Nadeshiko League Third Round

Yanagita scores at the death to rescue a point for Fukuoka

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki  1 - 1  Fukuoka J. Anclas 
(Attendance: 1,062)

Speranza named an unchanged side from that which lost to Niigata last week and Osaka native Shimamura Yuko gave them the lead in the 34th minute as the result of a goalkeeping howler. Fukuoka 'keeper Sawada rushed out from her area to intercept a long ball from Matsuda Nozomi and Shimamura simply stroked it into the goal having got to the ball first. Shimamura scored 13 in last year's Challenge League West and will be relieved to have got herself and her team their first goal this season; by contrast Sawada will have been mortified by her rash attempt at a clearance - especially as there was no imminent danger. The home side looked like they would hang on until newcomer Yanagita Shiori ghosted in unmarked to head in from her side's only corner kick of the game to equalise for Fukuoka J. Anclas in the fifth minute of additional time. So little time was there left on the clock that the referee blew for full-time without restarting.

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Toyama Sayuri, Okuda Akiko (capt), Hirano Satoko, Matsuda Nozomi, Asano Miki, Toyoda Nayuha, Itami Emi, Torao Naomi, Hamada Haruka, Shimamura Yuko
Subs: Maruyama Karina (Toyama Sayuri, 56 mins), Yoshizawa Ai (Asano Miki, 71 mins), Tanaka Ayako (Shimamura Yuko, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Takahashi Chizuru
Scorer: Shimamura Yuko (34 mins)
Booked: Hamada Haruka, Suzuki Risa

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Yanagita Shiori, Isokane Midori, Hanada Aiko, Tanihara Yukari, Kuzuma Riyo, Kawamura Mari, Tagashira Yoko, Shibuya Yumiko, Sato Kaede
Subs: Kiyohara Marie (Tagashira Yoko, 40 mins), Akiyama Ryo (Tanihara Yukari, 63 mins), Doshita Misato (Kuzuma Riyo, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Yatagai Mikiko, Kushige Aoi
Scorer: Yanagita Shiori (90+5 mins)
Booked: Akiyama Ryo


Urawa Red Diamonds  1 - 1  Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 2,474)

Having just played three games, Urawa Red Diamonds will already be feeling their challenge for the title faltering after another draw against inferior opposition. Urawa made one change, JFA Academy recruit Wada Naoko starting in place of Takeyama Yuko. The Kunoichi strengthened their defence with Nasu Maiko making her first start since joining from INAC Kobe. In midfield another transferred player from INAC, Haji Madoka had her first start of the season. In the 28th minute the lively Tsutsumi Saki gave Iga the lead with a superb shot across the goal from just outside the area, with Haji the instigator with a strong run from midfield which drew the Urawa players towards her to free Tsutsumi. Urawa responded in kind ten minutes later with a goal from Chinatsu Kira, her third of the season. Chinatsu had received a beautiful ball over the top from Shibata, in taking the shot she was challenged and only just got her shot away, the ball trickling apologetically over the line with Ono wrong-footed and unable to scramble back in time. Both sides had chances in the second half but neither could break down some resolute defending.

Urawa Red Diamonds:
Yamago Nozomi, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Kohata Shiho, Yano Kyoko (capt), Wada Naoko, Shibata Hanae, Naomoto Hikaru, Niwata Akiko, Yasuda Yuki, Kira Chinatsu, Arakawa Eriko
Subs: Kato Chika (Yasuda Yuki, 65 mins), Yanagita Miyuki (Niwata Akiko, 70 mins), Goto Michi (Arakawa Eriko, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Dozono Ayano
Scorer: Kira Chinatsu (38 mins)
Booked: Naomoto Hikaru

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Fujimoto Ayano, Miyasako Tamami, Ono Suzuka (capt), Yamaguchi Ayako, Kobayashi Makiko, Nasu Maiko, Miyamoto Tomomi, Tsutsumi Saki, Haji Madoka, Matsunaga Yoshie
Subs: Noichi Aya (Matsunaga Yoshie, 72 mins), Nakade Hikari (Haji Madoka, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Michikura Hiroko, Matsunaga Tomoe
Scorer: Tsutsumi Saki (28 mins)
Booked: Miyamoto Tomomi


Okayama Yunogo Belle  3 - 0  Albirex Niigata Ladies
(Attendance: 3,515)

With Oishi Sayaka out injured for six months, Niigata started with Hirai Sakina up front against Belle. Although both sides had an equal number of chances on goal, it was Belle who showed how to finish with three exquisite goals. Belle's top scorer Arimachi bullied Saito off the ball in midfield and unleashed an unstoppable drive into the top corner from well outside the area. On the half-hour mark a cross from Mizushima was beautifully controlled by Matsuoka on her chest before flicking it up with her right foot and volleying with her left in past Otomo who simply could not get anywhere near the ball. Belle killed the game off in the 73rd minute when a Miyama corner was headed goalwards by Matsuoka and Nakano Manami held off Wakabayashi Minori to swivel and lash the ball home.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Sakai Nozomi, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Mizushima Kumi, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yokoyama Kumi (Mizushima Kumi, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Shigemoto Shiho, Nakamura Miki, Nagamachi Yuri, Ikegaya Natsumi
Scorers: Arimachi Saori (24 mins), Matsuoka Miki (30 mins), Nakano Manami (67 mins)

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Wakabayashi Minori, Kitahara Kana, Higashiyama Maiko, Nakamura Kaede, Nakamura Saki, Saito Yuri, Nakaoka Maiko, Saeki Aya, Hirai Sakina, Yamazaki Marumi
Subs: Kodama Keiko (Nakaoka Maiko, 68 mins), Hori Yoshie (Nakamura Saki, 70 mins)
Unused subs: Suwa Erina, Kawamura Yuri, Kamionobe Megumi, Hori Yoshie, Kodama Keiko


INAC Kobe Leonessa  3 - 2  AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 4,441)

Having conceded the first goal in the fourth minute to a fine drive by Takara Ryoko - from a cute backheel from Kyokawa - Elfen Sayama must have felt that they were destined to be the latest team torn asunder by INAC Kobe's lionesses. However, the Sayama team composed themselves, organised their defence and started to play with a little confidence. Their star player was their ever-present keeper, Arima Shizuka, who kept INAC at bay through a mixture of acrobatics, agility and bravery. INAC finally got their second of the day through Kyokawa, her fourth of the season, from a first-time pass from Kawasumi.

2-0 down at half-time, Sayama knew they were still in the game and in the second half decided to have a go. Some untidiness in defence cost them in the 53rd minute, though they were unlucky as Takara scored her second of the afternoon, as her shot from outside the area took a huge deflection off a Sayama defender, completely wrong-footing Arima.

On 61 minutes, Sawa Homare - starting her first game of the season - was replaced by Minamiyama Chiaki, who had played in her stead in the first two games of the season.

Still Sayama pressed on, and were rewarded with a goal in the 69th minute through Suzuki Kaoruko, who headed in when the ball had bounced back off the cross-bar from a shot by substitute Uchida Saki. Kaihori in the INAC net had looked uncertain early in the game, and was again somewhat hesitant about attacking the ball. Five minutes later, Sayama had another, Azami both relieved and delighted to have made up for her part in the third INAC goal - the Sayama forwards having dominated the INAC defenders in the air.

INAC continued to press and made some good chances in the last fifteen minutes but time and again were off-target. Sayama, for their part, looked to counter attack whenever INAC had pushed women forward and throughout the game showed some slick passing with their midfield linking the play well between defence and attack.

Just on 90 minutes, Takara headed goalwards with the keeper stranded, but two Sayama defenders on the line had positioned themselves well and one headed the ball against the underside of the bar and the ball was cleared in a panic.

The game petered out in additional time. With a few seconds left INAC will be pleased with the points but know that they will have to be better against stronger opposition; Sayama will be pleased with the spirit, character and no small amount of skill that they showed.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Takara Ryoko, Tanaka Asuna, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Ji So-Yun, Takase Megumi, Kawasumi Nahomi, Kyokawa Mai
Subs: Minamiyama Chiaki (Sawa Homare, 61 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Tanaka Yoko, Nakajima Emi, Nakada Ayu
Scorers: Takara Ryoko (4, 53 mins), Kyokawa Mai (37 mins)
Booked: Ji So-Yun

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Segi Aki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Kumagai Sayaka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Azami Rie, Suzuki Kaoruko, Saito Yuri, Watanabe Ayaka, Muraoka Natsuki (capt)
Subs: Uchida Saki (Saito Yuri, 60 mins), Sugiyama Takako (Suzuki Kaoruko, 72 mins), Otani Erina (Muraoka Natsuki, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Otani Haruka, Otani Erina
Scorers: Suzuki Kaoruko (69 mins), Azami Rie (74 mins)
Booked: Suzuki Kaoruko, Uchida Saki


NTV Beleza  4 - 0  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 7,082)

Nagasato Ayano became the league's sole top scorer with five goals as she scored two of Beleza's four against a JEF United side unable to cope with Beleza's strength up front, in a game played in Morioka, Iwate. In the opening minutes Beleza attacked relentlessly down the left flank and following a corner it appeared that Doko Mayo had scored her first for the senior side in just the third minute, but the goal was later ruled an own goal. Kobayashi's cross from the right resulted in a goalmouth scramble and the ball eventually nestled in the net following some pinball in the area.

Kobayashi Yayoi fell awkwardly having challenged for the ball in the air and injured her right foot upon landing, and was replaced by Nakasato Yu in the 14th minute for her second substitute appearance.

Kiryu Nanase made it 2-0 with just a quarter of an hour gone with a fine right-footed drive, Iwabuchi Mana having hit the bar moments earlier, having turned two JEF players and smashed in a long range effort. Panic ensued in the JEF defence when a succession of JEF defenders failed to clear the danger. Following another poor clearance from Kawamura, Ito controlled the ball well, gave a quick pass to Iwashimizu who likewise passed quickly to Nagasato. The powerful forward muscled her way past Takahashi and Yanai who dared not attempt a tackle in the box.

Nagasato made the game safe just before half-time before adding another in the 73rd minute to delight the 7,000 Iwate fans- veteran midfielder Ito Kanako again involved in the second of Nagasato's goals. From the back Beleza played the ball around until Sakaguchi pushed a long ball forward to Ito on the right wing. She easily beat Tezuka, turning the defender inside out before trying to find the onrushing Iwabuchi. The ball came back to Ito following the intervention of Takahashi. Given a second bite of the cherry Ito crossed to the unmarked Kiryu who lashed the ball across the face of the goal from the right and Nagasato made no mistake with the finish.

Beleza's next home game will be played in Akita city where they will take on Niigata. JEF United have the daunting task of hosting INAC Kobe in the weekend's early game on Saturday.

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Ariyoshi Saori, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Doko Mayo, Kobayashi Yayoi, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Nagasato Asano, Iwabuchi Mana
Subs: Nakasato Yu (Kobayashi Yayoi, 14 mins), Tanaka Mina (Nagasato Asano, 76 mins), Yamada Shoko (Iwabuchi Mana, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Hara Natsuko
Scorers: Own Goal (3 mins), Kiryu Nanase (15 mins), Nagasato Asano (45, 73 mins)

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Kawamura Mariko, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Kawamura Noriko, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Ikadai Risa, Fukasawa Risa (capt), Shimizu Yuka
Subs: Hosokawa Motoyo (Ikadai Risa, HT), Koike Kokoro (Yanai Rina, 62 mins), Shimada Ayako (Shimizu Yuka, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Yamane Erina

Challenge League Fourth Round

Bunnys Kyoto SC  1 - 4  Tokiwagi Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 160)

Michigami Ayaka scored another hat-trick to take her season total to 12 goals in a 4-1 rout of Bunnys Kyoto. Miura Kyoko had given the home side hope with a 46th minute equaliser before the schoolgirls showed their class in the closing stages. With the other sides playing tomorrow, Tokiwagi take pole position in the division entering Golden Week.

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi, Hanazaki Rena, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Sada Fumika, Ukita Kotone, Oyama Natsuki, Watanabe Juri, Miyai Mina, Miura Kyoko (capt), Kinjo Keina
Subs: Isashi Kaede (Akiyama Tomomi, 27 mins), Fujimoto Ami (Miyai Mina, 58 mins)
Unused subs: Yanagimura Ayano, Yamashita Yu, Kawachi Erika
Scorers: Miura Kyoko (46 mins)

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Fukumura Kanae, Takamura Chisato, Okamori Kasane (capt), Okakura Mika, Kosuda Rina, Hirata Miki, Ito Miki, Matsuura Nagisa, Sasaki Miwa, Shiraki Akari, Michigami Ayaka
Subs: Horii Mizuki (Sasaki Miwa, 45 mins), Kawasaki Saya (Shiraki Akari, 45 mins), Yagami Yuriya (Matsuura Nagisa, 80 mins), Kakinoki Runa (Hirata Miki, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Hayashizaki Mei
Scorers: Michigami Ayaka (2, 75, 83 mins), Ito Miki (67 mins)
Booked: Hirata Miki


Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita  0 - 0  JFA Academy Fukushima
(Attendance: 189)

The students of Shizuoka lost their 100% record against a much-changed teenage JFA Academy side today, which means that they are now equal with Tokiwagi and Vegalta Sendai on 10 points at the top of the table. Both sides had a number of chances, particularly in the second half, but a scoreless draw is not what either side would have wanted.

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Maehara Ringo, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Hirata Misato, Ogata Yurika, Sayama Momoko, Kanno Mie, Ishida Risa, Oda Kanna, Okuda Mika
Subs: Shirai Aoi (Kanno Mie, 58 mins), Suzuki Rina (Oda Kanna, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Terada Ikumi, Kinpara Reika, Matsuno Miyuki

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Inoue Nene, Yamamori Anna, Kojima Miku, Miyake Shiori, Yoshitake Manami, Norimatsu Ruka, Mizutani Yuki, Kojima Hikaru, Narumiya Yui (capt), Kadoi Megumi, Masuya Rika
Subs: Moriya Miyabi (Kadoi Megumi, 68 mins), Sunaga Manami (Kojima Hikaru, 85 mins)


AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies  1 - 4  FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme
(Attendance: 203)

In what looks like being a long season, Nagano have crashed to their fourth straight heavy defeat, this time to the travelling students from Okayama. An Urasaki Yuka goal in the 17th minute gave Nagano hope but the lead did not last even until half-time, defender Kamata Ran scoring the equaliser following a corner kick. In the second half the Charme women upped the tempo and three more goals in the last 16 minutes sealed the points, with Noma and Sugita getting their second goals of the season to add to Nishikawa's first.

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Satou Kaede, Tanaka Nami, Hatano Saki, Kitagawa Minamo, Hashiura Satsuki, Takagi Nao (capt), Murayama Yuri, Hamagaki Kana, Urasaki Yuka, Uchiyama Tomoyo
Subs: Sayama Marina (Hatano Saki, HT), Hanabusa Misa (Urasaki Yuka, 85 mins), Yamashita Mayumi (Hamagaki Kana, 87 mins)
Scorers: Urasaki Yuka (17 mins)
Booked: Kitagawa Minamo, Hamagaki Kana

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Tanaka Shiho, Imanishi Azusa, Kamata Ran, Shigemasa Kai, Takano Saki, Sugita Ami, Nishikawa Asuka, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Fukui Shihori
Subs: Noma Fumika (Fukui Shihori, 34 mins), Muramatsu Mafuyu (Imanishi Azusa, HT), Tachibana Rei (Nishikawa Asuka, 74 mins), Matsushita Fumiko (Takeda Arisa, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Ayaka
Scorers: Kamata Ran (40 mins), Nishikawa Asuka (74 mins), Noma Fumika (82 mins), Sugita Ami (90+2 mins)


Je Vrille Kagoshima  0 - 3  Sfida Setagaya FC
(Attendance: 258)

Sfida Setagaya continue to impress as they won by three goals to nil in Kagoshima. Ishibuchi Yuki scored another goal to take her season's tally to five; her goal was accompanied either side by Nagasawa Yume's first two goals of the season. Kagoshima were barely in the game and did not trouble Kawaguchi in the Sfida net unduly.

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Ito Chisa, Miyazako Fumika, Nakae Maki (capt), Kurahara Honami, Niiho Madoka, Nozaki Ayumi, Shimada Naoko, Sannomiya Shiki, Imanaka Yuri, Nakashima Ayaka
Subs: Moriwaki Satsuki (Ito Chisa, 10 mins), Hamada Erina (Moriwaki Satsuki, HT), Kobayashi Natsumi (Shimada Naoko, 67 mins)
Unused subs: Nijima Yuki, Mitsudome Kanami

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Nagata Maya, Tanaka Marina (capt), Okada Ayame, Fukuhara Nao, Minemoto Chizuru, Usuda Haruka, Mori Hitomi, Sasago Masae, Ishibuchi Yuki, Nagasawa Yume
Subs: Kawashima Tamai (Usuda Haruka, 73 mins), Uchiyama Tomoka (Ishibuchi Yuki, 78 mins), Yoshitomi Momoko (Tanaka Marina, 82 mins),  Oshima Sayuri (Mori Hitomi, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Muramatsu Yuki
Scorers: Nagasawa Yume (16, 73 mins), Ishibuchi Yuki (25 mins)


Vegalta Sendai Ladies  8 - 1 Japan Soccer College Ladies
(Attendance: 1200)

With Vegalta Sendai's men's team dominating J-League's Division 1, their women counterparts are determined that they will also stamp their authority on their respective league this season. Promotion now looks like an odds-on prospect as they destroyed JSCL by eight goals to one - JSCL's only goal being an own goal as the stay rooted to the bottom. For their part, Sendai provided some great holiday entertainment for the 1,200 fans who ventured out to Matsushima for the lunchtime kick-off. Yasumoto bagged a hat-trick, her first goals for the club, Ito scored a brace to take her season's total to five, Uetsuji also scored a brace to take her season's total to 3. Ono Hitomi, Sendai's only native of Miyagi scored her first of the season. In goal Saita Yuki had her first start. Sendai are now level on points at the top of the table with Tokiwagi and Shizuoka. Sendai travel to Ehime next weekend, with Tokiwagi and Shizuoka playing each other in Matsushima.

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Saita Yuki, Nakamura Mami, Sakai Yuki, Osafune Kana, Ideue Asako, Shimokozuru Aya (capt), Kakazu Asuka, Ono Hitomi, Uetsuji Yumi, Yasumoto Sawako, Ito Minako
Subs: Nakahara Saori (Ono Hitomi, 60 mins), Koyama Kie (Kakazu Asuka, 65 mins), Takahashi Nana (Ito Minako, 79 mins), Yamamoto Risa (Shimokozuru Aya, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Saito Ayaka
Scorers: Yasumoto Sawako (4, 38, 71 mins), Uetsuji Yumi (14, 88 mins), Ito Minako (26, 77 mins), Ono Hitomi (40 mins)

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Hayashimoto Saki, Sasaki Shiori, Takahashi Sakura, Shinagawa Ayaka, Hayakawa Kumiko, Toriumi Mai (capt), Sakaguchi Yuki, Shanou Miki, Nakayama Aoi, Usui Rika
Unused subs: Komatsu Akane, Nishioka Nana, Toyota Yuri, Goto Sanae, Matsumoto Hotaru
Scorers: Own Goal (28 mins)


Nittaidai Football Club Ladies  2 - 0  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 153)

Shimada Chiaki scored her first goal of the season for Nittaidai as they saw off a spirited challenge from visiting Ehime, who travelled in high spirits following their first win of the season last week. Shimada got on the end of a through pass from first year Sakurai Mayuka to give her side the lead, and four minutes later Kudo Asami scored her second of the season. Both Sakurai and Shimada were again involved as Sakurai's throw-in found Shimada and her long pass to Kudo was finished off expertly. After four games Ehime have just three points and will look to shore up their defence, while Nittaidai move to within one point of the top spot.

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Yamamoto Arisa, Sakurai Mayuka, Togashi Kaori, Nagashima Hikari, Fujisawa Marin, Ishii Chiharu, Shimokawa Saori (capt), Kitano Rie, Ito Yukina, Shimada Chiaki, Kudo Asami
Subs: Abe Rie (Nagashima Hikari, 64 mins), Uemura Shoko (Kudo Asami, 67 mins)
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Yamana Maki
Scorers: Shimada Chiaki (18 mins), Kudo Asami (22 mins)
Booked: Kitano Rie

Ehime FC Ladies:
Osako Hanako, Kutsuna Arisa, Marugata Rie, Sato Hiromi, Ogawa Akari, Iwamoto Yuka, Yamashiro Miyuki, Nishigawa Sayumi, Kushiyama Saki, Nakada Maiko (capt), Haruyama Saori
Subs: Uesato Saki (Kutsuna Arisa, HT), Niwa Mizuho (Uesato Saki, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Moriga Mahiro, Hagiwara Masumi, Maruyama Yuka

Challenge League Third Round

Shizuoka Sangyo go clear at the top of the table with three wins, followed by the two Sendai teams both of whom had impressive wins. JSCL and Nagano remain pointless at the bottom. Tokiwagi's Michigami Ayaka has now scored nine goals in three matches.


Sfida Setagaya FC  1 - 2  Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita
(Attendance: 348)

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Nagasawa Yume, Tanaka Marina (capt), Okada Ayame, Fukuhara Nao, Kawashima Tamai, Nagata Maya, Oshima Sayuri, Minemoto Chizuru, Ishibuchi Yuki, Mori Hitomi
Subs: Usuda Haruka (Nagata Maya, 61 mins), Sasago Masae (Oshima Sayuri, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Kurokawa Hikari, Uchiyama Tomoka, Nagasaki Akane
Scorer: Tanaka Marina (89 mins)

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Maehara Ringo, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Hirata Misato, Ogata Yurika, Sayama Momoko, Kanno Mie, Ishida Risa, Shirai Aoi, Okuda Mika
Subs: Oda Kanna (Shirai Aoi, HT), Matsuno Miyuki (Ogata Yurika, 83 mins), Suzuki Rina (Kanno Mie, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Miharu, Kinpara Reika
Scorers: Kanefuda Anzu (45+1 mins), Ishida Risa (90 mins)
Booked: Hirata Misato


Ehime FC Ladies  6 - 1  Japan Soccer College Ladies
(Attendance: 220)

Ehime FC Ladies:
Osako Hanako, Onoyama Nana, Marugata Rie, Sato Hiromi, Ogawa Akari, Iwamoto Yuka, Yamashiro Miyuki, Nishigawa Sayumi, Kushiyama Saki, Haruyama Saori, Nakada Maiko (capt)
Subs: Niwa Mizuho (Kushiyama Saki, 63 mins), Uesato Saki (Iwamoto Yuka, 63 mins), Kutsuna Arisa (Onoyama Nana, 64 mins), Yamada Maya (Haruyama Saori, 80 mins),  Moriga Mahiro (Osako Hanako, 80 mins)
Scorers: Kushiyama Saki (2, 17 mins), Haruyama Saori (24, 35, 51 mins), Nakada Maiko (44 mins)

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Shinagawa Ayaka, Sasaki Shiori, Takahashi Sakura (capt), Usui Rika, Nakayama Aoi, Matsumoto Hotaru, Hayashimoto Saki, Toriumi Mai, Sakaguchi Yuki, Shanou Miki
Subs: Toyota Yuri (Usui Rika, HT), Hashimoto Ayaka (Matsumoto Hotaru, 75 mins), Komatsu Akane (Fukada Ayami, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Endo Yuu, Kato Yoshimi
Scorers: Shanou Miki (12 mins)
Booked: Takahashi Sakura


Tokiwagi Gakuen High School  6 - 0  AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies
(Attendance: 70)

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Takamura Chisato, Okamori Kasane (capt), Okakura Mika, Yagami Yuriya, Kosuda Rina, Matsuura Nagisa, Sugihara Haruna, Horii Mizuki, Kawasaki Saya, Michigami Ayaka
Subs: Hirakuni Mizuki (Sugihara Haruna, HT), Mitamura Momoko (Kawasaki Saya, 73 mins), Kakinoki Runa (Takamura Chisato, 73 mins), Tanaka Yasuko (Yagami Yuriya, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Fukumura Kanae
Scorers: Michigami Ayaka (2, 32, 49, 83 mins), Kawasaki Saya (22 mins), Matsuura Nagisa (71 mins)
Booked: Matsuura Nagisa

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Sayama Marina, Satou Kaede, Tanaka Nami, Kitagawa Minamo, Hashiura Satsuki, Takagi Nao, Murayama Yuri, Uchiyama Tomoyo, Urasaki Yuka, Hamagaki Kana
Unused subs: Yamashita Mayumi, Hanabusa Misa
Booked: Sayama Marina


JFA Academy Fukushima  1 - 2  Bunnys Kyoto SC
(Attendance: 60)

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Hannah Stambaugh, Yamamori Anna, Kojima Miku, Mori Sayaka, Kitagawa Hikaru, Mizutani Yuki, Yoshitake Manami, Kojima Hikaru (capt), Kadoi Megumi, Tachibana Yo, Narumi Wakana
Subs: Sunaga Manami (Narumi Wakana, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Hashinuma Maho, Morita Umi, Nakajo Yui, Ueda Yuriko
Scorers: Kadoi Megumi (16 mins)

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi, Yanagimura Ayano, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Sada Fumika, Ukita Kotone, Hanazaki Rena, Watanabe Juri, Miyai Mina, Oyama Natsuki, Miura Kyoko
Subs: Kinjo Keina (Yanagimura Ayano, 52 mins), Fujimoto Ami (Miyai Mina, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede, Yamashita Yu
Scorers: Ii Kiyono (53 mins), Kinjo Keina (77 mins)


Nittaidai Football Club Ladies  2 - 0  Je Vrille Kagoshima
(Attendance: 100)

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Yamamoto Arisa, Sakurai Mayuka, Yamagata Hisami, Togashi Kaori, Fujisawa Marin, Goto Ami, Shimada Chiaki, Kitano Rie, Takashima Ruriko, Kudo Asami, Sato Minami
Subs: Uemura Shoko (Kudo Asami, 65 mins), Shimokawa Saori (capt)(Kitano Rie, 82 mins), Ito Yukina (Sato Minami, 88 mins),
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Yamana Maki
Scorers: Takashima Ruriko (18 mins), Yamagata Hisami (47 mins)

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Miyazako Fumika, Ito Chisa, Nakae Maki (capt), Kurahara Honami, Niiho Madoka, Nozaki Ayumi, Shimada Naoko, Sannomiya Shiki, Nakashima Ayaka, Imanaka Yuri
Subs: Hamada Erina (Nakae Maki, 72 mins), Nijima Yuki (Nozaki Ayumi, 87 mins), Kobayashi Natsumi (Shimada Naoko, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Mitsudome Kanami, Moriwaki Satsuki


FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme  0 - 3  Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 420)

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Yamamoto Ayaka, Takeda Arisa, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Imanishi Azusa, Koike Ayano, Matsushita Fumiko, Takano Saki, Sugita Ami, Nishikawa Asuka, Fukui Shihori, Takahashi Chiho (capt)
Subs: Kamata Ran (Koike Ayano, HT), Shigemasa Kai (Matsushita Fumiko, HT), Kanbara Misaki (Fukui Shihori, 71 mins), Kurakazu Shiho (Imanishi Azusa, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Morimoto Kiyo

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Amano Misaki, Nakamura Mami, Sakai Yuki, Osafune Kana, Yamamoto Risa, Shimokozuru Aya, Uetsuji Yumi, Kakazu Asuka, Ono Hitomi, Yasumoto Sawako, Ito Minako
Subs: Nakahara Saori (Ono Hitomi, 20 mins), Ideue Asako (Yamamoto Risa, 78 mins), Takahashi Nana (Ito Minako, 81 mins), Tanaka Keiko (Nakamura Mami, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Saito Ayaka
Scorers: Ito Minako (7, 32 mins), Uetsuji Yumi (15 mins)
Booked: Shimokozuru Aya

Nadeshiko League Second Round

INAC Kobe Leonessa 7 - 0 Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 3,517)

INAC Kobe's game against Anclas was all over bar the shouting by half-time, with the remainder of the game being watched with one eye on Sawa Homare on the bench. Eventually in the 72nd minute she made her entrance to tremendous appreciation from all supporters of both sides. With the Olympic tournament a matter of weeks away the health and form of Sawa were on everyone's minds. By that stage INAC were 5-0 and enjoying themselves. The scoring was opened in the 21st minute by Korean Ji So-Yun and a second was added in the 35th minute by Takase Megumi. The most notable feature of the game was Kawasumi Nahomi's terrorizing runs down the left, and the job of marshalling her fell to captain Uchihori Ritsuko who presented Kawasumi with the opportunity to score from the spot when she was outfoxed and tripped her near the goal-line. Almost immediately from the restart, Anclas lost the ball carelessly and Ji So-Yun once again made them pay. Uchihori was perhaps unfortunate to give away another penalty, this time tripping Kyokawa Mai who scored herself. Uchihori had the look of a woman just happy that she doesn't have to play this level of opposition every week. Nakajima Emi scored the sixth goal, after Ohno Shinobu had dragged the Anclas central defenders towards herself and away from the oncoming Nakajima. Ohno was rewarded for her tireless work all afternoon with the final goal in the 81st minute.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Takara Ryoko, Tanaka Asuna, Kai Junko, Minamiyama Chiaki, Ji So-Yun, Kawasumi Nahomi, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Takase Megumi, Kyokawa Mai
Subs: Nakajima Emi (Takase Megumi, 38 mins), Sawa Homare (Kyokawa Mai, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Nakada Ayu, Tanaka Yoko
Scorers: Ji So-Yun (21, 46 mins), Takase Megumi (35 mins), Kawasumi Nahomi (42 mins, pen), Kyokawa Mai (65 mins, pen), Nakajima Emi (77 mins), Ohno Shinobu (81 mins)

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Yanagita Shiori, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Isokane Midori, Hanada Aiko, Doshita Misato, Kawamura Mari, Kiyohara Marie, Sato Kaede, Shibuya Yumiko, Kuzuma Riyo
Subs: Akiyama Ryo (Kuzuma Riyo, 61 mins), Tagashira Yoko (Sato Kaede, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Yatagai Mikiko, Tanihara Yukari, Kushige Aoi


NTV Beleza  3 - 0  AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 3,012)

NTV Beleza beat Elfen Sayama by three goals to nil in front of just over three thousand spectators. Iwabuchi Mana gave them the lead in the 45th minute, and it wasn't until the dying minutes that the scoreline was made comfortable, Sayama having come on strongly in the second half. Iwabuchi bullied her way past her marker to score in the corner of the net, the visitors having lost possession in the Beleza half.

Second-half substitute Nakasato Yu and Nagasato Asano were the other scorers. Teenager Nakasato scored with a beautiful first-time shot from outside the area following a throw-in and Nagasato scored her third of the season with a pinpoint header from a cross by Ito on the left wing.

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Kobayashi Miharu, Sudo Akiko, Hara Natsuko, Kobayashi Yayoi, Nagasato Asano, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Iwabuchi Mana, Kinoshita Shiori, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt)
Subs: Nakasato Yu (Kobayashi Yayoi, 59 mins), Ariyoshi Saori (Sudo Akiko, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Tanaka Mina, Yamada Shoko
Scorers: Iwabuchi Mana (45 mins), Nakasato Yu (88 mins), Nagasato Asano (90+2 mins)

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Shibata Satomi, Kumagai Sayaka, Segi Aki, Azami Rie, Takahashi Yuko, Saito Yuri, Watanabe Ayaka, Suzuki Kaoruko, Kobayashi Natsumi, Muraoka Natsuki (capt)
Subs: Sugiyama Takako (Suzuki Kaoruko, 54 mins), Otani Erina (Muraoka Natsuki, 75 mins)
Unused subs: Otani Haruka, Uchida Saki, Kiyohara Yuuko


Iga FC Kunoichi  0 - 5  Okayama Yunogo Belle 
(Attendance: 1,049)

On a drenched pitch, Iga FC Kunoichi once again lost heavily, this time to Okayama Yunogo Belle, and by an even greater margin this time. Belle scored five without reply and will be pleased that five different players got in on the act. Miyama Aya was involved in all five of the goals, and indeed scored the final one herself in the 88th minute.

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Ono Suzuka (capt), Michikura Hiroko, Miyamoto Tomomi, Matsunaga Tomoe, Tsutsumi Saki, Nakade Hikari, Miyasako Tamami, Fujimoto Ayano, Kobayashi Makiko, Matsunaga Yoshie
Subs: Haji Madoka (Matsunaga Yoshie, 63 mins), Yamaguchi Ayako (Michikura Hiroko, 63 mins), Sonomura Nana (Kobayashi Makiko, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Sakaguchi Sakie
Booked: Haji Madoka

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Takahashi Haruka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nakano Manami, Arimachi Saori, Miyama Aya, Matsuoka Miki, Sakai Nozomi, Mizushima Kumi
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Yokoyama Kumi, Shigemoto Shiho, Nakamura Miki, Nakagawa Chihiro
Scorers: Mizushima Kumi (14 mins), Arimachi Saori (55 mins) Nakano Manami (57 mins), Kado Yuka (75 mins) Miyama Aya (88 mins)


JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies  0 - 0  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 663)

JEF United held out for a 0-0 draw with Urawa Reds in the Saturday game. Urawa dominated for much of the game and had twice as many shots on goal as their rivals.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Kawamura Mariko, Fukasawa Risa (capt), Ikadai Risa, Tezuka Saori, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Shimizu Yuka, Chino Shoko, Shimada Ayako
Subs:  Koike Kokoro (Shimada Ayako, 54 mins), Hanagiri Naomi (Shimizu Yuka, 60 mins), Hosokawa Motoyo (Ikadai Risa, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Kawamura Noriko, Yamamoto Naomi
Booked: Ikadai Risa

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Yamago Nozomi, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Niwata Akiko, Yasuda Yuki, Kira Chinatsu, Takeyama Yuko, Kohata Shiho, Shibata Hanae, Naomoto Hikaru, Arakawa Eriko
Subs: Kato Chika (Arakawa, 72 mins), Wada Naoko (Takeyama, 77 mins), Goto Michi (Yasuda, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Yanagita Miyuki


Albirex Niigata Ladies  1 - 0  Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki
(Attendance: 1,289)

Albirex Niigata had another home win, with Oishi heading her third goal of the season to maintain Albirex's perfect start to the season. Despite Osaka Takatsuki applying pressure on the Albirex's defence they managed very few shots on goal.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Kitahara Kana, Higashiyama Maiko, Kawamura Yuri, Yamazaki Marumi, Oishi Sayaka, Kamionobe Megumi, Nakamura Kaede, Saito Yuri, Wakabayashi Minori, Saeki Aya
Subs: Hirai Sakina (Oishi Sayaka, 66 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Arina, Nakaoka Maiko, Suwa Erina, Nakamura Saki
Scorer: Oishi Sayaka (27 mins)

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Okuda Akiko (capt), Matsuda Nozomi, Hirano Satoko, Asano Miki, Torao Naomi, Hamada Haruka, Itami Emi, Shimamura Yuko, Toyoda Nayuha, Toyama Sayuri
Subs: Maruyama Karina (Shimamura Yuko, 71 mins), Yoshizawa Ai (Asano Miki, 75 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Takahashi Chizuru, Tanaka Ayako

Challenge League Second Round

This week's games in the Challenge League saw a huge local derby played in front of 6,532 enthusiastic supporters between Vegalta Sendai and Tokiwagi Gakuen. Tokiwagi took the lead in the 46th minute following some wonderful linkup play, which saw Michigami Ayaka slotting into an empty net when the Sendai keeper came rushing out to intercept and misjudged her attempted block badly. Twenty minutes later Sendai got the equaliser through Ito Minako to give each team a share of the points. Elsewhere JFA Academy and Sfida Setagaya has impressive away wins.


AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies  0 - 5  JFA Academy Fukushima
(Attendance: 144)

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Satou Kaede, Takagi Nao, Tanaka Nami, Kitagawa Minamo, Urasaki Yuka, Murayama Yuri, Uchiyama Tomoyo, Yamashita Mayumi, Hashiura Satsuki, Hamagaki Kana
Subs: Sayama Marina (Yamashita Mayumi, 56 mins)
Unused subs: Hanabusa Misa

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Inoue Nene, Yamamori Anna, Miyake Shiori, Mori Sayaka, Yoshitake Manami, Mizutani Yuki, Norimatsu Ruka, Narumiya Yui, Kojima Hikaru, Masuya Rika, Narumi Wakana
Subs: Moriya Miyabi (Narumi Wakana, 67 mins), Hirao Chika (Inoue Nene, 72 mins), Sunaga Manami (Masuya Rika, 80 mins), Kadoi Megumi (Kojima Hikaru, 80 mins)
Scorers: Mizutani Yuki (34 mins), Masuya Rika (62, 75 mins), Narumiya Yui (69 mins), Kadoi Megumi (81 mins)


Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita  2 - 0  Nittaidai Football Club Ladies
(Attendance: 214)

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Maehara Ringo, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu, Hirata Misato, Sayama Momoko, Ogata Yurika, Kanno Mie, Ishida Risa, Okuda Mika, Shirai Aoi
Subs: Komagata Nana (Kanno Mie, 74 mins), Matsuno Miyuki (Ogata Yurika, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Miharu, Kinpara Reika, Atsumi Yuka
Scorers: Okuda Mika (18, 52 mins)

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Yamamoto Arisa, Sakurai Mayuka, Togashi Kaori, Yamana Maki, Fujisawa Marin, Oguri Mao, Shimokawa Saori, Shimada Chiaki, Takashima Ruriko, Kudo Asami, Ito Yukina
Subs: Uemura Shoko (Kudo Asami, 61 mins), Goto Ami (Takashima Ruriko, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Yamagata Hisami, Kitano Rie


Je Vrille Kagoshima  3 - 2  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 255)

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Miyazako Fumika, Ito Chisa, Kurahara Honami, Nakae Maki, Niiho Madoka, Nozaki Ayumi, Shimada Naoko, Sannomiya Shiki, Imanaka Yuri, Nakashima Ayaka
Subs: Moriwaki Satsuki (Nakashima Ayaka, HT), Kobayashi Natsumi (Shimada Naoko, 76 mins), Hamada Erina (Nakae Maki, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Nijima Yuki, Mitsudome Kanami
Scorers: Kurahara Honami (22 mins), Nozaki Ayumi (33 mins), Nakashima Ayaka (46 mins)
Booked: Sannomiya Shiki, Hamada Erina

Ehime FC Ladies:
Osako Hanako, Kushiyama Saki, Sato Hiromi, Onoyama Nana, Ogawa Akari, Yamashiro Miyuki, Uesato Saki, Iwamoto Yuka, Nishigawa Sayumi, Nakada Maiko, Haruyama Saori
Subs: Marugata Rie (Uesato Saki, HT), Kutsuna Arisa (Iwamoto Yuka, 66 mins), Niwa Mizuho (Kushiyama Saki, 70 mins)
Unused subs: Moriga Mahiro, Mukaidani Ayaka
Scorers: Onoyama Nana (77 mins), Ogawa Akari (84 mins)


Vegalta Sendai Ladies  1 - 1  Tokiwagi Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 6,532)

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Amano Misaki, Nakamura Mami, Sakai Yuki, Osafune Kana, Yamamoto Risa, Kakazu Asuka, Ono Hitomi, Shimokozuru Aya, Uetsuji Yumi, Yasumoto Sawako, Ito Minako
Subs: Ideue Asako (Kakazu Asuka, 68 mins), Tanaka Keiko (Ono Hitomi, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Saito Ayaka, Takahashi Nana, Nakahara Saori
Scorers: Ito Minako (67 mins)

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Kakinoki Runa, Okamori Kasane, Okakura Mika, Kosuda Rina, Hirata Miki, Matsuura Nagisa, Ito Miki, Sasaki Miwa, Shiraki Akari, Michigami Ayaka
Subs: Horii Mizuki (Sasaki Miwa, 85 mins), Tanaka Yasuko (Kosuda Rina, 89 mins), Sugihara Haruna (Shiraki Akari, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Kitsuyama Yui, Mitamura Momoko
Scorers: Michigami Ayaka (46 mins)
Booked: Okakura Mika


Bunnys Kyoto SC  0 - 7  Sfida Setagaya FC
(Attendance: 260)

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Yanagimura Ayano, Sada Fumika, Ukita Kotone, Hanazaki Rena, Watanabe Juri, Kinjo Keina, Oyama Natsuki, Miura Kyoko
Subs: Hattori Sae (Yanagimura Ayano, 64 mins), Fujimoto Ami (Miura Kyoko, 68 mins), Miyai Mina (Kinjo Keina, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede, Yamashita Yu
Booked: Hattori Sae

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Nagasawa Yume, Tanaka Marina, Okada Ayame, Fukuhara Nao, Minemoto Chizuru, Oshima Sayuri, Nagata Maya, Nagasaki Akane, Ishibuchi Yuki, Mori Hitomi
Subs: Kurokawa Hikari (Nagasaki Akane, 70 mins)
Unused subs: Osaki Aimi, Ishizaki Miu, Kojima Erina, Tanaka Mariko
Scorers: Ishibuchi Yuki (1, 10, 85 mins), Mori Hitomi (7, 38, 90 mins), Minemoto Chizuru


Japan Soccer College Ladies  0 - 2  FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme
(Attendance: 275)

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Shinagawa Ayaka, Sasaki Shiori, Takahashi Sakura, Usui Rika, Nakayama Aoi, Toriumi Mai, Hayashimoto Saki, Mori Misato, Sakaguchi Yuki, Shanou Miki
Subs: Iwasaki Manami (Nakayama Aoi, 56 mins), Hayakawa Kumiko (Mori Misato, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Komatsu Akane, Kato Yoshimi, Matsumoto Hotaru

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Kamata Ran, Koike Ayano, Nishikawa Asuka, Shigemasa Kai, Sugita Ami, Fukui Shihori, Noma Fumika, Takahashi Chiho
Subs: Takano Saki (Noma Fumika, HT), Tanaka Shiho (Koike Ayano, 72 mins), Kurakazu Shiho (Fukui Shihori, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Ayaka, Matsushita Fumiko
Scorer: Takahashi Chiho (20, 84 mins)

Nadeshiko League First Round

INAC Kobe Leonessa 7 - 0 Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki
(Attendance: 6,776)

The new Nadeshiko League season kicked off on April 15th with defending champions INAC Kobe the highest scorers on a day of overwhelming victories for the title favourites. Despite Sawa Homare sitting out the game due to her illness, 6,776 spectators watched the champions destroy Osaka Takatsuki by seven goals to nil. Recent high school graduate Kyokawa Mai netted her first two goals for the club while Ji So-Yun, Ohno Shinobu, Takase Megumi, Kawasumi Nahomi and Kai Junko added the rest. The game was over as a contest just after the half-hour mark, and Osaka only managed three shots in the entire game.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Tanaka Asuna, Kai Junko, Minamiyama Chiaki, Ji So-Yun, Kawasumi Nahomi, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Takase Megumi, Kyokawa Mai, Nakajima Emi
Subs: Tanaka Yoko (Nakajima Emi, 71 mins), Nakada Ayu (Takase Megumi, 73 mins), Takara Ryoko (Minamiyama Chiaki, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Sawa Homare, Takenaka Rei
Scorers: Ji So-Yun (19 mins), Ono Shinobu (31 mins), Takase Megumi (32 mins), Kyokawa Mai (43, 86 mins), Kawasumi Nahomi (70 mins), Kai Junko (77 mins)

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Nakamura Saki, Okuda Akiko (capt), Matsuda Nozomi, Hirano Satoko, Asano Miki, Hamada Haruka, Itami Emi, Maruyama Karina, Yoshizawa Ai, Toyoda Nayuha, Toyama Sayuri
Subs: Shimamura Yuko (Maruyama Karina, 34 mins), Torao Naomi (Yoshizawa Ai, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Suzuki Risa, Takahashi Chizuru, Tanaka Ayako


NTV Beleza  5 - 0  Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 1,219)

NTV Beleza displayed their title credentials against Fukuoka J. Anclas, whom they beat by five goals to nil. Nagasato Asano started the rout in the 26th minute and finished it in the first minute of stoppage time. In between Iwashimizu Azusa, Ito Kanako and Tanaka Mina also scored, Tanaka's goal coming from the penalty spot.

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Kobayashi Miharu, Sudo Akiko, Hara Natsuko, Kobayashi Yayoi, Nagasato Asano, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Iwabuchi Mana, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Doko Mayo
Subs: Tanaka Mina (Kobayashi Yayoi, 64 mins), Momiki Yuka (Iwabuchi Mana, 74 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Kinoshita Shiori, Nakasato Yu
Scorers: Nagasato Asano (26, 90+1 mins), Iwashimizu Azusa (32 mins), Ito Kanako (46 mins), Tanaka Mina (82 mins, pen)

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Yanagita Shiori, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Isokane Midori, Hanada Aiko, Kawamura Mari, Kiyohara Marie, Tagashira Yoko, Sato Kaede, Akiyama Ryo, Kuzuma Riyo
Unused subs: Yatagai Mikiko, Doshita Misato, Tanihara Yukari, Shibuya Yumiko


AS Elfen Sayama FC  0 - 5  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 2,057)

Not to be outdone, Urawa Reds also won by five goals to nil, beating Elfen Sayama in the day's only away victory. Niwata Akiko scored the opener in the first half directly from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. The ball was played in towards the goal and with an attacker ready to pounce, the goalkeeper dived in anticipation only to find the ball continuing on its path and into the net. Arakawa Eriko doubled the lead with barely five minutes of the second half gone as she guided a header past the keeper following some neat build-up play. Kira Chinatsu scored the third and fourth, though there was a suspicion of offside with her first goal. Yasuda Yuki finished the scoring with some determined play following a short goalkick.

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Tago Aki, Shibata Satomi, Sawada Yuka, Kumagai Sayaka, Azami Rie, Saito Yuri, Watanabe Ayaka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Muraoka Natsuki (capt), Kiyohara Yuuko
Subs: Takahashi Yuko (Sawada, 54 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (Saito, 56 mins), Hagiwara Aimi (Kiyohara, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Otani Haruka, Kawai Nayo

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Yamago Nozomi, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Niwata Akiko, Yasuda Yuki, Kira Chinatsu, Takeyama Yuko, Kohata Shiho, Shibata Hanae, Naomoto Hikaru, Arakawa Eriko
Subs: Goto Michi (Arakawa Eriko, 61 mins), Yanagita Miyuki (Niwata Akiko, 66 mins), Kato Chika (Kira Chinatsu, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Wada Naoko
Scorers: Niwata Akiko (32 mins), Arakawa Eriko (51 mins), Kira Chinatsu (57, 76 mins), Yasuda Yuki (78 mins)


Okayama Yunogo Belle  2 - 1  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies 
(Attendance: 3,358)

Okayama Yunogo Belle beat JEF United Ladies by two goals to one, Nakagawa Chihiro giving Belle the lead following a corner kick in the 33rd minute. Hosaka Nodoka equalised for JEF United not long after the restart but Arimachi Saori replied within two minutes to give Belle a 2-1 lead which they held onto.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Takahashi Haruka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nakano Manami, Arimachi Saori, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Matsuoka Miki, Sakai Nozomi
Subs: Yokoyama Kumi (Nakagawa Chihiro, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Shigemoto Shiho, Nakamura Miki, Ikegaya Natsumi, Mizushima Kumi
Scorers: Nakagawa Chihiro (33 mins), Arimachi Saori (51 mins)
Booked: Yasuda Kuniko

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Kawamura Mariko, Fukasawa Risa (capt), Ikadai Risa, Hanagiri Naomi, Tezuka Saori, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Chino Shoko, Shimada Ayako
Subs: Hosokawa Motoyo (Hanagiri Naomi, 70 mins), Kawamura Noriko (Hosaka Nodoka, 76 mins), Koike Kokoro (Shimada Ayako, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Sakuramoto Naoko, Yamamoto Naomi
Scorers: Hosoka Nodoka (49 mins)


Albirex Niigata Ladies  3 - 0  Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 1,421)

Finally, in the noon opener, Iga FC Kunoichi were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Albirex Niigata Ladies. The first goal came in the 13th min when an in-swinging corner kick was deflected into the net for an own goal. The Kunoichi were again the victims of their own doing for the second goal ten minutes later when hesitancy in defence allowed Oishi Sayaka to volley into the roof of the net. Oishi netted her second in the 52nd minute, a fine drive from the edge of the area having beaten two defenders.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Kitahara Kana, Higashiyama Maiko, Kawamura Yuri, Yamazaki Marumi, Oishi Sayaka, Kamionobe Megumi, Nakamura Kaede, Saito Yuri, Wakabayashi Minori, Saeki Aya
Subs: Nakamura Saki (Saito Yuri, 74 mins), Hirai Sakina (Oishi Sayaka, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Arina, Nakaoka Maiko, Suwa Erina
Scorers: Own Goal (13 mins), Oishi Sayaka (23, 52 mins)

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Ono Suzuka (capt), Michikura Hiroko, Miyamoto Tomomi, Matsunaga Tomoe, Tsutsumi Saki, Nakade Hikari, Miyasako Tamami, Fujimoto Ayano, Kobayashi Makiko, Matsunaga Yoshie
Subs: Yamaguchi Ayako (Michikura Hiroko, 67 mins), Sonomura Nana (Kobayashi Makiko, 61 mins), Sakaguchi Sakie (Nakade Hikari, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Sato Ai, Kuno Fubuki
Booked: Fujimoto Ayano, Matsunaga Yoshie, Matsunaga Tomoe

Challenge League First Round

Back underway in the lower division

Results from the first games in the Challenge League, all games having been played on the 8th of April. Tokiwagi Gakuen continued as they left off last season with another huge victory, while Vegalta Sendai began their first campaign with an important away win at JFA Academy.


Tokiwagi Gakuen High School  7 - 2  Japan Soccer College Ladies
(Attendance: 150)

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Kakinoki Runa, Okamori Kasane (capt), Okakura Mika, Kosuda Rina, Hirata Miki, Ito Miki, Matsuura Nagisa, Sasaki Miwa, Shiraki Akari, Michigami Ayaka
Subs: Kitsuyama Yui (Kakinoki Runa, 31 mins), Horii Mizuki (Michigami Ayaka, 62 mins), Mitamura Momoko (Shiraki Akari, 68 mins), Fukumura Kanae (Hayashizaki Mei, 82 mins), Watanabe Mayu (Okakura Mika, 82 mins)
Scorers: Michigami Ayaka (19, 31, 35, 59 mins), Ito Miki (66, 77 mins), Mitamura Momoko (83 mins)
Booked: Fukumura Kanae

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Hayakawa Kumiko, Sasaki Shiori, Takahashi Sakura, Usui Rika, Sakaguchi Yuki, Hayashimoto Saki, Toriumi Mai (capt), Mori Misato, Nakayama Aoi, Iwasaki Manami
Subs: Shinagawa Ayaka (Hayakawa Kumiko, HT), Shanou Miki (Iwasaki Manami, HT)
Unused subs: Komatsu Akane, Goto Sanae, Matsumoto Hotaru
Scorers: Toriumi Mai (80 mins), Sakaguchi Yuki (90+4 mins)


FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme  2 - 1  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 430)

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Yamamoto Ayaka, Takeda Arisa, Tanaka Shiho, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Koike Ayano, Shigemasa Kai, Sugita Ami, Nishikawa Asuka, Fukui Shihori, Noma Fumika, Takahashi Chiho (capt)
Subs: Kamata Ran (Muramatsu Mafuyu, 70 mins), Takano Saki (Shigemasa Kai, 70 mins), Kurakazu Shiho (Nishikawa Asuka, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Morimoto Kiyo, Matsushita Fumiko
Scorers: Sugita Ami (31 mins), Noma Fumika (65 mins)
Booked: Shigemasa Kai

Ehime FC Ladies:
Osako Hanako, Sato Hiromi, Onoyama Nana, Ogawa Akari, Kushiyama Saki, Mukaidani Ayaka, Nishigawa Sayumi, Nakada Maiko (capt), Haruyama Saori, Yamashiro Miyuki, Uesato Saki
Subs: Marugata Rie (Mukaidani Ayaka, 70 mins), Kutsuna Arisa (Uesato Saki, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Moriga Mahiro, Maruyama Yuka, Yamada Maya
Scorer: Nakada Maiko (8 mins)
Booked: Onoyama Nana, Nishigawa Sayumi


Je Vrille Kagoshima  1 - 2  Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita
(Attendance: 250)

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Ito Chisa, Miyazako Fumika, Nakae Maki (capt), Nakashima Ayaka, Niiho Madoka, Shimada Naoko, Nozaki Ayumi, Kurahara Honami, Imanaka Yuri, Sannomiya Shiki
Subs: Kobayashi Natsumi (Nozaki Ayumi, 67 mins)
Unused subs: Hamada Erina, Nijima Yuki, Moriwaki Satsuki, Mitsudome Kanami
Scorer: Nakashima Ayaka (6 mins)

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Maehara Ringo, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Kinpara Reika, Sayama Momoko, Ogata Yurika, Kanno Mie, Ishida Risa, Oda Kanna, Shirai Aoi
Subs: Okuda Mika (Shirai Aoi, HT), Hirata Misato (Kinpara Reika, 59 mins), Suzuki Rina (Kanno Mie, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Miharu, Komagata Nana
Scorers: Oda Kanna (74 mins), Ishida Risa (89 mins)


Nittaidai Football Club Ladies  4 - 1  Bunnys Kyoto SC
(Attendance: 101)

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Yamamoto Arisa, Sakurai Mayuka, Togashi Kaori, Yamana Maki, Fujisawa Marin, Oguri Mao, Shimokawa Saori (capt), Shimada Chiaki, Takashima Ruriko, Kudo Asami, Ito Yukina
Subs: Goto Ami (Kudo Asami, 70 mins), Uemura Shoko (Ito Yukina, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Osawa Yuka, Kitano Rie
Scorers: Kudo Asami (3 mins), Takashima Ruriko (7 mins), Oguri Mao (17 mins), Ito Yukina (56 mins)

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Ukita Kotone, Sada Fumika, Kinjo Keina, Hanazaki Rena, Watanabe Juri, Yamashita Yu, Oyama Natsuki, Miura Kyoko (capt)
Subs: Miyai Mina (Yamashita Yu, HT), Hattori Sae (Kinjo Keina, 68 mins), Fujimoto Ami (Miyai Mina, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede, Kawachi Erika
Scorer: Ii Kiyono (4 mins)


Sfida Setagaya FC  3 - 0  AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies
(Attendance: 1213)

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Fukuhara Nao, Okada Ayame, Tanaka Marina, Nagasawa Yume, Tanaka Mariko (capt), Nagata Maya, Usuda Haruka, Mori Hitomi, Ishibuchi Yuki, Minemoto Chizuru
Subs: Nagasaki Akane (Usuda Haruka, 61 mins), Kojima Erina (Nagata Maya, 76 mins), Kurokawa Hikari (Minemoto Chizuru, 82 mins), Osaki Aimi (Kawaguchi Mana, 90+2 mins), Uchiyama Tomoka (Ishibuchi Yuki, 90+2 mins)
Scorers: Fukuhara Nao (29 mins), Mori Hitomi (66 mins), Ishibuchi Yuki (88 mins)

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Satou Kaede, Tanaka Nami, Hatano Saki, Kitagawa Minamo, Sayama Marina, Takagi Nao (capt), Murayama Yuri, Uchiyama Tomoyo, Urasaki Yuka, Hamagaki Kana
Subs: Hashiura Satsuki (Hatano Saki, 45 mins), Hanabusa Misa (Sayama Marina, 68 mins), Yamashita Mayumi (Hamagaki Kana, 90+2 mins)


JFA Academy Fukushima  0 - 1  Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 430)

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Inoue Nene, Moriya Miyabi, Norimatsu Ruka, Miyake Shiori, Yamamori Anna, Narumiya Yui, Yoshitake Manami, Mizutani Yuki, Kadoi Megumi, Masuya Rika, Kojima Hikaru
Subs: Narumi Wakana (Kadoi Megumi, 58 mins), Mori Sayaka (Yamamori Anna, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Hirao Chika, Sunaga Manami

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Amano Misaki, Nakamura Mami, Sakai Yuki, Yamamoto Risa, Ideue Asako, Shimokozuru Aya, Ono Hitomi, Nakahara Saori, Kakazu Asuka, Ito Minako, Yasumoto Sawako
Subs: Uetsuji Yumi (Yasumoto Risa, HT), Osafune Kana (Ono Hitomi, 87 mins), Takahashi Nana (Ito Minako, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Saita Yuki, Tanaka Keiko
Scorer: Sakai Yuki (83 mins)
Booked: Ono Hitomi