Nadeshiko League Promotion/Relegation Playoff Second Leg

FC Takahashi promoted to the Nadeshiko League

AS Elfen Sayama FC  2 - 3  FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme
(Attendance: 675)

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme win 4 - 2 on aggregate

Following FC Takahashi's slender home win over AS Elfen Sayama in Kasaoka, the visitors' coaches had indicated before the second leg that they were fully intent on winning in Kumagaya to seal their promotion to the top division. FC Takahashi had retained the same lineup for the fourth game in a row, while Sayama made three changes to their lineup from the first leg. In came Sawada, Saito and Muraoka, making her first start in three games.

Sayama started the game in a frenzy, looking for the goal to level the aggregate score, but the Takahashi players were too well organised and had little trouble in dealing with the Sayama forwards. Koike Ayano was given the task of dealing with the home side's greatest threat, Azami Rie, and she did so admirably, restricting Azami to long-range shots.

Having safely passed the twenty-minute mark, FC Takahashi pulled themselves two goals clear on aggregate and it was no surpise that the scorer was Takahashi Chiho and that she scored from a set-piece. Shigemasa Kai swung the corner kick in towards the near post and Takahashi was the first to get a touch to the ball. Although Arima did get a hand to the ball, the touch wasn't enough to prevent the goal and the entire Takahashi team and bench erupted in celebration.

With Sayama now needing three goals, the players' heads dropped and with no further score by half-time, their supporters feared the worst. Starting the second half neither side made a change, and following another ten minutes of furious Sayama attack with no end product, the impressive Suzuki Kaoruko was finally introduced to the game.

FC Takahashi dropped deeper and deeper, subconciously aware that they only had to prevent Sayama from scoring three goals to win, though with each passing minute they were indeed getting closer to promotion. With no breakthrough, Sugiyama and Uchida were also introduced to the game, and finally things were to change. Within two minutes of Uchida's introduction she had equalised. A free kick knocked into the area by Watanabe fell into the gap between Muramatsu and Koike, and Uchida was there to blast the ball home for her first goal of the season.

Sayama still needed two goals to win the tie, and within a minute their faint hopes were once again diminished. FC Takahashi won a free kick in the Sayama half and Takano's ball into the area was attacked by Noma, but Sayama defender Takahashi Yuko knocked the ball into her own net in her attempt to clear the danger. Noma had ealier hit the crossbar and was warmly congratulated by her team-mates for her efforts today.

Sayama kept trying and once again equalised with just three minutes remaining, Suzuki scrambling the ball home. FC Takahashi's inspirational captain Takahashi Chiho was to have the last say though, as in additional time she once again scored from a corner kick to win the game for her side and underline their superiority in this game.

At the final whistle the full squad which had travelled to the game celebrated with their travelling supporters while the Sayama team and supporters were left to wonder what the future holds for them. FC Takahashi join Vegalta Sendai in next season's Nadeshiko League, while Sayama join Anclas in being relegated to the Challenge League looking to return next season.

Takahashi Chiho scores the opening goal, heading in Kai Shigemasa's corner kick

As expected Sayama's greatest threat came from Azami Rie, though Koike Ayano
performed superbly in nullifying the threat from Sayama's top scorer

Poor marking from another corner kick presents Takahashi Chiho with the easy task
of scoring the winner for FC Takahashi in additional time

The FC Takahashi players celebrate at the final whistle

FC Takahashi's full squad celebrate with their coaching staff in front of their supporters

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Yajima Yuki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Kumagai Sayaka, Azami Rie, Sawada Yuka, Kobayashi Natsumi, Watanabe Ayaka, Saito Yuri, Muraoka Natsuki (capt)
Subs: Suzuki Kaoruko (Muraoka Natsuki, 56 mins), Sugiyama Takako (Saito Yuri, 63 mins), Uchida Saki (Sawada Yuka, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Kobayashi Maiko, Kiyohara Yuuko
Scorers: Uchida Saki (75 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (87 mins)

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Matsushita Fumiko, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Koike Ayano, Shigemasa Kai, Takano Saki, Sugita Ami, Nishikawa Asuka, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Noma Fumika
Subs: Kamata Ran (Koike Ayano, 83 mins), Adachi Eriko (Noma Fumika, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Ayaka, Tanaka Shiho, Fukui Shihori
Scorers: Takahashi Chiho (22, 90+2 mins), Own Goal (76 mins)

The 34th Empress' Cup - First Round Results

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

Match 1:
Fukui Senior High School  0 - 3  Waseda University

Omiya Reona scored twice as Waseda progressed to the second round as expected. In between her two goals an own goal was scored following a corner kick.

Match 2:
Japan Soccer College Ladies  3 - 1  Seiwa Gakuen High School

The JSC Ladies team easily overcame Sendai's Seiwa Gakuen, having shown their merits in the Challenge League playoffs. Sakaguchi Yuki, Sasaki Shiori (from a penalty kick) and Hayashimoto Saki all scored for the JSCL before Yamakawa Natsuki pulled a goal back in additional time.

Match 3:
JFA Academy Fukushima  2 - 1  Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita

The JFA Academy overcame Shizuoka Sangyo for the first time this season, having drawn with them twice in the league. Kadoi Megumi and Morita Umi scored for the Academy - with Morita scoring her first goal this season - while Okuda Mika had earlier equalised for Shizuoka.

Match 4:
Ehime FC Ladies  2 - 3  Nittaidai FC Ladies

Nittaidai got the better of Ehime for the third time this season to progress to the second round, with top scorer Uemura Shoko scoring a brace, and Goto Ami scoring the winner with ten minutes remaining - her first goal of the season. Akune Mana and Onoyama Nana had both scored their third goals of the season to first equalise and then give Ehime the lead.

Match 5:
Nojima Stella Kanagawa  4 - 1  Melsa Kumamoto FC

Challenge League newcomers Nojima Stella Kanagawa ran out easy winners against Melsa Kumamoto, who had taken an early lead through Matsunaga. Thereafter Nojima ran the show, and JFA Academy graduate Yoshimi Natsuki equalised soon after. Kawarazaki Nozomi scored twice, with Goto Maika also getting herself on the score sheet.

Match 6:
Himeji Dokkyo University  0 - 1  Kamimura Gakuen High School

Himeji Dokkyo were fortunate only to lose by a single goal as Kamimura completely outplayed them, restricting the university students to just one shot on goal. Murata scored the only goal to win the game for the two-time schools' champions.

Match 7:
Kanto Gakuen University  4 - 2  Okayama Sakuyo High School

Takahashi Saki and Minamino Arisa both scored twice for Kanto Gakuen as they overcame their schoolgirl opponents, with Mitani Sayaka and Sadakuni Kana replying for Okayama Sakuyo.

Match 8:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare  1 - 3  Fujieda Junshin High School

The ever-impressive girls of Fujieda Junshin dominated NUHW, but they were behind at half-time to a Fukusawa Miki goal. Fujieda stormed back in the second half, with Saito Arisa and Okada Rika scoring to give them the lead. An own goal with seven minutes remaining sealed the victory.


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

Match 9:
Waseda University
versus
Hokkaido Otani Muroran High School

Match 10:
Japan Soccer College Ladies
versus
AS Elfen Sayama

Match 11:
JFA Academy Fukushima
versus
Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences

Match 12:
Nittaidai FC Ladies
versus
Vegalta Sendai Ladies

Match 13:
Nojima Stella Kanagawa
versus
Kochi ganador FC

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

Match 15:
Kanto Gakuen University
versus
Fukuoka J. Anclas

Match 16:
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

21st All-Japan Women's Inter-Collegiate Championships

This year's All-Japan Women's Inter-Collegiate Championships will take place between December 26th and January sixth. Here is the schedule for each round.

First Round Matches, ties to be played on Wednesday 26th of December:

Match 1:
Kyushu Kyoritsu University versus Kobe Shinwa Women's University

Match 2:
Yamagata University versus Shizuoka Sangyo University

Match 3:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare versus Kanagawa University

Match 4:
International Pacific University Women's College versus Tokuyama University

Match 5:
Sapporo University versus Aichi Toho University

Match 6:
Mukogawa Women's University versus Fukuoka University

Match 7:
Ehime University versus Sendai University

Match 8:
University of Tsukuba versus Hokuriku University


Second Round Matches, ties to be played on Friday 28th of December:

Match 9:
Kyushu Kyoritsu University or Kobe Shinwa Women's University
versus
Waseda University

Match 10:
Yamagata University or Shizuoka Sangyo University
versus
Shobi University

Match 11:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare or Kanagawa University
versus
Musashigaoka College

Match 12:
International Pacific University Women's College or Tokuyama University
versus
Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences

Match 13:
Sapporo University or Aichi Toho University
versus
Kibi International University

Match 14:
Mukogawa Women's University or Fukuoka University
versus
Kanto Gakuen University

Match 15:
Ehime University or Sendai University
versus
Himeji Hinomoto College

Match 16:
University of Tsukuba or Hokuriku University
versus
Nippon Sport Science University


Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 29th of December:

Match 17:
Winners of Match 9
versus
Winners of Match 10
 
Match 18:
Winners of Match 11
versus
Winners of Match 12

Match 19:
Winners of Match 13
versus
Winners of Match 14
 
Match 20:
Winners of Match 15
versus
Winners of Match 16


Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Friday 4th of January:

Match 21:  
Winners of Match 17
versus
Winners of Match 18
 
Match 22: 
Winners of Match 19
versus
Winners of Match 20


Final Match, to be played on Sunday 6th of January:

Match 23: 
Winners of Match 21
versus
Winners of Match 22  

Nadeshiko League Promotion/Relegation Playoff First Leg

The promotion/relegation playoff between FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme and AS Elfen Sayama FC will consist of two legs, with the winner over those two legs playing in the Nadeshiko League next season, and with the loser playing in the Challenge League.

First leg result:

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme  1 - 0  AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 380)

FC Takahashi took a giant first step towards promotion to the Nadeshiko League with a 1-0 home win over AS Elfen Sayama in the unfamiliar surroundings of Kasaoka City today. Sayama came into the game in very poor form, having lost nine of their previous ten games, and again they were outrun all over the field. An early chance for Azami Rie again exemplified her potential, but that would be the only chance she would have on goal, and it was well held by Morimoto.

Both sides tried to play neat passing football, but following heavy rain overnight the pitch was not accommodating and both sides struggled to build creatively. Takahashi had more of the play and of the chances, with both Sugita Ami and Nishikawa Asuka determined to add to their considerable goal tallies this season.

For all of FC Takahashi's attacking potential, in the end for it was a defender who scored the goal which gives the students a great lift approaching the second leg. Shigemasa Kai's corner was headed in expertly by Muramatsu Mafuyu, the fourth time this year that she has scored in such a fashion, and team-mates, management and supporters together erupted in celebration. Having had so much pressure without reward, the home side were beginning to feel it was not to be, but they now have no reason to believe that they cannot finish the job in the second leg.

Sayama must now regroup and rethink their strategy, having brought in Nara Misaki for her first start and Kiyohara Yuuko for just her second in an attempt to stifle the students. The second leg - the final match of the league season - takes place in Kumagaya City on Friday, November the 23rd with everything to play for.

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Matsushita Fumiko, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Koike Ayano, Shigemasa Kai, Takano Saki, Sugita Ami, Nishikawa Asuka, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Noma Fumika
Subs: Adachi Eriko (Noma Fumika, 78 mins), Kamata Ran (Koike Ayano, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Ayaka, Tanaka Shiho, Fukui Shihori
Scorer: Muramatsu Mafuyu (86 mins)

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Yajima Yuki, Shibata Satomi (capt), Takahashi Yuko, Kumagai Sayaka, Azami Rie, Kobayashi Natsumi, Kiyohara Yuuko, Watanabe Ayaka, Suzuki Kaoruko, Nara Misaki
Subs: Saito Yuri (Suzuki Kaoruko, 72 mins), Kawai Nayo (Nara Misaki, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Kobayashi Maiko, Sawada Yuka, Uchida Saki
Booked: Kiyohara Yuuko

League Attendances - 2012 Season

Here are the average attendances for each team in both divisions. INAC Kobe had the highest attendances, and each team had their largest attendance when INAC came to visit, with the exception of Niigata. Also, teams generally had a high attendance when they played outside of their normal home city.

The average attendance in the Nadeshiko League was 2,572. The highest attendance was 16,663 and the lowest was 276. There were sixteen games for which entry was free, the average attendance for those was 908.

INAC Kobe Leonessa averaged 6,300. Their highest attendance was 9,272 which was the game against Belle and was played in Kumamoto. Their lowest home attendance was 3,910 which was the match against Iga, that match was played in their usual home of Kobe.

NTV Beleza averaged 4,250 with their highest attendance being 16,663 which was the game against INAC Kobe in the National Stadium in Tokyo, and their lowest being 1,035 which was played against Takatsuki.

Okayama Yunogo Belle averaged 3,402 with their highest attendance being 4,942 which was the game against INAC Kobe played in Mimasaka and their lowest being 2,525 which was played against Fukuoka.

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies averaged 2,542 where their highest attendance was 7,330 which was their final home game against INAC Kobe, and their lowest was 1,104 which was their 1-1 draw against Fukuoka.

Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki averaged 2,412 which is exceptionally high, but their highest attendance was something of an outlier at 10,591 (against INAC), their lowest was 625 which was their final game, played against Iga.

Albirex Niigata Ladies averaged 2,021 at their home games, with the highest attendance being 7,863 which was the game against Urawa (and which was a double-header with a J-League match) and their lowest being 522 which was played against Fukuoka.

Iga FC Kunoichi averaged 1,512 at their home games, with the highest attendance being 6,305 which was the game against INAC Kobe and their lowest being 276 which was played against Urawa in a typhoon. Unsurprisingly, this was the lowest attendance at any game in the Nadeshiko League.

AS Elfen Sayama FC averaged 1,212 at home and their attendance figures varied wildly, their highest attendance being 2,900 which was the game against INAC Kobe and their lowest being 297 which was played against JEF United.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies averaged 1,176 at their home games, with the highest attendance being 4,739 which was the game against INAC Kobe and their lowest being 517 which was played against Takatsuki.

Fukuoka J. Anclas averaged 894 which was the only average attendance below 1,000. Their highest attendance was at their first home game, 3,517 against INAC Kobe and their lowest was at their second home game, 315 which was played against JEF United.


In the Challenge League, Vegalta Sendai had an incredible attendance record, and their away visits helped the opposition attendances also. Their highest attendance of 8,658 came on the day Sameshima Aya made her debut in the game against Nagano. Vegalta's lowest attendance was 806, which was a game held in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture against the JFA Academy.

Six of the other eleven sides had their largest attendance when Vegalta visited, the exceptions were Sfida Setagaya, FC Takahashi, Ehime, Shizuoka and the JSCL. The five teams with the lowest average attendances are all either schoolgirl or university student teams. The JSCL's highest attendance came on the day when they played directly after Albirex Niigata Ladies in the same stadium.

Vegalta Sendai's average attendance: 2,960, highest attendance: 8,658, lowest attendance: 806
Sfida Setagaya's average attendance: 482, highest attendance: 1,213, lowest attendance: 204
FC Takahashi's average attendance: 375, highest attendance: 560, lowest attendance: 250
Ehime FC's average attendance: 346, highest attendance: 570, lowest attendance: 220
Je Vrille Kagoshima's average attendance: 285, highest attendance: 406, lowest attendance: 248
Parceiro Nagano's average attendance: 218, highest attendance: 407, lowest attendance: 115
Bunnys Kyoto's average attendance: 182, highest attendance: 520, lowest attendance: 100
Tokiwagi Gakuen's average attendance: 174, highest attendance: 800, lowest attendance: 50
Shizuoka's average attendance: 169, highest attendance: 214, lowest attendance: 92
JFA Academy's average attendance: 150, highest attendance: 430, lowest attendance: 42
Nittaidai's average attendance: 143, highest attendance: 500, lowest attendance: 63
JSCL's average attendance: 133, highest attendance: 275, lowest attendance: 60

Challenge League overall average attendance: 468, highest attendance: 8,658 (Vegalta Sendai vs. Parceiro Nagano), lowest attendance: 42 (JFA Academy vs. Nittaidai)

The League's Top Scorers

After all eighteen games, here are the top scorers in the Nadeshiko League. Neither Takase nor Nagasato scored and so the table remains much the same. The only scorers of note were Kawasumi who moved onto eight goals, Nakano Manami who joined the table with a brace today in addition to team-mate Matsuoka who also scored, they both have seven. Goto Michi scored a goal against Anclas to also join the final table.

Takase Megumi (INAC Kobe Leonessa) 20 goals

Nagasato Asano (NTV Beleza) 19 goals

Ohno Shinobu (INAC Kobe Leonessa) 13 goals

Kira Chinatsu (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies) 10 goals

Kawasumi Nahomi (INAC Kobe Leonessa) 8 goals
Yamazaki Marumi (Albirex Niigata Ladies) 8 goals

Matsuoka Miki (Okayama Yunogo Belle) 7 goals
Nakano Manami (Okayama Yunogo Belle) 7 goals

Azami Rie (As Elfen Sayama) 6 goals
Goto Michi (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies) 6 goals
Ito Kanako (NTV Beleza) 6 goals
Kobayashi Makiko (Iga FC Kunoichi) 6 goals
Kamionobe Megumi (Albirex Niigata Ladies) 6 goals


With the season having finished in the Challenge League also, here are the top scorers in the Challenge League. Michigami Ayaka scored once again to take her final total to 30, ten ahead of Ito Minako in second place. Masuya Rika finishes third with 19 for the Academy. Special mention goes to Toriumi Mai of the JSCL, who scored eleven goals this season despite being on the side finishing bottom.

Michigami Ayaka (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School) 30 goals

Ito Minako (Vegalta Sendai) 20 goals

Masuya Rika (JFA Academy) 19 goals

Ishibuchi Yuki (Sfida Setagaya) 13 goals
Takahashi Chiho (FC Takahashi) 13 goals

Nakada Maiko (Ehime FC) 12 goals
Nakahara Saori (Vegalta Sendai) 12 goals

Uemura Shoko (Nittaidai) 11 goals
Sugita Ami (FC Takahashi) 11 goals
Toriumi Mai (JSCL) 11 goals

Nadeshiko League - FINAL STANDINGS

INAC Kobe Leonessa's 4-0 triumph over second-placed Beleza gives them a fifteen point victory at the end of the 2012 Nadeshiko League campaign. Last year's third and fourth placed teams switch places. At the bottom Anclas' astonishing second victory in a row will make them wonder what they could have achieved had they more belief earlier in the season.

Sayama finish eleventh, having lost eight of their last nine matches, and will now play off against FC Takahashi for the right to participate in the top division next season.

		Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GF	GA	+/-	Points
1	INAC Kobe Leonessa	18	17	1	0	69	12	57	52
2	NTV Beleza	18	11	4	3	44	17	27	37
3	Okayama Yunogo Belle	18	10	2	6	36	22	14	32
4	Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies	18	8	4	6	31	22	9	28
5	Albirex Niigata Ladies	18	6	5	7	26	28	-2	23
6	JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies	18	6	4	8	25	36	-11	22
7	Iga FC Kunoichi	18	5	6	7	20	26	-6	21
8	Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki	18	4	4	10	18	44	-26	16
9	AS Elfen Sayama FC	18	3	2	13	19	50	-31	11
10	Fukuoka J. Anclas (R)	18	2	4	12	11	42	-31	10

Nadeshiko League Final Round

INAC Kobe Leonessa  4 - 0  NTV Beleza
(Attendance: 5,160)

With INAC Kobe still smarting from their defeat to Beleza in the League Cup final, and with that victory being Beleza's only bragging rights this season over the league champions, neither side had any intention of taking things easy on this final day of the season. Added to the rivalry was the battle between the home side's birthday girl Takase Megumi and Beleza's Nagasato Asano for the league's top scorer trophy, with Takase one goal ahead coming into the game.

INAC Kobe made one change to the side which beat Urawa, Tanako Yoko returning to the bench with Ji So-Yun back in the starting lineup. Beleza made no changes to the side which dominated Takatsuki so easily, with young Doko Mayo retaining her place.

Takase showed her intent in the third minute, beating the offside trap and haring into the box, before fouling Iwashimizu. She was put through again by Goebel-Yanez but was well marshalled and the chance was gone. The steady rain and wet Osaka pitch meant a lot of slipping and loss of footing during the early exchanges and Beleza were struggling badly to retain possession beyond the half-way line.

It then took until the eighteenth minute for another chance to materialise, Goebel-Yanez shooting just wide as the rain became heavier and the players really struggled to play tight passing football.

Finally a breakthrough in the 25th minute, as Goebel-Yanez was found towards the right of the penalty box following a contested header and she just about kept her footing to bundle the ball over the line. The assistant referee had flagged for offside but the referee allowed the goal to stand. Replays suggested that Goebel-Yanez had indeed stayed onside, and that the ball had probably come off a Beleza head, but Noda Akemi on the Beleza bench was less than impressed.

In the 32nd minute Beleza had their first shot at goal, and it just whistled wide of the left hand post - Ito Kanako shooting from just outside the box. INAC Kobe had had more of the possession and the better passages of play, and not long after they had a second. Ohno twisted and turned to make space, and she found Ji running toward goal at speed, sprinting past Kobayashi Yayoi to score with a beautiful shot into the bottom left corner of the net past Matsubayashi. That was Ji's first goal since the second game of the season, and with Beleza's almost complete lack of penetration, it felt already as if it would be enough to win the game.

INAC Kobe created one or two more dangerous chances for themselves in the remaining ten minutes, while Beleza created nothing of note, and Noda had her work cut out at half-time as she looked for a way for her team to get back into the match.

Nagasato Asano finally had a shooting chance at the start of the second half, as her powerful shot was beaten away by Kaihori Ayumi for the first corner kick of the game, and thereafter Beleza showed more attacking potency in the following minutes than they had done in the entire first 45 minutes. Thereafter INAC reasserted themselves and both Takase and Ohno had good shooting chances.

As the rain continued to pelt down, Beleza started to create chances on both wings and showed much better controlled passing all over the park, and generally looked an entirely different side to that which was so underwhelming in the first half. Kobayshi Yayoi missed when directly in front of goal and couldn't believe that she hadn't connected properly. From the corner kick Sudo headed over, but the signs were better for Beleza.

On seventy minutes Ariyoshi Saori found herself free on the right of the penalty area, but she dragged her shot wide as time began to run out for Beleza. Minutes later, Takase found Goebel-Yanez down the right and her perfect cross across the face of the goal was volleyed in by Kawasumi Nahomi for her eighth goal of the season. Not long after, Nakajima Emi entered the fray, replacing Goebel-Yanez in what may be her last game for the club.

Nakajima wasted no time in making it 4-0, as another slick move down the left saw Ohno square the ball to Nakajima who found the bottom corner expertly. Ji So-Yun was replaced a few minutes later, with Minamiyama coming on in her stead. Crowd favourite Tanaka Yoko replaced Kawasumi with just nine minutes remaining for INAC's last substitution, with the only remaining issue whether Nagasato could score a goal to bring herself level with Takase, even if it would feel a substantially hollow achievement.

Tanaka Mina came on for Kobayashi Yayoi with just over five minutes remaining for Beleza, as their second half revival came to nothing. With time running out, all that there was to ponder was how Beleza or any other side could develop to be able to cope with INAC Kobe next season, as they finish the season a full fifteen points ahead of second-placed Beleza, with a draw against Belle earlier in the season their only blemish. Indeed, at no stage in any of the eighteen games did INAC fall a goal behind. Beleza still know they have the capability of beating INAC, as they showed in the League Cup final, but to have finished so far behind INAC is distressing. As it turned out, neither Takase nor Nagasato scored, and so they finish first and second respectively in the scoring charts.

Both sides now take part in the International Women's Club Championship, which starts on the 22nd, and after that they may well meet in the final of the Empress' Cup in December.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Takara Ryoko, Ji So-Yun, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Sawa Homare, Kawasumi Nahomi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez, Takase Megumi
Subs: Nakajima Emi (Beverly Goebel-Yanez, 72 mins), Minamiyama Chiaki (Ji So-Yun, 78 mins), Tanaka Yoko (Kawasumi Nahomi, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Rebecca Moros
Scorers: Beverly Goebel-Yanez (25 mins), Ji So-Yun (35 mins), Kawasumi Nahomi (72 mins), Nakajima Emi (74 mins)

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Kobayashi Misaki, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Doko Mayo, Ariyoshi Saori, Hara Natsuko, Kobayashi Yayoi, Ito Kanako, Nagasato Asano, Kiryu Nanase
Subs: Tanaka Mina (Kobayashi Yayoi, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Kobayashi Miharu, Sumida Rin, Momiki Yuka


Fukuoka J. Anclas  3 - 2  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 355)

Fukuoka may well have been relegated but they've not gone out without enjoying their last two games in the top division, taking the scalp of Urawa Reds this weekend to add to that of Belle last week. Urawa, having only lost one of their first eleven games having suddenly slumped badly, losing five of their last seven games. Yet two of those seven games resulted in wins over second-placed Beleza and third-placed Belle, so on their day they do have what it takes to compete with the best. Today was most certainly not their day.

In a lively first half in poor weather, Anclas took the lead in the 22nd minute. Following a corner, the ball was cleared by the Urawa defence, but having been pumped back in the ball eventually came to Kawamura Mari who finished expertly. It looked like Anclas may hold on until half-time but following a powerful Shibata run and pass, Goto Michi held off her marker, rounded the 'keeper and slotted home.

Nine minutes into the second half and Urawa were stunned by Kawamura again, with Fujimoto Yuki heading the ball into space for her to run onto. Though Kawamura's shot was accurate, Ikeda will feel looking back that she should have stopped the ball from going in. That was Kawamura's fourth goal this season, the most of any Anclas player.

Again Urawa came back, this time through Saito Akane making just her fifth start of the season. This time the goal was created by two of Urawa's more senior players, Niwata and Tsuchihashi, whose cross from the right went over everyone's heads to find Saito at the back post who struck the ball well into the net.

Given Anclas' defensive problems this year, it was most likely thought at this stage that the best they would be hoping for would be a draw just as in their first meeting, but they decided that they may as well give it a go, and with six minutes remaining they had the lead for the third time, in the only game in which they've scored three goals. Following a goal kick, Kiyohara picked up the ball and played a perfect pass through to Fujimoto on the left, and her perfectly lobbed shot hit the inside of the right post and nestled in the back of the net.

Anclas held on and celebrated wildly at the end of the ninety minutes. Their only regret will be that the form they've shown over their final two games wasn't produced earlier in the season, as they now find themselves in the Challenge League battling fifteen other teams for a top spot. Urawa will once again wonder how they have failed to win against lower opposition, and will be aghast at how they weren't in a position to challenge for a top three finish.

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Isokane Midori, Hanada Aiko, Sato Kaede, Yanagita Shiori, Doshita Misato, Kawamura Mari, Shibuya Yumiko, Kuzuma Riyo, Fujimoto Yuki
Subs: Kiyohara Marie (Shibuya Yumiko, 79 mins), Tagashira Yoko (Kuzuma Riyo, 79 mins), Hirata Hikari (Fujimoto Yuki, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Kim Kyoung Sin
Scorers: Kawamura Mari (22, 54 mins), Fujimoto Yuki (84 mins)
Booked: Doshita Misato

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Saito Akane, Kohata Shiho, Kishikawa Natsuki, Fujita Nozomi, Niwata Akiko, Shibata Hanae, Kira Chinatsu, Goto Michi
Subs: Dozono Ayano (Saito Akane, 73 mins), Arakawa Eriko (Kira Chinatsu, 73 mins), Kato Chika (Shibata Hanae, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Takeyama Yuko
Scorers: Goto Michi (44 mins), Saito Akane (71 mins)


JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies  2 - 0  Albirex Niigata Ladies
(Attendance: 772)

Both sides again finished mid-table but both had plenty to fight for, with visiting Niigata hoping to guarantee a top-five finish ahead of Iga, with JEF United also looking to stay ahead of the Kunoichi, though they couldn't catch Niigata whatever the day's results. Yamamoto Naomi was making just her fourth start of the year for JEF United, while Niigata recalled Otomo, Wakabayashi and Hori.

Niigata created little in the first half, and the JEF players will have been disappointed not to have made their superiority count. In the second half though, they finally found the goals to win the game, with Niigata much improved in the final forty-five minutes.

With less than ten minutes of  the second half played, Sakuramoto Naoko scored her first goal in her fourth consecutive start, having been used sparingly as a substitute thus far. A free kick taken by Hosokawa from just inside the Niigata half found Sakuramoto back-pedalling and having completely lost her marker, she simply headed into the net with Otomo misjudging badly.

Twenty minutes later almost the exact same pattern was repeated, when another Hosokawa free kick knocked into the Niigata box was easily headed home by Ogawa Shiho, scoring her second in two games, and her third this season. The Niigata coaching staff will certainly know where to start when it comes to training in the off-season, as on both occasions their marking was almost non-existent.

JEF saw out the game to finish sixth this season, an improvement of one position from last year, with Niigata just one point ahead of them in fifth position, just as they had in their last campaign.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Yamamoto Naomi, Hosaka Nodoka, Anzai Yuka, Fukasawa Risa (capt), Ogawa Shiho
Subs: Kawamura Noriko (Anzai Yuka, 75 mins), Tezuka Saori (Yamamoto Naomi, 80 mins), Shimizu Yuka (Ikadai Risa, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Kuratani Yuna, Oya Madoka
Scorers: Sakuramoto Naoko (54 mins), Ogawa Shiho (74 mins)

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Otomo Maiko (capt), Wakabayashi Minori, Nakamura Kaede, Higashiyama Maiko, Hirai Sakina, Kodama Keiko, Saito Yuri, Kamionobe Megumi, Toyoda Nayuha, Yamazaki Marumi, Hori Yoshie
Subs: Saeki Aya (Kodama Keiko, 62 mins), Kawamura Yuri (Toyoda Nayuha, 71 mins), Kitahara Kana (Hori Yoshie, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamoto Arina, Nakamura Saki


Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki  2 - 0  Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 625)

Takatsuki have pulled themselves out of the relegation hole in the last few weeks when they looked destined for the relegation playoff, but with this victory their safety was assured, and though they have not had a good season they will feel very satisfied to remain in the top flight. The home side made no changes to that which was hammered by Beleza last weekend, and Iga also retained their starting eleven from their home draw with JEF United.

A generally uneventful game on a terribly soggy pitch truly sparked into life in the 64th minute, when Kunoichi 'keeper Ono Maya saw the first and only red card of the entire Nadeshiko League season. A long kick from her opposite number Suzuki Rina fell for Maruyama Karina and shaking off her marker she hared into the box. Ono's clumsy challenge was swiftly punished by the referee. After some discussion substitute goalkeeper Kuno came on, replacing Mastunaga. Maruyama herself took and scored the penalty to the obvious delight of team and supporters.

Just three minutes later the hosts had a second, and it was enough to ensure survival. After an Iga attacking move broke down, Kameoka Natsumi knocked a long ball into the middle ahead of substitute Asano Miki and her speed was enough to take her away from the defence to score her third of the season, though the ball did seem to take a deflection off Sato Ai which took it away from Fubuki.

Having gained ten points from three wins and a draw in their last five games, Takatsuki showed that they did ultimately have the strength and quality to survive. Iga finish one place above today's rivals, but will be disappointed not to have finished higher, with Niigata in fifth just two points ahead.

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Tsuboi Ayako, Okuda Akiko (capt), Akiba Yumeko, Hamada Haruka, Kameoka Natsumi, Itami Emi, Torao Naomi, Matsuda Nozomi, Shimamura Yuko, Maruyama Karina
Subs: Asano Miki (Shimamura Yuko, 60 mins), Gwon Su Jin (Maruyama Karina, 79 mins), Toyama Sayuri (Hamada Haruka, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Nakamura Saki, Mok Hyun Su
Scorers: Maruyama Karina (67 mins), Asano Miki (70 mins)

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: Kuno Fubuki (Matsunaga Yoshie, 65 mins), Sakaguchi Sakie (Tsutsumi Saki, 71 mins)
Unused subs: Matsunaga Tomoe, Noichi Aya, Sonomura Nana
Sent off: Ono Maya


AS Elfen Sayama FC  2 - 6  Okayama Yunogo Belle
(Attendance: 1,170)

With only one win in their previous ten games, Sayama needed to pull off a huge shock at home to third-placed Belle, and at the same time hope that Iga could overcome the resurgent Takatsuki. In the end it was a familiar story for Sayama, as they slumped to another heavy defeat which means a play-off against Belle's neighbours FC Takahashi.

Belle took the lead after twenty minutes, Miyama Aya once again scoring a trademark free kick from the right side of the area, powerfully striking the ball over Kobayashi. Neither side created much in the rest of the half until three minutes before the break when Belle's failure to clear the ball properly allowed Yajima Yuki to smash home her only goal of the season from outside the area.

Belle turned on the style in the second half though, and three goals in the first twenty minutes ended Sayama's hopes of guaranteed survival. Kado Yuka, recalled to the starting lineup headed in a Miyama free kick and another Miyama-led set play led to another goal three minutes later when Nakano headed in following a scramble in front of goal.

Belle's fourth goal came about following almost the exact same sequence, with a Miyama corner kick leading to a goalmouth scramble, with Nakano firing in for her seventh of the season. Two goals were scored in the next three minutes, Suzuki Kaoruko scored her fifth for Sayama - and second from the substitutes' bench - when Fukumoto Miho found herself hopelessly outside of her area looking to intercept the ball and Suzuki had an empty net to stroke the ball into. Belle almost immediately went up the other end and scored, Matsuoka Miki with her seventh of the season heading in a Miyama free kick with Kobayashi punching the air.

The scoring was complete when Yokoyama Kumi scored for the first time this season with just three minutes remaining. Miyama again was the instigator, chipping forward down the left wing for Yokoyama who went past Shibata like she wasn't there and struck the ball forcefully into the roof of the net, which delighted both herself and her team-mates.

So after a run of four defeats, Belle managed to re-assert themselves and finish the season in third place, which is as well as they would have expected. Sayama's troubles are far from over, as their woeful defending gives their supporters real concern ahead of the two clashes with FC Takahashi, who excel in attack. The first half of their season had gone quite well, with eight points from eight games, but in the final ten games they only picked up another three points (from their second victory over Anclas) and their Goals Against column reads 50, the highest of any Nadeshiko League team. Their first playoff tie will be held in Kasaoka City on September 17th, with their home leg in Kumagaya City on the 23rd.

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Kobayashi Maiko, Yajima Yuki, Shibata Satomi (capt), Takahashi Yuko, Kumagai Sayaka, Azami Rie, Uchida Saki, Kobayashi Natsumi, Watanabe Ayaka, Sawada Yuka, Saito Yuri
Subs: Suzuki Kaoruko (Uchida Saki, 57 mins), Nara Misaki (Saito Yuri, 57 mins), Hagiwara Aimi (Sawada Yuka, 66 mins)
Unused subs: Arima Shizuka, Kiyohara Yuuko
Scorers: Yajima Yuki (42 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (66 mins)

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Sakai Nozomi, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yokoyama Kumi (Nakagawa Chihiro, 54 mins), Yamaguchi Mami (Sakai Nozomi, 71 mins), Mizushima Kumi (Arimachi Saori, 90+3 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho
Scorers: Miyama Aya (20 mins), Kado Yuka (48 mins), Nakano Manami (51, 65 mins), Matsuoka Miki (68 mins), Yokoyama Kumi (87 mins)

Challenge League Playoffs - Second Stage

These are the results from the Challenge League Promotion playoffs. The winners over the two legs will play in the Challenge League next season.

Norddea Hokkaido  0 - 3  Japan Soccer College Ladies
(Attendance: 200)

Norddea Hokkaido:
Konno Mai, Ebiko Mio, Kannari Miki, Maeda Tomomi (capt), Kan Miran, Suzuki Wako, Watanabe Mayuko, Arita Hitoe, Takahashi Rina, Tomita Mai, Chou Shiyon
Subs: Nishino Nanaka (Takahashi Rina, 51 mins), Kikuchi Ayuka (Suzuki Wako, 64 mins), Miyoshi Nana (Chou Shiyon, 75 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Rina, Yamashita Chisato

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Hayashimoto Saki, Takahashi Sakura, Usui Rika, Kato Yoshimi, Shanou Miki, Sasaki Shiori, Kusakari Ayako, Sakaguchi Yuki, Toriumi Mai (capt), Iwasaki Manami
Subs: Matsumoto Hotaru (Shanou Miki, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Goto Sanae, Shinagawa Ayaka, Toyota Yuri, Nakayama Aoi
Scorers: Sasaki Shiori (52 mins), Iwasaki Manami (63, 79 mins)


Japan Soccer College Ladies  1 - 0  Norddea Hokkaido
(Attendance: 143)

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Hayashimoto Saki, Takahashi Sakura, Usui Rika, Sakaguchi Yuki, Shanou Miki, Kusakari Ayako, Toriumi Mai (capt), Sasaki Shiori, Kato Yoshimi, Iwasaki Manami
Subs: Toyota Yuri (Kato Yoshimi, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Goto Sanae, Shinagawa Ayaka, Matsumoto Hotaru, Nakayama Aoi
Scorers: Toriumi Mai (23 mins)
Booked: Shanou Miki

Norddea Hokkaido:
Konno Mai, Miyoshi Nana, Takahashi Rina, Maeda Tomomi, Kan Miran, Watanabe Mayuko, Kannari Miki, Nishino Nanaka, Arita Hitoe (capt), Tomita Mai, Kikuchi Ayuka
Subs: Ebiko Mio (Miyoshi Nana, 19 mins), Suzuki Wako (Ebiko Mio, 34 mins), Chou Shiyon (Kikuchi Ayuka, 77 mins), Isono Miho (Tomita Mai, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Rina
Booked: Arita Hitoe

Japan Soccer College Ladies win 4-0 on aggregate and retain their place in the Challenge League for the 2012 season.


Nagoya FC Ladies  1 - 2  AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies
(Attendance: 150)

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 (Hamagaki Kana, 90 mins), Kitagawa Minamo (Yamashita Mayumi, 90+3 mins)
Unused subs: Hanabusa Misa
Scorers: Hamagaki Kana (37, 84 mins)
Booked: Uchiyama Tomoyo


AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies  5 - 0  Nagoya FC Ladies
(Attendance: 222)

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: Hanabusa Misa (Hashiura Satsuki, 78 mins), Yamashita Mayumi (Hamagaki Kana, 81 mins)
Scorers: Hamagaki Kana (14 mins), Urasaki Yuka (27, 47 mins), Hashiura Satsuki (45 mins), Own Goal (62 mins)


AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies win 7-1 on aggregate and retain their place in the Challenge League for the 2012 season.

Nadeshiko League Seventeenth Round

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies  2 - 3  INAC Kobe Leonessa
(Attendance: 7,330)

With the destination of the title put beyond doubt last weekend, INAC Kobe's only remaining challenge in the league this season is to remain unbeaten, just as they did last year. Kaihori Ayumi was again preferred in goal, with Takara Ryoko starting for the first time since the summer break. The big news on the INAC side was that Tanaka Yoko would start her first league game this season. Urawa named and unchanged side from that which beat Beleza.

It was INAC who scored first, and it was crowd favourite Tanaka Yoko scoring her second of the season with the lead goal. After an Urawa attack broke down, INAC poured forward quickly, with Tanaka taking the ball from Sawa Homare. Taking the ball inside, she found Kawasumi who laid the ball back from her and from outside the area struck perfectly into the top of the net over the despairing reach of Ikeda Sakiko.

Just after half time the league's top scorer Takase Megumi added another goal to her tally, being first to follow up when Ikeda couldn't hold on to Kawasumi's powerful shot. Just before the 65 minute mark Kaihori found herself well outside of her area and in clearing the ball fouled Kira. The crowd wanted a red card, but Kaihori only saw yellow. Urawa pressed on and seven minutes later got themselves back in the game to the delight of the large home crowd. Kira Chinatsu followed up on her own saved header to score her tenth of the season after some fine build-up work.

With ten minutes remaining Nakajima Emi restored INAC's two goal advantage, with her third goal as a substitute this season, leaping well to power home Tanaka Asuna's dangerous cross from the left. Local girl Kato Chika had the final say for Urawa in additional time, as she scored a fine goal which demonstrated her excellent dribbling skills. Taking the ball on the right wing from Kishikawa, she easily beat Nakada Ayu at the dead ball line before wrong-footing Kaihori and shooting in at the near post.

INAC's last challenge is to remain unbeaten, but their conquerors in the League Cup Beleza, will be in no mood to lie down. An added incentive for both sides will be to see their player win the top scorer award, with Kobe's Takase on twenty goals and Nagasato a goal back. Urawa have had an up and down season, and one of their downs was losing a late equaliser to Anclas before the summer break. They travel to Fukuoka looking to improve on that result.

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, 67 mins), Kato Chika (Goto Michi, 80 mins), Arakawa Eriko (Kira Chinatsu, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Dozono Ayano
Scorers: Kira Chinatsu (72 mins), Kato Chika (90+1 mins)

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Kai Junko, Tanaka Asuna, Takara Ryoko, Kawasumi Nahomi, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Tanaka Yoko, Beverly Goebel-Yanez, Takase Megumi
Subs: Minamiyama Chiaki (Beverly Goebel-Yanez, 60 mins), Nakajima Emi (Tanaka Yoko, 60 mins), Nakada Ayu (Kawasumi Nahomi, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Rebecca Moros
Scorers: Tanaka Yoko (30 mins), Takase Megumi (47 mins), Nakajima Emi (80 mins)
Booked: Kaihori Ayumi


NTV Beleza  6 - 2  Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki
(Attendance: 1,035)

Beleza may have failed in their quest to regain the title the last one two seasons ago, but they have lost none of their appetite and today they again showed against Takatsuki the gulf in class which exists between the top sides and those struggling at the bottom. Nagasato Asano scored four goals to close the gap in the top scorer race to just one, Takase Megumi having also scored today to keep herself just on top. Ito Kanako scored her sixth goal in a fine season and Kobayashi Misaki scored her very first of the season in additional time at the end of the ninety minutes.

Takatsuki had pulled the game back to 1-1 after 32 minutes, with young defender Hamada Haruka scoring her first goal, and her form for club and country has been one of the highlights for Takatsuki. Veteran Itami Emi also scored with fifteen minutes to go, but the game had long been lost by then.

Beleza will finish in second behind INAC Kobe, but next weekend's meeting between the two needs no extra intrigue to make the game unmissable. With INAC unbeaten in the league for the last two seasons, and Beleza having beaten them in the League Cup final, both sides will feel they can put one over their deadly rivals.

NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Kobayashi Misaki, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Doko Mayo, Ariyoshi Saori, Hara Natsuko, Kobayashi Yayoi, Ito Kanako, Nagasato Asano, Kiryu Nanase
Subs: Tanaka Mina (Kobayashi Yayoi, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Kobayashi Miharu, Sumida Rin, Momiki Yuka
Scorers: Nagasato Asano (23, 54, 60, 81 mins), Ito Kanako (71 mins), Kobayashi Misaki (90+1 mins)

Speranza F.C. Osaka Takatsuki:
Suzuki Risa, Tsuboi Ayako, Okuda Akiko (capt), Akiba Yumeko, Torao Naomi, Itami Emi, Kameoka Natsumi, Matsuda Nozomi, Hamada Haruka, Shimamura Yuko, Maruyama Karina
Subs: Asano Miki (Shimamura Yuko, 56 mins), Takahashi Chizuru (Hamada Haruka, 82 mins), Gwon Su Jin (Maruyama Karina, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Mok Hyun Su
Scorers: Hamada Haruka (32 mins), Itami Emi (75 mins)


Okayama Yunogo Belle  0 - 1  Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 2,525)

Belle opened the gates for free admission today as they took on the winless, and now relegated, Fukuoka J. Anclas but were left stunned as the visitors came away with the unlikeliest of victories.

Belle had most of the game as would be expected, as they started with their usual lineup bar Kado Yuka; Mizushima Kumi started for just the fourth time. Anclas went back to the old regular starting players, bringing in Kuzuma and Shibuya and dropping their Korean arrivals to the bench.

A goal seven minutes from time settled the contest. After sustained Anclas pressure Shibuya found Fujimoto with a perfect pass through the middle, and with the Belle defenders appealing for offside, Fujimoto scored with a precise shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

Belle launched a furious onslaught in the closing minutes in the search for an equaliser, but the visitors were not to be denied and even following a goalmouth scramble deep into injury time, they had the resolve to keep Belle at bay. At the final whistle the Anclas players celebrated jubilantly while their Belle counterparts sank to their knees in disbelief.

Belle's last game is away to Sayama, and they'll be looking to win to consolidate third place, Anclas finish the season at home to Belle's rivals for third spot, Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Takahashi Haruka, Tsuhako Yumiko, Nagamachi Yuri, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Mizushima Kumi, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Kado Yuka (Nagamachi Yuri, 33 mins), Yamaguchi Mami (Mizushima Kumi, 63 mins), Yokoyama Kumi (Nakagawa Chihiro, 77 mins)
Unused subs: Ikegaya Natsumi, Shigemoto Shiho

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Sawada Norimi, Uchihori Ritsuko (capt), Hanada Aiko, Isokane Midori, Sato Kaede, Kuzuma Riyo, Yanagita Shiori, Kawamura Mari, Doshita Misato, Shibuya Yumiko, Fujimoto Yuki
Unused subs: Tagashira Yoko, Kim Kyoung Sin, Hirata Hikari, Lee Min Sun
Scorers: Fujimoto Yuki (83 mins)
Booked: Sato Kaede


Albirex Niigata Ladies  2 - 0  AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 1,049)

AS Elfen Sayama's chances of staying in the Nadeshiko League are becoming even more forlorn as they once again slumped to a defeat in which they only had three shots on goal. They had brought in Kobayashi in goal along with Kumagai and Uchida for rare starting appearances. Niigata have had a fine season, and they introduced Ichitani in goal, with Kawamura starting following a substitute appearance last week.

Niigata in the end had no trouble in defeating Sayama, Kamionobe Megumi scoring directly from a corner after just fifteen minutes, but they had to wait until just a few minutes before the final whistle to score again. Yamazaki Marumi has been in red-hot form, and with her seventh goals in eight games sealed the victory. A ball pumped into the box by Kodama saw Yamazaki easily beat the weak Sayama defenders to prod the ball past Ichitani.

Sayama have real problems at the back, and look to have little chance of beating Belle in their final game. If they do indeed finish ninth, they will have to prepare very well for the challenge of FC Takahashi and their powerful forward players. Niigata look set for another top five finish, but can still be caught by Iga if they lose to JEF United and Iga win.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Ichitani Tomoko, Hirai Sakina, Nakamura Kaede, Higashiyama Maiko, Yamamoto Arina, Kodama Keiko, Kawamura Yuri (capt), Saito Yuri, Yamazaki Marumi, Toyoda Nayuha, Kamionobe Megumi
Subs: Kitahara Kana (Toyoda Nayuha, 87 mins), Hori Yoshie (Saito Yuri, 87 mins), Otomo Maiko (Ichitani Tomoko, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Wakabayashi Minori, Nakamura Saki
Scorers: Kamionobe Megumi (15 mins), Yamazaki Marumi (86 mins)

AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Kobayashi Maiko, Yajima Yuki, Shibata Satomi, Takahashi Yuko, Kumagai Sayaka, Azami Rie, Uchida Saki, Kobayashi Natsumi, Saito Yuri, Muraoka Natsuki (capt), Watanabe Ayaka
Subs: Kiyohara Yuuko (Uchida Saki, 64 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (Saito Yuri, 64 mins), Nara Misaki (Muraoka Natsuki, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Arima Shizuka, Sawada Yuka


Iga FC Kunoichi  1 - 1  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 885)

Iga started this game with the same eleven which had thoroughly dismantled a disheartened Sayama side, while JEF United, two points behind but still with an eye on fifth place, brought in Anzai in place of Shimizu.

The game as expected turned out to be an even affair, Ogawa Shiho scoring her second of the season after 52 minutes. A deep free kick from the left side of the area was headed back into the danger area and after Iga had failed to clear properly, Hosoka took a clean strike from outside the area and Ogawa got the merest of touches as it sailed past Ono. Nine minutes later the Kunoichi were level, top scorer Kobayashi Makiko with a wonderful volley into the bottom corner. Like the first goal, the defence failed to deal well with clearing the ball.

And thus it ended 1-1, with Iga remaining in sixth place, and JEF United in seventh. Niigata's win means that even in JEF do beat them at home, they cannot now breach the top five. Iga are away to Takatsuki where the result means everything to the home side.

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: Haji Madoka (Matsunaga Yoshie, 82 mins), Sakaguchi Sakie (Tsutsumi Saki, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Kuno Fubuki, Matsunaga Tomoe, Noichi Aya
Scorers: Kobayashi Makiko (61 mins)
Booked: Tsutsumi Saki

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Anzai Yuka, Fukasawa Risa (capt), Ogawa Shiho
Subs: Shimizu Yuka (Anzai Yuka, 66 mins), Kawamura Noriko (Ogawa Shiho, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Tezuka Saori, Yamamoto Naomi, Yonemoto Nao
Scorers: Ogawa Shiho (52 mins)
Booked: Kawamura Mariko, Yanai Rina

Challenge League Final Round

Vegalta Sendai Ladies  1 - 0  Nittaidai Football Club Ladies
(Attendance: 6,809)

Having won the Challenge League in style, Vegalta Sendai wanted to finish the season unbeaten and in front of over 6,800 home supporters, they eventually prevailed against dogged resistance from a highly organised and skilful Nittaidai side. Ono Hitomi came into the starting lineup in place of Yasumoto Sawako, and Nittaidai brought back five regular starters to their side, having rested them in their last match against Nagano.

The first half saw much industry but little end product as both keepers were called into action but neither was seriously tested. Nittaidai were comfortable defending against their more illustrious opponents, particularly eye-catching at the back were Sakurai and Toriyabe; in midfield Oguri Mao showed the kind of high quality play we've come to expect from her while up front Shimada Chiaki demonstrated her skill on the ball. All the same, Nittaidai were mostly looking to capitalise on mistakes in the Vegalta defence, as they themselves were determined to keep it tight at the back.

Vegalta upped the tempo in the second half, and brought on Nakahara Saori in place of Ono. Finally in the 73rd minute they scored the goal which would win them the game. Oguri played the ball to Shimokawa but she was too slow to react and was easily beaten to the ball by Nakahara, who played the ball to Ito and continued to move forward. Ito played the ball out to Kakazu on the right and her pass into the middle back to Nakahara was perfectly timed. Through on goal, Nakahara took the ball around goalkeeper Yamamoto to score before the Nittaidai defenders could get back.

The students had no real answer to Vegalta and the home side were able to defend their goal relatively comfortably. Having tried so hard to at least come away with a point, the Nittaidai players were clearly disappointed with the result.

Vegalta thus win the division by a full twelve points, with just two home draws resulting in their only dropped points all season. They now go marching into the Nadeshiko League from next season. Nittaidai started the day in third but will have to settle for fourth having been beaten on goals scored by Sfida Setagaya.

The Vegalta Sendai side which started today

The visiting Nittaidai side hoping for a third place finish

Nakamura Mami clears before Uemura Shoko can put pressure on her

Sakurai Mayuka (2) remained composed and kept Sameshima Aya quiet throughout the game

Oguri Mao (8) has been a starring midfielder for Nittaidai this year and showed why against Vegalta

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Amano Misaki, Nakamura Mami, Shimokozuru Aya (capt), Osafune Kana, Ideue Asako, Takahashi Nana, Uetsuji Yumi, Kakazu Asuka, Ono Hitomi, Sameshima Aya, Ito Minako
Subs: Nakahara Saori (Ono Hitomi, HT), Sakai Yuki (Nakamura Mami, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Saita Yuki, Tanaka Keiko, Yasumoto Sawako
Scorers: Nakahara Saori (73 mins)

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Yamamoto Arisa, Sakurai Mayuka, Yamagata Hisami, Toriyabe Kozue, Abe Rie, Oguri Mao, Shimokawa Saori (capt), Shimada Chiaki, Ishii Chiharu, Uemura Shoko, Sato Minami
Subs: Maegami Eri (Uemura Shoko, 74 mins), Goto Ami (Oguri Mao, 78 mins), Ito Yukina (Ishii Chiharu, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Kamimura Aya, Togashi Kaori


FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme  0 - 1  JFA Academy Fukushima
(Attendance: 350)

Having beaten Nittaidai on October 14th to reserve their place in the promotion playoff, FC Takahashi have taken it more easily and have now gone three games without winning, and have been beaten by schoolgirl teams in their last two games. At home to the JFA Academy they had hoped to end the season on a high note and in full confidence to take on their Nadeshiko League rivals for the coveted spot in the top division.

The Academy girls arrived with different ideas to that of their hosts, and a good run from Masuya Rika set up midfielder Narumiya Yui - linked recently with a move to Vegalta Sendai - to score her sixth goal of the season. In the second half Narumiya picked up a yellow card, just the team's third of the season. FC Takahashi made little headway in attack but will be pleased to have come through uninjured, with just Muramatsu picking up her first yellow card of the season the only moment of concern.

The Academy have had a good season, finishing fifth just two points of third place and with the second-best defensive record in the division. FC Takahashi's have finished twelve points behind Vegalta Sendai having led the division for the early stages of the season. They now await results on the final day of the season to see if it will be Sayama or Takatsuki that they must play off against.

FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Morimoto Kiyo, Takeda Arisa, Matsushita Fumiko, Muramatsu Mafuyu, Koike Ayano, Shigemasa Kai, Takano Saki, Nishikawa Asuka, Noma Fumika, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Sugita Ami
Subs: Tanaka Shiho (Matsushita Fumiko, 79 mins), Adachi Eriko (Noma Fumika, 65 mins), Murakawa Saki (Koike Ayano, 65 mins), Tachibana Rei (Takano Saki, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Sakamoto Aoi
Booked: Muramatsu Mafuyu

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Hirao Chika, Moriya Miyabi, Miyake Shiori (capt), Norimatsu Ruka, Yoshitake Manami, Sunaga Manami, Narumiya Yui, Mizutani Yuki, Kadoi Megumi, Masuya Rika, Kojima Miku
Subs: Mori Sayaka (Masuya Rika, 82 mins), Kojima Hikaru (Kojima Miku, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Inoue Nene
Scorers: Narumiya Yui (28 mins)
Booked: Narumiya Yui


Tokiwagi Gakuen High School  2 - 0  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 100)

Tokiwagi Gakuen and Ehime started the day in sixth and seventh place respectively, with both sides slightly disappointed by their standings. Tokiwagi wanted to win in an attempt to overtake the JFA Academy, while Ehime were almost certain to finish seventh, but wanted to do well here, against a side they beat at home during the summer.

Three of the sides Tokiwagi had beaten to the Challenge League East title last year were expected to finish ahead of them this season, and it's true to say that this year's side has not had the level of quality throughout the side as last season's did. That being said, they do have the league's top scorer in Michigami Ayaka and following up on her outstanding performance against FC Takahashi, she again produced the goods. Just before half-time she scored direct from a free kick past Mitsuhira in the Ehime goal, and in the second half a fine dribble set up young Kawasaki Saya for her eighth goal of the season - indeed Kawasaki is Tokiwagi's second highest scorer.

Ehime's main threat was Akune Mana, with Nakada Maiko behind her pulling the strings, but they couldn't find a way through a determined Tokiwagi defence, and Tokiwagi went on to record their second straight victory, something they haven't achieved since July. Ehime's target was sixth, but on reflection they will be happy to settle for seventh in their first season in the Challenge League. In recent matches Tokiwagi have introduced younger players to get them ready for next season, and again they will expect a top-half finish.

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Hayashizaki Mei, Takamura Chisato, Hirata Miki, Okakura Mika, Nishikawa Ayaka, Okamori Kasane (capt), Kawasaki Saya, Ito Miki, Shiraki Akari, Sasaki Miwa, Michigami Ayaka
Subs: Matsuura Nagisa (Okamori Kasane, 20 mins), Kosuda Rina (Shiraki Akari, 75 mins), Sugihara Haruna (Kawasaki Saya, 82 mins), Horii Mizuki (Sasaki Miwa, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Fukumura Kanae
Scorers: Michigami Ayaka (44 mins), Kawasaki Saya (62 mins)
Booked: Nishikawa Ayaka

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: Marugata Rie (Ogawa Manami, 68 mins)
Unused subs: Osako Hanako, Kikuchi Riho, Yamada Maya, Niwa Mizuho


Japan Soccer College Ladies  1 - 2  Sfida Setagaya FC
(Attendance: 164)

Coming into this game, the JSCL team knew that they could escape a relegation playoff if they could beat Setagaya, and Bunnys were to lose. At the very least, a draw would mean an eleventh-place finish ahead of Nagano.

Setagaya got going early though, and defender Okada Ayame headed in a Tanaka Mariko free kick after fifteen minutes. With two minutes remaining in the half Setagaya went 2-0 up and memories of their 8-1 demolition of the JSCL back in June started to surface. On that occasion Setagaya went on a goal blitz just before half time, but it was the JSCL who hit back, with top scorer and inspirational captain Toriumi Mai blasting home her eleventh of the season.

In the second half neither side could muster much in attack, with only four shots registered between them. JSCL couldn't find a way through, and they'll have been shocked to hear that a late Nagano winner meant that they would finish bottom of the table on goal difference. They now face Norddea Hokkaido in a two-legged playoff, though for Setagaya it means a third place finish on 43 points, just ahead of Nittaidai whom they beat on goal difference.

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Fukada Ayami, Hayashimoto Saki, Takahashi Sakura, Usui Rika, Kato Yoshimi, Sasaki Shiori, Iwasaki Manami, Kusakari Ayako, Sakaguchi Yuki, Toriumi Mai (capt), Nakayama Aoi
Subs: Toyota Yuri (Toriumi Mai, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Goto Sanae, Shinagawa Ayaka, Sakai Manami, Matsumoto Hotaru
Scorers: Toriumi Mai (45 mins)

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Kawaguchi Mana, Fukuhara Nao, Okada Ayame, Tanaka Marina, Nagata Maya (capt), Nagasawa Yume, Tanaka Mariko, Kuwahara Yoshie, Sasago Masae, Mori Hitomi, Usuda Haruka
Subs: Ishibuchi Yuki (Usuda Haruka, HT), Oshima Sayuri (Nagasawa Yume, 40 mins), Minemoto Chizuru (Kuwahara Yoshie, 70 mins), Kawashima Tamai (Sasago Masae, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Osaki Aimi
Scorers: Okada Ayame (15 mins), Kuwahara Yoshie (43 mins)
Booked: Fukuhara Nao


Je Vrille Kagoshima  1 - 2  AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies
(Attendance: 248)

While Kagoshima were guaranteed to finish in ninth regardless of the result today, Nagano could still move up to eleventh place in the table. Although certain to be involved in a relegation playoff, they knew that finishing eleventh could possibly give them an easier opponent in those playoffs.

Imanaka Yuri scored her fifth goal in this, her first season for Kagoshima, to give the home side the lead 28 minutes into the second half. Nagano didn't panic though, and in the second half Uchiyama Tomoyo equalised, with Hashiura Satsuki the supplier. With two minutes remaining the roles were reversed, as Uchiyama found Hashiura through the middle and she scored to give Nagano the win, with the two scorers responsible for eight of the team's fourteen goals this season.

Nagano thus finish the season with ten points in eleventh position, having overtaken the JSCL on goal difference on the final day. They now play Nagoya in a two-legged playoff. Kagoshima finish ninth, with eighteen points.

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Eguchi Mika, Miyazako Fumika, Hamada Erina, Nakae Maki (capt), Kurahara Honami, Niiho Madoka, Nozaki Ayumi, Shimada Naoko, Imanaka Yuri, Nakashima Ayaka, Moriwaki Satsuki
Subs: Sannomiya Shiki (Moriwaki Satsuki, 56 mins)
Unused subs: Nijima Yuki, Mitsudome Kanami
Scorers: Imanaka Yuri (28 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, 70 mins)
Unused subs: Sayama Marina, Hanabusa Misa
Scorers: Uchiyama Tomoyo (68 mins), Hashiura Satsuki (88 mins)
Booked: Satou Kaede, Hamagaki Kana


Bunnys Kyoto SC  1 - 2  Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita
(Attendance: 200)

Bunnys Kyoto made one change for this final crucial game against Shizuoka, bringing back regular starter Ii Kiyono in place of Fujimoto Ami. Shizuoka started with Atsumi Yuka for the first time, with Kitaoka dropping to the bench.

Bunnys knew that in order to guarantee safety, they would have to win, and after fifteen minutes Watanabe Juri scored her very first goal of the season to give them the lead, which they held until half time in what was a very even first half. However in the second half Shizuoka piled on the pressure and in the 66th minute Oda Kanna retook her side's top scoring position with a goal supplied by their other high scorer, Okuda Mika.

Bunnys held on valiantly until just a minute before the end when Shirai Aoi scored her only goal of the season to give Shizuoka just their seventh win of the season, having started with three wins from three games.

Bunnys were distraught at the final whistle, but good news was to come from Niigata that the JSCL had lost to Setagaya, and that therefore the Kyoto outfit would be playing in the Challenge League next season. Bunnys finish tenth with twelve points, Shizuoka finish eighth with twenty-six.

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Akiyama Tomomi (capt), Hanazaki Rena, Fujino Aiko, Ii Kiyono, Sada Fumika, Ukita Kotone, Yamashita Yu, Watanabe Juri, Kinjo Keina, Miura Kyoko, Miyai Mina
Subs: Fujimoto Ami (Miyai Mina, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Isashi Kaede, Iwasa Megumi, Nakajima Akane, Hattori Sae
Scorers: Watanabe Juri (15 mins)

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Takahashi Miharu, Sayama Momoko, Nishiyama Mei, Kanefuda Anzu (capt), Ito Mari, Atsumi Yuka, Suzuki Rina, Kanno Mie, Ishida Risa, Oda Kanna, Okuda Mika
Subs: Ogata Yurika (Suzuki Rina, 38 mins), Shirai Aoi (Atsumi Yuka, 60 mins)
Unused subs: Maehara Ringo, Kitaoka Chiaki, Takahata Airi
Scorers: Oda Kanna (66 mins), Shirai Aoi (89 mins)
Booked: Sayama Momoko

Challenge League - FINAL STANDINGS

Vegalta Sendai end the season unbeaten, with twenty wins and two draws - both home games. FC Takahashi finish second and will contest for promotion to the Nadeshiko League with the team finishing ninth in the top division, which will be decided next weekend. Setagaya finish third, beating Nittaidai as a result of scoring more goals, their respective goal differences being the same. Similarly at the bottom, Nagano's win today moves them ahead of JSCL. Both sides now play in the Challenge League promotion playoffs.

Elsewhere the JFA Academy's players will be delighted with a fifth place finish, with fellow schoolgirls Tokiwagi Gakuen in sixth. Ehime's target of sixth was not eventually realised, but they will be pleased with seventh in their first season. They beat Shizuoka on goal difference, with Kagoshima and Bunnys struggling behind them, but doing just enough to stay out of trouble.

PlayedWonDrawnLostForAgainstDifferencePoints 1Vegalta Sendai (C)22202088127662 2FC Takahashi (P/O)22162475264950 3Setagaya22141759372243 4Nittaidai22141745232243 5JFA Academy22132752203241 6Tokiwagi Gakuen22122859372238 7Ehime FC2275104349-626 8Shizuoka2275102951-2226 9Je Vrille Kagoshima2253142452-2818 10Bunnys Kyoto2233161878-6012 11Nagano Parceiro2224161463-4910 12JSCL2224162684-5810

Challenge League Playoffs

Shimizudaihachi Pleiades, Nojima Stella Kanagawa, Hoyo Sukarabu FC and Cerezo Osaka Ladies have been promoted to the Challenge League.


Match 1:
Shimizudaihachi Pleiades  3 - 2  Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto

Shimizudaihachi Pleiades:
Satou Masami, Suwabe Wakana, Taniguchi Emi, Nishigaya Norie, Inoue Yurie, Miyagawa Tomoko, Kanashiro Wakana (capt), Matsushita Norimi, Oda Sayaka, Kawasumi Saki, Hamanaka Saki
Unused subs: Hashizume Yuri, Matuda Natsuki, Ootawa Haruka, Satou Mariko
Scorers: Taniguchi Emi (6 mins), Hamanaka Saki (50 mins), Miyagawa Tomoko (74 mins)
Booked: Matsushita Norimi

Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto:
Kawashima Kana, Koshi Azusa, Kondo Natsumi, Mine Tomomi, Terasawa Nozomi, Tsukamoto Mai, Yoshida Aoi, Kimura Eri (capt), Sakurama Hiromi, Akagi Yui, Okumura Sayo
Subs: Uchida Momoko (Kimura Eri, 64 mins), Shimada Kayoko (Koshi Azusa, 78 mins), Tanihara Yukari (Okumura Sayo, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Yamashita Yumiko, Suzuki Ryoko
Scorers: Tsukamoto Mai (35 mins), Terasawa Nozomi (85 mins)
Booked: Koshi Azusa


Match 2:
Cerezo Osaka Ladies  2 - 1  Norddea Hokkaido
(Attendance: 68)

Cerezo Osaka Ladies:
Shiba Hiyori, Kawahara Hikari, Shima Ayana, Azuma Manami, Takahashi China, Maegawa Miki, Hayashi Honoka, Nishida Meika, Matsubara Shiho, Tanaka Mika (capt), Takarada Saori
Subs: Inoue Hina (Maegawa Miki, 58 mins), Tamazakura Kotono (Takarada Saori, 70 mins), Katsuoka Miyu (Kawahara Hikari, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Ishiodori Nana, Furusawa Rui
Scorers: Hayashi Honoka (15 mins), Own Goal (80 mins)
Booked: Shima Ayana

Norddea Hokkaido:
Konno Mai, Tomita Mai, Maeda Tomomi, Ebiko Mio, Kan Miran, Tabata Sayuri, Minto Akiho, Watanabe Mayuko, Arita Hitoe, Kannari Miki (capt), Suzuki Wako
Subs: Nishino Nanaka (Kan Miran, 63 mins), Chou Shiyon (Suzuki Wako, 84 mins), Kikuchi Ayuka (Minto Akiho, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Miyoshi Nana, Takahashi Rina
Scorers: Tabata Sayuri (42 mins)


Match 3:
Hoyo Sukarabu FC  2 - 1  Nagoya FC Ladies (aet)
(Attendance: 80)

Hoyo Sukarabu FC:
Danzuka Yume, Hashimoto Emiko, Himeno Kanako, Wada Mari, Kondou Nanami, Matsumoto Mei, Kiyosue Chihiro, Kinoshita Yuuna, Satou Mitsuki, Ono Miyuu (capt), Suzu Arisa
Subs: Nagamatsu Maki (Kinoshita Yuuna, 73 mins), Kusuno Kaho (Matsumoto Mei, 109 mins)
Unused subs: Katsuo Hitomi, Nakano Mizuki
Scorers: Matsumoto Mei (90 mins), Kiyosue Chihiro (98 mins)


Do not play in the First Round:
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:
Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto  0 - 1  Norddea Hokkaido
(Attendance: 74)

Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto:
Kawashima Kana, Koshi Azusa, Yoshida Aoi, Mine Tomomi, Terasawa Nozomi, Kimura Eri (capt), Uchida Momoko, Tsukamoto Mai, Sakurama Hiromi, Okumura Sayo, Tanihara Yukari
Subs: Akagi Yui (Uchida Momoko, 62 mins)
Unused subs: Yamashita Yumiko, Kondo Natsumi, Suzuki Ryoko, Shimada Kayoko

Norddea Hokkaido:
Konno Mai, Minato Akiho, Kannari Miki (capt), Maeda Tomomi, Tomita Mai, Suzuki Wako, Arita Hitoe, Watanabe Mayuko, Ebiko Mio, Chou Shiyon, Takahashi Rina
Subs: Kikuchi Ayuka (Miyoshi Nana, 77 mins), Nishino Nanaka (Ebiko Mio, 54 mins), Miyoshi Nana (Suzuki Wako, 64 mins), Isono Miho (Chou Shiyon, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Kan Miran
Scorers: Kannari Miki (60 mins)
Booked: Takase Yuki


Match 5:
Nagoya FC Ladies  1 - 5  Nojima Stella Kanagawa
(Attendance: 120)

Nojima Stella Kanagawa:
Nanjo Masayo, Goto Maika, Terada Reiko, Yoshida Ayaka, Sakamoto Juri, Inoue Yurie, Oyama Saki (capt), Yoshimi Natsuki, Nagasawa Madoka, Kawarazaki Nozomi, Kanai Nanae
Subs: Nishimura Atsumi (Nagasawa Madoka, 71 mins), Saito Haruna (Inoue Yurie, 71 mins), Yamane Hikari (Terada Reiko, 76 mins), Kataoka Saki (Oyama Saki, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Furuichi Misato
Scorers: Goto Maika (40 mins), Yoshimi Natsuki (50 mins), Kanai Nanae (55, 63 mins), Nagasawa Madoka (70 mins)


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.


Match 6 (second round losers):
Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto  0 - 0  Nagoya FC Ladies (aet)
Nagoya FC Ladies win 9-8 on penalties

Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto:
Kawashima Kana, Koshi Azusa, Yoshida Aoi, Mine Tomomi, Terasawa Nozomi, Kimura Eri (capt), Tsukamoto Mai, Uchida Momoko, Sakurama Hiromi, Okumura Sayo, Tanihara Yukari
Subs: Akagi Yui (Uchida Momoko, 68 mins), Suzuki Ryoko (Kimura Eri, 94 mins)
Unused subs: Yamashita Yumiko, Kondo Natsumi, Kuwabara Miho
Booked: Mine Tomomi


Match 7 (second round winners):
Norddea Hokkaido  0 - 4  Nojima Stella Kanagawa

Nojima Stella Kanagawa:Nanjo Masayo, Goto Maika, Terada Reiko, Yoshida Ayaka, Sakamoto Juri, Inoue Yurie, Oyama Saki (capt), Yoshimi Natsuki, Nagasawa Madoka, Kawarazaki Nozomi, Kanai Nanae
Subs: Yamane Hikari (Terada Reiko, 60 mins), Kataoka Saki (Kawarazaki Nozomi, 70 mins), Nishimura Atsumi (Kanai Nanae, 70 mins), Saito Haruna (Inoue Yurie, 70 mins), Furuichi Misato (Nagasawa Madoka, 90 mins)
Scorers: Inoue Yurie (21 mins), Own Goal (52 mins), Kawarazaki Nozomi (55 mins), Kanai Nanae (63 mins)


Nojima Stella Kanagawa are therefore automatically promoted. The next stage sees Norddea Hokkaido play Japan Soccer College Ladies, who finished twelfth in the Challenge League, with Nagoya FC Ladies playing AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies who finished eleventh. The winners of these two ties will participate in the Challenge League next season.