On Sunday 1 December, a total of four third round fixtures of the Empress's Cup JFA 41st Japan Women's Football Championship took place. At Fujieda Soccer Stadium, two fixtures between Nadeshiko division one teams were played.

Pick-up Match1

AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies (Nadeshiko1/Nagano) 1-2 (1-1, 0-1) Nittaidai FIELDS Yokohama (Nadeshiko1/Kanagawa)

The first fixture played in Fujieda Soccer Stadium was between AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies and Nittaidai FIELDS Yokohama, who has clashed four times this season and share an equal record of two wins and two losses.

In the clash between two division one teams of the Nadeshiko League, it was Nittaidai FIELDS who struck first, as MIURA Haruka converted a penalty kick she earned herself, giving the university side the lead in the 14th minute.

AC Nagano responded by collecting the ball to their ace YOKOYAMA Kumi to seek for their opportunity to equalise. The match was brought back to equal terms, when NOGUCHI Miya connected with Yokoyama’s corner kick in the 41st minute, sending the match into halftime 1-1.

Despite seeing the Nagano side showing great aggression to start the second half, it was Nittaidai FIELDS who scored the next goal. The goal came in the 66th minute, when LEE Songa converted the cross sent by SHIMADA Chiaki to retake the lead.

With their backs against the wall, AC Nagano made their final efforts to level the match, as Yokoyama and OHKOUCHI Yuki created chances upfront, but led by SENO Yuki, Nittaidai FIELDS showcased a persistent effort to keep their one goal lead, as the match ended with a final score of 2-1, sending the university side into the quarterfinals.

Nittaidai FIELDS Yokohama will now face the winner between Nippon TV Beleza (Nadeshiko1/Tokyo) and Nippatsu Yokohama FC Seagulls (Nadeshiko2/Kanagawa) at the quarterfinals on Sunday 8 December at Paloma Mizuho Stadium.

Pick-up Match2

Iga FC Kunoichi (Nadeshiko1/Mie) 1-2 (0-1, 1-1) Mynavi Vegalta Sendai Ladies (Nadeshiko1/Miyagi)

The final match played at Fujieda Soccer Stadium featured another fixture between two division one sides from the Nadeshiko League, as Iga FC Kunoichi squared off against Mynavi Vegalta Sendai Ladies.

The match started with Vegalta Sendai applying aggressive pressure against Iga FC, as they collected the ball to their two strikers, HAMADA Haruka and YASUMOTO Sawako to build their attacks. With momentum on their side, the opening goal came for Vegalta in the 18th minute, when SHIRAKI Akari dribbled up the field before striking a shot from distance. The well controlled shot found its way into the Iga FC goal to give the Sendai side the lead.

After entering halftime with a one goal deficit, Iga FC captured the equaliser in the 50th minute, when OGAWA Shiho connected with a cross sent by SUGITA Ami. With the team picking up their pace, NOICHI Aya created a chance from a set-piece, but fell short from giving Iga FC the go ahead goal.

Following a long defensive stretch, Vegalta captured the game winner in the 79th minute, when their late substitute, ARIMACHI Saori capitalised on a delivery sent by MIHASHI Mana.

In a match where both teams’ patience was tested, Vegalta walked away with a 2-1 victory. Mynavi Vegalta Sendai Ladies will now return to their home and face Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (Nadeshiko1/Saitama) at the quarterfinals.

Coaches and Players' Comments

SENO Yuki (Nittaidai FIELDS Yokohama)
We lost to AC Nagano in the third round of the Empress's Cup three years ago, so I entered this match with a sense of revenge. Compared to the match back then, we were able to possess the ball longer and play with better quality. In terms of defence, each player managed to keep their composure and work collectively to defend our goal as a team. Our team consists many university players, so I feel responsible to take the lead, but I try not to get too worked up by that role.

HONDA Midori, Coach (AC Nagano Parceiro Ladies)
We planned on starting the match with SUZUKI Rina, before shifting to SUZUKI Haruhi, who has great power. We also kept TAKIGAWA Yume on the bench with the intention to bring her on later in the match. When our team is playing with a good rhythm, we tend to find ways to force turnovers and connect the ball to our attackers like Yokoyama. However, we weren’t very successful at forcing turnovers in the midfield today. Ahead of the next season, we must address all the issues we saw during this season and try to raise the quality of our plays.

ARIMACHI Saori (Mynavi Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
Today, we tried using the space behind the opponent’s defence line, but all of our attempts were getting deflected by Iga FC with ease. With our opponent dropping deep in their territory, it was hard to create opportunities in our desired timing, but we kept on anticipating for our chances. I have been playing off the bench in recent matches, so I was prepared to showcase my usual performance when I was given the opportunity. I am just committed to doing my job. We will be playing at our home stadium next, so we hope to prepare ourselves in the best way possible.

OTAKE Naoto, Coach (Iga FC Kunoichi)
We played too passively in the first half. After enduring a tough stretch, we managed to equalise the match in the early minutes of the second half and found ourselves in a good rhythm, but we failed to score our second goal. Although we knew our opponent was going to utilise long balls, we didn’t apply enough pressure against them. As a result, we couldn’t win the second balls and allowed our opponent to control the match. Both of the goals we conceded came after we gave up a similar play, and it showed our immaturity as a team. This match has given us plenty of homework for the next season.

Empress's Cup JFA 41st Japan Women's Football Championship

Tournament Dates: Sat. 2 November - Sun. 29 December 2019
【1st Round】Sat. 2 & Sun. 3 November
【2nd Round】Sat. 23 & Sun. 24 November
【3rd Round】Sat. 30 November & Sun. 1 December
【Quarterfinals】Sun. 8 December
【Semi-Finals】Sun. 22 December
【Final】Sun. 29 December

Tournament Information