Five Outstanding Challenge League Players in 2012

This year's Challenge League campaign saw impressive performances from many players on all teams. Here are five of those who impressed the most. They are not necessarily the best players, the highest scorers or those most likely to become international squad members. As the title suggests, they are the players who have stood out the most. The players are not presented in any particular order.


Nakada Maiko (Ehime FC Ladies)

Nakada Maiko retired from Nadeshiko League football after seven seasons with Okayama Yunogo Belle to enrol at International Pacific University Women's College, beginning her coaching course in 2009. For the two following seasons she played for the college's team in the local Ehime leagues. In 2011, the college entered a partnership with J-League club Ehime FC, and Ehime FC Ladies was born. As a result, despite graduating from the college, Nakada was able to stay with the team as they fought for entry to the Challenge League, and at the end of the 2011 season they won promotion along with the Japan Soccer College Ladies.

Ehime's manager Ego Kenichi set a sixth-placed finish as the team's target for the 2012 season. However, things didn't start well as the team were beaten four times in their first five games, with an eight-goal drubbing at the hands of Vegalta Sendai the low point. However in their following game things changed for the better. Nakada scored a hat-trick in leading her side to a 6-4 victory over promotion-chasing Sfida Setagaya in a pulsating game. That was the first game in a run of six in which they were only beaten once, and the team moved comfortably into mid-table. As the season progressed Nakada continued to score vital goals, becoming the side's top scorer with twelve goals. More importantly though, her leadership qualities and her high level experience were vital in the development of the other players in the squad, all but one of whom are younger.

Nakada Maiko is an inspiration to her team, to college students, to other Challenge League players and to all supporters of women's football in Japan.


Takahashi Chiho (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)

In their first season in the Challenge League in 2011, FC Takahashi had won the West division, and forward Takahashi Chiho was selected as the division's MVP. As it was the team's first season in the league, they were not eligible for promotion, and so the goal of promotion to the Nadeshiko League was resumed in 2012. Takahashi was now promoted to captain of the side, and despite an early home defeat to Vegalta Sendai, the team sat proudly at the top of the table entering June. Another stumble at home to Sfida Setagaya saw Vegalta overtake FC Takahashi at the top of the table, and Takahashi missed the next three games entirely, though she did return as a substitute for the following games against Vegalta Sendai and Nagano - with the 2-2 away draw against Sendai showing the potential and depth in the squad.

Returning to the starting lineup for the remaining seven games, Takahashi scored six goals in helping the side to secure second position in the division, setting up a promotion playoff with AS Elfen Sayama of the Nadeshiko League. In the first leg of the playoff, FC Takahashi recorded a 1-0 win in Kasaoka in southern Okayama, before making their way to Kumagaya for the second leg. In the 22nd minute Takahashi scored the most important goal both of her career, and the most important in the team's history - reflected in her ecstatic celebration. With the home side now down 2-0 on aggregate, including the concession of an away goal, there seemed only to be one possible result. Twice Sayama fought back to equalise to make it 2-2 on the night, but in additional time Takahashi was there again to score to give her side a decisive victory - heading in her fifteenth goal of the season, including the two playoff games.

This is Takahashi Chiho's fourth and final year of her university degree course. She will lead the team again as they seek to win the Inter-Collegiate Championships for their first time.


Kojima Miku (JFA Academy Fukushima)

Having begun the season as not even a starter, Kojima Miku ended it a star. Having been given just a five-minute substitute appearance against Norddea in the 2011 season, Kojima was not even included on the bench for the first two league games of the 2012 season. Things were to change for her dramatically, as the Academy's Under-17 National Team players were away for the third match against Bunnys Kyoto. In came Kojima into the Academy defence, and though the side lost to Bunnys, Kojima was to be retained as a starting member for the rest of the season. Of the following nineteen league games, she only missed out on playing twice, the reason being that she had also been called up to the Under-17 squad.

Having impressed while starting as a defender, in her sixth start she began the game as a forward, and within eight minutes had scored her first goal. That game was against Sfida Setagaya, and in each of the following two games against Ehime FC and Tokiwagi Gakuen, she scored again. In total she scored eight goals in eighteen games for the Academy, as they recorded a fifth-placed finish.

Those eight goals made Kojima the second-highest goal scorer in the team, and she ended the Challenge League season with the best shots-to-goals ratio of any player, as she had only taken twenty-two shots for a success rate of 36.4%

Kojima wasn't finished yet though, as following the Challenge League season, she continued to score in the Empress' Cup, with three goals in her side's three games to date. The Academy next play Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies in the next round, and whatever the result, Kojima Miku is sure to stand out.


Toriumi Mai (Japan Soccer College Ladies)

The JSCL team were promoted to the Challenge League following a 2-1 playoff victory over Ehime FC, who themselves were later promoted following a 3-2 aggregate victory over Norddea. Yet, despite this achievement, Ehime were able to establish themselves as a mid-table side looking for future promotion, while the JSCL ended the season bottom of the table and fighting for league survival in a round of playoffs.

The first half of the season saw the team go eleven games without a win, with just two low-scoring draws providing them with any points at all. The second round of eleven games didn't begin any better, as two more defeats followed. However, in their fourteenth game, captain Toriumi Mai scored twice - her first goals since the opening day - as her side found themselves in the unusual position of being two goals to the good. Their opponents that day, Ehime FC, recovered well and took a 3-2 lead with nine minutes remaining. The JSCL weren't to be beaten though, and almost immediately equalised to take a point.

With Toriumi finding form, things got a lot better for the JSCL. While they lost their next game by a large margin, they kept their heads and followed it up with their first win of the season - a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Nagano, with the goal coming from Toriumi. Though they lost their next game to Nittaidai, their following home game saw an even better result, as they trounced Bunnys Kyoto by five goals to nil - Toriumi scoring the vital first two goals. Toriumi was to end the season with eleven goals, with ten of those scored in the final nine games. In the end even her goals and her leadership wasn't enough to help the team climb the table. However, their improvement over those last nine games - eight of their ten points came from those alone - and the confidence instilled in them by their captain encouraged them enormously, and they comfortably saw off the challenge of Norddea in the playoffs. Toriumi scored again in the second leg, to bring her season's total to twelve goals from twenty-four games.

The future is bright for Toriumi Mai, and her enthusiasm, effort and skill this season will be have been well regarded by many in the game.


Oguri Mao (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)

In her third year at Nippon Sport Science University, Oguri Mao continued to impress in midfield as her side finished fourth in the Challenge League, finishing above Tokiwagi Gakuen and the JFA Academy for the first time. Having scored twice in her first season, and four times last season, Oguri's tenacity and hard-working ethic brought her seven goals from midfield this season.

Nittaidai's routine opening day victory over Bunnys Kyoto included both a goal and an assist from Oguri, and although they were surprisingly beaten by their fellow students of Shizuoka Sangyo, they subsequently went on a run of five wins. Oguri missed two of these games, but her second substitute appearance in the side's sixth game was a revelation. A goal down to the JFA Academy at half-time, Oguri came into the game just before the half-time whistle and subsequently scored a hat-trick to turn the tie around, adding to Uemura Shoko's equaliser as Nittaidai attacked with vigour in the second half.

For the rest of the season, Oguri was a starting member in each game, scoring two further goals against the JSCL - including her first headed goal in just over two years - and her side's lone goal against Nagano. Oguri's scoring prowess is not in any way remarkable; what makes her outstanding is her stamina, determination and tenacity in chasing every ball, making every tackle count and working hard in all areas of the field.

Nittaidai's final challenge this year is for the Inter-Collegiate Championships, a competition they have won a record fourteen times. In last year's competition Nittaidai scored a total of eleven goals, Oguri Mao scored three of those and provided four assists, including the assist for Nittaidai's goal in the final. This season's competition should see another sparkling contribution from the Gifu native.

Disciplinary Records in the Nadeshiko League and Challenge League in 2012

In the Nadeshiko League this year, there were 74 yellow cards and one red card. In the Challenge League there were 108 yellow cards and three red cards.

Nadeshiko League Disciplinary Records:

1 Red card, 1 Yellow Card:
Ono Maya (Iga FC Kunoichi)


3 yellow cards:
Ji So-Yun (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Ikadai Risa (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Yanai Rina (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)

2 yellow cards:
Sakaguchi Mizuho (NTV Beleza)
Uchida Saki (AS Elfen Sayama)
Kawamura Yuri (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Wakabayashi Minori (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Kiyohara Marie (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Akiyama Ryo (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Kishikawa Natsuki (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Itami Emi (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Nakade Hikari (Iga FC Kunoichi)
Matsunaga Yoshie (Iga FC Kunoichi)

1 yellow card:
Kaihori Ayumi (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Kinga Yukari (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Sawa Homare (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Yasuda Kuniko (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Kado Yuka (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Takahashi Haruka (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Tsuhako Yumiko (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Nakano Manami (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Nagamachi Yuri (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Sudo Akiko (NTV Beleza)
Hara Natsuko (NTV Beleza)
Kobayashi Misaki (NTV Beleza)
Iwashimizu Azusa (NTV Beleza)
Watanabe Ayaka (AS Elfen Sayama)
Suzuki Kaoruko (AS Elfen Sayama)
Muraoka Natsuki (AS Elfen Sayama)
Saito Yuri (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Doshita Misato (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Tagashira Yoko (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Sato Kaede (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Lee Min Sun (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Yamago Nozomi (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Fujita Nozomi (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Kira Chinatsu (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Kohata Shiho (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Naomoto Hikaru (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Suzuki Risa (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Torao Naomi (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Hamada Haruka (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Takahashi Chizuru (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Toyoda Nayuha (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Funada Mayu (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Sakuramoto Naoko (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Hosokawa Motoyo (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Kawamura Mariko (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Fukasawa Risa (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Tezuka Saori (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Yamamoto Naomi (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Miyamoto Tomomi (Iga FC Kunoichi)
Matsunaga Tomoe (Iga FC Kunoichi)
Tsutsumi Saki (Iga FC Kunoichi)
Miyasako Tamami (Iga FC Kunoichi)
Fujimoto Ayano (Iga FC Kunoichi)
Haji Madoka (Iga FC Kunoichi)

In the Promotion/Relegation playoffs, Kiyohara Yuuko of AS Elfen Sayama received one yellow card.


Challenge League Disciplinary Records:

1 Red card, 1 Yellow Card:
Nagata Maya (Sfida Setagaya FC)

1 Red card:
Tanaka Marina (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Kamimura Aya (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)


4 yellow cards:
Ii Kiyono (Bunnys Kyoto SC)

3 yellow cards:
Hamagaki Kana (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Kitagawa Minamo (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Sada Fumika (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Shigemasa Kai (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Hamada Erina (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Shimada Naoko (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Sannomiya Shiki (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Sasago Masae (Sfida Setagaya FC)

2 yellow cards:
Murayama Yuri (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Satou Kaede (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Hatano Saki (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Sayama Marina (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Watanabe Juri (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Fujimoto Ami (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Akiyama Tomomi (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Hattori Sae (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Miyazako Fumika (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Okada Ayame (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Kitaoka Chiaki (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Kanefuda Anzu (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Takahashi Miharu (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Okakura Mika (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)

1 yellow card:
Hanabusa Misa (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Yamashita Mayumi (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Urasaki Yuka (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Tanaka Nami (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Fujino Aiko (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Ukita Kotone (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Yamashita Yu (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Sato Hiromi (Ehime FC Ladies)
Onoyama Nana (Ehime FC Ladies)
Nishigawa Sayumi (Ehime FC Ladies)
Marugata Rie (Ehime FC Ladies)
Nakada Maiko (Ehime FC Ladies)
Mitsuhira Shiori (Ehime FC Ladies)
Ogawa Akari (Ehime FC Ladies)
Muramatsu Mafuyu (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Nishikawa Asuka (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Sugita Ami (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Takahashi Chiho (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Noma Fumika (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Tanaka Shiho (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Usui Rika (Japan Soccer College Ladies)
Shanou Miki (Japan Soccer College Ladies)
Nozaki Ayumi (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Kobayashi Natsumi (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Narumiya Yui (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Norimatsu Ruka (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Mizutani Yuki (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Sakurai Mayuka (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Yamagata Hisami (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Shimokawa Saori (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Ishii Chiharu (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Shimada Chiaki (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Kitano Rie (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Uemura Shoko (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Fukuhara Nao (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Tanaka Mariko (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Ishibuchi Yuki (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Minemoto Chizuru (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Hirata Misato (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Sayama Momoko (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Kanno Mie (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Takamura Chisato (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Okamori Kasane (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Hirata Miki (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Matsuura Nagisa (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Kosuda Rina (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Fukumura Kanae (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Nishikawa Ayaka (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Shimokozuru Aya (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Uetsuji Yumi (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Ono Hitomi (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

In the Challenge League Promotion/Relegation playoffs, Shanou Miki of Japan Soccer College Ladies and Uchiyama Tomoyo of AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies both received one yellow card.

Goal Scorers in the Nadeshiko League and Challenge League in 2012

All scorers in the Nadeshiko League:

20 goals:
Takase Megumi (INAC Kobe Leonessa)

19 goals:
Nagasato Asano (NTV Beleza)

13 goals:
Ohno Shinobu (INAC Kobe Leonessa)

10 goals:
Kira Chinatsu (Urawa Red Diamonds)

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

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

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

5 goals:
Kyokawa Mai (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Arimachi Saori (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Miyama Aya (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Iwabuchi Mana (NTV Beleza)
Suzuki Kaoruko (AS Elfen Sayama)
Arakawa Eriko (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Fukasawa Risa (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Hosaka Nodoka (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)

4 goals:
Ji So-Yun (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Nakajima Emi (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Beverly Goebel-Yanez (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Nakagawa Chihiro (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Kiryu Nanase (NTV Beleza)
Kawamura Mari (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Matsuda Nozomi (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Maruyama Karina (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Nakade Hikari (Iga FC Kunoichi)
Matsunaga Yoshie (Iga FC Kunoichi)

3 goals:
Kado Yuka (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Watanabe Ayaka (AS Elfen Sayama)
Oishi Sayaka (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Isokane Midori (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Niwata Akiko (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Asano Miki (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Ogawa Shiho (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Yamamoto Naomi (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Nasu Maiko (Iga FC Kunoichi)
Tsutsumi Saki (Iga FC Kunoichi)

2 goals:
Kinga Yukari (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Takara Ryoko (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Sawa Homare (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Tanaka Yoko (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Mizushima Kumi (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Tanaka Mina (NTV Beleza)
Sakaguchi Mizuho (NTV Beleza)
Muraoka Natsuki (AS Elfen Sayama)
Kubota Mayu (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Hori Yoshie (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Fujimoto Yuki (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Tsuboi Ayako (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Itami Emi (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Shimamura Yuko (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Yanai Rina (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)

1 goal:
Tanaka Asuna (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Kai Junko (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Minamiyama Chiaki (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Tsuhako Yumiko (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Yamaguchi Mami (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Yokoyama Kumi (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Ariyoshi Saori (NTV Beleza)
Kobayashi Yayoi (NTV Beleza)
Kobayashi Misaki (NTV Beleza)
Iwashimizu Azusa (NTV Beleza)
Nakasato Yu (NTV Beleza)
Saito Yuri (AS Elfen Sayama)
Kobayashi Natsumi (AS Elfen Sayama)
Yajima Yuki (AS Elfen Sayama)
Kitahara Kana (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Kawamura Yuri (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Saeki Aya (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Yanagita Shiori (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Akiyama Ryo (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Yano Kyoko (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Saito Akane (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Fujita Nozomi (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Yasuda Yuki (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Kohata Shiho (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Shibata Hanae (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Kato Chika (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Hamada Haruka (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Sakuramoto Naoko (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Hosokawa Motoyo (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Ikadai Risa (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Tezuka Saori (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Shimizu Yuka (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Anzai Yuka (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)

There were four own goals scored, two for Albirex Niigata Ladies, and oneeach for NTV Beleza and JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies. The total number of goals scored was 299.

In the Nadeshiko League Promotion/Relegation playoffs, Uchida Saki and Suzuki Kaoruko both scored one goal each for AS Elfen Sayama.


All scorers in the Challenge League:

30 goals:
Michigami Ayaka (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)

20 goals:
Ito Minako (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

19 goals:
Masuya Rika (JFA Academy Fukushima)

13 goals:
Takahashi Chiho (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Ishibuchi Yuki (Sfida Setagaya FC)

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

11 goals:
Sugita Ami (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Toriumi Mai (Japan Soccer College Ladies)
Uemura Shoko (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)

10 goals:
Nishikawa Asuka (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)

9 goals:
Kurakazu Shiho (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Nakashima Ayaka (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Mori Hitomi (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Oda Kanna (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Uetsuji Yumi (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

8 goals:
Takano Saki (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Kojima Miku (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Shimada Chiaki (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Okuda Mika (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Kawasaki Saya (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Kakazu Asuka (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

7 goals:
Haruyama Saori (Ehime FC Ladies)
Noma Fumika (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Oguri Mao (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Nagasawa Yume (Sfida Setagaya FC)

6 goals:
Urasaki Yuka (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Nishigawa Sayumi (Ehime FC Ladies)
Narumiya Yui (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Tanaka Mariko (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Ito Miki (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Shimokozuru Aya (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Yasumoto Sawako (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Koyama Kie (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Sakai Yuki (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

5 goals:
Hashiura Satsuki (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Shigemasa Kai (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Imanaka Yuri (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Kadoi Megumi (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Kudo Asami (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Tanaka Marina (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Oshima Sayuri (Sfida Setagaya FC)

4 goals:
Kushiyama Saki (Ehime FC Ladies)
Muramatsu Mafuyu (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Iwasaki Manami (Japan Soccer College Ladies)
Kanefuda Anzu (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Matsuura Nagisa (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Ono Hitomi (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

3 goals:
Uchiyama Tomoyo (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Kinjo Keina (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Hanazaki Rena (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Ii Kiyono (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Miura Kyoko (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Sasaki Shiori (Japan Soccer College Ladies)
Shanou Miki (Japan Soccer College Ladies)
Niiho Madoka (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Moriya Miyabi (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Yamaguchi Minami (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Sasago Masae (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Kanno Mie (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Hirata Miki (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Sasaki Miwa (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Sameshima Aya (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Takahashi Nana (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

2 goals:
Oyama Natsuki (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Onoyama Nana (Ehime FC Ladies)
Iwamoto Yuka (Ehime FC Ladies)
Ogawa Akari (Ehime FC Ladies)
Uesato Saki (Ehime FC Ladies)
Niwa Mizuho (Ehime FC Ladies)
Akune Mana (Ehime FC Ladies)
Sakaguchi Yuki (Japan Soccer College Ladies)
Kurahara Honami (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Sannomiya Shiki (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Sunaga Manami (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Miyake Shiori (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Norimatsu Ruka (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Kojima Hikaru (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Mizutani Yuki (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Takashima Ruriko (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Ishii Chiharu (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Ito Yukina (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Sato Minami (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Fukuhara Nao (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Okada Ayame (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Kuwahara Yoshie (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Sayama Momoko (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Ishida Risa (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Osafune Kana (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

1 goal:
Watanabe Juri (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Fujimoto Ami (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Hattori Sae (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Miyai Mina (Bunnys Kyoto SC)
Marugata Rie (Ehime FC Ladies)
Yamashiro Miyuki (Ehime FC Ladies)
Kamata Ran (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Matsushita Fumiko (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Koike Ayano (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Fukui Shihori (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Tachibana Rei (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Komatsu Mina (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Kanbara Misaki (FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Shinagawa Ayaka (Japan Soccer College Ladies)
Nakae Maki (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Shimada Naoko (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Nozaki Ayumi (Je Vrille Kagoshima)
Kitagawa Hikaru (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Yamagata Hisami (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Nagashima Hikari (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Ozeki Miyu (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Kawashima Tamai (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Uchiyama Tomoka (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Usuda Haruka (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Yoshitomi Momoko (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Minemoto Chizuru (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Shirai Aoi (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Horii Mizuki (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Yahata Asuka (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Mitamura Momoko (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Sugihara Haruna (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Nishikawa Ayaka (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Nakamura Mami (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Ideue Asako (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Kawashima Haruna (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

There were three own goals scored, two for Japan Soccer College Ladies, and one for FC Takahashi Kibikokusaidaigaku Charmes. The total number of goals scored was 532.


In the Nadeshiko League Promotion/Relegation playoffs, Takahashi Chiho scored two goals and Muramatsu Mafuyu scored one for FC Takahashi.

In the Challenge League Promotion/Relegation playoffs, for the JSCL Iwasaki Manami scored twice, and Sasaki Shiori and Toriumi Mai scored once. For Nagano, Hamagaki Kana scored three goals, Urasaki Yuka scored twice, and Hashiura Satsuki scored once. An own goal was also scored in Nagano's favour.

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)

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

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.

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.

Challenge League Twenty-First Round

Vegalta Sendai are Challenge League Champions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michigami steps up to score the penalty kick she herself won

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

Michigami Ayaka wrestles with Takahashi Chiho for the ball

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Seven Contenders for Challenge League Entry

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

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

Here are the seven teams and the schedule:

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

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

Match 3:
Hoyo Sukarabu FC
versus
Nagoya FC Ladies

First Round bye:
Nojima Stella Kanagawa

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

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

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


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

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