Quarter Final Matches, ties played on Saturday 29th of December:
Match 17:
Waseda University 2 - 0 Shizuoka Sangyo University
(Attendance: 160)
Waseda showed their capabilities in overcoming the Challenge League players of Shizuoka Sangyo in defeating them in straightforward fashion by two goals to nil. Fourth Year captain Tanimoto Haruna scored a penalty in the nineteenth minute to give the three-time champions the lead, with Seguchi Nanami adding the crucial second just six minutes later.
Match 18:
Musashigaoka College 2 - 0 Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences
(Attendance: 200)
Musashigaoka College progressed to the semi-finals ahead of much-faniced Osaka in a similar fashion to Waseda. Sasaki Mayu scored the opener from the spot and Uchihara Nao made it 2-0 not long before the end of the game.
Match 19:
Kibi International University 1 - 1 Kanto Gakuen University
Kibi International University win 5-4 on penalties
(Attendance: 200)
Favourites Kibi International failed to make an early breakthrough against Kanto Gakuen and their frustration grew as they continued to hit the woodwork as they piled on the pressure. With ten minutes remaining the underdogs took the lead, as Kibi's goalkeeper Morimoto's clearance was charged down by Takahashi Saki and the ball flew into the empty net. Kibi didn't panic and six minutes later Takahashi Chiho once again headed home, this time from Takeda Arisa's cross. The game went to a penalty shoot-out which Kibi won by five goals to four, with Yamamoto the unfortunate player shooting wide for Kanto Gakuen.
Match 20:
Himeji Hinomoto College 0 - 1 Nippon Sport Science University
(Attendance: 250)
With Himeji Hinomoto failing to attempt even one shot on goal, Nittaidai only needed one real chance to score and progress to the semi-finals. Oguri Mao's pass to Uemura Shoko was struck first time into the net and with that the tie was decided. Nittaidai's lack of scoring prowess in their two games will worry them, as they take on Kibi International University who beat them twice in the 2012 Challenge League season in their FC Takahashi guise.
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Friday 4th of January:
Match 21:
Waseda University
versus
Musashigaoka College
Match 22:
Kibi International University
versus
Nippon Sport Science University
Final Match, to be played on Sunday 6th of January:
Match 23:
Winners of Match 21
versus
Winners of Match 22
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Friday, 28 December 2012
Inter-Collegiate Championships - Second Round
Second Round Matches, ties played on Friday 28th of December:
Match 9:
Kobe Shinwa Women's University 0 - 3 Waseda University
(Attendance: 156)
With Kobe Shinwa only managing one attempt on goal, Waseda had no trouble progressing to the quarter finals and a more testing encounter with the Challenge League players of Shizuoka Sangyo. Oshima Marika opened the scoring just before half-time, with Omiya Reona scoring in the second half to continue her good form from the Empress' Cup. Watai Shiori added the third in the 67th minute.
Match 10:
Shizuoka Sangyo University 5 - 2 Shobi University
(Attendance: 110)
A spirited fightback by Shobi was not enough to reel in Shizuoka Sangyo who were 4-0 ahead after 49 minutes with goals from their top scorer in the Challenge League, Oda Kanna, Ogata Yurika, Kanno Mie and Atsumi Yuka. Shobi scored two goals in reply from Fujimura Mayu and Takatsuka Erika before Hirano Asami added a fifth for Shizuoka Sangyo late in the game.
Match 11:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare 0 - 3 Musashigaoka College
(Attendance: 65)
Three-time cup runners-up Musashigaoka had a relatively comfortable victory over NUHW, with their three goals being scored by Hasegawa Aoi, Sasaki Mayu and Yoshimura Midori. They next play Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences.
Match 12:
Tokuyama University 0 - 1 Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences
(Attendance: 69)
In a game of few chances, highly-fancied Osaka just did enough to overcome Tokuyama, with a first-half goal from Kurahara Akane.
Match 13:
Aichi Toho University 0 - 8 Kibi International University
(Attendance: 100)
Kibi Koku were in no mood to allow another surprise defeat and tore Aichi Toho to shreds with four goals in either half. Takahashi Chiho scored three, Noma Fumika scored two and there was one each for Nishikawa Asuka, Kanbara Misaki and Adachi Eriko - her first of the season.
Match 14:
Mukogawa Women's University 1 - 3 Kanto Gakuen University
(Attendance: 150)
Kanto Gakuen took the lead over Mukogawa on eleven minutes with a goal by Fukumaru Tomoko, but the score was level in the 52nd minute when Fujie Saki struck home. Kanto Gakuen were stung into action and within a few minutes had the lead back through Minamino Arisa. On 68 minutes Nakamura Yushika scored the final goal which was enough to ease her side's nerves and see them through to a meeting with highly-fancied Kibi International University.
Match 15:
Sendai University 0 - 1 Himeji Hinomoto College
(Attendance: 100)
In a game of very few chances, Himeji Hinomoto grabbed the single goal that was enough to see them through. Nakajima Chihiro scored the winning goal midway through the first half.
Match 16:
University of Tsukuba 0 - 0 Nippon Sport Science University
Nippon Sport Science University win 5-4 on penalties
(Attendance: 158)
Nittaidai survived a scare and progressed to the quarter-finals on penalties following a scoreless draw against Tsukuba. Nittaidai missed two penalties while Tsukuba missed three. The fourteen-time champions move on to a tie with Himeji Hinomoto in which they will again be favourites.
Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 29th of December:
Match 17:
Waseda University
versus
Shizuoka Sangyo University
Match 18:
Musashigaoka College
versus
Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences
Match 19:
Kibi International University
versus
Kanto Gakuen University
Match 20:
Himeji Hinomoto College
versus
Nippon Sport Science University
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Friday 4th of January:
Match 21:
Winners of Match 17
versus
Winners of Match 18
Match 22:
Winners of Match 19
versus
Winners of Match 20
Final Match, to be played on Sunday 6th of January:
Match 23:
Winners of Match 21
versus
Winners of Match 22
Match 9:
Kobe Shinwa Women's University 0 - 3 Waseda University
(Attendance: 156)
With Kobe Shinwa only managing one attempt on goal, Waseda had no trouble progressing to the quarter finals and a more testing encounter with the Challenge League players of Shizuoka Sangyo. Oshima Marika opened the scoring just before half-time, with Omiya Reona scoring in the second half to continue her good form from the Empress' Cup. Watai Shiori added the third in the 67th minute.
Match 10:
Shizuoka Sangyo University 5 - 2 Shobi University
(Attendance: 110)
A spirited fightback by Shobi was not enough to reel in Shizuoka Sangyo who were 4-0 ahead after 49 minutes with goals from their top scorer in the Challenge League, Oda Kanna, Ogata Yurika, Kanno Mie and Atsumi Yuka. Shobi scored two goals in reply from Fujimura Mayu and Takatsuka Erika before Hirano Asami added a fifth for Shizuoka Sangyo late in the game.
Match 11:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare 0 - 3 Musashigaoka College
(Attendance: 65)
Three-time cup runners-up Musashigaoka had a relatively comfortable victory over NUHW, with their three goals being scored by Hasegawa Aoi, Sasaki Mayu and Yoshimura Midori. They next play Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences.
Match 12:
Tokuyama University 0 - 1 Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences
(Attendance: 69)
In a game of few chances, highly-fancied Osaka just did enough to overcome Tokuyama, with a first-half goal from Kurahara Akane.
Match 13:
Aichi Toho University 0 - 8 Kibi International University
(Attendance: 100)
Kibi Koku were in no mood to allow another surprise defeat and tore Aichi Toho to shreds with four goals in either half. Takahashi Chiho scored three, Noma Fumika scored two and there was one each for Nishikawa Asuka, Kanbara Misaki and Adachi Eriko - her first of the season.
Match 14:
Mukogawa Women's University 1 - 3 Kanto Gakuen University
(Attendance: 150)
Kanto Gakuen took the lead over Mukogawa on eleven minutes with a goal by Fukumaru Tomoko, but the score was level in the 52nd minute when Fujie Saki struck home. Kanto Gakuen were stung into action and within a few minutes had the lead back through Minamino Arisa. On 68 minutes Nakamura Yushika scored the final goal which was enough to ease her side's nerves and see them through to a meeting with highly-fancied Kibi International University.
Match 15:
Sendai University 0 - 1 Himeji Hinomoto College
(Attendance: 100)
In a game of very few chances, Himeji Hinomoto grabbed the single goal that was enough to see them through. Nakajima Chihiro scored the winning goal midway through the first half.
Match 16:
University of Tsukuba 0 - 0 Nippon Sport Science University
Nippon Sport Science University win 5-4 on penalties
(Attendance: 158)
Nittaidai survived a scare and progressed to the quarter-finals on penalties following a scoreless draw against Tsukuba. Nittaidai missed two penalties while Tsukuba missed three. The fourteen-time champions move on to a tie with Himeji Hinomoto in which they will again be favourites.
Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 29th of December:
Match 17:
Waseda University
versus
Shizuoka Sangyo University
Match 18:
Musashigaoka College
versus
Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences
Match 19:
Kibi International University
versus
Kanto Gakuen University
Match 20:
Himeji Hinomoto College
versus
Nippon Sport Science University
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Friday 4th of January:
Match 21:
Winners of Match 17
versus
Winners of Match 18
Match 22:
Winners of Match 19
versus
Winners of Match 20
Final Match, to be played on Sunday 6th of January:
Match 23:
Winners of Match 21
versus
Winners of Match 22
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Inter-Collegiate Championships - First Round
First Round Matches, ties played on Wednesday 26th of December:
Match 1:
Kyushu Kyoritsu University 0 - 8 Kobe Shinwa Women's University
Kobe Shinwa had no trouble in beating Kyushu Kyoritsu University to progress to the second round and a meeting with Waseda. Adachi Mizue scored a hat-trick, Yoshida Kie scored a brace and the other goals were scored by Okano Yuriko, Sawa Tomoko and Kondo Akane.
Match 2:
Yamagata University 0 - 8 Shizuoka Sangyo University
The Challenge League players of Shizuoka Sangyo easily beat Yamagata with goals from top scorer Oda Kanna, Kanno Mie, Ishida Risa, Hirano Asami - playing her first game this season, and two each for Atsumi Yuka and Sayama Momoko. Shizuoka Sangyo next play Shobi University.
Match 3:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare 1 - 1 Kanagawa University
Niigata University of Health and Welfare win 4-2 on penalties
Last seaon's joint-champions Kanagawa were knocked out in the first round by Niigata UHW on penalties following a tight 80 minutes. Fourth year student Shibata Manami scored in the first minute to give Kanagawa a dream start but the score was levelled by Otomo Naho in the second half. Kanagawa had replaced their goalkeeper at half-time and backup Iki Nagisa was unable to stop Niigata winning 4-2 on penalties, with Shibata and Senda Marina missing for Kanagawa. NUHW progress to play Musashigaoka College.
Match 4:
International Pacific University Women's College 0 - 2 Tokuyama University
Tokuyama surprised the Challenge League players of IPU Women's College in restricting them to just two shots on goal as they move on to a tie with Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences. Two goals in the second half were enough for Tokuyama, the scorers were Fujito Emi and Inoue Haruka.
Match 5:
Sapporo University 1 - 3 Aichi Toho University
Sapporo University were no match for Aichi Toho, who were 3-0 up after sixty minutes, Nanno Mika opening the scoring with Matsuura Eri scoring another two. An own goal in additional time was the only consolation for Sapporo. Aichi Toho now face a much stiffer challenge in Kibi International University.
Match 6:
Mukogawa Women's University 2 - 0 Fukuoka University
After a scoreless first half Mukogawa took the lead in the 49th minute through Yatsugi Akane, with Katou Masami adding a late second to add gloss to the scoreline. Mukogawa next take on Kanto Gakuen.
Match 7:
Ehime University 0 - 8 Sendai University
Izumi Chisato opened the scoring in the fourteenth minute in an impressive victory for Sendai University. Her goal was quickly followed by another, scored by Kadoma Kanami. Abe Kaede, Hanasaka Kanae, Koizumi Shoko, former JEF United player Kaga Koko, and Iwasaki Anna all scored further goals, and with a further own goal Sendai won by 8-0. They progress to the second round and a meeting with Himeji Hinomoto.
Match 8:
University of Tsukuba 2 - 0 Hokuriku University
Tsukuba beat Hokuriku by two goals to nil to set up a tie with the fourteen-time winners Nittaidai, with the two goals coming from Taguchi Hikari and captain Kobayashi Aki.
Second Round Matches, ties to be played on Friday 28th of December:
Match 9:
Kobe Shinwa Women's University
versus
Waseda University
Match 10:
Shizuoka Sangyo University
versus
Shobi University
Match 11:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare
versus
Musashigaoka College
Match 12:
Tokuyama University
versus
Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences
Match 13:
Aichi Toho University
versus
Kibi International University
Match 14:
Mukogawa Women's University
versus
Kanto Gakuen University
Match 15:
Sendai University
versus
Himeji Hinomoto College
Match 16:
University of Tsukuba
versus
Nippon Sport Science University
Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 29th of December:
Match 17:
Winners of Match 9
versus
Winners of Match 10
Match 18:
Winners of Match 11
versus
Winners of Match 12
Match 19:
Winners of Match 13
versus
Winners of Match 14
Match 20:
Winners of Match 15
versus
Winners of Match 16
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Friday 4th of January:
Match 21:
Winners of Match 17
versus
Winners of Match 18
Match 22:
Winners of Match 19
versus
Winners of Match 20
Final Match, to be played on Sunday 6th of January:
Match 23:
Winners of Match 21
versus
Winners of Match 22
Match 1:
Kyushu Kyoritsu University 0 - 8 Kobe Shinwa Women's University
Kobe Shinwa had no trouble in beating Kyushu Kyoritsu University to progress to the second round and a meeting with Waseda. Adachi Mizue scored a hat-trick, Yoshida Kie scored a brace and the other goals were scored by Okano Yuriko, Sawa Tomoko and Kondo Akane.
Match 2:
Yamagata University 0 - 8 Shizuoka Sangyo University
The Challenge League players of Shizuoka Sangyo easily beat Yamagata with goals from top scorer Oda Kanna, Kanno Mie, Ishida Risa, Hirano Asami - playing her first game this season, and two each for Atsumi Yuka and Sayama Momoko. Shizuoka Sangyo next play Shobi University.
Match 3:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare 1 - 1 Kanagawa University
Niigata University of Health and Welfare win 4-2 on penalties
Last seaon's joint-champions Kanagawa were knocked out in the first round by Niigata UHW on penalties following a tight 80 minutes. Fourth year student Shibata Manami scored in the first minute to give Kanagawa a dream start but the score was levelled by Otomo Naho in the second half. Kanagawa had replaced their goalkeeper at half-time and backup Iki Nagisa was unable to stop Niigata winning 4-2 on penalties, with Shibata and Senda Marina missing for Kanagawa. NUHW progress to play Musashigaoka College.
Match 4:
International Pacific University Women's College 0 - 2 Tokuyama University
Tokuyama surprised the Challenge League players of IPU Women's College in restricting them to just two shots on goal as they move on to a tie with Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences. Two goals in the second half were enough for Tokuyama, the scorers were Fujito Emi and Inoue Haruka.
Match 5:
Sapporo University 1 - 3 Aichi Toho University
Sapporo University were no match for Aichi Toho, who were 3-0 up after sixty minutes, Nanno Mika opening the scoring with Matsuura Eri scoring another two. An own goal in additional time was the only consolation for Sapporo. Aichi Toho now face a much stiffer challenge in Kibi International University.
Match 6:
Mukogawa Women's University 2 - 0 Fukuoka University
After a scoreless first half Mukogawa took the lead in the 49th minute through Yatsugi Akane, with Katou Masami adding a late second to add gloss to the scoreline. Mukogawa next take on Kanto Gakuen.
Match 7:
Ehime University 0 - 8 Sendai University
Izumi Chisato opened the scoring in the fourteenth minute in an impressive victory for Sendai University. Her goal was quickly followed by another, scored by Kadoma Kanami. Abe Kaede, Hanasaka Kanae, Koizumi Shoko, former JEF United player Kaga Koko, and Iwasaki Anna all scored further goals, and with a further own goal Sendai won by 8-0. They progress to the second round and a meeting with Himeji Hinomoto.
Match 8:
University of Tsukuba 2 - 0 Hokuriku University
Tsukuba beat Hokuriku by two goals to nil to set up a tie with the fourteen-time winners Nittaidai, with the two goals coming from Taguchi Hikari and captain Kobayashi Aki.
Second Round Matches, ties to be played on Friday 28th of December:
Match 9:
Kobe Shinwa Women's University
versus
Waseda University
Match 10:
Shizuoka Sangyo University
versus
Shobi University
Match 11:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare
versus
Musashigaoka College
Match 12:
Tokuyama University
versus
Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences
Match 13:
Aichi Toho University
versus
Kibi International University
Match 14:
Mukogawa Women's University
versus
Kanto Gakuen University
Match 15:
Sendai University
versus
Himeji Hinomoto College
Match 16:
University of Tsukuba
versus
Nippon Sport Science University
Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 29th of December:
Match 17:
Winners of Match 9
versus
Winners of Match 10
Match 18:
Winners of Match 11
versus
Winners of Match 12
Match 19:
Winners of Match 13
versus
Winners of Match 14
Match 20:
Winners of Match 15
versus
Winners of Match 16
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Friday 4th of January:
Match 21:
Winners of Match 17
versus
Winners of Match 18
Match 22:
Winners of Match 19
versus
Winners of Match 20
Final Match, to be played on Sunday 6th of January:
Match 23:
Winners of Match 21
versus
Winners of Match 22
Monday, 24 December 2012
The 34th Empress' Cup Final
Final Match, played on Monday 24th of December:
Match 31:
INAC Kobe Leonessa 1 - 0 JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 4,064)
INAC Kobe claimed their second title of the season, and their third Empress' Cup in a row, but they had to fight all the way with a JEF United side determined to show their worth. In their previous encounters INAC had rather easily dealt with the challenge of the JEF United players, with perhaps only Hosokawa Motoyo showing much in the way of physical combativeness. However in this game the underdogs surprised INAC, and everyone watching in how they tackled, harried and hassled their illustrious opponents, closing them down and forcing them into hurried passes and mistakes.
JEF United had several good chances to score themselves but were unable to keep their heads in front of goal, and in the dying moments Tanaka Asuna popped up to score a goal celebrated extremely enthusiastically by the INAC players, who for once had to be at the very top of their game to come away with a result.
The JEF players were very disappointed, but they showed themselves and other teams exactly how the champions can be beaten, and they can build for next season with renewed hope.
INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Tanaka Asuna, Kai Junko, Minamiyama Chiaki, Rebecca Moros, Ji So-Yun, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Kawasumi Nahomi, Takase Megumi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez
Subs: Nakajima Emi (Ohno Shinobu, 62 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Takara Ryoko, Tanaka Yoko, Kyokawa Mai
Scorers: Tanaka Asuna (90+2 mins)
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho, Shimizu Yuka (capt)
Subs: Kawamura Noriko (Shimizu Yuka, 68 mins)
Unused subs: Yamane Erina, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Yamamoto Naomi
Match 31:
INAC Kobe Leonessa 1 - 0 JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 4,064)
INAC Kobe claimed their second title of the season, and their third Empress' Cup in a row, but they had to fight all the way with a JEF United side determined to show their worth. In their previous encounters INAC had rather easily dealt with the challenge of the JEF United players, with perhaps only Hosokawa Motoyo showing much in the way of physical combativeness. However in this game the underdogs surprised INAC, and everyone watching in how they tackled, harried and hassled their illustrious opponents, closing them down and forcing them into hurried passes and mistakes.
JEF United had several good chances to score themselves but were unable to keep their heads in front of goal, and in the dying moments Tanaka Asuna popped up to score a goal celebrated extremely enthusiastically by the INAC players, who for once had to be at the very top of their game to come away with a result.
The JEF players were very disappointed, but they showed themselves and other teams exactly how the champions can be beaten, and they can build for next season with renewed hope.
INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Tanaka Asuna, Kai Junko, Minamiyama Chiaki, Rebecca Moros, Ji So-Yun, Sawa Homare, Ohno Shinobu (capt), Kawasumi Nahomi, Takase Megumi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez
Subs: Nakajima Emi (Ohno Shinobu, 62 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Takara Ryoko, Tanaka Yoko, Kyokawa Mai
Scorers: Tanaka Asuna (90+2 mins)
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho, Shimizu Yuka (capt)
Subs: Kawamura Noriko (Shimizu Yuka, 68 mins)
Unused subs: Yamane Erina, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Yamamoto Naomi
Saturday, 22 December 2012
The 34th Empress' Cup - Semi-Final Results
Semi Final Matches, ties played on Saturday 22nd of December:
Match 29:
INAC Kobe Leonessa 1 - 0 Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 3,069)
An early goal for INAC Kobe was enough to see them through to the Cup final as Urawa came up short. Goebel-Yanez scored once again for INAC, charging down Ikeda's attempted clearance and finishing off herself with the young Urawa goalkeeper trying to recover.
Urawa attempted to come back into the game and had some good chances, but INAC Kobe was always dangerous themselves and in the end had just too much. They progress to the final looking for their third successive title.
INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Tanaka Asuna, Kai Junko (capt), Rebecca Moros, Minamiyama Chiaki, Ji So-Yun, Sawa Homare, Kawasumi Nahomi, Takase Megumi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez
Subs: Takara Ryoko (Kinga Yukari, 26 mins), Nakajima Emi (Ji So-Yun, HT), Ohno Shinobu (Minamiyama Chiaki, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Tanaka Yoko
Scorers: Beverly Goebel-Yanez (7 mins)
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Dozono Ayano, Sakamoto Riho, Kishikawa Natsuki, Niwata Akiko, Shibata Hanae, Kato Chika, Naomoto Hikaru, Goto Michi
Subs: Arakawa Eriko (Naomoto Hikaru, 77 mins), Saito Akane (Dozono Ayano, 81 mins), Yasuda Yuki (Kato Chika, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Kohata Shiho
Booked: Niwata Akiko
Match 30:
Iga FC Kunoichi 1 - 1 JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies win 4-3 on penalties
(Attendance: 1,695)
JEF United progressed to their first major final following a shoot-out win over three-time winners Iga. Ogawa Shiho headed JEF United into the lead on the hour mark, converting Fukusawa's corner kick. Nine minutes later Miyamoto Tomomi, playing in what would be her final game before retirement, got on the end of a Kunoichi move down the left which featured fine build-up play from Nasu and Nakade.
Following a scoreless extra-time period the game went to a penalty shoot-out, with JEF United prevailing 4-3 after both sides had missed kicks. JEF United move on to their first final, Iga have not appeared in the fnal match since they won the competition in 2001.
Iga FC Kunoichi:
Kuno Fubuki, Yamaguchi Ayako, Ono Suzuka (capt), Miyasako Tamami, Miyamoto Tomomi, Nasu Maiko, Noichi Aya, Tsutsumi Saki, Fujimoto Ayano, Kobayashi Makiko, Nakade Hikari
Subs: Haji Madoka (Tsutsumi Saki, 68 mins), Sonomura Nana (Nakade Hikari, 109 mins)
Unused subs: Ono Maya, Sato Ai, Matsunaga Tomoe
Scorers: Miyamoto Tomomi (69 mins)
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho, Shimizu Yuka (capt)
Subs: Kawamura Noriko (Shimizu Yuka, 75 mins), Chino Shoko (Ogawa Shiho, 81 mins), Yamamoto Naomi (Ikadai Risa, 114 mins)
Unused subs: Yamane Erina, Tezuka Saori
Scorers: Ogawa Shiho (60 mins)
Booked: Sakuramoto Naoko
Final Match, to be played on Monday 24th of December:
Match 31:
INAC Kobe Leonessa
versus
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
Match 29:
INAC Kobe Leonessa 1 - 0 Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 3,069)
An early goal for INAC Kobe was enough to see them through to the Cup final as Urawa came up short. Goebel-Yanez scored once again for INAC, charging down Ikeda's attempted clearance and finishing off herself with the young Urawa goalkeeper trying to recover.
Urawa attempted to come back into the game and had some good chances, but INAC Kobe was always dangerous themselves and in the end had just too much. They progress to the final looking for their third successive title.
INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Tanaka Asuna, Kai Junko (capt), Rebecca Moros, Minamiyama Chiaki, Ji So-Yun, Sawa Homare, Kawasumi Nahomi, Takase Megumi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez
Subs: Takara Ryoko (Kinga Yukari, 26 mins), Nakajima Emi (Ji So-Yun, HT), Ohno Shinobu (Minamiyama Chiaki, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Tanaka Yoko
Scorers: Beverly Goebel-Yanez (7 mins)
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Dozono Ayano, Sakamoto Riho, Kishikawa Natsuki, Niwata Akiko, Shibata Hanae, Kato Chika, Naomoto Hikaru, Goto Michi
Subs: Arakawa Eriko (Naomoto Hikaru, 77 mins), Saito Akane (Dozono Ayano, 81 mins), Yasuda Yuki (Kato Chika, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Kohata Shiho
Booked: Niwata Akiko
Match 30:
Iga FC Kunoichi 1 - 1 JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies win 4-3 on penalties
(Attendance: 1,695)
JEF United progressed to their first major final following a shoot-out win over three-time winners Iga. Ogawa Shiho headed JEF United into the lead on the hour mark, converting Fukusawa's corner kick. Nine minutes later Miyamoto Tomomi, playing in what would be her final game before retirement, got on the end of a Kunoichi move down the left which featured fine build-up play from Nasu and Nakade.
Following a scoreless extra-time period the game went to a penalty shoot-out, with JEF United prevailing 4-3 after both sides had missed kicks. JEF United move on to their first final, Iga have not appeared in the fnal match since they won the competition in 2001.
Iga FC Kunoichi:
Kuno Fubuki, Yamaguchi Ayako, Ono Suzuka (capt), Miyasako Tamami, Miyamoto Tomomi, Nasu Maiko, Noichi Aya, Tsutsumi Saki, Fujimoto Ayano, Kobayashi Makiko, Nakade Hikari
Subs: Haji Madoka (Tsutsumi Saki, 68 mins), Sonomura Nana (Nakade Hikari, 109 mins)
Unused subs: Ono Maya, Sato Ai, Matsunaga Tomoe
Scorers: Miyamoto Tomomi (69 mins)
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho, Shimizu Yuka (capt)
Subs: Kawamura Noriko (Shimizu Yuka, 75 mins), Chino Shoko (Ogawa Shiho, 81 mins), Yamamoto Naomi (Ikadai Risa, 114 mins)
Unused subs: Yamane Erina, Tezuka Saori
Scorers: Ogawa Shiho (60 mins)
Booked: Sakuramoto Naoko
Final Match, to be played on Monday 24th of December:
Match 31:
INAC Kobe Leonessa
versus
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
Sunday, 16 December 2012
The 34th Empress' Cup - Quarter Final Results
Fourth Round Matches, ties played on Sunday 16th of December:
Match 25:
INAC Kobe Leonessa 4 - 0 AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 1,455)
INAC Kobe had no trouble whatsoever in marching into the semi-finals with a very comfortable 4-0 win over relegated Sayama. Within a minute of kickoff Goebel-Yanez had given them the lead, and there was never going to be any other result. An own goal on the half-hour mark was quickly followed by a third for Kawasumi Nahomi. Tanaka Yoko, who had replaced the injured Goebel-Yanez in the first half, added another just after the restart and thereafter INAC could enjoy themselves. The one remaining highlight of the game was the return of Kyokawa Mai, injured since early in the season. INAC Kobe next take on Urawa for a place in the final.
INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Takara Ryoko, Kai Junko (capt), Rebecca Moros, Tanaka Asuna, Minamiyama Chiaki, Nakajima Emi, Kawasumi Nahomi, Takase Megumi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez
Subs: Tanaka Yoko (Beverly Goebel-Yanez, 21 mins), Nakada Ayu (Minamiyama Chiaki, HT), Kyokawa Mai (Kawasumi Nahomi, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Shimizu Akane
Scorers: Beverly Goebel-Yanez (1 mins), Own Goal (30 mins), Kawasumi Nahomi (32 mins), Tanaka Yoko (46 mins)
AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Shibata Satomi, Kumagai Sayaka, Takahashi Yuko, Yajima Yuki, Azami Rie, Watanabe Ayaka, Uchida Saki, Hagiwara Aimi, Muraoka Natsuki (capt), Nara Misaki
Subs: Saito Yuri (Nara Misaki, 61 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (Muraoka Natsuki, 61 mins), Kiyohara Yuuko (Yajima Yuki, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Kobayashi Maiko, Kawai Nayo
Booked: Hagiwara Aimi
Match 26:
JFA Academy Fukushima 0 - 3 Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 841)
Having surprised Niigata last week, the Academy girls couldn't repeat the trick against Urawa, who scored twice in the first fifteen minutes to dampen the Academy's enthusiasm. Kato Chika opened the scoring, and her goal was quickly followed by another from Tsuchihashi. The veteran defender, who hadn't scored all season, has now scored in consecutive matches, and just as in last week's match, her goal proved to be the decisive blow. The Academy were restricted to two shots on goal in the match, and with Goto's third goal they succumbed to their heaviest defeat of the season. Their season is over, while Urawa attempt to overcome heavy favourites INAC Kobe in the semi-finals.
JFA Academy Fukushima:
Inoue Nene, Sunaga Manami, Miyake Shiori (capt), Yoshitake Manami, Norimatsu Ruka, Narumiya Yui, Mizutani Yuki, Moriya Miyabi, Kitagawa Hikaru, Kojima Miku, Masuya Rika
Subs: Kojima Hikaru (Masuya Rika, 86 mins), Mori Sayaka (Mizutani Yuki, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamori Anna, Hashinuma Maho, Kadoi Megumi
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Dozono Ayano, Sakamoto Riho, Kishikawa Natsuki, Fujita Nozomi, Niwata Akiko, Shibata Hanae, Kato Chika, Goto Michi
Subs: Naomoto Hikaru (Niwata Akiko, 59 mins), Takeyama Yuko (Dozono Ayano, 67 mins), Yasuda Yuki (Fujita Nozomi, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Arakawa Eriko
Scorers: Kato Chika (12 mins), Tsuchihashi Yuki (15 mins), Goto Michi (70 mins)
Match 27:
Okayama Yunogo Belle 1 - 2 Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 807)
Just as in the League Cup Iga overcame the favourites Belle by two goals to one to advance to the semi-finals. Nakade Hikari was off the mark quickly, scoring following some confusion in the Belle penalty area. Sensing trouble, Yamaguchi Mami was introduced early for Nakagawa and she equalised just before half-time to add to the two goals she scored against Nojima. In the second half Iga regrouped and retook the lead in the 66th minute, with their top scorer Kobayashi Makiko heading in past Fukumoto. Iga next take on JEF United, and will be determined to reach the final in Miyamoto Tomomi's last season.
Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Shigemoto Shiho, Tsuhako Yumiko, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yamaguchi Mami (Nakagawa Chihiro, 28 mins), Mizushima Kumi (Shigemoto Shiho, 62 mins)
Unused subs: Sakai Nozomi, Nakamura Miki, Yokoyama Kumi
Scorers: Yamaguchi Mami (43 mins)
Booked: Nakano Manami
Iga FC Kunoichi:
Kuno Fubuki, Yamaguchi Ayako, Ono Suzuka (capt), Miyasako Tamami, Miyamoto Tomomi, Nasu Maiko, Noichi Aya, Tsutsumi Saki, Fujimoto Ayano, Kobayashi Makiko, Nakade Hikari
Subs: Matsunaga Tomoe (Noichi Aya, 90 mins), Haji Madoka (Tsutsumi Saki, 90+4 mins), Sonomura Nana (Nakade Hikari, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Ono Maya, Michikura Hiroko
Scorers: Nakade Hikari (4 mins), Kobayashi Makiko (66 mins)
Booked: Miyamoto Tomomi
Match 28:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies 2 - 2 NTV Beleza - JEF United Ladies win 4-2 on penalties
(Attendance: 936)
Beleza once again found themselves knocked out of the Cup on penalty kicks, with JEF United their conquerors today. Twice Ito Kanako had given Beleza the lead only for Ikadai Risa to pounce on two chances to level. Ito gave Beleza the lead after fifteen minutes, scoring direct from a free kick, but within twelve minutes Ikadai had equalised. Ito scored again in the 54th minute, and with Beleza having beaten JEF United twice this season by large margins (4-0 and 4-1), they surely felt they would go on to win. Ikadai though, scorer of only one league goal this season, once again equalised when following up on her own saved penalty kick.
Following twenty minutes of scoreless extra-time, the game went to a penalty shootout, with JEF United shooting first. The first three kicks were successful, putting JEF United 2-1 up. For Beleza Kiryu missed her kick, though she felt temporary relief as Kawamura then missed for JEF United. Young Momiki Yuka equalised, though Sudo Akiko missed Beleza's next kick. With Yanai having scored for JEF United, it meant that Fukusawa Risa had the responsibility of the final decisive kick, and she put it away with aplomb, putting her side through to a semi-final match with the Kunoichi, and their best chance of reaching a major final.
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho, Shimizu Yuka (capt)
Subs: Kawamura Noriko (Shimizu Yuka, 70 mins)
Unused subs: Yamane Erina, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Yamamoto Naomi
Scorers: Ikadai Risa (27, 75 mins)
Booked: Kawamura Mariko
NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Kobayashi Misaki, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Ariyoshi Saori, Hara Natsuko, Ito Kanako, Kinoshita Shiori, Nagasato Asano, Kiryu Nanase, Tanaka Mina
Subs: Nakasato Yu (Kinoshita Shiori, HT), Kobayashi Miharu (Kobayashi Misaki, 70 mins), Momiki Yuka (Tanaka Mina, 109 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Doko Mayo
Scorers: Ito Kanako (15, 54 mins)
Booked: Kiryu Nanase
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 22nd of December:
Match 29:
INAC Kobe Leonessa
versus
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
Match 30:
Iga FC Kunoichi
versus
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
Final Match, to be played on Monday 24th of December:
Match 31:
Winners of Match 29
versus
Winners of Match 30
Match 25:
INAC Kobe Leonessa 4 - 0 AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 1,455)
INAC Kobe had no trouble whatsoever in marching into the semi-finals with a very comfortable 4-0 win over relegated Sayama. Within a minute of kickoff Goebel-Yanez had given them the lead, and there was never going to be any other result. An own goal on the half-hour mark was quickly followed by a third for Kawasumi Nahomi. Tanaka Yoko, who had replaced the injured Goebel-Yanez in the first half, added another just after the restart and thereafter INAC could enjoy themselves. The one remaining highlight of the game was the return of Kyokawa Mai, injured since early in the season. INAC Kobe next take on Urawa for a place in the final.
INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kinga Yukari, Takara Ryoko, Kai Junko (capt), Rebecca Moros, Tanaka Asuna, Minamiyama Chiaki, Nakajima Emi, Kawasumi Nahomi, Takase Megumi, Beverly Goebel-Yanez
Subs: Tanaka Yoko (Beverly Goebel-Yanez, 21 mins), Nakada Ayu (Minamiyama Chiaki, HT), Kyokawa Mai (Kawasumi Nahomi, 76 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Shimizu Akane
Scorers: Beverly Goebel-Yanez (1 mins), Own Goal (30 mins), Kawasumi Nahomi (32 mins), Tanaka Yoko (46 mins)
AS Elfen Sayama FC:
Arima Shizuka, Shibata Satomi, Kumagai Sayaka, Takahashi Yuko, Yajima Yuki, Azami Rie, Watanabe Ayaka, Uchida Saki, Hagiwara Aimi, Muraoka Natsuki (capt), Nara Misaki
Subs: Saito Yuri (Nara Misaki, 61 mins), Suzuki Kaoruko (Muraoka Natsuki, 61 mins), Kiyohara Yuuko (Yajima Yuki, 79 mins)
Unused subs: Kobayashi Maiko, Kawai Nayo
Booked: Hagiwara Aimi
Match 26:
JFA Academy Fukushima 0 - 3 Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 841)
Having surprised Niigata last week, the Academy girls couldn't repeat the trick against Urawa, who scored twice in the first fifteen minutes to dampen the Academy's enthusiasm. Kato Chika opened the scoring, and her goal was quickly followed by another from Tsuchihashi. The veteran defender, who hadn't scored all season, has now scored in consecutive matches, and just as in last week's match, her goal proved to be the decisive blow. The Academy were restricted to two shots on goal in the match, and with Goto's third goal they succumbed to their heaviest defeat of the season. Their season is over, while Urawa attempt to overcome heavy favourites INAC Kobe in the semi-finals.
JFA Academy Fukushima:
Inoue Nene, Sunaga Manami, Miyake Shiori (capt), Yoshitake Manami, Norimatsu Ruka, Narumiya Yui, Mizutani Yuki, Moriya Miyabi, Kitagawa Hikaru, Kojima Miku, Masuya Rika
Subs: Kojima Hikaru (Masuya Rika, 86 mins), Mori Sayaka (Mizutani Yuki, 88 mins)
Unused subs: Yamamori Anna, Hashinuma Maho, Kadoi Megumi
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Tsuchihashi Yuki, Yano Kyoko (capt), Dozono Ayano, Sakamoto Riho, Kishikawa Natsuki, Fujita Nozomi, Niwata Akiko, Shibata Hanae, Kato Chika, Goto Michi
Subs: Naomoto Hikaru (Niwata Akiko, 59 mins), Takeyama Yuko (Dozono Ayano, 67 mins), Yasuda Yuki (Fujita Nozomi, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Yamago Nozomi, Arakawa Eriko
Scorers: Kato Chika (12 mins), Tsuchihashi Yuki (15 mins), Goto Michi (70 mins)
Match 27:
Okayama Yunogo Belle 1 - 2 Iga FC Kunoichi
(Attendance: 807)
Just as in the League Cup Iga overcame the favourites Belle by two goals to one to advance to the semi-finals. Nakade Hikari was off the mark quickly, scoring following some confusion in the Belle penalty area. Sensing trouble, Yamaguchi Mami was introduced early for Nakagawa and she equalised just before half-time to add to the two goals she scored against Nojima. In the second half Iga regrouped and retook the lead in the 66th minute, with their top scorer Kobayashi Makiko heading in past Fukumoto. Iga next take on JEF United, and will be determined to reach the final in Miyamoto Tomomi's last season.
Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Yasuda Kuniko, Kado Yuka, Shigemoto Shiho, Tsuhako Yumiko, Takahashi Haruka, Nakano Manami, Nakagawa Chihiro, Miyama Aya, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Yamaguchi Mami (Nakagawa Chihiro, 28 mins), Mizushima Kumi (Shigemoto Shiho, 62 mins)
Unused subs: Sakai Nozomi, Nakamura Miki, Yokoyama Kumi
Scorers: Yamaguchi Mami (43 mins)
Booked: Nakano Manami
Iga FC Kunoichi:
Kuno Fubuki, Yamaguchi Ayako, Ono Suzuka (capt), Miyasako Tamami, Miyamoto Tomomi, Nasu Maiko, Noichi Aya, Tsutsumi Saki, Fujimoto Ayano, Kobayashi Makiko, Nakade Hikari
Subs: Matsunaga Tomoe (Noichi Aya, 90 mins), Haji Madoka (Tsutsumi Saki, 90+4 mins), Sonomura Nana (Nakade Hikari, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Ono Maya, Michikura Hiroko
Scorers: Nakade Hikari (4 mins), Kobayashi Makiko (66 mins)
Booked: Miyamoto Tomomi
Match 28:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies 2 - 2 NTV Beleza - JEF United Ladies win 4-2 on penalties
(Attendance: 936)
Beleza once again found themselves knocked out of the Cup on penalty kicks, with JEF United their conquerors today. Twice Ito Kanako had given Beleza the lead only for Ikadai Risa to pounce on two chances to level. Ito gave Beleza the lead after fifteen minutes, scoring direct from a free kick, but within twelve minutes Ikadai had equalised. Ito scored again in the 54th minute, and with Beleza having beaten JEF United twice this season by large margins (4-0 and 4-1), they surely felt they would go on to win. Ikadai though, scorer of only one league goal this season, once again equalised when following up on her own saved penalty kick.
Following twenty minutes of scoreless extra-time, the game went to a penalty shootout, with JEF United shooting first. The first three kicks were successful, putting JEF United 2-1 up. For Beleza Kiryu missed her kick, though she felt temporary relief as Kawamura then missed for JEF United. Young Momiki Yuka equalised, though Sudo Akiko missed Beleza's next kick. With Yanai having scored for JEF United, it meant that Fukusawa Risa had the responsibility of the final decisive kick, and she put it away with aplomb, putting her side through to a semi-final match with the Kunoichi, and their best chance of reaching a major final.
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Funada Mayu, Sakuramoto Naoko, Takahashi Sachie, Hosokawa Motoyo, Kawamura Mariko, Ikadai Risa, Hosaka Nodoka, Yanai Rina, Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho, Shimizu Yuka (capt)
Subs: Kawamura Noriko (Shimizu Yuka, 70 mins)
Unused subs: Yamane Erina, Tezuka Saori, Chino Shoko, Yamamoto Naomi
Scorers: Ikadai Risa (27, 75 mins)
Booked: Kawamura Mariko
NTV Beleza:
Matsubayashi Miku, Sudo Akiko, Kobayashi Misaki, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Ariyoshi Saori, Hara Natsuko, Ito Kanako, Kinoshita Shiori, Nagasato Asano, Kiryu Nanase, Tanaka Mina
Subs: Nakasato Yu (Kinoshita Shiori, HT), Kobayashi Miharu (Kobayashi Misaki, 70 mins), Momiki Yuka (Tanaka Mina, 109 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Doko Mayo
Scorers: Ito Kanako (15, 54 mins)
Booked: Kiryu Nanase
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 22nd of December:
Match 29:
INAC Kobe Leonessa
versus
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
Match 30:
Iga FC Kunoichi
versus
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
Final Match, to be played on Monday 24th of December:
Match 31:
Winners of Match 29
versus
Winners of Match 30
Monday, 10 December 2012
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.
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.
Saturday, 8 December 2012
The 34th Empress' Cup - Third Round Results
Third Round Matches, ties played on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of December:
Match 17:
INAC Kobe Leonessa 1 - 0 Waseda University
(Attendance: 5,708)
Just as in last season's competetion, INAC Kobe began their defence of the trophy with a 1-0 win over Waseda University in front of a very large crowd. Takase Megumi scored in the eleventh minute for the only goal of the game. Ji So-Yun later hit the woodwork in missing from the penalty spot, and thought Waseda hit the crossbar themselves they could find no way back. INAC Kobe next play AS Elfen Sayama, while Waseda prepare for the Inter-Collegiate Championships.
Match 18:
Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki 1 - 2 AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 554)
Hamada Haruka had given Takatsuki the lead on thirty minutes, but two goals scored three minutes either side of half-time changed the complexion of the game. Sayama equalised through Nara Misaki, making only her second start of the season, her first being in the first leg of the playoffs. Sayama's eye-catching star player this year has been Azami Rie, and she scored just two minutes after half-time to give the relegated side the lead. Sayama held on for the win, and will play the winners of INAC Kobe versus Waseda.
Match 19:
Albirex Niigata Ladies 1 - 2 JFA Academy Fukushima
(Attendance: 318)
Niigata's top scorer this season Yamazaki Marumi struck in the third minute to give the Nadeshiko League side the lead, but their young Challenge League opponents were not to be overawed, and eight minutes later Kojima Miku equalised, following a move which started with goalkeeper Hirao Chika. Fourteen minutes into the second half Kitagawa Hikaru scored just her second goal of the season from the spot to give the Academy girls the lead. Their remarkable defence kept Niigata out for the rest of the game. The one bright spot for Niigata will have been the return to action of Oishi Sayaka and Sugasawa Yuika.
Match 20:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies 2 - 0 Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 1,525)
A Shibata goal from outside the box in the first half was added to by a rare Tsuchihashi goal late in the second half to give Urawa victory over newly promoted Vegalta Sendai, as they move on to the quarter finals. For Vegalta Sendai this was their first competitive defeat.
Match 21:
Okayama Yunogo Belle 9 - 0 Nojima Stella Kanagawa
(Attendance: 1,262)
Nojima Stella's goalkeeper Nanjo Masayo was sent off after just two minutes of this game, and with no reserve goalkeeper, Belle had no trouble in scoring as they pleased past Kawarazaki Nozomi - scorer of six goals in the competition thus far - on their way to the quarter finals. Miyama Aya scored from the spot for the foul and later scored another. Also scoring two goals were Nakano Manami and Yamaguchi Mami. Nakamura Miki, Matsuoka Miki and Mizushima Kumi added one more each.
Match 22:
Iga FC Kunoichi 6 - 0 Kamimura Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 1,023)
Iga had no difficulty in beating Kamimura Gakuen who will now focus on the Senior High Schools' Championships. The Iga scorers were Nasu Maiko, Nakade Hikari, Yamaguchi Ayako, Haji Madoka, Ono Suzuka and Sonomura Nana, with Haji and Yamaguchi scoring for the first time in any competition this season.
Match 23:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies 4 - 0 Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 515)
Four first-half goals were enough for JEF United as they easily brushed aside the Challenge League-bound Fukuoka J. Anclas in Fujieda today. The scorers were Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho, Yanai Rina and Ikadai Risa, who together were responsible for eleven of the team's 25 goals in the Nadeshiko League season.
Match 24:
NTV Beleza 6 - 0 Tokiwagi Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 420)
Beleza were extremely keen to avoid a repeat of their loss to Tokiwagi Gakuen two seasons ago, and showed no mercy in attacking relentlessly to record a 6-0 victory. In the first half, Nagasato Asano, Kiryu Nanase and Iwashimizu Azusa scored for Beleza to take control, and they continued in the same fashion in the second half with another goal from Kiryu, as well as one each from Tanaka Mina and Sudo Akiko - her first of the season. Beleza next play JEF United. Tokiwagi Gakuen now look forward to defending their title in the Senior High School Championships in January.
Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Sunday 16th of December:
Match 25:
INAC Kobe Leonessa
versus
AS Elfen Sayama FC
Match 26:
JFA Academy Fukushima
versus
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
Match 27:
Okayama Yunogo Belle
versus
Iga FC Kunoichi
Match 28:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
versus
NTV Beleza
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 22nd of December:
Match 29:
Winners of Match 25
versus
Winners of Match 26
Match 30:
Winners of Match 27
versus
Winners of Match 28
Final Match, to be played on Monday 24th of December:
Match 31:
Winners of Match 29
versus
Winners of Match 30
Match 17:
INAC Kobe Leonessa 1 - 0 Waseda University
(Attendance: 5,708)
Just as in last season's competetion, INAC Kobe began their defence of the trophy with a 1-0 win over Waseda University in front of a very large crowd. Takase Megumi scored in the eleventh minute for the only goal of the game. Ji So-Yun later hit the woodwork in missing from the penalty spot, and thought Waseda hit the crossbar themselves they could find no way back. INAC Kobe next play AS Elfen Sayama, while Waseda prepare for the Inter-Collegiate Championships.
Match 18:
Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki 1 - 2 AS Elfen Sayama FC
(Attendance: 554)
Hamada Haruka had given Takatsuki the lead on thirty minutes, but two goals scored three minutes either side of half-time changed the complexion of the game. Sayama equalised through Nara Misaki, making only her second start of the season, her first being in the first leg of the playoffs. Sayama's eye-catching star player this year has been Azami Rie, and she scored just two minutes after half-time to give the relegated side the lead. Sayama held on for the win, and will play the winners of INAC Kobe versus Waseda.
Match 19:
Albirex Niigata Ladies 1 - 2 JFA Academy Fukushima
(Attendance: 318)
Niigata's top scorer this season Yamazaki Marumi struck in the third minute to give the Nadeshiko League side the lead, but their young Challenge League opponents were not to be overawed, and eight minutes later Kojima Miku equalised, following a move which started with goalkeeper Hirao Chika. Fourteen minutes into the second half Kitagawa Hikaru scored just her second goal of the season from the spot to give the Academy girls the lead. Their remarkable defence kept Niigata out for the rest of the game. The one bright spot for Niigata will have been the return to action of Oishi Sayaka and Sugasawa Yuika.
Match 20:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies 2 - 0 Vegalta Sendai Ladies
(Attendance: 1,525)
A Shibata goal from outside the box in the first half was added to by a rare Tsuchihashi goal late in the second half to give Urawa victory over newly promoted Vegalta Sendai, as they move on to the quarter finals. For Vegalta Sendai this was their first competitive defeat.
Match 21:
Okayama Yunogo Belle 9 - 0 Nojima Stella Kanagawa
(Attendance: 1,262)
Nojima Stella's goalkeeper Nanjo Masayo was sent off after just two minutes of this game, and with no reserve goalkeeper, Belle had no trouble in scoring as they pleased past Kawarazaki Nozomi - scorer of six goals in the competition thus far - on their way to the quarter finals. Miyama Aya scored from the spot for the foul and later scored another. Also scoring two goals were Nakano Manami and Yamaguchi Mami. Nakamura Miki, Matsuoka Miki and Mizushima Kumi added one more each.
Match 22:
Iga FC Kunoichi 6 - 0 Kamimura Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 1,023)
Iga had no difficulty in beating Kamimura Gakuen who will now focus on the Senior High Schools' Championships. The Iga scorers were Nasu Maiko, Nakade Hikari, Yamaguchi Ayako, Haji Madoka, Ono Suzuka and Sonomura Nana, with Haji and Yamaguchi scoring for the first time in any competition this season.
Match 23:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies 4 - 0 Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 515)
Four first-half goals were enough for JEF United as they easily brushed aside the Challenge League-bound Fukuoka J. Anclas in Fujieda today. The scorers were Fukasawa Risa, Ogawa Shiho, Yanai Rina and Ikadai Risa, who together were responsible for eleven of the team's 25 goals in the Nadeshiko League season.
Match 24:
NTV Beleza 6 - 0 Tokiwagi Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 420)
Beleza were extremely keen to avoid a repeat of their loss to Tokiwagi Gakuen two seasons ago, and showed no mercy in attacking relentlessly to record a 6-0 victory. In the first half, Nagasato Asano, Kiryu Nanase and Iwashimizu Azusa scored for Beleza to take control, and they continued in the same fashion in the second half with another goal from Kiryu, as well as one each from Tanaka Mina and Sudo Akiko - her first of the season. Beleza next play JEF United. Tokiwagi Gakuen now look forward to defending their title in the Senior High School Championships in January.
Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Sunday 16th of December:
Match 25:
INAC Kobe Leonessa
versus
AS Elfen Sayama FC
Match 26:
JFA Academy Fukushima
versus
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
Match 27:
Okayama Yunogo Belle
versus
Iga FC Kunoichi
Match 28:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
versus
NTV Beleza
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 22nd of December:
Match 29:
Winners of Match 25
versus
Winners of Match 26
Match 30:
Winners of Match 27
versus
Winners of Match 28
Final Match, to be played on Monday 24th of December:
Match 31:
Winners of Match 29
versus
Winners of Match 30
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