving to 0-0-1 records.

The match featured three yellow cards, issued to Niigata’s Fitzgerald and Shirai, and Tōkyō’s Muroya.