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

Sunday 30 November 2014

International Women's Club Championship 2014 - First Round

First Round Matches, played on November 30th, in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture

Match 1:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies  5 - 1  Jiangsu Huatai Securities Women's Football Club
(Attendance: 1,295)

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Ikeda Sakiko, Kohata Shiho, Dozono Ayano, Wada Naoko, Norimatsu Ruka, Kishikawa Natsuki, Goto Michi (capt), Shibata Hanae, Kato Chika, Kira Chinatsu, Otaki Ami
Subs: Saito Akane (Otaki Ami, 66 mins), Seike Kiko (Kira Chinatsu, 72 mins), Usui Rie (Wada Naoko, 75 mins), Tomari Shiho (Kato Chika, 80 mins), Nagano Fuka (Shibata Hanae, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Matsumoto Mamiko, Ishii Saki, Chiba Minori, Nakamura Mizuki, Mitani Sayaka
Scorers: Kato Chika (11 mins), Kira Chinatsu (27, 58 mins), Own Goal (76 mins), Kishikawa Natsuki (86 mins)

Jiangsu Huatai Securities Women's Football Club:
Wang Yun, Yao Shuangyan, Zhou Feifei (capt), Pan Liqin, Shi Mengyao, Xu Yanlu, Ma Jun, Wang Lisi, Tang Yuanyuan, Yao Lingwei, Zhu Jia
Subs: Wang Xiaoxue (Shi Mengyao, 57 mins), Wu Chengsu (Xu Yanlu, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Lu Feifei, Zhang Jingjing, Wang Hui, He Wei
Scorers: Wang Lisi (41 mins)


Match 2:
Okayama Yunogo Belle  5 - 0  Melbourne Victory FC
(Attendance: 1,863)

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Kado Yuka, Mizushima Kumi, Takahashi Sachie, Kitaura Miho, Kuzuma Riyo, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Asano Miki, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Fushiki Kaho (Kuzuma Riyo, 60 mins), Nakada Maiko (Asano Miki, 81 mins)
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Taniguchi Kikumi, Kawano Saki, Tanaka Mayu
Scorers: Nakano Manami (1, 82 mins), Arimachi Saori (6, 37 mins), Miyama Aya (75 mins)

Melbourne Victory FC:
Brianna Davey, Hannah Brewer, Stephanie Catley (capt), Emma Checker, Elli Reed, Lauren Barnes, Amy Jackson, Ella Mastrantonio, Racheal Quigley, Christine Nairn, Lisa De Vanna
Subs: Beatrice Goad (Racheal Quigley, HT), Gema Simon (Amy Jackson, 70 mins), Gulcan Koca (Hannah Brewer, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Cassandra Dimovski, Alex Natoli, Caitlin Friend, Tiffany Eliadis


Semi-Final Matches, to be played on December 3rd, in Tokyo

Match 3 (16:05) - Live Broadcast
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies - São José Esporte Clube

Match 4 (19:05) - Recorded Broadcast (22:00)
Arsenal Ladies - Okayama Yunogo Belle


Third-place Play-off, to be played on December 6th, in Tokyo

Match 5 (11:35) - Live Broadcast
Losers of Match 3 - Losers of Match 4


Final Match, to be played on December 6th, in Tokyo

Match 6 (15:10) - Live Broadcast
Winners of Match 3 - Winners of Match 4

Regional Leagues Results/Standings (November 30th)

Tokai League Division One

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana SHS98014683824
2NGU Nagoya FC Ladies107033682821
3Fujieda Junshin High School97023472721
4Iwata Higashi High School94051019-912
5Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana JHS92071036-266
6FC Gifu Belta100010462-580

November 30th:
FC Gifu Belta  2 - 3  Iwata Higashi High School


Tokai League Division Two

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGADiffPoints
1Iga FC Kunoichi Satellite108023543124
2Aichi Toho University86113182319
3Toyota Ladies F.C.95041820-215
4Toyo High School94232013714
5Juven F.C.8026140-392
6Kariya FC Project Sonia8017222-201

November 30th:
Juven F.C.  0 - 9  Aichi Toho University




Kanto U-18 Princess League

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies JY99008828627
2Nippon TV Menina109016766127
3JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-181051457134416
4AS Elfen Saitama Mari951330151516
5Sfida Setagaya FC Youths951327151216
6Kashima-LSC83232214811
7Nojima Stella Kanagawa Due83051617-19
8Mito Eiko FC Ibaraki Ladies8215560-557
9Yokosuka Seagulls U-186204211566
10INAC Tamagawa Leonessa U-187007259-570
11Tsukuba FC Ladies U-1880081120-1190

November 30th:
AS Elfen Saitama Mari  7 - 0  INAC Tamagawa Leonessa U-18

The 36th Empress' Cup - First Round Results

First Round Matches, ties played Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of November:

Match 1:
Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara  3 - 2  Okayama Sakuyo High School
(Attendance: 103)

Okayama Sakuyo put up a good fight against their league opponents, with Kitakata Sae scoring both the opening goal and the final goal of a tight contest. Nojima's goals came from Inoue Yurie, Omiya Reona and Goto Maika.

Match 2:
Naruto Uzushio High School  0 - 2  Seiwa Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 300)

Seiwa Gakuen will have been delighted to win today, as it means a Second Round match back home in Sendai. Their goals today came from Shimoyama Riko and Matsui Ayano.

Match 3:
Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita  1 - 2  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-18
(Attendance: 225)

JEF United's U-18 team had a fine win on their debut in the Cup, with Oya Madoka - who has played in the Nadeshiko League this season - opening the scoring. Hirano Asami equalised for Shizuoka Sangyo in the second half before Ozawa Hiro scored the winner for JEF's youth players just as time expired.

Match 4:
AS Harima Albion  3 - 0  Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades
(Attendance: 283)

Shimizu Daihachi, one of four previous champions in the competition this year, were easily beaten by debutantes Harima today. Their goals today came from Nakajima Chihiro, Saito Manami and Chiba Sonoko.

Match 5:
Sfida Setagaya FC  6 - 2  Niigata University of Health and Welfare
(Attendance: 104)

The NUHW were outclassed in this meeting with Setagaya, who were five goals to the good before their students opponents registered a goal. For Setagaya, Shimojo Aya scored the opening two goals, with Mori Hitomi also scoring twice. Nagasaki Akane and Tanaka Mariko scored one each. Yamatani Sachi and Takahashi Miyuki scored consolation goals for the NUHW.

Match 6:
Fujieda Junshin High School  5 - 0  Himeji Dokkyo University
(Attendance: 372)

Fujieda Junshin had a crushing victory today to send them through, with goals from Shimamura Yukiko, Kono Fuka, Yatsunami Naoka and two from Sugita Hina.

Match 7:
Hinomoto Gakuen High School  1 - 3  Ehime FC Ladies
(Attendance: 250)

Hinomoto Gakuen got off to a fine start against Ehime, taking the lead through a goal from Ikejiri Mayu, before their league opposition came back strongly to win with a goal from Yamashiro Miyuki and two from Akune Mana.

Match 8:
JFA Academy Fukushima  3 - 0  Fukuoka J. Anclas
(Attendance: 283)

The JFA Academy easily saw off Fukuoka, who have had a very poor season. The scorers were Kitagawa Hikaru, Okuma Rana and Mizutani Yuki.

Match 9:
Albirex Niigata Ladies U-18  0 - 6  Tokiwagi Gakuen High School
(Attendance: 118)

Albirex Niigata's U-18 side were easily beaten on their debut appearance in the Cup, with Tokiwagi's six goals coming from Mitsuhashi Asuka, Kawasaki Saya, Sugihara Haruna, Nishikawa Ayaka, Iwaki Ayano and Komori Aoi.

Match 10:
Ange Violet Hiroshima  2 - 1  Norddea Hokkaido
(Attendance: 281)

Despite the tight scoreline, Ange Violet had far too much for Norddea Hokkaido today, and goals from Takeda Yuki and Ichikawa Sonoka saw them through to the second round. Minato Akiho scored Norddea's goal.

Match 11:
Daisho Gakuen High School  5 - 1  Kamimura Gakuen High School (aet)
(Attendance: 225)

Daisho Gakuen had a tremendous victory over reigning schools' champions Kamimura Gakuen today, with four goals in extra time seeing them through. Daisho took the lead in the first half with a goal from Tanimura Kayo before Kamimura forced extra time, Suizu Momoka the scorer. Daisho then pulled away from their rivals in extra time with two goals from Oi Minami and one each from Yamada Niina and Fujine Arisa.

Match 12:
Japan Soccer College Ladies  0 - 2  Nittaidai FC Ladies
(Attendance: 92)

Nittaidai had just too much for the JSCL today, and made it to the second round with goals from Ishii Chiharu and Abe Rie.


Second Round Matches, ties to be played Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of December:

Match 13:
Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara versus Seiwa Gakuen High School

Match 14:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-18 versus Iga FC Kunoichi

Match 15:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Youth versus AS Harima Albion

Match 16:
Sfida Setagaya FC versus Fujieda Junshin High School

Match 17:
Ehime FC Ladies versus JFA Academy Fukushima

Match 18:
Tokiwagi Gakuen High School versus Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki

Match 19:
FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme versus Ange Violet Hiroshima

Match 20:
Daisho Gakuen High School versus Nittaidai FC Ladies


Third Round Matches, ties to be played Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th of December:

Match 21:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies versus Winner of Match 13

Match 22:
Winner of Match 14 versus AS Elfen Saitama

Match 23:
INAC Kobe Leonessa versus Winner of Match 15

Match 24:
Winner of Match 16 versus JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies

Match 25:
Nippon TV Beleza versus Winner of Match 17

Match 26:
Winner of Match 18 versus Albirex Niigata Ladies

Match 27:
Vegalta Sendai Ladies versus Winner of Match 19

Match 28:
Winner of Match 20 versus Okayama Yunogo Belle


Quarter-Final Matches, ties to be played Sunday 21st of December:

Match 29:
Winner of Match 21 versus Winner of Match 22

Match 30:
Winner of Match 23 versus Winner of Match 24

Match 31:
Winner of Match 25 versus Winner of Match 26

Match 32:
Winner of Match 27 versus Winner of Match 28


Semi-Final Matches, ties to be played Sunday 28th of December:

Match 33:
Winner of Match 29 versus Winner of Match 30

Match 34:
Winner of Match 31 versus Winner of Match 32


Final Match, to be played Thursday 1st of January:

Match 35:
Winner of Match 33 versus Winner of Match 34

Friday 28 November 2014

18th JOC Junior Olympics All-Japan Girls' Youth Championships

The 18th JOC Junior Olympics All-Japan Girls' Youth Championships will take place between January 3rd and January 7th. Here is the schedule for each round.


First Round Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 3rd of January:

Match 1:
Nippon TV Menina versus SHRINE LFC

Match 2:
AS Elfen Saitama Mari versus Aosaki SC Hanako Clover's

Match 3:
F.C. Cormo Ladies Azalea versus Vicsale Okinawa

Match 4:
Tochigi SC Ladies versus Renaiss Health & Medical College Ladies

Match 5:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-18 versus Kusu Club Ladies

Match 6:
FC VICTORIES versus Norddea Hokkaido

Match 7:
Yokosuka Seagulls JOY versus Albirex Niigata Ladies U-18

Match 8:
NGU Nagoya FC Ladies versus Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Youth


Second Round Matches, ties to be played on Sunday 4th of January:

Match 9:
Winner of Match 1 versus Winner of Match 2

Match 10:
Winner of Match 3 versus Winner of Match 4

Match 11:
Winner of Match 5 versus Winner of Match 6

Match 12:
Winner of Match 7 versus Winner of Match 8


Semi-Final Matches, ties to be played on Tuesday 6th of January:

Match 13:
Winner of Match 9 versus Winner of Match 10

Match 14:
Winner of Match 11 versus Winner of Match 12


Third-Place Play-Off Match, to be played on Wednesday 7th of January:

Match 15:
Loser of Match 13 versus Loser of Match 14


Final Match, to be played on Wednesday 7th of January:

Match 16:
Winner of Match 13 versus Winner of Match 14

Thursday 27 November 2014

International Women's Club Championship 2014

This year's International Women's Club Championship will be held between November 30th and December 6th.

Sponsored by Nestlé, it is officially named the Nestlé Cup International Women's Club Championship 2014.

Nishigaoka Soccer Stadium in Tokyo, with the main National Training Center building in the background. The main gate to the complex is to the left of the stand seen here.

The view from the opposite seating area. The back entrance is to the right of the main stand seen in the background. The nearest convenience store is to be found in its vicinity.


Six teams will compete:

Melbourne Victory FC (Australian W-League champions)
São José Esporte Clube (South American champions)
Arsenal Ladies (FA Women's Cup winners)
Jiangsu Huatai Securities Women's Football Club (IWCC Preliminary Tournament winners*)
Okayama Yunogo Belle (Nadeshiko League Regular Series champions)
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (Nadeshiko League champions)



First Round Matches, to be played on November 30th, in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture

Match 1 (11:05) - Live Broadcast
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies - Jiangsu Huatai Securities Women's Football Club

Match 2 (14:10) - Recorded Broadcast (19:00)
Okayama Yunogo Belle - Melbourne Victory FC


Semi-Final Matches, to be played on December 3rd, in Tokyo

Match 3 (16:05) - Live Broadcast
Winners of Match 1 - São José Esporte Clube

Match 4 (19:05) - Recorded Broadcast (22:00)
Arsenal Ladies - Winners of Match 2


Third-place Play-off, to be played on December 6th, in Tokyo

Match 5 (11:35) - Live Broadcast
Losers of Match 3 - Losers of Match 4


Final Match, to be played on December 6th, in Tokyo

Match 6 (15:10) - Live Broadcast
Winners of Match 3 - Winners of Match 4


* Some more information on the IWCC Preliminary Tournament (hitherto referred to as the "Asia Women's Club Championship"):

Taipei-SCSC from Chinese Taipei played China's Jiangsu Huatai Securities Women's Football Club on November 25th. The winner of that game would next play Ryukyu Deigos on the 27th, with the winner of that game qualifying for the IWCC.

Semi-Final Match, played on November 25th in Okinawa Prefecture

Jiangsu Huatai Securities Women's Football Club  4 - 2  Taipei SCSC

Final Match, to be played on November 27th in Okinawa Prefecture

Jiangsu Huatai Securities Women's Football Club  7 - 0  Ryukyu Deigos
Jiangsu Huatai Securities Women's Football Club qualify for the IWCC

Tuesday 25 November 2014

23rd All-Japan Women's Inter-Collegiate Championships

This year's All-Japan Women's Inter-Collegiate Championships will take place between January 7th and January 18th. Here is the schedule for each round.

First Round Matches, ties to be played on Wednesday 7th of January:

Match 1:
Aichi Toho University versus Osaka International University

Match 2:
Shinshu University versus International Pacific University Women's College

Match 3:
Sendai University versus Hiroshima University

Match 4:
Kyushu Kyoritsu University versus Kokushikan University

Match 5:
Shizuoka Sangyo University versus Seiwa Gakuen College

Match 6:
Fukuoka University versus Kibi International University

Match 7:
Mukogawa Women's University versus Ehime University

Match 8:
University of Tsukuba versus Sapporo University


Second Round Matches, ties to be played on Friday 9th of January:

Match 9:
Tokuyama University
versus
Aichi Toho University or Osaka International University

Match 10:
Shinshu University or International Pacific University Women's College
versus
Musashigaoka College

Match 11:
Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences
versus
Sendai University or Hiroshima University

Match 12:
Kyushu Kyoritsu University or Kokushikan University
versus
Waseda University

Match 13:
Himeji Dokkyo University
versus
Shizuoka Sangyo University or Seiwa Gakuen College

Match 14:
Fukuoka University or Kibi International University
versus
Kanto Gakuen University

Match 15:
Niigata University of Health and Welfare
versus
Mukogawa Women's University or Ehime University

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


Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Sunday 11th 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 16th of January:

Match 21:
Winners of Match 17 versus Winners of Match 18

Match 22:
Winners of Match 19
versus Winners of Match 20


Third-Place Match, to be played on Sunday 18th of January:

Match 23:
Losers of Match 21
versus Losers of Match 22


Final Match, to be played on Sunday 18th of January:

Match 24:
Winners of Match 21 versus Winners of Match 22

All-Japan Girls' Senior High School Championships 2014

This season's 23rd All Japan High School Women's Soccer Tournament will take place between January 3rd and January 11th. Here is the schedule for each round.


First Round Matches, ties to be played on Saturday 3rd of January:

Match 1:
Hinomoto Gakuen Senior High School versus Maebashi Ikuei High School

Match 2:
Chinzei Gakuin High School versus Tomioka High School

Match 3:
Bunkyo High School attached to Hiroshima Bunkyo Women's University versus Shutoku Senior High School

Match 4:
Miyazaki Nihon University Senior High School versus Shonan Gakuin High School

Match 5:
Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana High School versus Hokkaido Otani Muroran High School

Match 6:
Daisho Gakuen High School versus Japan Aviation High School

Match 7:
Naruto Uzushio High School versus Matsusho Gakuen High School

Match 8:
Murata Girls' High School versus Kamimura Gakuen High School

Match 9:
Tokiwagi Gakuen High School versus Okayama Sakuyo High School

Match 10:
Matsuyama Shinonome Senior High School versus Seisa Kokusai High School Shonan

Match 11:
Yanagigaura High School versus Fukui Senior High School

Match 12:
Kyoto Seika Gakuen High School versus Seiwa Gakuen High School

Match 13:
Kobe Daiichi High School versus Mie High School

Match 14:
Osaka Toin High School versus Kaishi Gakuen Japan Soccer College

Match 15:
Tsuda High School versus Hokkaido Bunkyo University Meisei High School

Match 16:
Takahashi Nisshin High School versus Fujieda Junshin High School


Second Round Matches, ties to be played on Sunday 4th of January:

Match 17:
Winners of Match 1
versus
Winners of Match 2
 
Match 18:
Winners of Match 3
versus
Winners of Match 4

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

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


Match 21:
Winners of Match 9
versus
Winners of Match 10
 
Match 22:
Winners of Match 11
versus
Winners of Match 12

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

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



Quarter Final Matches, ties to be played on Tuesday 6th of January:

Match 25:  
Winners of Match 17
versus
Winners of Match 18

Match 26: 
Winners of Match 19
versus
Winners of Match 20


Match 27:
Winners of Match 21 
versus
Winners of Match 22

Match 28: 
Winners of Match 23
versus
Winners of Match 24


  
Semi Final Matches, ties to be played on Wednesday 7th of January:

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 Sunday 11th of January:

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

Monday 24 November 2014

Nadeshiko League FINAL STANDINGS

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies are the
Japan Women's Football League Champions for 2014.

Congratulations to their players, staff and supporters. 



Top Section

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies10622178924
2Nippon TV Beleza106131310324
3Albirex Niigata Ladies104331413118
4Okayama Yunogo Belle103251220-817
5JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies103161819-111
6INAC Kobe Leonessa101541115-410

The teams in the Top Section started with the following points totals:

Okayama Yunogo Belle: 6 points
Nippon TV Beleza: 5 points
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies: 4 points
Albirex Niigata Ladies: 3 points
INAC Kobe Leonessa: 2 points
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies: 1 point

Bottom Section

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Vegalta Sendai Ladies65011841423
2AS Elfen Saitama6402109118
3Iga FC Kunoichi630377014
4FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme6006116-150

The teams in the Bottom Section started with the following points totals:

Vegalta Sendai Ladies: 8 points
AS Elfen Saitama: 6 points
Iga FC Kunoichi: 5 points
FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme: 0 points

The League's Top Scorers

The top scorers in the Nadeshiko League at the conclusion of the Exciting Series are as follows:

Upper Section

Eight goals:
Sugasawa Yuika (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)

Five goals:
Takase Megumi (INAC Kobe Leonessa)

Four goals:
Matsuoka Miki (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Sakaguchi Mizuho (Nippon TV Beleza)

Three goals:
Arimachi Saori (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Ikadai Risa (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Kato Chika (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Kira Chinatsu (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Kishikawa Natsuki (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Miyama Aya (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Yamazaki Marumi (Albirex Niigata Ladies)

Lower Section

The Lower Section is now complete

Four goals:
Hamada Haruka (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)

Two goals:
Azami Rie (AS Elfen Saitama)
Kawamura Yuri (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Suzuki Kaoruko (AS Elfen Saitama)
Takara Ryoko (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)


The top scorers in the Nadeshiko League at the conclusion of the Regular Series are as follows:

Fourteen goals:
Takase Megumi (INAC Kobe Leonessa)

Twelve goals:
Miyama Aya (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Sugasawa Yuika (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)

Nine goals:
Matsuoka Miki (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Sakaguchi Mizuho (Nippon TV Beleza)

Eight goals:
Azami Rie (AS Elfen Saitama)
Momiki Yuka (Nippon TV Beleza)
Nakano Manami (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Yamazaki Marumi (Albirex Niigata Ladies)

Seven goals:
Ito Kanako (AS Elfen Saitama)

Six goals:
Arakawa Eriko (AS Elfen Saitama)
Kira Chinatsu (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Seike Kiko (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)

Five goals:
Kamionobe Megumi (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Kyokawa Mai (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Masuya Rika (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Tsutsumi Saki (Iga FC Kunoichi)

Four goals:
Arimachi Saori (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Kato Chika (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Kobayashi Yayoi (Nippon TV Beleza)
Naomoto Hikaru (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Ono Hitomi (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Sakaguchi Moeno (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Sugita Ami (Iga FC Kunoichi)

Three goals:
Asano Miki (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
Hamada Haruka (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Hamamoto Marin (FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Ikadai Risa (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Kobayashi Yayoi (Nippon TV Beleza)
Koyama Kie (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Nishikawa Asuka (FC Kibikokusaidaigaku Charme)
Saito Yuri (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Sakuramoto Naoko (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Sumida Rin (Nippon TV Beleza)
Uetsuji Yumi (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)


The top scorers in the Challenge League at its conclusion are as follows:

Thirty goals:
Yokoyama Kumi (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)

Sixteen goals:
Hirata Hikari (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)

Fifteen goals:
Minamino Arisa (Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara)
Uemura Shoko (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Yoshimi Natsuki (Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara)

Fourteen goals:
Kobayashi Rikako (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)

Eleven goals:
Maeda Risa (Nittaidai Football Club Ladies)
Tanaka Marina (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Uchiyama Tomoyo (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)

Ten goals:
Hashiura Satsuki (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
Hazuki Yuki (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Okuma Rana (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Shiraki Akari (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)

Nine goals:
Saito Toshiko (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Sugihara Haruna (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)

Eight goals:
Akune Mana (Ehime FC Ladies)
Hirano Asami (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Tamazakura Kotono (Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies)

Seven goals:
Matsubara Shiho (Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies)
Toriumi Mai (Japan Soccer College Ladies)

Six goals:
Chiba Sonoko (AS Harima Albion)
Enya Mari (Ange Violet Hiroshima)
Kanno Mie (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Katsurama Fumina (Ange Violet Hiroshima)
Kitagawa Hikaru (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Tachibana Yo (JFA Academy Fukushima)
Tsuboi Ayako (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)

Five goals:
Haruyama Saori (Ehime FC Ladies)
Hirano Asami (Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita)
Kanai Nanae (Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara)
Kariya Maiko (Ehime FC Ladies)
Kushiyama Saki (Ehime FC Ladies)
Marugata Rie (Fukuoka J. Anclas)
Maruyama Karina (Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki)
Nagasawa Yume (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Nishikawa Ayaka (Tokiwagi Gakuen High School)
Nojima Sakura (Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies)
Ogawa Manami (Ehime FC Ladies)
Omiya Reona (Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara)
Sunoki Yurie (Sfida Setagaya FC)
Usuda Haruka (Sfida Setagaya FC)

Nadeshiko League Exciting Series Tenth Round

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies  0 - 1  Albirex Niigata Ladies
(Attendance: 5,976)

Urawa's five-year wait for a third league title came to an end today, but not in the manner they would either have expected nor hoped for - a deflating loss to Niigata resulted in a very quiet atmosphere at the final whistle. Injury to Naomoto Hikaru meant Goto Michi moving into midfield with Otaki Nami making a rare start up front. Niigata were unchanged.

Urawa looked less confident than they usually do, and may have been slightly nervous, even if they knew they were almost certain to win the league regardless of the result. Niigata went about their business in the usual fashion, and with nineteen minutes remaining substitute Oishi Sayaka scored the winning goal to give them all three points and move them into third - their highest ever finish.

Urawa were buoyant by the time of the trophy presentation, though more work will be needed if they are to retain the title next year. Niigata's fourth consecutive win sees them enter the Empress' Cup in fine form, and a repeat of last year's final appearance is attainable.

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Hirao Chika, Dozono Ayano, Norimatsu Ruka, Kohata Shiho, Wada Naoko, Goto Michi (capt), Shibata Hanae, Kishikawa Natsuki, Kato Chika, Kira Chinatsu, Otaki Ami
Subs: Seike Kiko (Otaki Ami, 76 mins), Saito Akane (Kato Chika, 86 mins), Nagano Fuka (Kira Chinatsu, 90+1 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Ishii Saki, Chiba Minori, Tomari Shiho

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Ichitani Tomoko, Obara Yuria, Kitahara Kana, Yamamoto Arina, Kojima Miku, Saito Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Sakaguchi Moeno, Kamionobe Megumi (capt), Saeki Aya, Tiffany McCarty
Subs: Oishi Sayaka (Tiffany McCarty, 67 mins), Yamazaki Marumi (Sakaguchi Moeno, 74 mins), Yamada Shoko (Saeki Aya, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Tomoko, Sayama Momoko
Scorers: Oishi Sayaka (71 mins)


Okayama Yunogo Belle  0 - 1  Nippon TV Beleza
(Attendance: 2,194)

Beleza naturally went into this game determined to win even if catching Urawa was never likely. Beleza named an unchanged side though Belle brought Kado Yuka back into their side along with Kitaura Miho. Like many others this season, this game was decided in favour of Beleza via a goal from Sakaguchi Mizuho, who scored thirteen this season. In the fifty-fifth minute some tidy build up play from Beleza ended with Sakaguchi heading in a fine cross from Shimizu Risa.

Belle had very few chances in the game and looked tired, which is not unexpected given the demands on their small squad, with little squad rotation or substitutions made during the season. Ultimately finishing fourth having won the Regular Series will be seen as a massive disappointment. Beleza finish second for the fourth successive season, and they will know that they had the potential in them to win the league had they not slipped up in earlier matches.

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Kado Yuka, Kitaura Miho, Mizushima Kumi, Takahashi Sachie, Kuzuma Riyo, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Asano Miki, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Fushiki Kaho (Kuzuma Riyo, 59 mins), Nakada Maiko (Asano Miki, 83 mins)
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Taniguchi Kikumi, Kawano Saki, Tanaka Mayu

Nippon TV Beleza:
Yamashita Ayaka, Shimizu Risa, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Kinoshita Shiori, Ariyoshi Saori, Hara Natsuko, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Sumida Rin, Momiki Yuka, Hasegawa Yui, Shimada Chiaki
Subs: Tanaka Mina (Shimada Chiaki, 77 mins), Muramatsu Tomoko (Sumida Rin, 90+2 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Doko Mayo, Kobayashi Yayoi
Scorers: Sakaguchi Mizuho (55 mins)


JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies  1 - 1  INAC Kobe Leonessa
(Attendance: 3,297)

JEF United and INAC Kobe finished fifth and sixth respectively after they drew their final match. Ikadai Risa gave the home side a third-minute lead with assistance from Fukusawa Risa who capitalised on defensive hesitancy and carelessness. Thirty minutes later INAC Kobe were level, this season's second-highest scorer Takase Megumi shooting powerfully into the top corner from outside the box.

The only other aspect of note was the sending off of Beverly Goebel-Yanez with eleven minutes remaining, with the American astonished at being dismissed. This season there was a total of six red cards shown.

JEF United will probably be slightly disappointed that they couldn't finish any higher than fifth, though they have had an erratic season. The management at INAC Kobe will be understandably aghast at how poorly they have done this year, and drastic signings may well be in order - the kind of signings that made them Japan's top team.

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Yamane Erina, Wakabayashi Minori, Sakuramoto Naoko (capt), Chino Shoko, Ueno Saki, Hosaka Nodoka, Setoguchi Kozue, Kawamura Mari, Fukasawa Risa, Ikadai Risa, Sugasawa Yuika
Subs: Anzai Yuka (Setoguchi Kozue, 58 mins), Kamogawa Miho (Ikadai Risa, 73 mins)
Unused subs: Nemoto Mio, Tsurumi Ayaka, Oya Madoka, Matsuura Nagisa, Yamamoto Naomi
Scorers: Ikadai Risa (3 mins)

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Kai Junko, Isokane Midori, Miyake Shiori, Minamiyama Chiaki, Nakajima Emi, Sawa Homare, Beverly Goebel-Yanez, Kawasumi Nahomi, Takase Megumi (capt), Tanaka Yoko
Subs: Masuya Rika (Tanaka Yoko, 65 mins), Watanabe Ayaka (Nakajima Emi, 78 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Nakada Ayu, Kyokawa Mai
Scorers: Takase Megumi (33 mins)
Sent off: Beverly Goebel-Yanez

Challenge League Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs Second Legs

Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades  0 - 1  Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto
(Attendance: 131)

Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades:
Maruyama Kimi, Kobayashi Natsumi, Taniguchi Emi, Kawachi Erika, Hirukawa Mio, Miyagawa Tomoko, Sato Kaede, Horiuchi Sayaka, Yamaki Kotomi, Kanashiro Wakana (capt), Baba Sayumi
Subs: Miura Kyoko (Miyagawa Tomoko, 72 mins), Oda Sayaka (Yamaki Kotomi, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Inoue Yurie, Matsushita Norimi, Hanabusa Misa

Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto:
Ushijima Natsuki, Shimada Naoko, Mine Tomomi, Hamada Erina, Terasawa Nozomi, Nakamura Miki, Kameoka Natsumi (capt), Kouji Eri, Kimura Eri, Uchida Momoko, Kurahara Honami
Subs: Kondo Natsumi (Uchida Momoko, 66 mins), Okumura Sayo (Kouji Eri, 77 mins), Shimada Kayoko (Shimada Naoko, 87 mins)
Unused subs: Kitagawa Minamo
Scorers: Nakamura Miki (27 mins)
Booked: Okumura Sayo

Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto win 5-0 on aggregate and are promoted to the Challenge League. Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades are relegated to the Tokai League.


Bunnys Kyoto SC  2 - 0  Je Vrille Kagoshima
(Attendance: 323)

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Takagi Misa, Shibuya Yumiko, Saito Hitomi (capt), Yamamoto Yumi, Kawano Maaya, Kushige Aoi, Sawada Yuka, Matsuda Nozomi, Oshima Sayuri, Hanazaki Rena, Yamaguchi Yurie
Subs: Akamine Mizuki (Kawano Maaya, HT), Masuda Kasumi (Hanazaki Rena, HT), Okawa Masami (Yamaguchi Yurie, 69 mins), Yamashita Yu (Kushige Aoi, 78 mins), Tanihara Yukari (Oshima Sayuri, 88 mins)
Scorers: Hanazaki Rena (6 mins), Kushige Aoi (15 mins)

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Nakagawa Yoshimi, Fukuishi Konan, Sakamoto Ayaka, Oh Yu Sun, Mok Sun Jung, Yamada Kaori, Imanaka Yuri, Murai Kaori (capt), Mitsudome Kanami, Sannomiya Shiki, Tanaka Megumi
Subs: Sasayama Wato (Mok Sun Jung, HT)
Unused subs: Sasaki Maiko

Bunnys Kyoto SC win 4-0 on aggregate and retain their place in the Challenge League. Je Vrille Kagoshima will again play in the Kyushu League in 2015.

Regional Leagues Results/Standings (November 24th)

Kanto League Division One

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Waseda University14101330161431
2Tokyo International University148152925425
3Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Yth1480627171024
4Nippon TV Menina147163129222
5Musashigaoka College147072328-521
6JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-18144462522316
7Kanto Gakuen University144282331-814
8University of Tsukuba1431101434-2010

November 23rd:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Youth  1 - 2  Waseda University
Kanto Gakuen University  2 - 6  Nippon TV Menina
Musashigaoka College  2 - 1  University of Tsukuba
Tokyo International University  1 - 1  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-18


Kanto League Division Two

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Yokohama FC Seagulls1413016175439
2Shobi University1411124373634
3Kokushikan University1491445291628
4Ota Ladies SC Esperanza146352627-121
5Japan Aviation High School144372536-1115
6Tsukuba FC Ladies143291528-1311
7Maebashi Ikuei High School142482549-2410
8Tochigi Soccer Club Ladies141013865-573

November 22nd:
Japan Aviation High School  2 - 2  Maebashi Ikuei High School

November 23rd:
Ota Ladies SC Esperanza  2 - 4  Kokushikan University




Tokai League Division One

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana SHS98014683824
2NGU Nagoya FC Ladies107033682821
3Fujieda Junshin High School97023472721
4Iwata Higashi High School7205717-106
5Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana JHS82061036-266
6FC Gifu Belta9009259-570

November 22nd:
Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana Senior High School  6 - 1  Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana Junior High School

November 24th:
Tokoha Gakuen Tachibana Junior High School  1 - 2  Iwata Higashi High School


Tokai League Division Two

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGADiffPoints
1Iga FC Kunoichi Satellite108023543124
2Aichi Toho University75112281416
3Toyota Ladies F.C.95041820-215
4Toyo High School94232013714
5Juven F.C.7025131-302
6Kariya FC Project Sonia8017222-201

November 23rd:
Toyo High School  0 - 3  Aichi Toho University




Kanto U-18 Princess League

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies JY99008828627
2Nippon TV Menina109016766127
3JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-181051457134416
4Sfida Setagaya FC Youths951327151216
5AS Elfen Saitama Mari84132315813
6Kashima-LSC83232214811
7Nojima Stella Kanagawa Due83051617-19
8Mito Eiko FC Ibaraki Ladies8215560-557
9Yokosuka Seagulls U-186204211566
10INAC Tamagawa Leonessa U-186006252-500
11Tsukuba FC Ladies U-1880081120-1190

November 22nd:
INAC Tamagawa Leonessa U-18  0 - 5  Sfida Setagaya FC Youths
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Junior Youth  2 - 1  Kashima-LSC

November 24th:
Nippon TV Menina  21 - 0  Tsukuba FC Ladies U-18

Sunday 23 November 2014

Nadeshiko League Promotion/Relegation Playoff Second Leg

Iga FC Kunoichi  2 - 0  Nittaidai Football Club Ladies
(Attendance: 868)

Iga started this second leg of their play-off with Nittaidai with the same starting eleven from last week, though their opponents made four changes: Uemura and Goto were ruled out owing to injury, with Nozu and Ishii dropping to the bench.

Iga proved in last week's match - particularly in the second half - that they had the measure of Nittaidai, and again this week they were able to keep their dangerous forwards at bay. After a scoreless first half Matsunaga Yoshie put the home side a goal up. A through ball from Tsutsumi Saki found Mewis with just Inoue in goal to beat, and when her shot hit the post Matsunaga was on hand to finish off.

Nittaidai had needed two goals anyway, and still had hope, but with fifteen minutes Sugita Ami found Haji Madoka and her fourth goal in four games made the tie safe for the Kunoichi.

Nittaidai will now build primarily for the inter-collegiate championships which begin in a few weeks, though their most immediate challenge is the first round of the Empress' Cup, with the Japan Soccer College Ladies their opponents.

Iga have done what was necessary after a poor season, which was especially disappointing in view of their fourth-place finish in 2013. They enter the Empress' Cup in the second round, where they will face the winner of the tie between Shizuoka Sangyo University Iwata Bonita and JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-18.

Iga FC Kunoichi:
Kuno Fubuki, Yamaguchi Ayako, Miyasako Tamami, Nasu Maiko (capt), Ohashi Mio, Matsunaga Tomoe, Sugita Ami, Haji Madoka, Matsunaga Yoshie, Tsutsumi Saki, Kristie Mewis
Subs: Ogawa Shiho (Matsunaga Yoshie, 76 mins), Noichi Aya (Matsunaga Tomoe, 82 mins), Rachel Van Hollebeke (Miyasako Tamami, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Sawada Norimi, Kobayashi Misaki, Kiyohara Marie, Kobayashi Makiko
Scorers: Matsunaga Yoshie (47 mins), Haji Madoka (75 mins)
Booked: Sugita Ami

Nittaidai Football Club Ladies:
Inoue Nene, Matsunaga Saki, Haza Hisui, Abe Rie, Yamakawa Natsuki, Sakurai Mayuka, Enokidani Misaki, Kitano Rie, Ito Yukina (capt), Maeda Risa, Hirata Hikari
Subs: Ishii Chiharu (Ito Yukina, HT), Nagashima Hikari (Kitano Rie, 77 mins), Maegami Eri (Maeda Risa, 84 mins)
Unused subs: Matsuda Kasumi, Yamamoto Hirona, Nozu Erika, Uchida Misuzu
Booked: Enokidani Misaki, Haza Hisui

Iga FC Kunoichi win 4-1 on aggregate and will play in Nadeshiko League Division 1 next season. Nittaidai FC Ladies will play in Nadeshiko League Division 2.

Sunday 16 November 2014

Regional Leagues Results/Standings (November 16th)

Kanto League Division One

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Waseda University1391328151328
2Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Yth1380526151124
3Tokyo International University138052824424
4Nippon TV Menina136162527-219
5Musashigaoka College136072127-618
6JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-18134362421315
7Kanto Gakuen University134272125-414
8University of Tsukuba133191332-1910

November 15th:
Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Youth  0 - 1  Kanto Gakuen University
Tokyo International University  4 - 2  Musashigaoka College

November 16th:
Waseda University  2 - 3  Nippon TV Menina
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-18  1 - 1  University of Tsukuba

Waseda University have won the Kanto League. Congratulations to all of the players and staff at Waseda University.




Tokai League Division Two

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGADiffPoints
1Iga FC Kunoichi Satellite108023543124
2Toyota Ladies F.C.95041820-215
3Toyo High School842220101014
4Aichi Toho University64111981113
5Juven F.C.7025131-302
6Kariya FC Project Sonia8017222-201

November 16th:
Iga FC Kunoichi Satellite  4 - 0  Toyota Ladies F.C.




Kanto U-18 Princess League

PlayedWonDrawnLostGFGA+/-Points
1Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies JY88008618524
2Nippon TV Menina98014664024
3JEF United Ichihara Chiba U-181051457134416
4AS Elfen Saitama Mari84132315813
5Sfida Setagaya FC Youths84132215713
6Kashima-LSC73222112911
7Nojima Stella Kanagawa Due83051617-19
8Mito Eiko FC Ibaraki Ladies8215560-557
9Yokosuka Seagulls U-186204211566
10INAC Tamagawa Leonessa U-185005247-450
11Tsukuba FC Ladies U-187007199-980

November 15th:
JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies U-18  26 - 0  Tsukuba FC Ladies U-18

November 16th:
AS Elfen Saitama Mari  1 - 2  Mito Eiko FC Ibaraki Ladies

Nadeshiko League Exciting Series Ninth Round

INAC Kobe Leonessa  0 - 0  Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
(Attendance: 4,453)

With just two games remaining and a five-point gap back to Beleza, Urawa came to Kobe knowing that another win over their hosts would win them the title for the first time since 2009. Urawa made just one change, putting loanee goalkeeper Hirao Chika back between the posts. INAC Kobe made a few changes, moving Nakajima into defence, Masuya and Goebel-Yanez into midfield and starting with Nakada up front.

Three successive corners for Urawa provided the first chances for them to go ahead, and although none came to anything, INAC's defence already looked unsure of itself. INAC moved menacingly upfield and Hirao had to be quick to react to Masuya's shot after she failed to gather a Nakada cross cleanly.

In the fifteenth minute INAC broke again after sustained Urawa pressure, and Wada had to be alert to clear away for another corner, which ultimately led to another corner kick, though again Urawa marked up well and Masuya could only poke wide.

Urawa continued to shoot whenever the opportunity presented itself, though Kaihori was rarely troubled, though they were playing the better football and were creating openings from more angles than INAC Kobe, who again looked to attack in a more direct fashion.

Miscontrol from Wada led to another INAC corner kick which came to nothing. Naomoto Hikaru was substituted at this point, having suffered an injury, with young Nagano Fuka coming on to replace her in only her second league appearance.

Dozono went down following a hard challenge in the thirty-fourth minute, prompting some concern but she was fine after some stretching, and INAC's tough challenges continued as the half progressed. In the forty-third minute Urawa won another corner but again this came to nothing, and the outstanding feature of the first half was the lack of danger created from set pieces.

At half-time the teams were level, just as they were in the other two games, which meant that were the scores to stay the same Urawa would win the league. Neither side made a change at half-time.

The first ten minutes after the restart were largely incident free, until Masuya wriggled clear to get a shot on goal, which was palmed away by former JFA Academy schoolmate Hirao Chika for another INAC Kobe corner kick which came to nothing.

Takase shot into the side netting on sixty-three minutes, and at the other end Kira blasted over following good work between herself and Kato on the left. After sixty-seven minutes Masuya came off, and was replaced by Tanaka Yoko.

Kira came off to be replaced by Seike Kiko in the seventy-third minute, who made an immediate impact in her first appearance here at the start of the season. In the eightieth minute she had a tremendous chance to score but her shot was just tipped wide by Kaihori, though a corner wasn't given. At this point Chelsea Stewart came on for Nakada Ayu for INAC Kobe.

Seike and Goto in particular continued to cause trouble for INAC, though there was the feeling that they would be happy with a draw as time started to run out. Saito Akane came on for Kato Chika with a minute to go further suggesting that the visitors were happy to see the game out.

INAC Kobe too looked in little hurry to go for all-out attack and the game ended scoreless. Urawa thus lead Beleza by three points with just their home game against Niigata to come. Beleza are eight goals behind in terms of goal difference and it would be astonishing if they could not only make up the three points but also the goal difference.
Beleza travel west to Okayama to play the demoralised Belle, with the final game between the bottom two in Chiba.

INAC Kobe Leonessa:
Kaihori Ayumi, Nakajima Emi, Isokane Midori, Miyake Shiori, Minamiyama Chiaki, Sawa Homare, Beverly Goebel-Yanez, Masuya Rika, Kawasumi Nahomi, Takase Megumi (capt), Nakada Ayu
Subs: Tanaka Yoko (Masuya Rika, 67 mins), Chelsea Stewart (Nakada Ayu, 80 mins)
Unused subs: Takenaka Rei, Watanabe Ayaka, Noguchi Ayaka, Kyokawa Mai, Michigami Ayaka

Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies:
Hirao Chika, Dozono Ayano, Norimatsu Ruka, Kohata Shiho, Wada Naoko, Shibata Hanae, Naomoto Hikaru, Kishikawa Natsuki, Kato Chika, Kira Chinatsu, Goto Michi (capt)
Subs: Nagano Fuka (Naomoto Hikaru, 26 mins), Seike Kiko (Kira Chinatsu, 74 mins), Saito Akane (Kato Chika, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Ikeda Sakiko, Suzuki Rina, Tomari Shiho, Otaki Ami


Nippon TV Beleza  1 - 0  JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies
(Attendance: 796)

Beleza have at times this season had trouble scoring when on top, and again today they had to wait until the seventy-second minute for the winning goal against JEF United, Sumida Rin the scorer. Sumida played in a free kick which wasn't an attempt at goal but with everyone including JEF United's goalkeeper Yamane missing it, the ball found its way in to the far corner.

Beleza will ultimately be disappointed by this result. Their only chance now of winning the league is to not only beat Belle next weekend but also to hope that Niigata beat Urawa. While this scenario would not be particularly surprising, Urawa's eight goal lead over Beleza in goal difference is very unlikely to be challenged.

All three games next weekend kick off at 1 pm. Beleza are already guaranteed to finish second and are unlikely to win. JEF United stand fifth at the moment and a draw is all they need against INAC Kobe to remain in that position.

Nippon TV Beleza:
Yamashita Ayaka, Shimizu Risa, Iwashimizu Azusa (capt), Kinoshita Shiori, Ariyoshi Saori, Hara Natsuko, Sakaguchi Mizuho, Sumida Rin, Momiki Yuka, Hasegawa Yui, Shimada Chiaki
Subs: Kobayashi Yayoi (Momiki Yuka, 90 mins)
Unused subs: Soyama Kanako, Muramatsu Tomoko, Nakasato Yu, Kobayashi Miharu, Fukumaru Tomoko, Tanaka Mina
Scorers: Sumida Rin (72 mins)

JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies:
Yamane Erina, Sakuramoto Naoko (capt), Chino Shoko, Oya Madoka, Ueno Saki, Setoguchi Kozue, Kawamura Mari, Anzai Yuka, Fukasawa Risa, Ikadai Risa, Sugasawa Yuika
Subs: Hosaka Nodoka (Setoguchi Kozue, 65 mins), Hanagiri Naomi (Anzai Yuka, 82 mins), Tsurumi Ayaka (Ikadai Risa, 85 mins)
Unused subs: Nemoto Mio, Wakabayashi Minori, Matsuura Nagisa, Yasuda Saki
Booked: Sakuramoto Naoko


Albirex Niigata Ladies  5 - 1  Okayama Yunogo Belle
(Attendance: 1,054)

For the first time this season, Okayama Yunogo Belle made significant changes to their starting lineup, with Taniguchi Kikumi, Nakada Maiko and Kawano Saki coming into the side, with only Kawano having previously started. Niigata started with a much more familiar eleven, and today they continued their recent good form to win their third game in a row, having previously failed to win any of the Exciting Series games.

Matsuoka Miki has had a good season again this year, and she put the visitors 1-0 up after just nine minutes, with Niigata not equalising until just before half-time, Kamionobe Megumi scoring just her first of the Exciting Series to add to her five from the Regular Series.

In the second half of this game, just as against Urawa, Belle created little in front of goal and Niigata simply dominated. They took the lead through McCarty twelve minutes in, with Kojima Miku adding her first in the Nadeshiko League seven minutes later. Substitute Yamazaki Marumi scored twice in the last ten minutes to inflict upon Belle their worst defeat of the season.

Niigata are now assured of a best-ever fourth place finish. Belle will have to settle for at best third, and could still be overtaken by Niigata if they win next weekend and Belle lose.

Albirex Niigata Ladies:
Ichitani Tomoko, Obara Yuria, Kitahara Kana, Yamamoto Arina, Kojima Miku, Saito Yuri, Takahashi Haruka, Sakaguchi Moeno, Kamionobe Megumi (capt), Saeki Aya, Tiffany McCarty
Subs: Yamazaki Marumi (Sakaguchi Moeno, 61 mins), Oishi Sayaka (Tiffany McCarty, 68 mins), Sayama Momoko (Kojima Miku, 82 mins)
Unused subs: Takahashi Tomoko, Okakura Mika, Yamada Shoko, Kubota Mayu
Scorers: Kamionobe Megumi (45 mins), Tiffany McCarty (57 mins), Kojima Miku (64 mins), Yamazaki Marumi (83, 89 mins)

Okayama Yunogo Belle:
Fukumoto Miho (capt), Taniguchi Kikumi, Kawano Saki, Mizushima Kumi, Takahashi Sachie, Kuzuma Riyo, Nakano Manami, Miyama Aya, Nakada Maiko, Arimachi Saori, Matsuoka Miki
Subs: Fushiki Kaho (Taniguchi Kikumi, 67 mins), Asano Miki (Nakada Maiko, 68 mins)
Unused subs: Aoyagi Maririn, Kado Yuka, Kitaura Miho, Tanaka Mayu
Scorers: Matsuoka Miki (9 mins)

Challenge League Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs First Legs

Je Vrille Kagoshima  0 - 2  Bunnys Kyoto SC
(Attendance: 72)

Je Vrille Kagoshima:
Nakagawa Yoshimi, Hirata Misato, Sakamoto Ayaka, Oh Yu Sun, Fukuishi Konan, Yamada Kaori, Imanaka Yuri, Mok Sun Jung, Mitsudome Kanami (capt), Sannomiya Shiki, Sasayama Wato
Subs: Tanaka Megumi (Sasayama Wato, 72 mins)
Unused subs: Murai Kaori
Booked: Oh Yu Sun
Sent off: Hirata Misato

Bunnys Kyoto SC:
Takagi Misa, Akamine Mizuki, Saito Hitomi (capt), Akiyama Ryo, Kawano Maaya, Shibuya Yumiko, Yamamoto Yumi, Matsuda Nozomi, Sawada Yuka, Oshima Sayuri, Kushige Aoi
Subs: Yamaguchi Yurie (Oshima Sayuri, 62 mins), Hanazaki Rena (Shibuya Yumiko, 70 mins), Yamashita Yu (Kawano Maaya, 82 mins), Tanihara Yukari (Kushige Aoi, 89 mins)
Unused subs: Masuda Kasumi
Scorers: Kushige Aoi (8 mins), Shibuya Yumiko (17 mins)


Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto  4 - 0  Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades
(Attendance: 250)

Mashiki Renaissance Kumamoto:
Ushijima Natsuki, Shimada Naoko, Mine Tomomi, Hamada Erina, Terasawa Nozomi, Nakamura Miki, Kameoka Natsumi (capt), Kouji Eri, Kimura Eri, Uchida Momoko, Kurahara Honami
Subs: Kiyokawa Misato (Uchida Momoko, 76 mins), Moriwaki Satsuki (Kouji Eri, 80 mins), Okumura Sayo (Kurahara Honami, 86 mins)
Unused subs: Kitagawa Minamo, Kondo Natsumi
Scorers: Terasawa Nozomi (12, 74 mins), Kurahara Honami (35 mins), Uchida Momoko (63 mins)
Booked: Kameoka Natsumi

Shimizu Daihachi Pleiades:
Maruyama Kimi, Kobayashi Natsumi, Kawachi Erika, Oda Sayaka, Sato Kaede, Matsushita Norimi, Kanashiro Wakana (capt), Horiuchi Sayaka, Yamaki Kotomi, Miura Kyoko, Miyagawa Tomoko
Subs: Baba Sayumi (Matsushita Norimi, 68 mins)
Unused subs: Taniguchi Emi, Inoue Yurie, Hanabusa Misa, Hirukawa Mio
Booked: Kawachi Erika