The 37th Empress's Cup started on Saturday 7 November. The 1st Round matches were held at four sites, the Technoport Fukui Stadium (Fukui), the City Yokkaichi Green Park Athletic Stadium (Mie), the Miki Sogo Bosai Park Athletic Stadium (Hyogo), and the Goshikidai Park "ASPA Goshiki" (Hyogo). 

Pick-up Match 1

Niigata University of Health and Welfare (Hokushinetsu/Niigata) 1-2 (0-0, 1-1, extra 1st 0-1, extra 2nd 0-0) NGU Nagoya FC Ladies (Tokai/Aichi)

The first game at Technoport Fukui Stadium was between Niigata University of Health and Welfare (Hokushinetsu/Niigata), who have participated in this cup two consecutive years and were aiming to get through the 1st Round for the first time, and NGU Nagoya FC Ladies (Tokai/Aichi), who have joined the championship for the first time in seven years. Both teams started to play in the plenus Nadeshiko League this year.

Although Niigata took the initiative in the first half, Nagoya showed off their solid defence, not letting the opponent get any goals. The score changed in the 62nd minute. TAKAHASHI Miyuki took a shot from slightly to the right side in the centre with her left foot, which went into the goal, forming a beautiful curve. The team was encouraged by the shot taken by their ace player, who played well in the Summer Universiade 2015 Gwangju.

However, Nagoya stayed patient and attacked back in the final stretch of the game. After 78 minutes, SUGIYAMA Yuka on the wing received a left corner kick and scored the equaliser. 

During overtime, Nagoya earned a free kick in the 92nd minute. KOIKE Ayano directly scored from it, which got through the confusion in front of the goal. Although Nagoya only had one goal-scoring opportunity during injury time, they won the game with it, getting through the first round.

Match details (Japanese version only)

Pick-up Match 2

Kanto Gakuen University (Kanto/Gunma) 0-5 (0-1, 0-4) Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences (Kansai/Osaka)

The second match at Technoport Fukui Stadium was between East and West university teams, Kanto Gakuen University (Kanto/Gunma) and Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences (Kansai/Osaka). Kanto Gakuen challenged head-on Osaka University, who won second place in the 23rd All Japan University Women's Football Tournament in January.

However, Osaka University gradually took the initiative, and the score changed at the end of the first half. After 41 minutes, HONDA Yuka, who reacted to a ball in front of goal, headed it home, striking the opener. The match went into the second half with a one-goal lead to Osaka University.

Osaka University sustained their pace in the second half. After 53 minutes, Honda chipped a perfect lob over the goalkeeper's head. Then in the 64th minute, OGAWA Kurumi, who got through on the right side, sent the ball to the centre. The ball hit the opponent’s defender and went into the goal. The score was 3-0.

Kanto Gakuen were eager to attack back, putting pressure up front, which ended up providing more goal-score opportunities to the opponent. YOSHIDA Shiho struck a goal with a long-distance ball in the 80th minute, and MIHASHI Mana in the 84th minute. Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences won a sweeping victory in the first match.

Match details (Japanese version only)

Other Matches

Diosa Izumo F.C. (Cyugoku/Shimane)   0-4 (0-1, 0-3)   Fujieda Junshin High School (Tokai/Shizuoka)
Waseda University (Kanto/Tokyo)   1-0 (1-0, 0-0)   Fukuoka J Anclas (Nadeshiko League Second Division/Fukuoka)
Urawa Reds Ladies Youth (Kanto/Saitama)   0-0 (PSO: 5-4) (0-0, 0-0, extra 1st 0-0, extra 2nd 0-0, PSO 5-4)   JFA Academy Fukushima (Tokai/Sizuoka)
Kamimura Gakuen High School (Kyushu/Kagoshima)   3-0 (1-0, 2-0)   Club Fields Linda (Hokkaido)
Daito Bunka University (Kanto/Saitama)   2-0 (2-0, 0-0)   Norddea Hokkaido (Hokkaido)
Tokiwagi Gakuen High School (Tohoku/Miyagi)   0-1 (0-0, 0-1)   Yokohama FC Seagulls (Kanto/Kanagawa)

Coach and Players' Comments

SUGANO Yuji, Coach (NGU Nagoya FC Ladies)
We have been learning to play patiently throughout this season. I believe the ‘not giving up’ attitude is vital just like in our lives. As no one can predict what may happen on the pith, I tell the players to be flexible on a regular basis. In this cup, we played against the team from the plenus Nadeshiko League, and learned that anything can happen in the match. I can’t predict the result of the coming match against Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki, but we’d like to get ourselves ready enough and enjoy the game. 

HONDA Yuka (Osaka University of Health and Sport sciences)
When I struck the opener, I ran towards space, believing my teammate would pass the ball there. As for the second score, the lob shot, as the goalkeeper came forward, I practiced my timing and directly aimed at the goal. Since I play nearest to the goal among my teammates, it’s my role to use any opportunity to score. I’d like to stay ambitious for goals in the coming game against Ehime FC Ladies, although I know the opponent is more skilful and more experienced. We’d like to display our strength – defending from up front as a team - and play all-out for a victory. 

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)　

The 37th Empress's Cup

Sat.7 November 2015 - Sun. 27 December 2015
More information