CHŌFU, Japan (Interstat) — Verdy, the home team, beat visiting Avispa Fukuoka 3-1 on Saturday at Ajinomoto Stadium. Issei Kumatoriya opened the scoring in the 10th minute, and Verdy led 1-0 at halftime. Werik Popo equalized for Avispa Fukuoka in the 56th. Yuan Matsuhashi restored Verdy’s lead in the 74th, and Shimon Teranuma sealed the result in the 90th. Shuhei Mizoguchi and Kazunari Ichimi assisted Verdy goals, while Yuji Kitajima set up Popo’s strike. Verdy’s Soma N. was booked in the 16th, and Avispa Fukuoka’s Shiihashi K., Morooka S. and Miya D. also received yellow cards. Avispa Fukuoka could not respond after Matsuhashi’s goal, and Verdy closed late. Avispa Fukuoka made five substitutions, and Verdy made five. Avispa Fukuoka’s season record in this competition is now 1-3, and its record across all competitions is 2-5. Verdy’s season record in this competition is now 1-2-1, and its record across all competitions is 2-3-1.