Please note that the Japanese names in these posts are written in Japanese order, i.e. Family Name followed by Given Name

Sunday, 13 July 2014

Nadeshiko League Thirteenth Round

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies  1 - 0  INAC Kobe Leonessa
(Attendance: 1,091)

JEF United had come within seven minutes of beating INAC Kobe back in April, but on this occasion they were not to be denied and at the end of the weekend they sit in fifth.

Mikami Shoko brought in Setoguchi Kozue in place of Anzai Yuka for the home side, with INAC Kobe unchanged from the side which lost to Belle.

JEF United looked to get the ball out wide to create openings, with INAC going for a far more direct approach, looking to find Takase with long balls at every possible opportunity. In the opening exchanges there were few good chances though Ikadai did hit the crossbar from a free kick on eleven minutes. In the twentieth minute INAC had their best chance when Yamane Erina in the JEF goal advanced to meet Takase Megumi, but went to ground to early, only to be saved by a fine tackle by Ueno Saki. In the 36th minute Takase had another chance to shoot from a similar right-sided position but put the ball well wide. At the other end JEF were busy but didn't create clear openings to shoot on goal, Kawamura having the best chance after 39 minutes, though she shot well over after good build up play.

Five minutes after the restart Takase shot against the post and then shot just wide as INAC's pressure began to build, though Takase seemed to be their only attacking option. JEF United took the lead when they again attacked down the wing, on this occasion down the right through half-time substitute Anzai Yuka, who beat Watanabe to the goal line to get the ball into Sugasawa in the middle. Though her initial effort was blocking by the sliding Isokane, JEF's top scorer was not to be denied and she quickly followed up to score her tenth goal of the season.

Neither side made much of an impression thereafter, with the kind of attacking prowess seen from INAC Kobe in recent years noticeably lacking. JEF United stuck to their plan of spreading the play down the wings but were happy enough with a goal lead and didn't rashly look for another goal. In the end Kobe simply didn't have enough to overcome the JEF defence and have fallen to their fifth defeat of the season to leave them sixth, outside of the relegation zone only on goal difference. JEF United stay two points clear of danger with this result.

INAC Kobe will surely get back to winning ways this weekend at home to bottom side Kibi; JEF United travel north into Ibaraki to face Beleza, whom they beat in May.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Yamane Erina, Wakabayashi Minori, Sakuramoto Naoko (capt), Chino Shoko, Ueno Saki, Hosaka Nodoka, Setoguchi Kozue, Kawamura Mari, Fukasawa Risa, Ikadai Risa, Sugasawa Yuika
Subs: Anzai Yuka (Hosaka Nodoka, HT), Kamogawa Miho (Ikadai Risa, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Nemoto Mio, Tsurumi Ayaka, Oya Madoka, Matsuura Nagisa, Hanagiri Naomi
Scorers: Sugasawa Yuika (56 mins)

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Miyake Shiori, Isokane Midori, Clare Polkinghorne, Watanabe Ayaka, Minamiyama Chiaki, Sawa Homare, Masuya Rika, Nakajima Emi, Takase Megumi (capt), Tanaka Yoko
Subs: Kyokawa Mai (Tanaka Yoko, HT), Ito Miki (Masuya Rika, 64 mins), Noguchi Ayaka (Watanabe Ayaka, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Kai Junko


Vegalta Sendai Ladies  8 - 0  FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme
(Attendance: 1,482)

On a very wet and miserable day, the visiting Kibi had simply no answer to the marauding Vegalta Sendai for whom this eight-goal victory has given their hopes - and goal difference - a huge boost in the run-in. Kibi will now certainly contest the relegation series in the Exciting Series, and while Vegalta are still in the bottom four, they have given themselves a good chance of making the top six. Vegalta had a disappointing mid-season run but have now picked up full points from two games against the bottom two and next visit Iga, where they will be hopeful of another three points.

In the game itself, Kibi started well in the first twenty minutes as usual, but faltered badly as the game went on. Neither the defence nor the midfield is strong enough to hold the ball and the passing was very poor. Koyama Kie and Osafune Kane both scored a brace in the first half as it was clear by half-time that Vegalta would win by a considerable margin.

In the second half the goals flowed, as Kibi's defence seemed to almost stop trying at times. Goals came from Kakazu Asuka, Inoue Ayaka, Kawamura Yuri and Hamada Haruka. Osafune, Kakazu and Inoue all scored for the first time this season.

One moment of note for Kibi was the appearance as a substitute of Kanamori Ayaka, a fourth year student for whom this was the first league appearance, a reward for all of the hard work she has done behind the scenes. Kibi next play INAC Kobe and are unlikely to return home with anything but a heavy loss.

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Saito Ayaka, Sakai Yuki, Yamamoto Risa, Osafune Kana, Sasaki Mayu, Inoue Ayaka, Kawamura Yuri, Uetsuji Yumi (capt), Kakazu Asuka, Takara Ryoko, Koyama Kie
Subs: Hamada Haruka (Koyama Kie, HT), Kawashima Haruna (Kakazu Asuka, 70 mins), Irie Miki (Takara Ryoko, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Saita Yuki, Takahashi Nana, Ideue Asako, Sasaki Miwa
Scorers: Koyama Kie (21, 33 mins), Osafune Kana (38, 41 mins), Kakazu Asuka (47 mins), Inoue Ayaka (59 mins), Kawamura Yuri (76 mins), Hamada Haruka (78 mins)

FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Isashi Kaede, Noma Fumika, Kadota Rui, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Nagano Momoko, Kurakazu Shiho, Takano Saki, Yoshitake Manami, Komatsu Mina, Nishikawa Asuka, Hamamoto Marin
Subs: Takatsuka Ayane (Komatsu Mina, HT), Muramatsu Mafuyu (Yoshitake Manami, 76 mins), Kanamori Ayaka (Hamamoto Marin, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Fujita Suzuka, Nakai Yuna, Kanbara Misaki, Adachi Eriko


Okayama Yunogo Belle  0 - 4  Nippon TV Beleza
(Attendance: 3,034)

A hugely damaging loss for Belle in Shimane today, with the resurgent Beleza - six wins in a row for the Tokyo side - now just three points behind the two leaders. Only Belle made a change to their starting lineup, Hosokawa Motoyo coming in for Mizushima, who dropped to the bench.

Beleza took the lead seconds before the first half ended, Sakaguchi Mizuho once again unstoppable in the air as she headed in her seventh goal of the season from Momiki's left-sided free kick.

Belle were not at their attacking best, and it was Beleza who had more of the scoring chances, and in the second half they dominated play. On 66 minutes Sumida Rin doubled Beleza's lead, as Belle failed to clear a Beleza corner. The ball came to Sumida on the left from a failed interception and she skillfully curled the ball into the top corner away from the reach of Fukumoto.

Two late penalties added gloss to the scoreline, the first from Kobayashi Yayoi and the second from Yamaguchi Mami, only minutes into her first appearance since returning to the club. To add to Belle's woes, Kado Yuka was sent off for Belle, as it was she who committed both fouls.

Belle welcome leaders Urawa next week, a match which neither side dare lose. Beleza play near neighbours JEF United in Ibaraki.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Kado Yuka, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kitaura Miho, Takahashi Sachie, Kuzuma Riyo, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Asano Miki, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Mizushima Kumi (Kitaura Miho, 52 mins), Fushiki Kaho (Asano Miki, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Hayashizaki Mei, Taniguchi Kikumi, Kawano Saki, Nakada Maiko
Sent off: Kado Yuka

Nippon TV Beleza:
Soyama Kanako, Shimizu Risa, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Kinoshita Shiori, Ariyoshi Saori, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Hara Natsuko, Sumida Rin, Momiki Yuka, Nakasato Yu, Tanaka Mina
Subs: Kobayashi Yayoi (Sumida Rin, 79 mins), Yamaguchi Mami (Tanaka Mina, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Yamashita Ayaka, Kobayashi Miharu, Shimada Chiaki
Scorers: Sakaguchi Mizuho (45 mins), Sumida Rin (66 mins), Kobayashi Yayoi (88 mins, pen), Yamaguchi Mami (90+3 mins, pen)


Iga FC Kunoichi  4 - 1  AS Elfen Saitama
(Attendance: 466)

Iga put four past Saitama for the second time this season, leapfrogging them into eighth place. Tsutsumi scored her third of the season direct from a free kick just outside the area in the eighteenth minute to give the home side the lead at half-time. Just after the restart, Nakano Rino scored her first ever league goal to equalise, heading in from a rebound off the bar.

A penalty scored by Kobayashi Mariko on the hour mark restored the lead, and two more goals in the 69th and 71st minutes were enough to take all three points. Ogawa Shiho scored her first of the season for the first of those, with Yamago in the Saitama goal disappointed to let the ball squirm free of her grasp. The final Iga goal was an embarrassing own goal.

Both sides will almost certainly contest the relegation section of the Exciting Series, though Iga's two emphatic wins will give them great confidence that they can survive. They next host Vegalta Sendai, who are one place above them but eleven points clear. Saitama visit Niigata.

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Kuno Fubuki, Miyasako Tamami, Michikura Hiroko, Ohashi Mio, Elise Kellond-Knight, Nasu Maiko (capt), Matsunaga Tomoe, Kobayashi Makiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Matsunaga Yoshie, Haji Madoka
Subs: Ogawa Shiho (Haji Madoka, 61 mins), Sugita Ami (Tsutsumi Saki, 69 mins), Tameka Butt (Matsunaga Yoshie, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Sawada Norimi, Sato Ai, Kiyohara Marie, Sonomura Nana
Scorers: Tsutsumi Saki (18 mins), Kobayashi Makiko (60 mins, pen), Ogawa Shiho (69 mins), Own Goal (71 mins)

AS Elfen Saitama:
Yamago Nozomi (capt), Azami Rie, Takeda Arisa, Saito Natsumi, Nara Misaki, Takahashi Kaho, Ito Kanako, Takeyama Yuko, Nakano Rino, Arakawa Eriko, Saito Yuri
Subs: Suzuki Kaoruko (Saito Yuri, 61 mins), Akitaya Misato (Takeyama Yuko, 71 mins), Hagiwara Aimi (Takahashi Kaho, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Funada Mayu, Takahashi Yuko
Scorers: Nakano Rino (47 mins)
Booked: Takeda Arisa


Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies  0 - 2  Albirex Niigata Ladies
(Attendance: 1,934)

Kamionobe Megumi got Niigata off to a tremendous start against leaders Urawa, scoring direct with her left foot from a free kick from well outside the penalty area. Urawa again started with the on-loan Hirao Chika in goal, and she was caught out by the flight of the ball, expecting a deflection which never came. Niigata, who had brought in Sayama and Sakaguchi, matched Urawa in the first half and on 26 minutes doubled their lead, Kamionobe scoring direct this time from a corner kick, with Hirao again beaten at the far post.

In the second half Urawa increased the intensity of their play significantly, with Niigata becoming extremely defensive. Urawa have yet to come from behind to win this season and today was to be no different, as none of their eleven chances in the second half came to furition. Urawa have slipped recently, with just eight points from their last five games, and with a more difficult run-in than their rivals, will need to beat Belle next weekend to maintain hopes of finishing top at the end of the Regular Series.

Niigata have improved to a great degree this season and will expect to win their next two fixtures, at home to Saitama and away to Kibi.

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Hirao Chika, Dozono Ayano, Norimatsu Ruka, Kohata Shiho, Usui Rie, Shibata Hanae, Naomoto Hikaru, Kishikawa Natsuki, Kato Chika, Kira Chinatsu, Goto Michi (capt)
Subs: Seike Kiko (Goto Michi, 27 mins), Otaki Ami (Kira Chinatsu, HT), Wada Naoko (Usui Rie, 71 mins)
Unused subs: Tajiri Yumi, Ishii Saki, Saito Akane, Tomari Shiho

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Ichitani Tomoko, Sayama Momoko, Kitahara Kana, Yamamoto Arina, Takamura Chisato, Takahashi Haruka, Saito Yuri, Sakaguchi Moeno, Kamionobe Megumi (capt), Saeki Aya, Oishi Sayaka
Subs: Kubota Mayu (Oishi Sayaka, 69 mins), Kodama Keiko (Saeki Aya, 75 mins), Yamada Shoko (Sakaguchi Moeno, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Koganemaru Sachie, Shimokawa Saori
Scorers: Kamionobe Megumi (2, 26 mins)
Booked: Sayama Momoko, Kubota Mayu

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Liga Student Results and Standings (July 6th)

Tohoku League Group C

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Tomioka High School421112847
2Sendai University2200210216
3Kitakami High School31206335
4Yamagata Johoku High School31113214
5Yamagata Nishi High School4004130-290

June 5th:
Yamagata Johoku High School  1 - 2  Tomioka High School




Kanto League Group C

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Kanagawa University76013782918
2Shonan Gakuin High School74122114713
3Tokyo Met. Asuka High School53112992010
4University of Tsukuba530212669
5Shutoku Senior High School52219728
6Daito Bunka University7214241957
7Kuki High School6105838-303
8Ota Municipal Comm. High School6015241-391

July 5th:
Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka High School  14 - 0  Ota Municipal Commercial High School

Sunday, 6 July 2014

Regional Leagues - Results/Standings (July 7th)

Hokkaido League

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Norddea Hokkaido76103213119
2Muroran High School75022852315
3Meisei High School7322158711
4Club Fields Linda73132011910
5Sapporo University Vista7205824-166
6Otaru Hokusho Corsa'rio7007256-540

July 6th:
Hokkaido Bunkyo University Meisei High School  0 - 0  Norddea Hokkaido
Hokkaido Otani Muroran High School  7 - 0  Otaru Hokusho Corsa'rio
Club Fields Linda  0 - 2  Sapporo University Vista




Kanto League Division One

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Waseda University108112281425
2Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Yth1070323101321
3Musashigaoka College106041819-118
4Tokyo International University105051920-115
5Nippon TV Menina104061722-512
6Kanto Gakuen University103251518-311
7JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-18103161918110
8University of Tsukuba102081129-186

July 5th:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Youth  3 - 1  University of Tsukuba
Tokyo International University  1 - 4  Nippon TV Menina
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-18  3 - 1  Kanto Gakuen University

July 6th:
Waseda University  3 - 0  Musashigaoka College


Kanto League Division Two

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Yokohama FC Seagulls98013543124
2Shobi University107123472722
3Kokushikan University961229181119
4Ota Ladies SC Esperanza94321716115
5Japan Aviation High School102261427-138
6Maebashi Ikuei High School91351227-156
7Tsukuba FC Ladies9126820-125
8Tochigi Soccer Club Ladies7106434-303

July 5th:
Japan Aviation High School  2 - 4  Kokushikan University
Yokohama FC Seagulls  3 - 0  Shobi University




Kanto U-18 Princess League

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Nippon TV Menina3300250259
2Sfida Setagaya FC Youths4301155109
3JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-18420210556
4Kashima-LSC311110644
5Mito Eiko FC Ibaraki Ladies3111314-114
6Yokosuka Seagulls U-181100160163
7AS Elfen Saitama Mari11003033
8Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies JY11001013
9Nojima Stella Kanagawa Due3003310-70
10INAC Tamagawa Leonessa U-181001012-120
11Tsukuba FC Ladies U-184004135-340

July 5th:
Tsukuba FC Ladies U-18  1 - 2  Mito Eiko FC Ibaraki Ladies




Tokai League Division One

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1NGU Nagoya FC Ladies54012121912
2Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana SHS3300132119
3Fujieda Junshin High School430110469
4Iwata Higashi High School5104414-103
5FC Gifu Belta3003113-120
6Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana JHS2002115-140


July 6th:
Iwata Higashi High School  0 - 3  Fujieda Junshin High School




Kansai League Division One

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Daisho Gakuen High School55002762115
2Takarazuka El Baile FC Ladies741227171013
3Placer Kobe54011714312
4FC Vitoria6312138510
5Kobe FC Ladies6303232219
6Menina Kobe FC63032227-59
7FC Victories6213181447
8FC Terra62041316-36
9Kyoto Shiko SC311167-14
10Diablossa Takada F.C.8008944-350

July 6th:
Menina Kobe FC  6 - 3  Diablossa Takada F.C.


Kansai League Division Two

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Cerezo Osaka Sakai Girls65102922716
2INAC Kobe Leonessa B54102322113
3Otsu Victories SC641177013
4Osaka City Ladies FC64023782912
5Ritto FC Libro6402167912
6Vispo Sayama6213921-127
7Dreams Miki FC511348-44
8Takatsuki Kitaokan ZELCOVA FC7115619-134
9Kyoto Akatsuki Football Club7115332-294
10Toyotsu Women's FC6015028-281

July 6th:
Takatsuki Kitaokan ZELCOVA FC  0 - 1  Kyoto Akatsuki Football Club
Otsu Victories SC  1 - 0  Dreams Miki FC
Osaka City Ladies FC  10 - 1  Vispo Sayama
Toyotsu Women's FC  0 - 5  Cerezo Osaka Sakai Girls




Shikoku League

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Kochi ganador FC77004033721
2Tokushima Lateesha760136112518
3Naruto Polaris Ladies FC74032322112
4Oota Gal72051222-106
5Kochi JFC Rosa72051025-156
6Matsuyama University70071048-380

July 6th:
Kochi ganador FC  6 - 0  Oota Gal
Tokushima Lateesha  4 - 2  Kochi JFC Rosa
Naruto Polaris Ladies FC  6 - 4  Matsuyama University




Chugoku League

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Tokuyama University99005525327
2Hiroshima Okou FC962126101620
3Freyia FC Venus96032315818
4Aosaki SC Hanako Clover's95223152617
5FC Reve9405718-1112
6Yamaguchi Wings94051031-2112
7Bingo Fuchuu TAM-S93152521410
8Hiroshima University92251518-38
9Yamato Nadeshiko9216632-267
10FC Brancass Kurashiki9009349-460

July 5th:
Yamato Nadeshiko  0 - 6  Hiroshima Okou FC
FC Brancass Kurashiki  0 - 2  Yamaguchi Wings
Tokuyama University  4 - 0  Bingo Fuchuu TAM-S
Hiroshima University  0 - 1  FC Reve
Freyia FC Venus  0 - 3  Aosaki SC Hanako Clover's

July 6th:
Yamato Nadeshiko  0 - 3  Freyia FC Venus
FC Brancass Kurashiki  0 - 4  Hiroshima University
Tokuyama University  1 - 0  Aosaki SC Hanako Clover's
Hiroshima Okou FC  3 - 0  FC Reve
Yamaguchi Wings  3 - 2  Bingo Fuchuu TAM-S


Congratulations to Tokuyama University on winning their second Chugoku League title



Kyushu League

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto87104414322
2Je Vrille Kagoshima76011981118
3Kunimi FC85212471717
4Oita Trinita75022012815
5Yanagigaura High School85032317615
6Kumamoto United SC Flora74031914512
7Anclas Youth8305925-169
8New Wave Kitakyushu72231017-78
9Fukuoka Jo Gakuin High School7214617-117
10Melsa Kumamoto FC8215325-227
11Alegre Caminho7115614-84
12Fukuoka University7115719-124
13Nakatsu FC Pomato7016216-141

July 6th:
Anclas Youth  1 - 0  Fukuoka University
Alegre Caminho  0 - 1  Melsa Kumamoto FC
Kunimi FC  5 - 0  Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Junior & Senior High School
Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto  5 - 0  Kumamoto United SC Flora
Oita Trinita  0 - 2  Yanagigaura High School
New Wave Kitakyushu  2 - 3  Je Vrille Kagoshima

Nadeshiko League Twelfth Round

AS Elfen Saitama  1 - 2  Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 1,253)

Vegalta Sendai travelled home with three points which move them to within two of JEF United in sixth as the battle to stay out of the relegation section became more intense.

Yasumoto Sawako has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and the loss of her energy and enthusiasm will be a blow. Yasumoto's absence in this game was not significant, as Vegalta Sendai had enough quality to see off Saitama regardless.

All three goals came in the first half, the first coming when Kawamura Yuri headed on a Saito free kick for Koyama Kie who burst through the defence to score smartly past the advancing Yamago. Saitama equalised six minutes later in the 24th minute through Azami Rie, for whom this was her fourth goal of the season. Azami's finish was similar to that of Koyama, with Takeda on the right supplying the telling ball from the halfway line.

Parity lasted only seven minutes, after Uetsuji headed down to Koyama who slid the ball through to Ono Hitomi, and she scored another fine goal, her fourth of the season - the most of any Sendai player.

This result leaves Saitama almost certainly facing a bottom four finish and their next match away to Iga will be vital for both sides as they look to gain as many points as possible before the split.

Sendai's first win after four losses and two draws gives them renewed hope of a top half finish, which is what they would have expected before the season started, and even moreso having won their first two matches. They next host Kibi in central Sendai and will expect to win both that encounter and the next away to Iga.

AS Elfen Saitama:
Yamago Nozomi (capt), Azami Rie, Takeda Arisa, Takahashi Yuko, Nara Misaki, Uchida Saki, Ito Kanako, Takeyama Yuko, Nakano Rino, Arakawa Eriko, Yamazaki Sayuri
Subs: Takahashi Kaho (Uchida Saki, 35 mins), Saito Yuri (Yamazaki Sayuri, 54 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (Takeyama Yuko, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Funada Mayu, Saito Natsumi, Akitaya Misato, Hagiwara Aimi
Scorers: Azami Rie (24 mins)
Booked: Takahashi Yuko, Suzuki Kaoruko

Vegalta Sendai Ladies:
Saito Ayaka, Sakai Yuki, Yamamoto Risa, Osafune Kana, Hamada Haruka, Tahara Nozomi, Kawamura Yuri, Uetsuji Yumi (capt), Kakazu Asuka, Koyama Kie, Ono Hitomi
Subs: Takara Ryoko (Koyama Kie, 64 mins), Inoue Ayaka (Ono Hitomi, 67 mins), Sasaki Mayu (Tahara Nozomi, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Saita Yuki, Takahashi Nana
Scorers: Koyama Kie (18 mins), Ono Hitomi (31 mins)


Nippon TV Beleza  2 - 1  Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 945)

While Beleza have made steady progress up the table since the international break, Iga have picked up only one point and will almost certainly battle against relegation following the end of the Regular Series of eighteen games.

Tanaka Mina scored her first goal of a hitherto disappointing season to win Beleza's last game away to Vegalta Sendai, and today she opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with contributions from two of Beleza's other young players, Momiki and Sumida, though there was a significant deflection off an Iga defender which took the ball away from Kuno in goal.

Eight minutes later it was Iwashimizu Azusa's turn to score her second of the season, heading in from outside the six-yard box after Tanaka's shot had come back into play off the crossbar.

Beleza had by far most of the possession and chances in the first half with little coming from Iga, though in the second half they were far more adventurous, and had a goal back three minutes after the restart. From in front of goal Elise Kellond-Knight lofted in a free kick which Michikura headed in for her first goal of the season.

Beleza struggled to create chances thereafter, and though Iga had more of the attacking play as the game progressed, they couldn't find the second goal which would have given them a second draw of the season against Beleza. The home side remain third after this result, still six points behind the two leaders, though they will be happy with their recent recovery. Iga are now thirteen points from safety with just eighteen to play for, and if they are to make the top six they must first beat Saitama next weekend. Beleza play Belle in Shimane.

Nippon TV Beleza:
Soyama Kanako, Shimizu Risa, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Kinoshita Shiori, Ariyoshi Saori, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Hara Natsuko, Sumida Rin, Momiki Yuka, Nakasato Yu, Tanaka Mina
Unused subs: Yamashita Ayaka, Doko Mayo, Kobayashi Miharu, Takahashi Saori, Kobayashi Yayoi, Shimada Chiaki, Yamaguchi Mami
Scorers: Tanaka Mina (23 mins), Iwashimizu Azusa (31 mins)

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Kuno Fubuki, Miyasako Tamami, Michikura Hiroko, Ohashi Mio, Elise Kellond-Knight, Nasu Maiko (capt), Matsunaga Tomoe, Kobayashi Makiko, Tsutsumi Saki, Matsunaga Yoshie, Ogawa Shiho
Subs: Sugita Ami (Tsutsumi Saki, HT), Haji Madoka (Ogawa Shiho, 83 mins), Tameka Butt (Miyasako Tamami, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Sawada Norimi, Kiyohara Marie
Scorers: Michikura Hiroko (48 mins)


FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme  0 - 3  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 1,245)

In miserable, wet conditions in Okayama Urawa had little trouble in dispatching Kibi by three goals to nil for the second time this season. New Urawa heroine Seike Kiko gave the visitors the lead on 16 minutes when she got in front of Nagano to head home a cross from Wada Naoko, who made her first starting appearance today. Naomoto Hikaru had a sensational start to the season with her first three career goals in two matches, but didn't score again until today, a fine rasping shot beating Isashi and nestling in the top right hand corner.

Kibi had almost no chances whatsoever in the game and Urawa had numerous opportunities to add to their total, though only managed one more goal, their top scorer Kira Chinatsu finishing clinically when Noma headed straight to her in her own goal area.

Kibi will now simply look to pick up points where they can in advance of the Exciting Series, though their relegation now seems certain. They next play Vegalta Sendai. Urawa top the league, ahead of Belle on goal difference and they next play Niigata, who themselves need points to ensure safety.

FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme:
Isashi Kaede, Noma Fumika, Eguchi Mika, Takahashi Chiho (capt), Nagano Momoko, Kurakazu Shiho, Takano Saki, Yoshitake Manami, Tajima Mitsuyo, Hamamoto Marin, Nishikawa Asuka
Subs: Takatsuka Ayane (Tajima Mitsuyo, 61 mins), Adachi Eriko (Hamamoto Marin, 63 mins), Kanbara Misaki (Nagano Momoko, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Fujita Suzuka, Kadota Rui, Nakai Yuna, Komatsu Mina

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Hirao Chika, Dozono Ayano, Norimatsu Ruka, Kohata Shiho (capt), Wada Naoko, Shibata Hanae, Naomoto Hikaru, Kishikawa Natsuki, Kato Chika, Kira Chinatsu, Seike Kiko
Subs: Otaki Ami (Seike Kiko, 67 mins), Saito Akane (Kato Chika, 75 mins), Nagano Fuka (Wada Naoko, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Tajiri Yumi, Endo Yu, Sakamoto Riho, Tomari Shiho
Scorers: Seike Kiko (16 mins), Naomoto Hikaru (33 mins), Kira Chinatsu (59 mins)


Albirex Niigata Ladies  1 - 0  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 794)

In a game of very few chances, and almost none for the home side, a very late penalty kick was decisive in giving Niigata a much needed three points. Saeki Aya chased a hopeful long ball into the box and Yamane Erina, who is prone to errors, rushed out to claim the ball but missed it and ended up felling Saeki instead. Niigata deadball specialist Kamionobe Megumi stepped up and showed no nerves in dispatching the penalty kick.

Niigata thus overtake JEF United in fifth place, and remain three points clear of Sendai in seventh. Sandwiched between them is JEF United, who have now lost three of their last five games. They next play INAC Kobe and though they were unlucky not to beat the champions in their first meeting, they may need to be even better this time around just to take a point. Niigata visit leaders Urawa.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Ichitani Tomoko, Obara Yuria, Kitahara Kana, Yamamoto Arina, Takamura Chisato, Takahashi Haruka, Saito Yuri, Kodama Keiko, Kamionobe Megumi (capt), Saeki Aya, Oishi Sayaka
Subs: Kojima Miku (Takamura Chisato, HT), Sakaguchi Moeno (Kodama Keiko, 62 mins), Kubota Mayu (Oishi Sayaka, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Fukumura Kanae, Okakura Mika, Sayama Momoko, Shimokawa Saori
Scorers: Kamionobe Megumi (89 mins, pen)

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Yamane Erina, Wakabayashi Minori, Sakuramoto Naoko (capt), Chino Shoko, Ueno Saki, Kawamura Mari, Hosaka Nodoka, Anzai Yuka, Fukasawa Risa, Ikadai Risa, Sugasawa Yuika
Subs: Setoguchi Kozue (Hosaka Nodoka, 64 mins), Oya Madoka (Ikadai Risa, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Nemoto Mio, Tsurumi Ayaka, Matsuura Nagisa, Hanagiri Naomi
Booked: Yamane Erina


INAC Kobe Leonessa  1 - 2  Okayama Yunogo Belle
(Attendance: 2,301)

Last season INAC Kobe Leonessa lost their first game in three seasons when they hosted Okayama Yunogo Belle in Aizu Wakamatsu. Today they again hosted Belle far from home, in stifling heat in Okinawa. Belle sat six points ahead of INAC at the start of play and knew that a win would almost certainly be enough to keep them ahead of their great rivals for the rest of the season. INAC have been on a good run, with the exception of their loss to Beleza, but with Polkinghorne coming in to the centre of defence, have been more solid at the back and Takase has been productive up front.

Both sides had chances to attack at pace in the opening minutes, though neither looked likely to make the breakthrough. INAC looked to attack largely down the left wing, with Miyama orchestrating the attack for Belle.

After fifteen minutes it was Miyama who gave Belle the lead, knocking in a free kick which everyone in the box missed, and it bounced straight into the far side of the net.

Confusion in the Belle box when an INAC free kick was swung in almost lead to an equaliser in the nineteenth minute, when Polkinghorne felt that she had scored though Miyama cleared the ball off the line. A few minutes later Tanaka Yoko had a good chance when she went to head home from a Nakajima cross but she was just beaten by Mizushima at the far post.

INAC were making most of the running, though in the high temperatures they were unlikely to be able to maintain a high pace through to the end, and Belle knew that the longer they held the lead the more tired the opposition would become. For their part, Belle attempted to play their normal short passing game without exerting themselves chasing long balls.

Tanaka Yoko was INAC's most potent threat, and certainly the player exerting herself the most, and she almost got on the end of a Miyake cross in the 33rd minute, but couldn't control her volley and the shot flew well over. From the same position on the right Miyake crossed again seven minutes later and this time Takase was in position to score, but she was judged to be marginally offside. Belle were living dangerously at the back and this was another warning of the threat that existed on both wings. At the other end Matsuoka had a good opportunity to shoot from an Arimachi pull back, but she scuffed her shot and it was well blocked by Polkinghorne.

Neither side made any changes at half-time and the pace was noticeably slower in the opening minutes. Kado received a yellow card for an untidy foul on Masuya, and from the resulting free kick Polkinghorne headed into the grateful arms of Fukumoto. INAC finally found the equaliser their effort had deserved in the 54th minute when Tanaka Yoko found space on the left, beat Mizushima and crossed perfectly for Takase to finish left-footed past Fukumoto. This goal prompted a response from Belle, who showed more ambition in going forward. Masuya had the chance to give INAC Kobe the lead when she burst past Kado and Takahashi but she somewhat selfishly went for goal herself rather than passing across goal where teammates were waiting.

A last-ditch Minamiyama block on a Miyama cross led to a corner, with another coming immediately after. Miyama as always took both and on the second Nakano headed wide, as Belle had their first spell of offensive possession for some time.

Nakada and Kyokawa came on for INAC Kobe in the 63rd minute, replacing Tanaka and Masuya who had run themselves into the ground. Their fresh legs allowed INAC to continue their barrage down both wings but the tiring Belle defence held firm. Belle's defender Kitaura Miho was clearly exhausted, and was replaced by Hosokawa in the 70th minute. Seconds later Belle retook the lead. From a corner kick Matsuoka headed Belle back into the lead from another well-taken corner by Miyama, though the INAC defence allowed her to get free in the box.

INAC went on the offensive again, scarcely believing that they were again behind. Another superb cross from the right from Miyake was met powerfully by Takase, but she blasted the ball against the crossbar and the chance was gone. Sawa had a free header at goal but she too was denied as Belle went into full defensive mode.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, it was clear that all of the starting players were exhausted to the point where they began making fundamental errors, especially with misplaced passes, and that it was a question of just how much each team could maintain their stamina and concentration. Another dangerous ball from a Miyama free kick was cleared away by Polkinghorne for a corner as Belle kept the ball well away from their goal.

Veteran Nakada Maiko came on for the last few minutes for Belle, replacing Asano Miki. INAC Kobe continued to rain shots in on Fukumoto's goal, but the experienced keeper was equal to every one.

In the end INAC Kobe ran out of time and out of chances, and will now have to hope to do as well as possible in the final few games to ensure a good position in the Exciting Series. Winning the Regular Series guarantees the winners entry to the International Women's Club Championship, and Belle will have their eyes firmly set on competing in their first championship.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Miyake Shiori, Isokane Midori, Clare Polkinghorne, Watanabe Ayaka, Minamiyama Chiaki, Sawa Homare, Masuya Rika, Nakajima Emi, Takase Megumi (capt), Tanaka Yoko
Subs: Nakada Ayu (Tanaka Yoko, 63 mins), Kyokawa Mai (Masuya Rika, 63 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Kai Junko, Noguchi Ayaka
Scorers: Takase Megumi (54 mins)

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Kado Yuka, Kitaura Miho, Mizushima Kumi, Takahashi Sachie, Kuzuma Riyo, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Asano Miki, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Hosokawa Motoyo (Kitaura Miho, 69 mins), Nakada Maiko (Asano Miki, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Hayashizaki Mei, Taniguchi Kikumi, Kawano Saki, Fushiki Kaho, Tanaka Mayu
Scorers: Miyama Aya (15 mins), Matsuoka Miki (69 mins)
Booked: Kado Yuka

Challenge League Fourteenth Round

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita  1 - 4  Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara
(Attendance: 138)

This game was played on July 19th

Nojima Stella ended the weekend level with Nittaidai at the top of the table following their eighth win in succession, having recovered from a less then auspicious start to the season.

Shizuoka were the surprise leaders early in the game, their top scorer and captain Hirano Asami with her fifth of the season after ten minutes. Nojima responded well and their in-form players Yoshimi Natsuki and Minamino Arisa both scored before half-time to change the complexion of the game.

In the second half Nojima scored twice more, with goals from another two players having good seasons, Omiya Reona and Kawarazaki Nozomi, with Kanai Nanae assisting on both occasions.

Nojima's next match is away to struggling Fukuoka, where they will expect another three points. Shizuoka have had a disappointing season thus far and will hope for better next Sunday against Harima Albion.

Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita:
Terada Ikumi, Nakase Akane, Shimamura Kumiko, Nishiyama Mei, Ogata Yurika, Suzuki Rina, Kubota Mitsuki, Ishida Risa, Hirano Asami (capt), Kitaoka Chiaki, Kanno Mie
Subs: Oda Kanna (Ishida Risa, HT mins), Shiroshita Chinatsu (Kubota Mitsuki, 67 mins)
Unused subs: Maehara Ringo, Miyazaki Kaoru, Takahata Airi
Scorers: Hirano Asami (10 mins)
Booked: Ishida Risa

Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara:
Kobayashi Shiori, Goto Maika, Terada Reiko, Yoshida Ayaka, Nagasawa Madoka, Oyama Saki (capt), Yoshimi Natsuki, Omiya Reona, Inoue Yurie, Minamino Arisa, Kanai Nanae
Subs: Kawarazaki Nozomi (Inoue Yurie, 66 mins), Nanjo Masayo (Kobayashi Shiori, 79 mins), Kinjo Airi (Kanai Nanae, 84 mins), Nishimura Atsumi (Goto Maika, 89 mins), Saito Haruna (Minamino Arisa, 89 mins)
Scorers: Yoshimi Natsuki (24 mins), Minamino Arisa (35 mins), Omiya Reona (57 mins), Kawarazaki Nozomi (74 mins)


Tokiwagi Gakuen High School  3 - 1  Ange Violet Hiroshima
(Attendance: 200)

Komori Aoi came off the bench for her second substitute appearance this season, and scored two late goals to win this tie against Ange Violet Hiroshima. In the first half Tokiwagi looked to attack up the middle, but were repeatedly thwarted by Ange Violet's tight defence. In the 39th minute Shiraki Akari finally made the breakthrough for Tokiwagi, as they went in a goal up at half-time.

Kawasaki Saya gave away a penalty in the 70th minute, which Enya Mari scored to equalise. Komori came on immediately, and within three minutes had scored her first goal of the season, beating goalkeeper and defenders well to score in front of goal. With two minutes remaining Komori scored again, rounding Uetani in the Ange Violet net to score into an empty net.

Tokiwagi stay ninth but have two games in hand on those above them. They now travel to Minnesota to compete in the USA Cup, and next play Ehime in the Challenge League on July 20th. Ange Violet also next play on the 20th, against fellow promoted side Harima Albion.

Kuramoto Aya (No. 4) made her first appearance for Ange Violet Hiroshima today
Uetani dives bravely at the feet of Shiraki to deny Tokiwagi Gakuen's top scorer
Enya Mari scores from the spot to level the scores with twenty minutes remaining
Komori Aoi scores the first of her two goals which won the game for Tokiwagi Gakuen
Komori takes the ball around Uetani to score into the empty net with two minutes remaining

Tokiwagi Gakuen High School:
Ono Asuka, Kawasaki Saya, Matsukubo Akari, Ichise Nana, Genseki Kiyoka, Nishikawa Ayaka (capt), Sugihara Haruna, Shiraki Akari, Sasaki Yukina, Kadowaki Shihomi, Kobayashi Rikako
Subs: Kobayashi Nanako (Sasaki Yukina, HT), Fujino Suzuka (Matsukubo Akari, 65 mins), Komori Aoi (Kadowaki Shihomi, 70 mins), Takahashi Anna (Sugihara Haruna, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Okada Mari
Scorers: Shiraki Akari (39 mins), Komori Aoi (73, 88 mins)
Booked: Kawasaki Saya, Sugihara Haruna

Ange Violet Hiroshima:
Uetani Kumiko, Ichikawa Sonoka, Matsuda Ikumi, Takeda Yuki (capt), Katsurama Fumina, Kitagawa Kana, Enya Mari, Mizuno Yuri, Konishi Natsuki, Kuramoto Aya, Saihara Mizuki
Subs: Tateishi Sae (Kuramoto Aya, 36 mins), Uozumi Arisa (Konishi Natsuki, 39 mins), Yamashita Kurumi (Tateishi Sae, HT), Yamashita Mayumi (Saihara Mizuki, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Kameda Megumi
Scorers: Enya Mari (70 mins, pen)


JFA Academy Fukushima  2 - 0  Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 64)

Fukuoka didn't play particularly well in 2013, but this year they have regressed considerably and are only five points above the relegation zone. Today they were again easily beaten, Ibaraki and Mizutani the scorers, the former with her first goal of the season and the latter her second. Next Sunday Fukuoka are at home to Shizuoka Sangyo and the JFA Academy visit Ehime in the final inter-block matches.

JFA Academy Fukushima:
Asano Natsumi, Moriya Miyabi, Hashinuma Maho, Morita Umi, Ari Hudson, Ibaraki Mitsuba, Hirata Mai, Mizutani Yuki (capt), Takahashi Fuko, Tachibana Yo, Nakajo Yui
Subs: Ueda Yuriko (Ari Hudson, 25 mins), Yonei Honoka (Ibaraki Mitsuba, 68 mins), Chiba Nanami (Hashinuma Maho, 80 mins), Iseri Natsuki (Takahashi Fuko, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Hannah Stambaugh
Scorers: Ibaraki Mitsuba (21 mins), Mizutani Yuki (51 mins)
Booked: Takahashi Fuko

Fukuoka J. Anclas:
Kishi Hoshimi, Yanagita Shiori, Hanada Aiko (capt), Ito Chisa, Fujisawa Marin, Ukita Kotone, Doi Narumi, Doshita Misato, Yoshizawa Ai, Fujimoto Yuki, Marugata Rie
Subs: Iimura Ami (Fujisawa Marin, 60 mins), Takahashi Chizuru (Doi Narumi, 62 mins), Fukui Shihori (Yoshizawa Ai, 75 mins)
Unused subs: Shimada Megumi


AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies  1 - 5  Nittaidai Football Club Ladies

(Attendance: 216)

Nagano were extremely disappointing in losing their third match of the season to academic opposition. On the other hand, Nittaidai's first year Hirata Hikari - formerly with Fukuoka - was sensational and her four goals today took her to ten from four starts, and thirteen in total for the season.

Hirata scored twice in both halves, with a late goal from Uchiyama Tomoyo Nagano's only reply. Nagano will play Bunnys next weekend full of determination to recover, though they are very unlikely to make it to a promotion play-off. Nittaidai take the lead in the League, and next Saturday are expected to win again at home to the JSCL.

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies:
Ikegaya Natsumi, Oshima Nozomi, Yajima Yuki, Urasaki Yuka, Tanaka Nami (capt), Uchiyama Tomoyo, Yoshida Aoi, Shigemasa Kai, Hamagaki Kana, Hashiura Satsuki, Yokoyama Kumi
Subs: Kanefuda Anzu (Tanaka Nami, 67 mins), Wada Makoto (Yoshida Aoi, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Unoki Mao, Makii Kasane, Uchiyama Tomoka
Scorers: Uchiyama Tomoyo (76 mins)

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Inoue Nene, Sakurai Mayuka, Haza Hisui, Nozu Erika, Oki Shiho, Goto Ami, Kojima Wakiko, Enokidani Misaki, Ito Yukina (capt), Maeda Risa, Hirata Hikari
Subs: Ishii Chiharu (Maeda Risa, 76 mins), Uemura Shoko (Hirata Hikari, 86 mins), Matsuda Kasumi (Inoue Nene, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Abe Rie, Kitano Rie
Scorers: Hirata Hikari (17, 36, 66, 80 mins), Enokidani Misaki (71 mins)


Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades  0 - 4  Bunnys Kyoto SC
(Attendance: 85)

The comfort with which Bunnys beat Shimizu gives a clear indication of just how poor the bottom side are this season, and with the three points picked up the Kyoto side go four points clear of Cerezo Osaka Sakai.

Fuchibe, Oshima and Akamine all scored their first goals of the season with Matsuda scoring her second as Bunnys scored more than twice for the first time this season.

Shimizu next play Cerezo on Saturday and a defeat would almost certainly mean their finishing bottom; Bunnys are at home to Nagano and will hope to stay clear of the bottom two with a positive result.

Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades:
Maruyama Kimi, Kobayashi Natsumi, Taniguchi Emi, Oda Sayaka, Inoue Yurie, Matsushita Norimi, Kanashiro Wakana (capt), Sato Kaede, Yamaki Kotomi, Miura Kyoko, Miyagawa Tomoko
Subs: Kawachi Erika (Matsushita Norimi, 70 mins), Baba Sayumi (Miyagawa Tomoko, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Kawasumi Saki

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Konno Mai, Akiyama Ryo, Saito Hitomi (capt), Yamamoto Yumi, Kawano Maaya, Oshima Sayuri, Matsuda Nozomi, Sawada Yuka, Shibuya Yumiko, Akamine Mizuki, Fuchibe Mami
Subs: Hanazaki Rena (Kawano Maaya, HT), Yamaguchi Yurie (Fuchibe Mami, 74 mins), Tanihara Yukari (Shibuya Yumiko, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Yamashita Yu
Scorers: Fuchibe Mami (52 mins), Oshima Sayuri (76 mins), Akamine Mizuki (81 mins), Matsuda Nozomi (84 mins)


Japan Soccer College Ladies  1 - 0  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 102)

Toriumi Mai scored her first goal from open play this season, to add to the two penalties she scored, as the JSCL beat Ehime with a late goal to ease their relegation worries while adding pressure on the Ehime management, as they have made no progress since both sides were promoted in 2012.

Ehime are at home to the JFA Academy next weekend, with the JSCL travelling to Kanagawa to take on leaders Nittaidai.

Japan Soccer College Ladies:
Kawashima Kana, Takahashi Sakura, Kusakari Ayako (capt), Yukita Rui, Sano Saki, Yoneda Saki, Sakaguchi Yuki, Kudo Asami, Toriumi Mai, Horie Mitsuki, Iwasaki Manami
Subs: Matsumoto Hotaru (Iwasaki Manami, 67 mins), Ishibuchi Yuki (Yoneda Saki, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Komatsu Akane, Tadano Yuki, Nomura Natsumi
Scorers: Toriumi Mai (81 mins)

Ehime FC Ladies:
Osako Hanako, Kamata Ran, Nishimura Nozomi, Nishigawa Sayumi (capt), Kawamura Akari, Watai Shiori, Iwamoto Yuka, Kariya Maiko, Yamashiro Miyuki, Akune Mana, Haruyama Saori
Subs: Oya Ayumi (Kawamura Akari, 58 mins), Tagami Natsumi (Watai Shiori, 58 mins)
Unused subs: Ueno Yukiko, Mukaidani Ayaka, Yamada Maya


Sfida Setagaya FC  1 - 1  Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki
(Attendance: 874)

Setagaya's largest attendance of the season witnessed an eventful and entertaining draw which kept Takatsuki in pole position for automatic promotion while keeping Setagaya themselves in with a chance of at least a play-off place.

Takatsuki had fewer chances but they took the lead in the 65th minute when Narumiya Yui scored a fine goal. Setagaya were stunned but fought back well and twelve minutes later they equalised through a Tanaka Marina penalty.

Takatsuki are three points ahead of Nojima who have a game in hand, and are eight points ahead of Setagaya. Takatsuki next play in early August against Fukuoka. Setagaya play local rivals Nojima next Saturday in the most important match thus far for both sides.

Sfida Setagaya FC:
Ishino Himeka, Kawashima Tamai, Tanaka Marina, Kuwahara Yoshie, Tanaka Mariko, Fukuhara Nao, Nagata Maya (capt), Hasegawa Aoi, Nagasawa Yume, Sunoki Yurie, Shimojo Aya
Subs: Nagasaki Akane (Nagasawa Yume, 59 mins), Okada Ayame (Kuwahara Yoshie, 71 mins), Usuda Haruka (Hasegawa Aoi, 71 mins)
Unused subs: Kawamura Yuki, Shano Miki
Scorers: Tanaka Marina (77 mins, pen)
Booked: Fukuhara Nao, Tanaka Mariko

Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki:
Ono Maya, Sato Kaede (capt), Hatanaka Miyuka, Akiba Yumeko, Yoshimura Midori, Narumiya Yui, Torao Naomi, Tsuboi Ayako, Maruyama Karina, Saito Toshiko, Hazuki Yuki
Subs: Shimamura Yuko (Saito Toshiko, 59 mins), Hirano Satoko (Yoshimura Midori, 62 mins), Horiuchi Sayaka (Maruyama Karina, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Gocho Misaki, Yoshioka Haruka
Scorers: Narumiya Yui (65 mins)
Booked: Ono Maya, Tsuboi Ayako


AS Harima Albion  2 - 1  Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies

(Attendance: 486)

Cerezo Osaka Sakai's two recent wins gave them great hope that they could take something from this game against Harima Albion, but they were to leave Himeji with nothing to show for their efforts.

Murakawa Saki has had a fine season with Harima and scored her third goal of the season just after half-time. With ten minutes remaining Cerezo captain Nishida Meika equalised to the great joy of her teammates, but with three minutes remaining Nishiyama Emi knocked in a Nozomi free kick to secure all three points and fourth place for Harima.

Cerezo Osaka Sakai next play Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades in a must-win game for both sides, especially for Shimizu. Harima play Ange Violet on July 20th.

AS Harima Albion:
Kirihata Kotono, Kitagawa Wakana, Nishiyama Emi, Fujimoto Madoka (capt), Sakai Nozomi, Nakajima Chihiro, Okajima Eri, Koyano Yuu, Murakawa Saki, Chiba Sonoko, Shirota Miki
Subs: Saito Manami (Koyano Yuu, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Sugimoto Aoi, Yamaguchi Saya, Hasatani Toko, Sugiyama Yuka
Scorers: Murakawa Saki (48 mins), Nishiyama Emi (87 mins)

Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies:
Nishinaka Maho, Hashimitsu Kyoka, Katsuoka Miyu, Takarada Saori, Morinaka Hina, Furusawa Rui, Nishida Meika (capt), Matsubara Shiho, Hayashi Honoka, Maegawa Miki, Tamazakura Kotono
Subs: Yakata Miyu (Furusawa Rui, 62 mins), Fujiwara Nodoka (Hashimitsu Kyoka, 67 mins), Wakisaka Reina (Tamazakura Kotono, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Yamashita Rina, Azuma Manami
Scorers: Nishida Meika (80 mins)

Friday, 4 July 2014

19th All-Japan U-15 Women's Football Championship

This year's All Japan U-15 Women's Football Championship will take place between July 26th and August 1st.


First Round Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 26th of July:

Match 1:
Kusu Club Ladies versus Shiraoka SCL

Match 2:
Anclas Youth versus FC Effronte

Match 3:
Nippon TV Menina Serias versus Toyota Ladies FC

Match 4:
Akita LFC Youth versus FC Victories

Match 5:
Club Fields Linda versus FC Schloß Matsumoto Vivo

Match 6:
Tochigi SC Ladies versus Tokushima Lateesha

Match 7:
FC Miyagi Barcelona versus Hioki Seagulls FC

Match 8:
Ome SFC versus Fujieda Junshin Soccer Club Junior Youth Blue

Match 9:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Junior Youth versus Saijo Chuo SC Hiuchi Dreams

Match 10:
Nakaspo versus Kamimura Gakuen Junior High School

Match 11:
New Wave Kitakyushu Ladies versus Cana Cravo FC

Match 12:
Tokachi FC Nadeshiko versus Aosaki SC Hanako Clover's

Match 13:
Iga FC Kunoichi Satellite versus Thespa Kusatsu U-15 Ladies

Match 14:
FC BLOOM versus Albirex Niigata Ladies U-15

Match 15:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-16 versus FC Fervor Mimosa

Match 16:
Smile Seleçao FC versus JFA Academy Fukushima


Second Round Matches, ties to be played on Sunday 27th of July:

Match 17:
Winners of Match 1 versus Winners of Match 2

Match 18:
Winners of Match 3 versus Winners of Match 4

Match 19:
Winners of Match 5 versus Winners of Match 6

Match 20:
Winners of Match 7 versus Winners of Match 8

Match 21:
Winners of Match 9 versus Winners of Match 10

Match 22:
Winners of Match 11 versus Winners of Match 12

Match 23:
Winners of Match 13 versus Winners of Match 14

Match 24:
Winners of Match 15 versus Winners of Match 16


Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Tuesday 29th of July:

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 Wednesday 30th of July:

Match 29:
Winners of Match 25 versus Winners of Match 26

Match 30:
Winners of Match 27 versus Winners of Match 28


Third Place match, to be played on Friday 1st of August:

Match 31:
Losers of Match 29 versus Losers of Match 30


Final Match, to be played on Friday 1st of August:

Match 32:
Winners of Match 29 versus Winners of Match 30

2013 Spectator Survey - Male/Female Ratio

On June 16th the Nadeshiko League's spectator survey for 2013 (なでしこリーグ スタジアム観戦者調査2013サマリーレポート) was published, available from the League's website.


The spectators at ten matches, one home match for each team, were approached. The surveys completed by those who were not supporters of the home side were discarded. All respondents were over twelve years of age.

The table below lists the ten matches, noting the home team, away team, the total attendance at the match, the number of those surveyed and the total number of surveys analysed.

HomeAwaySpectatorsNo. surveyedNo. analysed
VegaltaNiigata1572154145
UrawaBeleza2116169150
JEFVegalta775173110
BelezaNiigata833209140
NiigataUrawa1046182157
IgaBeleza1081262160
TakatsukiJEF887177132
INACBeleza6401288242
BelleUrawa2024265226
KibiTakatsuki693164124


The total number surveyed was therefore 1,586.

The figures used here for the men's J-League come from the corresponding survey from 2013. However, the Nadeshiko League's survey uses figures from the J-League's 2012 season. In the tables and graphs below the 2013 figures have been used.

Those figures for the J-League are as follows:

For the Male/Female ratio question: 17,253
The number of respondents for the "With whom did you watch the match?" question was 17,078.  

For the five J-League teams' male/female ratio figures, these were the numbers of spectators surveyed:

Vegalta Sendai: 383
Albirex Niigata: 440
Tokyo Verdy: 299
Urawa Red Diamonds: 406
JEF United Ichihara Chiba: 380


Ratio of Male to Female Spectators at Nadeshiko League games


The proportion of female spectators is disappointingly low at 29.4%, and this figure has fallen since 2012, when it was 35.7% (1,321 respondents at five games).

In terms of women spectators, Okayama Yunogo Belle led the way with 41.2%, which is the only figure higher than the J-League average.


The Male/Female ratios for those clubs which  have both J-League and Nadeshiko League teams


The proportion of female spectators at the home matches of teams associated with J-League teams is noticably poor, with Urawa Red Diamonds in particular well behind in this respect. Although Beleza has a slightly higher proportion of female spectators than Tokyo Verdy does, this is likely due to Tokyo Verdy having a lower than average number of women supporters.


"With whom are you watching the match?" - multiple responses were possible


The data for the table above is presented below:

FamilyFriendsBy OneselfOther
Iga FC Kunoichi60%15.6%30%4.4%
Okayama Yunogo Belle51%19.6%30.9%2.5%
FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme45.5%18.2%40%0.9%
INAC Kobe Leonessa45.2%26.1%29.5%2.1%
Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki39.4%28%37.9%4.5%
Albirex Niigata Ladies37.2%14.9%49.3%0.7%
NTV Beleza37%25.2%39.3%1.5%
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies33.3%19%47.6%2.9%
Vegalta Sendai Ladies33.1%22.1%42.6%5.1%
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies25.3%24%51.4%1.4%
J-League average53.4%33.1%16.3%3.3%
Nadeshiko League average41.7%21.5%38.6%2.6%


As can be readily seen above, the proportion of people who watch Nadeshiko League games by themselves is more than twice that of J-League games.

The teams most watched by family groups are those based in smaller cities: Iga, Belle and Kibi. As with female spectators, Urawa attracts the fewest family groups.