Challenge League Twenty-First Round

Vegalta Sendai are Challenge League Champions

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School  6 - 4  FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme
(Attendance: 100)

FC Takahashi travelled to Sendai in good spirits despite having no realistic chance of catching Vegalta Sendai at the top of the table. Morimoto Kiyo started in goal, and Noma Fumika replaced Fukui Shihori in attack for the visitors. Tokiwagi brought in the tall Shiraki Akari to accompany Michigami Ayaka to contend with Takahashi's tall players, Muramatsu Mafuyu and Takahashi Chiho. Horii Mizuki also started the game for Tokiwagi.

The visitors quickly took the lead, former Tokiwagi student Koike Ayano giving the ball to Noma Fumika who scored from quite some distance. A first-time pass from Takahashi put Sugita clear in the box and she scored from the left side just four minutes later to put the away side 2-0 up.

FC Takahashi then enjoyed most of the possession for the rest of the half, but just before half-time three goals changed the complexion of the game. Michigami Ayaka fell inside the area under minimal contact, but the penalty kick was awarded and Michigami herself stepped up to pull a goal back. FC Takahashi were stung by this, and immediately from the restart went on the attack with Koike on the left. Her pinpoint cross found Takahashi and she scored a trademark headed goal. However, Tokiwagi again pulled a goal back as Michigami showed her aerial prowess to head home a Horii corner kick.

Michigami had been linked this week to INAC Kobe, and seemed determined to prove her credentials in this match, attacking with intent and defending bravely. Shortly after the restart her thundering shot against the crossbar fell nicely for Kawasaki Saya to level the game at 3-3.

After twenty minutes more of the second half FC Takahashi found themselves back in front when Takahashi once again headed home, like last week converting a Takano free kick. FC Takahashi must have felt they had done enough to win, but mindful of more important games to come, were not tackling hard or generally straining themselves in the slippery conditions.

Substitute Sasaki Miwa equalised with thirteen minutes remaining for Tokiwagi, and again it was Michigami powering through the FC Takahashi defence who set up Sasaki for the easy finish. Just as the game was petering out and it would seem that the game would end in a 4-4 draw, Ito Miki scored with a header when the ball didn't appear to have crossed the line. FC Takahashi attempted to play on but didn't complain when the referee awarded the goal. Finding themselves behind for the first time, the visitors pushed forward again in a final attempt to equalise, but were punished at the back. Once again Michigami caused trouble at the back with her power and following some confusion and tiredness in the FC Takahashi defence, Sugihara Haruna bundled the ball over the line for an astonishing final score of 6-4 to the hosts, which handed the title to neighbours Vegalta Sendai before they had even kicked off.

Tokiwagi can still finish fifth but are unlikely to do so given that their goal difference is worse than that of rivals the JFA Academy. They are again at home, this time to Ehime to whom they lost earlier in the season. FC Takahashi were unhappy with the result but pleased that they did not pick up any injuries. Next week they play the Academy girls, who have only picked up two yellow cards all year, and thus are ideal opposition to finish on. Their real tests will come in the Nadeshiko League play-off games in November.

The FC Takahashi side which started today against Tokiwagi Gakuen.
Back, left-right: Sugita, Muramatsu, Takeda, Takahashi, Nishikawa, Morimoto
Front, left-right: Koike, Shigemasa, Matsushita, Noma, Takano

Noma gives FC Takahashi the lead within two minutes from long range

For most of the game Tokiwagi coped well with FC Takahashi's aerial threat

Michigami steps up to score the penalty kick she herself won

Takahashi Chiho scores from a Takano Saki free kick to give her side the lead in the second half

Michigami Ayaka wrestles with Takahashi Chiho for the ball

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Takamura Chisato, Hirata Miki, Okakura Mika, Nishikawa Ayaka, Okamori Kasane (capt), Kawasaki Saya, Ito Miki, Shiraki Akari, Horii Mizuki, Michigami Ayaka
Subs: Sasaki Miwa (Horii Mizuki, 72 mins), Kosuda Rina (Shiraki Akari, 76 mins), Sugihara Haruna (Kawasaki Saya, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Fukumura Kanae, Matsukubo Akari
Scorers: Michigami Ayaka (44 (pen), 45+1 mins), Kawasaki Saya (49 mins), Sasaki Miwa (77 mins), Ito Miki (89 mins), Sugihara Haruna (90+1 mins)

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Matsushita Fumiko, Koike Ayano, Shigemasa Kai, Takano Saki, Nishikawa Asuka, Noma Fumika, Sugita Ami, Takahashi Chiho (capt)
Subs: Fukui Shihori (Nishikawa Asuka, 64 mins), Adachi Eriko (Koike Ayano, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Ayaka, Tachibana Rei, Murakawa Saki
Scorers: Noma Fumika (2 mins), Sugita Ami (6 mins), Takahashi Chiho (45, 69 mins)


Sfida Setagaya FC  0 - 5  Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 813)

Vegalta Sendai won the Challenge League and gained automatic promotion to the Nadeshiko League today, as they defeated Sfida Setagaya by five goals again today in Gunma Prefecture. Vegalta had already won the title before kick-off due to FC Takahashi's loss but didn't know until full-time, and went about attacking Setagaya from the start. Ito Minako wasted no time, giving her side the lead on twelve minutes, glancing in a Kakazu cross when poorly marked by the Setagaya defenders.

Ito doubled the lead six minutes later when a delightful backheeled flick from Sameshima once again found her in space in the box and she easily sidefooted home to the delight of the considerable number of travelling Sendai supporters.

Three late goals put a fitting gloss on the scoreline for the champions, with Osafune Kana heading in after Uetsuji's free kick came back off the underside of the crossbar, Ito had her hat-trick when she followed up on substitute Sakai Yuki's looping header and with two minutes remaining a powerful run from Nakahara Saori saw her power in her eleventh of the season.

Vegalta Sendai play Nittaidai at home next weekend in front of what is expected to be a very large crowd, Setagaya are away to the JSCL hoping to regain third place. A win for Setagaya coupled with a win for Sendai would see Setagaya overtake the students. Ito's three goals today take her to twenty for the season, moving her into second place on the scoring chart above Masuya Rika.

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Fukuhara Nao, Okada Ayame, Tanaka Marina, Nagata Maya (capt), Usuda Haruka, Tanaka Mariko, Minemoto Chizuru, Sasago Masae, Mori Hitomi, Nagasawa Yume
Subs: Oshima Sayuri (Usuda Haruka, 62 mins), Ishibuchi Yuki (Sasago Masae, 64 mins), Kuwahara Yoshie (Minemoto Chizuru, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Osaki Aimi, Kawashima Tamai

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Amano Misaki, Nakamura Mami, Shimokozuru Aya (capt), Osafune Kana, Ideue Asako, Takahashi Nana, Yasumoto Sawako, Kakazu Asuka, Uetsuji Yumi, Sameshima Aya, Ito Minako
Subs: Nakahara Saori (Kakazu Asuka, 52 mins), Sakai Yuki (Yasumoto Sawako, 78 mins), Yamamoto Risa (Takahashi Nana, 85 mins), Tanaka Keiko (Ideue Asako, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Saita Yuki
Scorers: Ito Minako (12, 18, 82 mins), Osafune Kana (77 mins), Nakahara Saori (88 mins)


Nittaidai Football Club Ladies  1 - 0  AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies
(Attendance: 95)

Oguri Mao scored her seventh goal of the season - her first in a long time - to give Nittaidai the win over Nagano today in Kanagawa, confirming Nagano's participation in the relegation play-offs. Nittaidai move into third as a result, three points ahead of Setagaya. Substitutes Shimada Chiaki and Kudo Asami combined to set up Oguri for her left-footed strike in the 76th minute.

Nittaidai are welcomed to Sendai next weekend, and must be looking forward to playing in front of a large crowd, while Nagano are away to Kagoshima knowing that a win could still get them into eleventh place and possibly an easier play-off opponent.

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Kamimura Aya, Togashi Kaori, Toriyabe Kozue, Ozeki Miyu, Abe Rie, Ishii Chiharu, Oguri Mao, Shimokawa Saori (capt), Ito Yukina, Maegami Eri, Sato Minami
Subs: Yamaguchi Minami (Mitsui Arina, 55 mins), Shimada Chiaki (Ito Yukina, 61 mins), Kudo Asami (Sato Minami, 64 mins), Kitano Rie (Ishii Chiharu, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Arisa
Scorers: Oguri Mao (76 mins)

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


JFA Academy Fukushima  1 - 0  Japan Soccer College Ladies
(Attendance: 60)

Under pressure JSCL couldn't find the win that would have taken them above Bunnys and out of the relegation zone, instead succumbing to a Miyake Shiori goal in the 90th minute following tremendous build-up play between Norimatsu and Narumiya. The Academy had started with Hirao Chika in goal for the first time since the Under-17 World Cup.

The Academy move to within two points of Setagaya in fourth, and stay three points ahead of rivals Tokiwagi Gakuen who are sixth. Their last game is against play-off bound FC Takahashi. JSCL must win against Setagaya to have a chance of avoiding a relegation play-off.

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Hirao Chika, Yamamori Anna, Miyake Shiori (capt), Norimatsu Ruka, Yoshitake Manami, Moriya Miyabi, Mizutani Yuki, Narumiya Yui, Kojima Miku, Sunaga Manami, Masuya Rika
Subs: Kadoi Megumi (Moriya Miyabi, 69 mins), Kojima Hikaru (Sunaga Manami, 66 mins), Mori Sayaka (Yamamori Anna, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Inoue Nene
Scorers: Miyake Shiori (90 mins)

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Hayashimoto Saki, Takahashi Sakura, Usui Rika, Sakaguchi Yuki, Iwasaki Manami, Kato Yoshimi, Kusakari Ayako, Sasaki Shiori, Toriumi Mai (capt), Nakayama Aoi
Subs: Shinagawa Ayaka (Nakayama Aoi, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Goto Sanae, Nishioka Nana, Matsumoto Hotaru, Toyota Yuri


Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita  0 - 1  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 187)

In the fight for seventh place in the table, Shizuoka brought Takahashi Miharu into goal, with joint top-scorer Oda Kanna also back starting after two recent substitute appearances. Ehime brought Ogawa Manami back into midfield, replacing Marugata Rie. Both sides had 23 points going into the game but with Ehime's goal difference being vastly superior to that of Shizuoka, the home side had to go for a win.

One goal separated the sides in the end, and it was local girl Iwamoto Yuka who scored the winner when following up after goalkeeper Takahashi hadn't dealt with Nakada Maiko's shot well. Shizuoka were on top for most of the game but couldn't find a way through the Ehime defence.

Ehime thus move three points clear of Shizuoka with a goal difference nineteen better ahead of their final game away to resurgent Tokiwagi Gakuen. Shizuoka travel to Kyoto to take on Bunnys.

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Takahashi Miharu, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Ishida Risa, Kanno Mie, Sayama Momoko, Suzuki Rina, Ito Mari, Okuda Mika, Oda Kanna
Subs: Atsumi Yuka (Kanno Mie, 54 mins), Takahata Airi (Okuda Mika, 72 mins), Shirai Aoi (Suzuki Rina, 77 mins), Ogata Yurika (Oda Kanna, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Maehara Ringo
Booked: Takahashi Miharu

Ehime FC Ladies:
Mitsuhira Shiori, Kushiyama Saki, Onoyama Nana, Nishigawa Sayumi, Ogawa Akari, Iwamoto Yuka, Yamashiro Miyuki, Haruyama Saori, Ogawa Manami, Akune Mana, Nakada Maiko (capt)
Subs: Niwa Mizuho (Ogawa Manami, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Osako Hanako, Kikuchi Riho, Konishi Natsuki, Uesato Saki
Scorers: Iwamoto Yuka (48 mins)

Nadeshiko League Sixteenth Round

INAC Kobe are Nadeshiko League Champions

Okayama Yunogo Belle  1 - 4  INAC Kobe Leonessa
(Attendance: 4,942)

Belle's largest home crowd was present as INAC Kobe visited looking to win the league title with either a win or a draw, with Belle the only side so far that has taken a point from the champions. Belle retained the same starting eleven which had lost to Beleza, while for this important game INAC took no chances and  Kaihori Ayumi started in goal.

INAC wasted no time in showing their superiority and after just over three minutes had passed Kawasumi Nahomi scored the opening goal, after nice interplay with Ohno Shinobu at the edge of the box. Belle fought back but couldn't find a way through, and from a good chance for Matsuoka at the INAC end, the home side found themselves on the back foot as INAC piled forward. From inside her own half Ohno found Kawasumi on the right and when Ohno continued her run towards the Belle box, Kawasumi gave her the return pass. Ohno's perfectly placed shot into the bottom corner was just out of reach for Fukumoto and the champions could feel their hands on the trophy again.

Belle didn't want to give up so easily though, and sixty-six second later had a goal back. Following good pressure by Nakano and Arimachi, Nakano came away with the ball and from deep on the right wing crossed for Matsuoka to volley in for a half-time score of 2-1 to INAC.

In the second half INAC piled on the pressure and created far more chances than they had in the first. On the hour mark Takase Megumi restored the two goal lead to relieve any pressure her team-mates were feeling. Kinga made a trademark run up the right side and gave the ball to Goebel-Yanez, who was dispossessed by Tsuhako. Goebel-Yanez fought for the ball well and managed to poke it to Kinga who found Kawasumi raiding near the box. Kawasumi's cross across the box found Takase all alone, and though her first touch was heavy, she still had time to put the ball away unhindered.

Very shortly after INAC had their fourth goal and the game was over as a contest. Kado attempted to find Nagamachi in the middle of the field but Kawasumi darted in to intercept and attacked the Belle goal at pace. Yasuda caught up with Kawasumi, but she simply stopped, turned and played in Ohno to the left side of goal and the captain had her second of the day.

Belle will feel bitterly disappointed that despite having more chances overall, they were nevertheless comfortably beaten. INAC Kobe showed their class in their attacking play, and the heavy rain did nothing to dampen their spirits at the end of the game. They take their second consecutive title, with Belle hanging on in third position, though the threat of Urawa catching them looms larger.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Mizushima Kumi (Tsuhako Yumiko, 70 mins), Yamaguchi Mami (Nakagawa Chihiro, 74 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho, Yokoyama Kumi
Scorers: Matsuoka Miki (40 mins)
Booked: Nagamachi Yuri

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Rebecca Moros, Ji So-Yun, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Sawa Homare, Kawasumi Nahomi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez, Takase Megumi
Subs: Takara Ryoko (Rebecca Moros, 42 mins), Nakajima Emi (Beverly Goebel-Yanez, 81 mins), Tanaka Yoko (Takase Megumi, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Minamiyama Chiaki
Scorers: Kawasumi Nahomi (4 mins), Ohno Shinobu (39, 62 mins), Takase Megumi (60 mins)
Booked: Ji So-Yun


Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies  3 - 1  NTV Beleza
(Attendance: 1,624)

Urawa have had a curious season, dropping points against some of the lower sides some weeks and then winning against some of the leading teams in other weeks. This was one of their better showings, beating second-placed Beleza to increase the pressure on Belle in the hunt for third spot. Momiki Yuka was given her first start for Beleza, replacing fellow youngster Tanaka Mina. Urawa replaced Dozono Ayano with Saito Akane.

The first half started at a blistering pace, and following a foul on Shibata Hanae on the edge of the penalty area, Niwata Akiko stepped up to place the ball perfectly in the top left hand corner of the goal. That goal came in the fifth minute, and just four minutes later Beleza had an equaliser. Nagasato had a shot at goal that was tipped by Ikeda, and eventually after a scramble on the goalline, Kiryu Nanase managed to force it over for her fourth goal of the season. Thereafter the game became more even paced, and neither side could make a breakthrough in the soggy conditions.

In the second half Urawa found renewed vigour and retook the lead through their dependable forward Kira Chinatsu, notching her ninth goal of the season. Urawa won the ball back following a Matsubayashi clearance and Shibata spread the play wide to the right where Tsuchihashi took over. Her deep cross was only headed back into the danger area by the Beleza defenders and Kira was strong and determined in belting the ball home.

Captain Yano Kyoko popped up with eighteen minutes remaining for her side's third of the afternoon and her first of the whole season. From a corner kick taken by Goto Michi, Saito Akane's header was blocked by Matsubayashi and with no time to recover, in came Yano to blast the ball home for a decisive victory.

Beleza thus fall to their second loss of the season, and with an enormous twelve point gap to INAC Kobe, must be wondering what they can do next season to address the gap which has opened, as indeed must all of the sides in the League. Urawa can feel pleased at their victory, but will still be uneasy about the number of points they have dropped to sides such as Iga, Takatsuki and Anclas. They next take on INAC Kobe in a real test of character. INAC are Beleza's final opponents, they are next at home to Takatsuki.

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Kohata Shiho, Yano Kyoko (capt), Saito Akane, Kishikawa Natsuki, Naomoto Hikaru, Niwata Akiko, Shibata Hanae, Kira Chinatsu, Goto Michi
Subs: Fujita Nozomi (Niwata Akiko, 65 mins), Kato Chika (Kira Chinatsu, 78 mins), Arakawa Eriko (Goto Michi, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Dozono Ayano
Scorers: Niwata Akiko (5 mins), Kira Chinatsu (55 mins), Yano Kyoko (72 mins)
Booked: Kira Chinatsu, Kishikawa Natsuki

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Ariyoshi Saori, Kobayashi Misaki, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Hara Natsuko, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Sumida Rin, Nagasato Asano, Momiki Yuka
Subs: Kobayashi Yayoi (Momiki Yuka, HT), Doko Mayo (Sumida Rin, 75 mins), Kobayashi Miharu (Hara Natsuko, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Tanaka Mina
Scorers: Kiryu Nanase (9 mins)
Booked: Kobayashi Misaki


Iga FC Kunoichi  5 - 2  AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 364)

Sayama's chances of staying in the Nadeshiko League are appearing slimmer every game they play, as once again they fell to a heavy defeat. The Kunoichi took the lead after some terrible defensive work by Sayama, not clearing the ball and allowing Kobayashi Makiko to score easily. Things got worse and with five minutes gone they were two goals down and again it was a failure to clear the ball that resulted in the goal, scored this time by Matsunaga Yoshie from the edge of the area.

Sayama had no shots on goal in the first half at all, and by half-time the score was 3-0 to the home side. Nakade Hikari was sent free on the right by Matsunaga and her shot from well out looped over Arima who had advanced well off her line. Nakade scored another just after half-time, this time from the penalty spot.

Finally Sayama got going, and had a goal back almost immediately, Watanabe Ayaka scoring direct from a quickly taken free kick, surprising Ono and her defensive wall. Iga replied three minutes later with another goal from Matsunaga to restore the four goal lead before Azami Rie scored her sixth of the season, finishing neatly after being found in the box by substitute Nara Misaki, the twenty-year-old making her first appearance of the season.

Sayama are struggling, and may find themselves in the promotion/relegation playoff with FC Takahashi at the end of the season. They will struggle to beat either of their two remaining opponents, Niigata and Belle. Iga are comfortable in sixth place, just behind Niigata on goal difference. They play JEF United and Takatsuki and are in with a real chance of a top five finish.

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Ono Suzuka (capt), Miyasako Tamami, Sato Ai, Fujimoto Ayano, Miyamoto Tomomi, Nasu Maiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Kobayashi Makiko, Nakade Hikari, Matsunaga Yoshie
Subs: Noichi Aya (Kobayashi Makiko, HT), Matsunaga Tomoe (Matsunaga Yoshie, 57 mins), Sonomura Nana (Nakade Hikari, 71 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Takeda Yuki
Scorers: Kobayashi Makiko (1 mins), Matsunaga Yoshie (5, 51 mins), Nakade Hikari (30, 47 mins (pen) )

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Segi Aiki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Yajima Yuki, Azami Rie, Sawada Yuka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Watanabe Ayaka, Saito Yuri, Muraoka Natsuki (capt)
Subs: Nara Misaki (Watanabe Ayaka, 56 mins), Kiyohara Yuuko (Sawada Yuka, 69 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (Saito Yuri, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Kobayashi Maiko, Uchida Saki
Scorers: Watanabe Ayaka (48 mins), Azami Rie (84 mins)


JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies  1 - 1  Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki
(Attendance: 517)

Having amazed everyone by beating Urawa and leaping over Sayama and into the safety zone, Takatasuki found a late equaliser on Saturday to draw against JEF United to give themselves every chance of staying in the Nadeshiko League for another season.

JEF United took the lead just after a quarter of an hour in, Ikadai Risa scoring her very first goal of the season. From a throw-in she escaped her marker, picked up the ball and played it to Ogawa Shiho in the box. Ogawa's clever backheel found Ikadai in space in front of goal and her finish was perfect.

JEF United has almost all of the chances thereafter, with Takatsuki extremely short on ideas. However, in additional time a free kick awarded to Takatsuki just inside the JEF half gave the visitors the chance to send almost all of their outfield players into the box. Gwon Su Jin, making her fourth substitute appearance since arriving in the summer, took a shot which was deflected. The ball pinged around until eventually it was knocked over the line by Matsuda Nozomi to the extreme delight of the Takatsuki players - and the disgust of the JEF team.

Takatsuki are now two points ahead of Sayama with two games to play, against Beleza and Iga. JEF also play Iga, in their next game, while they finish up at home against Niigata - both sides are two points ahead of the Chiba outfit.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Shimizu Yuka (capt), Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho
Subs: Anzai Yuka (Shimizu Yuka, 58 mins), Yonemoto Nao (Ogawa Shiho, 83 mins), Kawamura Noriko (Ikadai Risa, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Tezuka Saori, Yamamoto Naomi
Scorers: Ikadai Risa (16 mins)
Booked: Yanai Rina, Sakuramoto Naoko

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Torao Naomi, Okuda Akiko (capt), Akiba Yumeko, Matsuda Nozomi, Tsuboi Ayako, Itami Emi, Shimamura Yuko, Hamada Haruka, Mok Hyun Su, Maruyama Karina
Subs: Asano Miki (Mok Hyun Su, HT), Gwon Su Jin (Shimamura Yuko, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Matsui Miki, Takahashi Chizuru
Scorers: Matsuda Nozomi (90+1 mins)
Booked: Itami Emi


Albirex Niigata Ladies  0 - 0  Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 522)

Anlcas' relegation was confirmed as they played out a 0-0 draw with Niigata, who'll be disappointed not to have picked up all three points as they completely dominated both in terms of possession and number of chances. Yamazaki and Kamionobe were very lively, but repeatedly shot wide. Anclas had very little to offer and will be now just trying to reorganise for life in the Challenge League.

Anclas have an abysmal record of four points from sixteen games, while Niigata stay fifth, and can now not reach fourth. Iga have the same number of points, twenty, and will be determined to finish in the top five. Niigata next play another relegation-threatened side, Sayama, while Anclas are Belle's guests in Mimasaka.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Hirai Sakina, Nakamura Kaede, Higashiyama Maiko, Yamamoto Arina, Kodama Keiko, Toyoda Nayuha, Saito Yuri, Yamazaki Marumi, Kamionobe Megumi, Hori Yoshie
Subs: Kubota Mayu (Kodama Keiko, 68 mins), Kawamura Yuri (Hori Yoshie, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Ichitani Tomoko, Kitahara Kana, Nakamura Saki

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Hanada Aiko, Isokane Midori, Kiyohara Marie, Kim Kyoung Sin, Yanagita Shiori, Fujimoto Yuki, Kawamura Mari, Sato Kaede, Lee Min Sun
Subs: Shibuya Yumiko (Kim Kyoung Sin, 54 mins), Hirata Hikari (Lee Min Sun, 54 mins), Tagashira Yoko (Sato Kaede, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Akiyama Ryo, Doshita Misato

The 34th Empress' Cup

The details of the Empress' Cup to be played in November and December have been decided. Here is the schedule for each round.

First Round Matches, ties to be played on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th of November:

Match 1:
Fukui Senior High School versus Waseda University

Match 2:
Japan Soccer College Ladies versus Seiwa Gakuen High School

Match 3:
JFA Academy Fukushima versus Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita

Match 4:
Ehime FC Ladies versus Nittaidai FC Ladies

Match 5:
Nojima Stella Kanagawa versus Melsa Kumamoto FC

Match 6:
Himeji Dokkyo University versus Kamimura Gakuen High School

Match 7:
Kanto Gakuen University versus Okayama Sakuyo High School

Match 8:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare versus Fujieda Junshin High School


Second Round Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of December:

Match 9:
Fukui Senior High School or Waseda University
versus
Hokkaido Otani Muroran High School

Match 10:
Japan Soccer College Ladies or Seiwa Gakuen High School
versus
AS Elfen Sayama FC

Match 11:
JFA Academy Fukushima or Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita
versus
Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences

Match 12:
Ehime FC Ladies or Nittaidai FC Ladies
versus
Vegalta Sendai Ladies

Match 13:
Nojima Stella Kanagawa or Melsa Kumamoto FC
versus
Kochi ganador FC

Match 14:
Himeji Dokkyo University or Kamimura Gakuen High School
versus
FC Takahashi Kibi International University Charme

Match 15:
Kanto Gakuen University or Okayama Sakuyo High School
versus
Fukuoka J. Anclas

Match 16:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare or Fujieda Junshin High School
versus
Tokiwagi Gakuen High School


Third Round Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of December:

Match 17:
INAC Kobe Leonessa
versus
Winners of Match 9

Match 18:
Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki
versus
Winners of Match 10

Match 19:
Albirex Niigata Ladies
versus
Winners of Match 11

Match 20:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
versus
Winners of Match 12

Match 21:
Okayama Yunogo Belle
versus
Winners of Match 13

Match 22:
Iga FC Kunoichi
versus
Winners of Match 14

Match 23:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
versus
Winners of Match 15

Match 24:
NTV Beleza
versus
Winners of Match 16


Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Sunday 16th of December:

Match 25:
Winners of Match 17
versus
Winners of Match 18
 
Match 26:
Winners of Match 19
versus
Winners of Match 20
 
Match 27:
Winners of Match 21
versus
Winners of Match 22
 
Match 28: 
Winners of Match 23
versus
Winners of Match 24 


Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 22nd of December:

Match 29:  
Winners of Match 25
versus
Winners of Match 26
 
Match 30: 
Winners of Match 27
versus
Winners of Match 28

Final Match, to be played on Monday 24th of December:

Match 31: 
Winners of Match 29
versus
Winners of Match 30

Seven Contenders for Challenge League Entry

Seven teams have been given permission to enter the Challenge League for the 2013 season. A qualifying tournament will be held from November 2nd to 4th to determine the teams' ranking.

The top four teams will automatically gain entry, while those finishing fifth and sixth will play off against the two teams finishing bottom this season to determine the makeup of next season's league. The team finishing seventh will be eliminated.

Here are the seven teams and the schedule:

Match 1:
Shimizudaihachi Pleiades (relegated in 2010)
versus
Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto (relegated in 2010)

Match 2:
Cerezo Osaka Ladies
versus
Norddea Hokkaido (relegated in 2011)

Match 3:
Hoyo Sukarabu FC
versus
Nagoya FC Ladies

First Round bye:
Nojima Stella Kanagawa

So, the winners of the three first round matches will be automatically promoted. Thereafter, the losers of Match 1 will play the losers of Match 2, and the losers of Match 3 will play Nojima.

Match 4:
Shimizudaihachi Pleiades or Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto
versus
Cerezo Osaka Ladies or Norddea Hokkaido

Match 5:
Hoyo Sukarabu FC or Nagoya FC Ladies
versus
Nojima Stella Kanagawa


The winners of these two games will play each other, and they will become the fourth team automatically promoted. The losers of this game will playoff against the side finishing twelfth in the Challenge League.

The losers of these two games will also play each other, and the winner of this tie will playoff against the team finishing eleventh in the Challenge League. The loser will be eliminated.

Challenge League Twentieth Round

Sfida Setagaya FC  2 - 2  FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme
(Attendance: 289)

The students of Takahashi travelled to Setagaya knowing that they had secured second place in the division, but were keen to get revenge for their loss to their hosts earlier in the season, and to maintain momentum for the upcoming playoffs for entry to the Nadeshiko League.

Takahashi started with Fukui Shihori in place of Noma Fumika, and with Yamamoto Ayaka back in goal. Nagata Maya and top scorer Ishibuchi Yuki started for Setagaya. Within six minutes Setagaya had the lead. Takeda Arisa gave the ball away to Sasago Masae, and her attempt at a cross went straight into the net high over Yamamoto's head. Setagaya continued to push at a furious pace but were repeatedly off-target with their shooting.

Takahashi asserted themselves in midfield through Shigemasa, Takano and Nishikawa, and it was the Japan Under-20 star who found the equaliser. Having given a pass out to Sugita on the left wing, she raced into the box and when Sugita's powerful shot rebounded off the crossbar Nishikawa was there to head the ball over the line.

Setagaya continued to disappoint in front of goal, but suddenly found themselves back in front. A free kick on the left wing taken by Tanaka Mariko was headed on by Mori Hitomi and substitute Oshima Sayuri volleyed home expertly. That goal came in the 70th minute and for the rest of the game Takahashi piled on the pressure looking for the equaliser, and eventually in additional time Takahashi Chiho provided it. A free kick was awarded for a dangerous tackle just inside the Setagaya half, and with almost all of the Takahashi players waiting in the area, Takano's ball in was powered home by captain Takahashi for a well-deserved point.

Takahashi's next game is away to Tokiwagi Gakuen, while Setagaya take on Vegalta Sendai in the two top games next weekend. Although the title is now beyond them, Takahashi will look to continue their good form through to the end of the season. Setagaya move into third, and look forward to another attempt at promotion next season.

The FC Takahashi team which started against Sfida Setagaya today.
From left: Takahashi Chiho, Yamamoto Ayaka, Takeda Arisa, Sugita Ami, Matsushita Fumiko, Koike Ayano,
Muramatsu Mafuyu, Takano Saki, Shigemasa Kai, Fukui Shihori and Nishikawa Asuka

Mori Hitomi looks to take control in midfield

Takahashi Chiho wins a header close to the penalty area.
The tall striker eventually headed home the equalising goal in additional time.

Tanaka Mariko looks to escape from Takano Saki (10), with Shigemasa Kai (7) tracking back

Sasago Masae (15) with Nishikawa Asuka (8)

 

Fukui Shihori (13) fights with Tanaka Marina (14) for the ball

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Fukuhara Nao, Okada Ayame, Tanaka Marina, Nagata Maya (capt), Minemoto Chizuru, Tanaka Mariko, Mori Hitomi, Sasago Masae, Ishibuchi Yuki, Nagasawa Yume
Subs: Oshima Sayuri (Ishibuchi Yuki, 64 mins), Chiba Emi (Minemoto Chizuru, 88 mins), Kawashima Tamai (Nagata Maya, 90 mins), Kuwahara Yoshie (Sasago Masae, 90+3 mins)
Unused subs: Osaki Aimi
Scorers: Sasago Masae (6 mins), Oshima Sayuri (70 mins)
Booked: Minemoto Chizuru, Sasago Masae, Tanaka Mariko

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Yamamoto Ayaka, Takeda Arisa, Matsushita Fumiko, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Koike Ayano, Takano Saki, Nishikawa Asuka, Shigemasa Kai, Fukui Shihori, Sugita Ami, Takahashi Chiho (capt)
Subs: Kamata Ran (Koike Ayano, 73 mins), Noma Fumika (Fukui Shihori, 74 mins), Adachi Eriko (Matsushita Fumiko, 90 mins), Murakawa Saki (Sugita Ami, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Morimoto Kiyo
Scorers: Nishikawa Asuka (35 mins), Takahashi Chiho (90+1 mins)
Booked: Takahashi Chiho


Je Vrille Kagoshima  1 - 4  Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 406)

Kagoshima's largest home crowd of the season turned out for the visit of Vegalta Sendai, knowing that a win for the visitors combined with a loss for Takahashi would win them the title. Kagoshima took a surprise lead in the fourth minute, their top scorer Nakashima Ayaka shooting home from well outside the area. Sameshima Aya equalised quite soon after, with a shot from distance of her own, though Eguchi will be furious with herself that she couldn't keep the ball out having got a hand to it.

After 32 minutes Sendai's top scorer Ito made it 2-1, powering her way past the Kagoshima defence to strike well past Eguchi. Six minutes later Sameshima sealed it for Sendai, like Ito using her strength and speed to beguile the defence before shooting home. From a corner kick, a powerful header from Shiumokozuru - back in the starting lineup -  saw Sendai travel home in good heart with a 4-1 win.

Vegalta next travel to Tokyo to play Sfida Setagaya. Kagoshima next play against Nagano on the final day of the season.

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Miyazako Fumika, Nakae Maki (capt), Kurahara Honami, Hamada Erina, Imanaka Yuri, Niiho Madoka, Nozaki Ayumi, Sannomiya Shiki, Moriwaki Satsuki, Nakashima Ayaka
Subs: Shimada Naoko (Moriwaki Satsuki, 54 mins), Nijima Yuki (Sannomiya Shiki, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Mitsudome Kanami
Scorers: Nakashima Ayaka (4 mins)
Booked: Hamada Erina

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Amano Misaki, Nakamura Mami, Shimokozuru Aya (capt), Osafune Kana, Ideue Asako, Takahashi Nana, Uetsuji Yumi, Kakazu Asuka, Nakahara Saori, Sameshima Aya, Ito Minako
Subs: Sakai Yuki (Nakamura Mami, 58 mins), Kawashima Haruna (Nakahara Saori, 65 mins), Yasumoto Sawako (Kakazu Asuka, 66 mins), Yamamoto Risa (Ideue Asako, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Saita Yuki
Scorers: Sameshima Aya (8, 38 mins), Ito Minako (32 mins), Shimokozuru Aya (58 mins)


JFA Academy Fukushima  4 - 1  Tokiwagi Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 354)

Tokiwagi Gakuen's form has collapsed lately, and they hoped to turn things around today away to their schoolgirl rivals of the JFA Academy, making an emotional return to Fukushima. Michigami Ayaka gave the visitors the lead, following up after Sasaki Miwa had hit the crossbar, but thereafter it was one-way traffic as the Academy girls overpowered Tokiwagi, scoring four goals in thirty-one minutes. Kojima Miku scored her eighth of the season just before half time to level things up and in the second half Moriya, Norimatsu and Sunaga all scored - taking their combined total to seven for the season.

The Academy now moves three points ahead of Tokiwagi into fifth place, and next play JSCL knowing a win will almost certainly be enough to keep them top. Their final game is away to Takahashi, who Tokiwagi play next at home.

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Inoue Nene, Yamamori Anna, Norimatsu Ruka, Miyake Shiori (capt), Yoshitake Manami, Moriya Miyabi, Narumiya Yui, Mizutani Yuki, Kojima Miku, Masuya Rika, Sunaga Manami
Subs: Kadoi Megumi (Kojima Miku, 81 mins), Mori Sayaka (Miyake Shiori, 85 mins), Hashinuma Maho (Moriya Miyabi, 90+2 mins), Hirata Mai (Mizutani Yuki, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Hirao Chika
Scorers: Kojima Miku (45 mins), Moriya Miyabi (55 mins), Norimatsu Ruka (75 mins), Sunaga Manami (76 mins)

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Takamura Chisato, Okamori Kasane (capt), Okakura Mika, Nishikawa Ayaka, Hirata Miki, Sugihara Haruna, Ito Miki, Sasaki Miwa, Kawasaki Saya, Michigami Ayaka
Subs: Shiraki Akari (Sugihara Haruna, HT), Horii Mizuki (Kawasaki Saya, 73 mins), Kosuda Rina (Nishikawa Ayaka, 76 mins), Matsukubo Akari (Okakura Mika, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Fukumura Kanae
Scorers: Michigami Ayaka (28 mins)


Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita  2 - 0  AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies
(Attendance: 120)

Nagano's chances of avoiding a relegation playoff are becoming slimmer by the week as they lost to Shizuoka today, finding themselves five points behind Bunnys. Nagano had more of the play and more of the chances, but Shizuoka scored first through captain Kanefuda Anzu, scoring from the spot just after the hour mark. Nagano pushed forward looking for an equaliser, but in additional time the game was up as Sayama headed home an Okuda corner to secure the points for Shizuoka.

Nagano's last two games are against Nittaidai and Kagoshima and must win both to have any chance of avoiding a playoff; Shizuoka take on Ehime in their next game hoping to overtake them in seventh place.

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Maehara Ringo, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Ishida Risa, Kanno Mie, Suzuki Rina, Sayama Momoko, Ito Mari, Okuda Mika, Shirai Aoi
Subs: Oda Kanna (Shirai Aoi, 58 mins), Ogata Yurika (Suzuki Rina, 79 mins), Takahata Airi (Kitaoka Chiaki, 85 mins), Atsumi Yuka (Kanno Mie, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Miharu
Scorers: Kanefuda Anzu (61 mins), Sayama Momoko (90+2 mins)

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Murayama Yuri, Tanaka Nami, Hatano Saki, Yamashita Mayumi, Hashiura Satsuki, Satou Kaede, Takagi Nao (capt), Hamagaki Kana, Uchiyama Tomoyo, Urasaki Yuka
Subs: Kitagawa Minamo (Yamashita Mayumi, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Sayama Marina, Hanabusa Misa


Bunnys Kyoto SC  0 - 0  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 100)

Ehime brought Marugata Rie back into the starting lineup, with Ogawa dropping to the bench, while Bunnys started with the same lineup as they had done against Nagano, and again they held on for a precious point. Both sides had chances to score in a lively game but neither could make the breakthrough. Bunnys stay two points above the relegation zone but have played a game more than their rivals. Ehime's target of finishing sixth is now unattainable, but they will be pleased if they can hold on to seventh at the end of the season.

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi (capt), Hanazaki Rena, Fujino Aiko, Ukita Kotone, Sada Fumika, Yamashita Yu, Watanabe Juri, Kinjo Keina, Fujimoto Ami, Miura Kyoko, Miyai Mina
Subs: Iwasa Megumi (Fujimoto Ami, 74 mins), Hattori Sae (Miyai Mina, 87 mins), Nakajima Akane (Iwasa Megumi, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede
Booked: Sada Fumika, Fujimoto Ami, Hattori Sae

Ehime FC Ladies:
Mitsuhira Shiori, Kushiyama Saki, Onoyama Nana, Marugata Rie, Ogawa Akari, Iwamoto Yuka, Yamashiro Miyuki, Nishigawa Sayumi, Haruyama Saori, Akune Mana, Nakada Maiko (capt)
Subs: Niwa Mizuho (Haruyama Saori, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Osako Hanako, Sato Hiromi, Ogawa Manami, Senba Yuna
Booked: Nakada Maiko

Nadeshiko League Fifteenth Round

INAC Kobe Leonessa  2 - 1  Albirex Niigata Ladies
(Attendance: 9,022)

A large home crowd witnessed another home victory for INAC Kobe which keeps them nine points ahead of only title rivals Beleza and now only need a point from their last three games to guarantee them a second consecutive victory. Recent signing Toyoda Nayuha started for Niigata in place of Kodama Keiko, with INAC unchanged.

As has been their custom, INAC scored early. A long ball from Kinga in front of Goebel-Yanez saw the tall and speedy American power past Nakamura Kaede and her first time shot left the advancing Otomo no chance as it found the top corner. After eighteen minutes it was 2-0, and this time it was the league's top scorer Takase Megumi with another headed goal. A free-kick on the left side of the penalty area was swung in by Ji So-Yun and when Nakamura missed her clearance Takase was quickest to the ball, beating her opposite number Hirai Sakina to put it away.

Niigata have made a habit of coming back from being behind, winning two and drawing three of their last five games from a losing position, and they weren't ready to lie down just yet. Following tremendous work by Kamionobe in midfield, Kawamura took the ball and ran at the INAC defence, and having retained possession following a poor tackle by Tanaka Asuna, lashed the ball home from outside the area to her obvious delight.

In the end though, Niigata didn't have enough to get a second goal to tie the game. Both sides had chances in the second half to score, and INAC had the better of the game. Niigata put up a good fight and shouldn't feel too disheartened, they remain in fifth ahead of their game against bottom side Anclas; INAC travel to Mimasaka to play Belle looking to celebrate the championship.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Takenaka Rei, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Rebecca Moros, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Ji So-Yun, Kawasumi Nahomi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez, Takase Megumi
Subs: Minamiyama Chiaki (Rebecca Moros, 58 mins), Nakajima Emi (Beverly Goebel-Yanez, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Kaihori Ayumi, Takara Ryoko, Tanaka Yoko
Scorers: Beverly Goebel-Yanez (2 mins), Takase Megumi (18 mins)

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Wakabayashi Minori, Nakamura Kaede, Higashiyama Maiko, Hirai Sakina, Kubota Mayu, Kawamura Yuri, Saito Yuri, Yamazaki Marumi, Toyoda Nayuha, Kamionobe Megumi
Subs: Kitahara Kana (Toyoda Nayuha, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Ichitani Tomoko, Yamamoto Arina, Kodama Keiko, Hori Yoshie
Scorers: Kawamura Yuri (33 mins)
Booked: Wakabayashi Minori


NTV Beleza  3 - 1  Okayama Yunogo Belle
(Attendance: 2,209)

Beleza beat near rivals Belle for the second time this season to prolong the crowning of INAC Kobe with the league title by at least a week today. As in the teams' first meeting Beleza scored early, this time through the reliable Ito Kanako, powering the ball home after Kiryu found her in the box with a short pass. Belle had very few chances in the first half, indeed only Miyama Aya took the chance to shoot at goal.

At half-time Beleza took off young Tanaka Mina and replaced her with Kobayashi Yayoi, making her 200th league appearance for the club. Beleza will have felt they should have had Belle beaten in the first half, but Nagasato Asano eased their nerves in scoring their second of the day seven minutes into the second half, holding off Tsuhako strongly to finish neatly past Fukumoto. That goal was Nagasato's fifteenth of the season, leaving her three off pace-setter Takase Megumi.

Matsuoka Miki volleyed home a Kado cross to reduce the deficit to just one with ten minutes remaining before Kobayashi capped her special day with a goal of her own, heading in following good work by Kiryu and Ito.

With three games remaining Beleza are nine points behind INAC and are now simply trying to stay ahead of Belle, today's victory puts them five points ahead. Urawa are a further four points behind the Okayama side.

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Ariyoshi Saori, Kobayashi Misaki, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Hara Natsuko, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Sumida Rin, Nagasato Asano, Tanaka Mina
Subs: Kobayashi Yayoi (Tanaka Mina, HT)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Kobayashi Miharu, Doko Mayo, Momiki Yuka
Scorers: Ito Kanako (13 mins), Nagasato Asano (52 mins), Kobayashi Yayoi (82 mins)
Booked: Sudo Akiko

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Mizushima Kumi (Takahashi Haruka, HT), Yamaguchi Mami (Nakagawa Chihiro, 69 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Sakai Nozomi, Yokoyama Kumi
Scorers: Matsuoka Miki (80 mins)


Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki  2 - 0  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 1,428)

Shimamura Yoko came into the Takatsuki side having missed the previous two games, while Urawa made no changes to the side which beat Belle a week ago. Takatsuki have been struggling, and needed star player Maruyama Karina to start producing results in order to help them out of the relegation hole. After twenty seconds she scored her third goal of the season. Direct from the kick-off, Matsuda attacked down the left and found Torao, whose looping cross hit the far post and fell kindly for Maruyama to score. Nine minutes later they found themselves with a shock two goal lead. Receiving the ball in midfield, Maruyama found Hamada raiding forward on the right and her low cross into the box was sent home by Shimamura, who was surprised that her relatively weak touch had enough on it to beat Ikeda, who got hands to the ball but was unable to get enough of a grasp to prevent the goal. For the rest of the match Urawa attacked relentlessly, going close on several occasions but weren't able to score. For their part, Takatsuki defended in numbers and only had one chance in the entire second half.

This victory sees Takatsuki move out of the relegation zone and give themselves belief that they can stay up this season. Urawa will once again wonder how they didn't win given all of the possession they had and the pressure they put on the opposition goal.

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Tsuboi Ayako, Okuda Akiko (capt), Akiba Yumeko, Matsuda Nozomi, Hamada Haruka, Itami Emi, Kameoka Natsumi, Torao Naomi, Maruyama Karina, Shimamura Yuko
Subs: Mok Hyun Su (Shimamura Yuko, 79 mins), Gwon Su Jin (Maruyama Karina, 89 mins), Asano Miki (Hamada Haruka, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Matsui Miki
Scorers: Maruyama Karina (1 mins), Shimamura Yuko (9 mins)

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Dozono Ayano, Kohata Shiho, Kishikawa Natsuki, Naomoto Hikaru, Niwata Akiko, Shibata Hanae, Kira Chinatsu, Goto Michi
Subs: Fujita Nozomi (Dozono Ayano, HT), Yasuda Yuki (Naomoto Hikaru, 70 mins), Arakawa Eriko (Kira Chinatsu, 70 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Saito Akane


AS Elfen Sayama FC  2 - 3  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 297)

Sayama came into this game having lost five of their previous six games, though their sole victory in that time over Anclas may prove to be enough to help them survive. Within the first half hour of this game they must have felt that they had done enough to at least secure a point if not all three. Arima Shizuka was back in goal for the first time since the summer break, and Sayama also started with Saito Yuri. JEF United brought in two players for their first starts, Sakuramoto and Oya.

It took just six minutes for Saito to open the scoring, as Muraoka's neat pass over the defence found the striker in the box. With a neat touch to take her into space, she beat the onrushing Funada to score well. Twenty-two minutes later Azami Rie had Sayama feeling comfortable when she scored easily following a missed kick at a Sawada pass by Oya.

The unfortunate Oya was replaced at half-time by the powerful Hosokawa Motoyo, and she set about correcting things from a JEF point of view. In the 63rd minute she beat three defenders to head a Sakuramoto cross down to fellow half-time substitute Anzai who side-footed home. Fourteen minutes later following a corner kick it was Motoyo's cross which was headed on by Sakuramoto to Yanai and from very close range she couldn't miss.

Sayama were beginning to feel panic set in, as they were very limited in chances at goal, and were desperate to hold on to at least the point which would put them three ahead of Takatsuki overnight. Alas it was not to be, as from a corner the ball was bundled over the line by Fukusawa Risa and possibly a number of other players. The Sayama players were furious that the goal had been allowed, convinced that a foul had been committed.

The Sayama players were upset at the final whistle, and following Takatsuki's surprise win on Sunday, they find themselves in the relegation zone one point from safety. JEF United have seventeen points and are almost certainly safe.

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Segi Aiki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Akitaya Misato, Azami Rie, Sawada Yuka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Watanabe Ayaka, Saito Yuri, Muraoka Natsuki (capt)
Subs: Kiyohara Yuuko (Kobayashi Natsumi, HT), Kawai Nayo (Akitaya Misato, 65 mins), Uchida Saki (Sawada Yuka, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Kobayashi Maiko, Suzuki Kaoruko
Scorers: Saito Yuri (6 mins), Azami Rie (28 mins)

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Kawamura Mariko, Oya Madoka, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Shimizu Yuka (capt), Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho
Subs: Hosokawa Motoyo (Oya Madoka, HT), Anzai Yuka (Shimizu Yuka, HT), Kawamura Noriko (Ikadai Risa, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Tezuka Saori, Yamamoto Naomi
Scorers: Anzai Yuka (63 mins), Yanai Rina (77 mins), Fukasawa Risa (82 mins)
Booked: Hosokawa Motoyo


Fukuoka J. Anclas  0 - 2  Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 684)

Fukuoka brought Yanagita Shiori back into their starting lineup as they desperately sought a victory over the unchanged Kunoichi. However Iga have been playing well lately and were in no mood to allow Fukuoka into the game. After seventeen minutes Tsutsumi Saki gave Iga the lead, after concerted pressure on the home defence. Kobayashi Makiko played the ball forward and after a poor attempt at a clearance, Tsutsumi swivelled and struck a perfect shot into the top left hand corner of the net from outside the area.

Anclas had little going forward in response in the first half and ten minutes into the second half Tsutsumi scored her second of the day, and only her third of the season when she knocked home the ball after Anclas goalkeeper Sawada had seemingly caught the ball but allowed it to spill out of her hands.

Anclas pushed on better in the second half, but could find no way through, and having only scored seven goals in their previous fourteen games, were never likely to pull back a two goal deficit. They are now almost certain to be relegated, needing to win all three of their remaining games to even stand a chance of surviving. Iga stay sixth, ahead of JEF United on goal difference.

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Hanada Aiko, Isokane Midori, Sato Kaede, Fujimoto Yuki, Doshita Misato, Kawamura Mari, Yanagita Shiori, Kiyohara Marie, Lee Min Sun
Subs: Hirata Hikari (Lee Min Sun, 56 mins), Tagashira Yoko (Fujimoto Yuki, 70 mins), Kim Kyoung Sin (Kiyohara Marie, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Akiyama Ryo, Shibuya Yumiko

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Yamaguchi Ayako, Miyasako Tamami, Sato Ai, Fujimoto Ayano, Miyamoto Tomomi, Nasu Maiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Kobayashi Makiko (capt), Nakade Hikari, Matsunaga Yoshie
Subs: Sakaguchi Sakie (Nakade Hikari, 67 mins), Matsunaga Tomoe (Matsunaga Yoshie, 77 mins), Sonomura Nana (Tsutsumi Saki, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Takeda Yuki
Scorers: Tsutsumi Saki (17, 56 mins)

Challenge League Nineteenth Round

FC Takahashi win to seal promotion play-off place

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme  2 - 1  Nittaidai Football Club Ladies
(Attendance: 270)

FC Takahashi came from behind today to beat Nittaidai and seal their place in the play-off for promotion to the Nadeshiko League. Takahashi brought Morimoto in to play in goal, while Nittaidai made five changes to their starting lineup.

Shimada Chiaki gave the visitors the lead on 28 minutes with her eighth goal this season,  following a through pass from Abe Rie. Takahashi struck back with an equaliser from Shigemasa four minutes before the break, Sugita Ami finding Shigemasa free from a free kick inside the penalty area. Shigemasa then scored just after the restart with a goal from distance, as her shot dipped and was just too high for Aoyagi to reach properly, and the unfortunate goalkeeper could only help the ball into the roof of the net.

Takahashi next travel to Setagaya looking for revenge for their home loss earlier in the season. Nittaidai have a week off before they take on Nagano at home.

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Matsushita Fumiko, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Koike Ayano, Takano Saki, Shigemasa Kai, Nishikawa Asuka, Noma Fumika, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Sugita Ami
Subs: Adachi Eriko (Koike Ayano, 63 mins), Murakawa Saki (Sugita Ami, 63 mins), Tachibana Rei (Shigemasa Kai, 69 mins), Fukui Shihori (Noma Fumika, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Ayaka
Scorers: Shigemasa Kai (41, 46 mins)

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Aoyagi Maririn, Sakurai Mayuka, Yamagata Hisami, Nagashima Hikari, Abe Rie, Shimokawa Saori (capt), Yamana Maki, Oguri Mao, Ishii Chiharu, Shimada Chiaki, Sato Minami
Subs: Uemura Shoko (Ishii Chiharu, HT), Maegami Eri (Sato Minami, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Kamimura Aya, Togashi Kaori, Fujisawa Marin
Scorers: Shimada Chiaki (28 mins)
Booked: Ishii Chiharu


Vegalta Sendai Ladies  3 - 0  Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita
(Attendance: 2,498)

A large crowd of almost 2,500 turned up in Ishinomaki to see Vegalta Sendai win again to maintain their four point lead at the top of the table, and with three games remaining it looks certain that they will win the division and be promoted automatically.

Sendai had to wait until just before half-time for the lead goal, Kakazu shooting from just outside the box and finding the top corner for her eighth goal of the season. In the second half two headed goals from corners, one each for Takahashi and Nakahara, sealed the victory. All three goals were supplied by Uetsuji Yumi.

Next up for Sendai is an away trip to Kagoshima; Shizuoka play Nagano.

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Amano Misaki, Nakamura Mami (capt), Sakai Yuki, Osafune Kana, Ideue Asako, Takahashi Nana, Uetsuji Yumi, Kakazu Asuka, Kawashima Haruna, Sameshima Aya, Ito Minako
Subs: Nakahara Saori (Kawashima Haruna, 57 mins), Yasumoto Sawako (Takahashi Nana, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Saita Yuki, Yamamoto Risa, Tanaka Keiko
Scorers: Kakazu Asuka (43 mins), Takahashi Nana (55 mins), Nakahara Saori (76 mins)

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Takahashi Miharu, Nishiyama Mei, Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Ishida Risa, Kanno Mie, Suzuki Rina, Sayama Momoko, Ito Mari, Okuda Mika, Shirai Aoi
Subs: Oda Kanna (Shirai Aoi, HT), Nishigaya Yukino (Kanno Mie, 67 mins), Atsumi Yuka (Okuda Mika, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Maehara Ringo, Takahata Airi


Ehime FC Ladies  0 - 2  JFA Academy Fukushima
(Attendance: 330)

The Academy brought back five players into the starting lineup who had played in the Under-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan, while Ehime just made two changes, Mitsuhira and Onoyama replacing Osako and Sato respectively.

Masuya Rika wasted no time in adding to her considerable tally this year, netting her nineteenth of the season on twelve minutes. With seven minutes remaining Kojima Miku scored her seventh of the year to continue her impressive season.

The Academy move above schoolgirl rivals - and next opponents - Tokiwagi Gakuen into fifth on goal difference, Ehime stay seventh ahead of their clash with Bunnys.

Ehime FC Ladies:
Mitsuhira Shiori, Kushiyama Saki, Onoyama Nana, Nishigawa Sayumi, Ogawa Akari, Iwamoto Yuka, Yamashiro Miyuki, Haruyama Saori, Ogawa Manami, Akune Mana, Nakada Maiko (capt)
Subs: Niwa Mizuho (Ogawa Manami, HT), Kikuchi Riho (Niwa Mizuho, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Osako Hanako, Uesato Saki, Senba Yuna

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Asano Natsumi, Yamamori Anna, Miyake Shiori (capt), Norimatsu Ruka, Yoshitake Manami, Moriya Miyabi, Narumiya Yui, Mizutani Yuki, Kojima Miku, Sunaga Manami, Masuya Rika
Subs: Inoue Nene (Asano Natsumi, HT)
Unused subs: Mori Sayaka, Hirao Chika
Scorers: Masuya Rika (12 mins), Kojima Miku (83 mins)


AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies  1 - 1  Bunnys Kyoto SC
(Attendance: 289)

A point each, but neither side will be happy as Nagano try to escape from the bottom and Bunnys attempt to pull away from danger. Urasaki Yuka has been a bright spot for Nagano, scoring six of their twelve goals, and she scored again after 29 minutes to give her team-mates belief. On 63 minutes veteran Miura Kyoko scored her third of the season to equalise and maintain Bunnys' four point gap over Nagano, who have a game in hand.

Bunnys play Ehime on Saturday desperate for a win with JSCL just a point behind. Nagano are away to Shizuoka on Sunday.

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Matsumoto Azumi, Murayama Yuri, Tanaka Nami, Hatano Saki, Kitagawa Minamo, Hashiura Satsuki, Satou Kaede, Takagi Nao (capt), Hamagaki Kana, Uchiyama Tomoyo, Urasaki Yuka
Subs: Yamashita Mayumi (Kitagawa Minamo, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Sayama Marina, Hanabusa Misa
Scorers: Urasaki Yuka (29 mins)
Booked: Tanaka Nami, Murayama Yuri

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi, Hanazaki Rena, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Sada Fumika, Ukita Kotone, Yamashita Yu, Watanabe Juri, Kinjo Keina, Miura Kyoko (capt), Miyai Mina
Subs: Fujimoto Ami (Miyai Mina, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede, Hirota Yukie
Scorers: Miura Kyoko (63 mins)
Booked: Ii Kiyono, Ukita Kotone


Japan Soccer College Ladies  2 - 2  Je Vrille Kagoshima
(Attendance: 60)

Toriumi Mai kept up her sensational form with two goals in this game to record her ninth goal in seven games for JSCL. Her second on 64 minutes gave the home side a two goal lead and confidence must have been high that a victory was on the cards. Kagoshima had other plans though, and two strikes from Nakashima and Kurahara - the second just four minutes from time - rescued a point for Kagoshima who are now safe from relegation worries. JSCL remain a point behind Bunnys with two games to play. The first of those comes on the 28th against JFA Academy, Kagoshima play a week earlier against Vegalta Sendai.

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Hayashimoto Saki, Takahashi Sakura, Kusakari Ayako, Sakaguchi Yuki, Usui Rika, Shanou Miki, Kato Yoshimi, Sasaki Shiori, Toriumi Mai (capt), Iwasaki Manami
Subs: Toyota Yuri (Shanou Miki, 18 mins)
Unused subs: Goto Sanae, Sakai Manami, Matsumoto Hotaru, Nakayama Aoi
Scorers: Toriumi Mai (41, 64 mins)

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Miyazako Fumika, Kurahara Honami, Nakae Maki (capt), Hamada Erina, Shimada Naoko, Niiho Madoka, Nozaki Ayumi, Sannomiya Shiki, Nakashima Ayaka, Moriwaki Satsuki
Subs: Nijima Yuki (Shimada Naoko, 79 mins), Imanaka Yuri (Moriwaki Satsuki, 62 mins)
Unused subs: Mitsudome Kanami
Scorers: Nakashima Ayaka (68 mins), Kurahara Honami (86 mins)
Booked: Shimada Naoko

Nadeshiko League Fourteenth Round

INAC Kobe stretch lead over Beleza to nine points

Iga FC Kunoichi  0 - 1  INAC Kobe Leonessa
(Attendance: 6,305)

Neither side made any changes for this game, with INAC hoping to maintain their lead over Beleza and stay on course for the title. Iga had shown some impressive recent form and were eager to impress in front of their largest home attendance of the season.

Homare Sawa scored the only goal of the game, heading in Ji So-Yun's free kick. INAC had several other chances but failed to add to their tally. The League's top scorer Takase was particularly guilty in this regard, shooting over the bar in front of an open goal.

Iga had chances themselves, and acquitted themselves very well in defence, where they showed far more composure and organisation than the sides below them had done when facing INAC.

The Kunoichi stay sixth and are now five points behind Niigata in fifth. INAC's lead at the top grew to nine points following Beleza's draw with Niigata, and they are now almost certain to win the league title again.

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Yamaguchi Ayako, Sato Ai, Fujimoto Ayano, Miyasako Tamami, Kobayashi Makiko (capt), Nasu Maiko, Miyamoto Tomomi, Tsutsumi Saki, Nakade Hikari, Matsunaga Yoshie
Subs: Sakaguchi Sakie (Matsunaga Yoshie, 87 mins), Noichi Aya (Tsutsumi Saki, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Michikura Hiroko, Takeda Yuki, Matsunaga Tomoe

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Takenaka Rei, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Rebecca Moros, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Ji So-Yun, Kawasumi Nahomi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez, Takase Megumi
Subs: Minamiyama Chiaki (Beverly Goebel-Yanez, 58 mins), Nakajima Emi (Kawasumi Nahomi, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Kaihori Ayumi, Tanaka Yoko, Nakada Ayu
Scorers: Sawa Homare (11 mins)


AS Elfen Sayama FC  0 - 2  Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki
(Attendance: 468)

Takatsuki surprised Sayama at home today to close the gap between the two sides to just two points in the battle to avoid relegation. Maruyama Karina scored just her second of the season, getting on the end of a Tsuboi cross across the face of goal. That goal came in the 37th minute and in the 57th minute Asano Miki secured the valuable points for the away side, with Maruyama the supplier this time. Her backheeled flick to Asano following Matsuda's cross saw Asano also score her second of the season.

Sayama next face JEF United looking to join them on 14 points with a win, with Takatsuki still having it all to do, facing Urawa in their next fixture.

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Kobayashi Maiko, Segi Aiki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Akitaya Misato, Azami Rie, Sawada Yuka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Watanabe Ayaka, Suzuki Kaoruko, Muraoka Natsuki (capt)
Subs: Uchida Saki (Sawada Yuka, HT), Kawai Nayo (Suzuki Kaoruko, 60 mins), Saito Yuri (Azami Rie, 65 mins)
Unused subs: Arima Shizuka, Kiyohara Yuuko

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Torao Naomi, Okuda Akiko (capt), Akiba Yumeko, Tsuboi Ayako, Kameoka Natsumi, Itami Emi, Hamada Haruka, Matsuda Nozomi, Maruyama Karina, Takahashi Chizuru
Subs: Asano Miki (Takahashi Chizuru, 56 mins), Gwon Su Jin (Maruyama Karina, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Matsui Miki, Mok Hyun Su
Scorers: Maruyama Karina (37 mins), Asano Miki (57 mins)


JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies  2 - 1  Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 566)

Anclas once again conceded late in the game to throw a point away and condemn themselves to almost certain relegation. JEF had taken the lead early in the second half, with the ever-reliable Hosaka Nodoka finishing off a nice move down the left featuring the guile of Fukusawa and the strength of Hosokawa. A poor clearance by Funada saw Anclas players swarm the JEF defence and when Kawamura Mari won back the ball her powerful strike saw the league's bottom side pull level. JEF had put severe pressure on the Anclas goal throughout the match and finally in additional time their resolution was broken. Oya Madoka making her first appearance hit the left post with a strike from out wide and Fukusawa was on hand to poke the ball home.

JEF are now relatively safe on fourteen points, while for Anclas the future is grim, trailing Takatsuki in ninth by six points and Sayama in eighth by eight points, with four games remaining for all teams.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Tsurumi Ayaka, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Shimizu Yuka (capt), Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho
Subs: Sakuramoto Naoko (Tsurumi Ayaka, 60 mins), Oya Madoka (Shimizu Yuka, 63 mins), Yonemoto Nao (Kawamura Mariko, 69 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Naomi, Kawamura Noriko
Scorers: Hosaka Nodoka (47 mins), Fukasawa Risa (90+2 mins)

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Hanada Aiko, Isokane Midori, Sato Kaede, Kiyohara Marie, Kuzuma Riyo, Kawamura Mari, Doshita Misato, Fujimoto Yuki, Lee Min Sun
Subs: Akiyama Ryo (Sawada Norimi, 42 mins), Hirata Hikari (Lee Min Sun, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Yanagita Shiori, Tagashira Yoko, Kim Kyoung Sin
Scorers: Kawamura Mari (69 mins)


Albirex Niigata Ladies  1 - 1  NTV Beleza
(Attendance: 1,080)

Niigata followed up their incredible win over Urawa Reds with an excellent draw against Beleza, who must surely now admit defeat in their chase of the title. Beleza had started with Sumida Rin for the first time, and things were going well early, with Ito Kanako scoring her fourth of the season in the 22nd minute, following up well after Nagasato Asano's shot had been saved by Otomo. Yamazaki Marumi has been on fire recently, and she didn't disappoint today, with her sixth goal in five games levelling things up with just under twenty minutes to go. From a corner kick taken by Kamionobe Yamazaki rose highest amongst slack marking by Beleza to score and give Niigata the point they deserved. Beleza's next game is another difficult assignment at home to Belle, with Niigata taking on INAC Kobe full of confidence and hope.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Wakabayashi Minori, Nakamura Kaede, Higashiyama Maiko, Hirai Sakina, Kodama Keiko, Kawamura Yuri, Saito Yuri, Yamazaki Marumi, Kamionobe Megumi, Kubota Mayu
Subs: Toyoda Nayuha (Kodama Keiko, HT), Nakamura Saki (Kubota Mayu, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Ichitani Tomoko, Yamamoto Arina, Kitahara Kana
Scorers: Yamazaki Marumi (71 mins)

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Ariyoshi Saori, Kobayashi Misaki, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Hara Natsuko, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Sumida Rin, Tanaka Mina, Nagasato Asano
Subs: Kobayashi Yayoi (Kiryu Nanase, 67 mins), Momiki Yuka (Tanaka Mina, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Kobayashi Miharu, Doko Mayo
Scorers: Ito Kanako (22 mins)


Okayama Yunogo Belle  0 - 1  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 3,634)

Urawa needed a win today against Belle to restore their confidence and more importantly close the gap on their rivals for third place. Belle had made no changes to their starting lineup, but Urawa started with Under-20 national side goalkeeper Ikeda Sakiko for the first time, along with fellow Under-20 team-mate Shibata Hanae.

The only goal of the game came on 57 minutes, with Goto Michi again the scorer for Urawa - five goals in six games for the striker. Kishikawa found Goto in the box following good work by Shibata, and Goto was lethal in turning the defenders and shooting home.

Despite their best efforts - Miyama in particular creating chances - Belle were disappointed to lose their first game since May, but for Urawa, this puts them back in the mix for a top three finish. They next play struggling Takatsuki while Belle are away to Beleza.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yokoyama Kumi (Nakagawa Chihiro, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho, Mizushima Kumi, Yamaguchi Mami
Booked: Tsuhako Yumiko

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Kohata Shiho, Yano Kyoko (capt), Dozono Ayano, Kishikawa Natsuki, Naomoto Hikaru, Niwata Akiko, Shibata Hanae, Kira Chinatsu, Goto Michi
Subs: Saito Akane (Dozono Ayano, 78 mins), Yasuda Yuki (Kira Chinatsu, 85 mins), Fujita Nozomi (Niwata Akiko, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Arakawa Eriko
Scorers: Goto Michi (57 mins)
Booked: Kishikawa Natsuki

Nadeshiko League Thirteenth Round

INAC Kobe open seven point gap as Beleza held by Kunoichi

INAC Kobe Leonessa  7 - 2  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 5,546)

INAC Kobe started with the same eleven as they had done against Sayama today, as visitors JEF United brought in Tezuka Saori and Shimizu Yuka, who had scored JEF's lone goal against INAC in their first meeting, a 3-1 win for INAC Kobe.

It took less than two minutes for Takase Megumi to give the home side the lead, as the INAC team settled into a familiar pattern. Sawa gave a pass out to Kawasumi on the right and her cross into the box was headed towards goal smartly by Goebel-Yanez. Funada could only parry the ball and Takase was quickest to react, scoring her fifteenth of the season.

JEF weren't ready to lie down quite yet though, and in the fifth minute, former INAC player Ogawa took a shot at goal, catching Takenaka Rei off her line, but the ball bounced off the crossbar and was cleared away for the corner. Young Takenaka looked even more uncertain when the ball was swung in from the corner, as she could only punch the ball into the net, Hosokawa Motoyo scoring directly from the corner for her first goal this season to bring joy to the JEF players and fans alike.

INAC reacted by doing what they do best - coming forward in numbers and creating opportunities on both flanks and through the middle. On nine minutes, a ball from Kinga found Takase and her layback for Ji saw the Korean thunder a shot against the crossbar. The pressure was relieved when an offside decision went JEF's way.

Most of the danger was coming through Kawasumi on the right though, and when she beat Tezuka she easily found Ohno on the far side of the box all alone and the captain's side-footed shot found the right corner of the net to restore the lead for INAC within fifteen minutes. Not long after Tanaka Asuna headed goalward, beating Funada but only finding the underside of the crossbar and the ball was cleared.

INAC's pressure was relentless and after Tezuka had given away a free kick just outside the area, Goebel-Yanez was quickest to react to Ji's ball into the area and her header found the corner of the net to underline INAC's dominance in the first quarter of the game. Kawasumi had one for herself when she was again found in space on the right and her early shot from outside the area flew past Funada and into the top left corner. Again Tezuka was at fault, not marking Kawasumi closely and allowing the deadly forward too much time.

After a lull, Takase was again on the score sheet when another attack down the right proved fruitful, this time Goebel-Yanez found her with a ball along the ground and the league's top scorer calmly stroked it home, that goal coming in the 39th minute, and the game was over as a contest before half-time. At the other end though, Takenaka's form will have been a concern for INAC as she flapped at and missed the ball put in from a corner kick following one of JEF's rare forays into the INAC half - fortunately for Tankenaka the shot went wide.

INAC brought in Takara at half-time, replacing Kai. Almost immediately from the kick off JEF scored to make it 5-2. Hosokawa showed great determination in winning the ball and it fell kindly for Ogawa to take control and power the shot past Takenaka, a deserved reward for a tireless performance, and her first goal of her first season in JEF colours.

INAC were still playing well, but seemed to have lost much of their cutting edge, while JEF United were starting to play some good football in midfield, and on the left wing Hosokawa certainly had the beating of Takara. Nakajima replaced Goebel-Yanez in the INAC midfield in the 60th minute, as they looked to restore control of the middle of the park.

Minamiyama also came into midfield in the 75th minute, replacing Ji, as JEF continued to control the game and deny INAC scoring opportunities. One of their best chances fell to Moros as Funada again parried a Kawasumi cross, but the ball sailed well over the bar.

Finally in the 83rd minute INAC scored again, Takase recording her third hat-trick after Sawa's header was saved by Funada, with Kawasumi again the provider on the right. Moments later Takase had a chance for a fourth when she used her strength to win the ball from the startled Kawamura and although her shot was saved Ohno was on hand to put home the loose ball.

As time ran out, JEF introduced Sakuramoto Naoko, Shimada Ayako and Kawamura Noriko into the game for a run out, and there was never going to be enough time for them to make any impact on the result. INAC next play the Kunoichi, and JEF will look for a win against Fukuoka at home next weekend.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Takenaka Rei, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Rebecca Moros, Ji So-Yun, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Kawasumi Nahomi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez, Takase Megumi
Subs: Takara Ryoko (Kai Junko, HT), Nakajima Emi (Beverly Goebel-Yanez, 60 mins), Minamiyama Chiaki (Ji So-Yun, 75 mins)
Unused subs: Tanaka Yoko, Nakada Ayu
Scorers: Takase Megumi (2, 39, 83 mins), Ohno Shinobu (14, 84 mins), Beverly Goebel-Yanez (23 mins), Kawasumi Nahomi (27 mins)
Booked: Sawa Homare

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Takahashi Sachie, Kawamura Mariko, Tezuka Saori, Yamamoto Naomi, Hosokawa Motoyo, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Shimizu Yuka (capt), Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho
Subs: Sakuramoto Naoko (Yamamoto Naomi, 90 mins), Shimada Ayako (Yanai Rina, 90 mins), Kawamura Noriko (Shimizu Yuka, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Nemoto Mio, Yonemoto Nao
Scorers: Hosokawa Motoyo (6 mins), Ogawa Shiho (46 mins)
Booked: Tezuka Saori, Yamamoto Naomi


NTV Beleza  1 - 1  Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 1,109)

Iga had only two shots on goal in this game, but still came away with an excellent draw which diminishes Beleza's chances of winning the league. Nagasato Asano was again on target for the home team, scoring in the 66th minute. A long ball from Kobayashi Yayoi from just inside the Iga half eluded the Kunoichi defence and Nagasato finished well to give Beleza an expected lead.

Iga fought back and with six minutes remaining Kobayashi Makiko equalised. Following a succession of corners the ball was swung in towards the near post by Nakade and Kobayashi just managed to get a touch to guide it past Matsubayashi.

Beleza now need INAC to slip up badly, and their next game away to Niigata must result in a victory to keep their hopes alive. They must also hope that their opponents today give INAC a tough game and can either win or at least hold their illustrious opponents to a draw.

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Ariyoshi Saori, Kobayashi Misaki, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Hara Natsuko, Kobayashi Yayoi, Ito Kanako, Kiryu Nanase, Nagasato Asano, Tanaka Mina
Subs: Nakasato Yu (Kobayashi Yayoi, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Kobayashi Miharu, Doko Mayo, Takahashi Saori
Scorers: Nagasato Asano (66 mins)

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Ono Maya, Yamaguchi Ayako, Miyasako Tamami, Sato Ai, Fujimoto Ayano, Miyamoto Tomomi, Nasu Maiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Kobayashi Makiko (capt), Nakade Hikari, Matsunaga Yoshie
Subs: Sakaguchi Sakie (Tsutsumi Saki, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Takeda Yuki, Matsunaga Tomoe, Sonomura Nana
Scorers: Kobayashi Makiko (84 mins)
Booked: Miyasako Tamami


Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki  1 - 4  Okayama Yunogo Belle
(Attendance: 1,621)

Belle's hopes of a first top three finish remained on course as they dismantled Takatsuki today, thoroughly outplaying their opponents and outscoring them comfortably. Arimachi scored her fifth of the season to open the scoring early, following a mistake by Takatsuki goalkeeper Suzuki. Nakagawa Chiho scored for the third time in four games to double the lead, volleying home after Matsuoka had hit the crossbar. Nakano Manami made it 3-0 just before half time, though in truth the ball was helped home by one of the Takatsuki defenders.

Matsuda Nozomi reduced the deficit after 58 minutes, but four minutes later Matsuoka Miki had just reward for her hard work as she restored Belle's three goal advantage as she chested down an Arimachi cross before smashing the ball home four her fourth of the season.

Takatsuki now must win against Sayama next weekend to give themselves hope of avoiding the relegation play-off; Belle welcome Urawa who are their challengers for third place.

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Tsuboi Ayako, Okuda Akiko (capt), Akiba Yumeko, Matsuda Nozomi, Torao Naomi, Itami Emi, Asano Miki, Hamada Haruka, Mok Hyun Su, Maruyama Karina
Subs: Kameoka Natsumi (Mok Hyun Su, 66 mins), Gwon Su Jin (Maruyama Karina, 86 mins), Takahashi Chizuru (Hamada Haruka, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Matsui Miki
Scorers: Matsuda Nozomi (58 mins)

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yamaguchi Mami (Nakagawa Chihiro, HT), Yokoyama Kumi (Tsuhako Yumiko, 64 mins), Mizushima Kumi (Arimachi Saori, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho
Scorers: Arimachi Saori (12 mins), Nakagawa Chihiro (30 mins), Nakano Manami (44 mins), Matsuoka Miki (62 mins)


Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies  3 - 4  Albirex Niigata Ladies
(Attendance: 1,944)

Urawa's hopes of a top three finish were dealt a severe blow as the visiting Niigata Ladies shocked them with a surprising 4-3 win, in a game which swung one way and then the other.

Kohata Shiho opened the scoring after ten minutes, with her first goal of the season. Niwata's free kick from the right side of the area was headed home powerfully by the inrushing Kohata, with the Niigata defenders surprised. The equaliser was not long in coming, Kamionobe stealing the ball from the sleeping Urawa defence and finishing the chance off herself and she was involved again just before half-time, when her shot was only parried by Yamago and Hori was close by to strike home.

Four goals in the last eleven minutes saw Urawa equalise twice only to see them concede soon after. Substitute Fujita scored her first this season to start the madness, heading in fellow Under-20 star Shibata's cross following some fine build-up play. Soon after Niigata brought on Kitahara Kana, and just over a minute after coming on she scored with a diving header from a Kodama cross.

Goto Michi got herself in on the act, with a goal three minutes later that the Urawa faithful must have been convinced would be enough to secure a draw. Tsuchihashi provided the cross that Goto headed home splendidly. Kamionobe would have the final say on an excellent day for her though, as she found the net deep in additional time - with Urawa having hit the crossbar - to secure the points for Niigata to underline their qualities. Given two chances to score following a block, she wasn't going to be denied.

Niigata are next at home against Beleza with renewed belief, while Urawa must travel to Okayama to take on Belle needing a win if they are to have any chance of catching their rivals.

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Yamago Nozomi, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Kohata Shiho, Yano Kyoko (capt), Dozono Ayano, Kishikawa Natsuki, Naomoto Hikaru, Niwata Akiko, Kira Chinatsu, Arakawa Eriko, Goto Michi
Subs: Saito Akane (Dozono Ayano, HT), Shibata Hanae (Kohata Shiho, 64 mins), Fujita Nozomi (Arakawa Eriko, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Yanagita Miyuki
Scorers: Kohata Shiho (10 mins), Fujita Nozomi (79 mins), Goto Michi (86 mins)

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Wakabayashi Minori, Nakamura Kaede, Higashiyama Maiko, Hirai Sakina, Kubota Mayu, Kawamura Yuri, Saito Yuri, Kamionobe Megumi, Yamazaki Marumi, Hori Yoshie
Subs: Toyoda Nayuha (Hori Yoshie, HT), Kodama Keiko (Kubota Mayu, 74 mins), Kitahara Kana (Kawamura Yuri, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Ichitani Tomoko, Yamamoto Arina
Scorers: Kamionobe Megumi (16, 90+2 mins), Hori Yoshie (45 mins), Kitahara Kana (83 mins)


Fukuoka J. Anclas  0 - 1  AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 851)

A goal two minutes from time may have saved Sayama from relegation worries while condemning Anclas to play in the Challenge League next season. Both sides were evenly matched but Watanabe Ayaka's goal, an extraordinary effort from just outside the centre circle, was the defining moment in this game and possibly each team's season. Anclas have little chance of saving themselves, and must first overcome JEF United away next weekend. Sayama host fellow strugglers Takatsuki.

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Isokane Midori, Hanada Aiko, Sato Kaede, Doshita Misato, Kawamura Mari, Kiyohara Marie, Tagashira Yoko, Kim Kyoung Sin, Lee Min Sun
Subs: Hirata Hikari (Kim Kyoung Sin, 69 mins)
Unused subs: Yatagai Mikiko, Shibuya Yumiko, Kuzuma Riyo, Fujimoto Yuki

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Kobayashi Maiko, Shibata Satomi, Segi Aiki, Takahashi Yuko, Akitaya Misato, Sawada Yuka, Azami Rie, Watanabe Ayaka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Suzuki Kaoruko, Muraoka Natsuki (capt)
Subs: Uchida Saki (Sawada Yuka, 69 mins), Kawai Nayo (Suzuki Kaoruko, 77 mins), Saito Yuri (Watanabe Ayaka, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Arima Shizuka, Kiyohara Yuuko
Scorers: Watanabe Ayaka (88 mins)