Urawa Woes Continue as Honda Races into the Quarterfinal
Due to their commitments in the AFC Champions League, the Emperor’s Cup ties involving Kashima Antlers and Urawa Red Diamonds were played on the 25th of September. Struggling domestically yet excelling continentally, Urawa were handed what was supposed to be a straightforward tie at home against JFL leaders Honda FC. A dominant force in the Japanese fourth-tier due to their long-standing commitment of refusing professionalism that requires the loss of corporate backing (something that comes with promotion from the fourth tier), Honda FC have won the JFL for three years in a row and are looking for a fourth consecutive title, but on paper they should be no match for J1 giants Urawa.
However, unnerved by the intimidating atmosphere at the Saitama Stadium 2002, Honda FC had other ideas. Late goals from Yuya Tomita and Kai Harada ensured a shock 2-0 win for Honda FC over their illustrious opponents, and while Honda FC returned to their home in Shizuoka Prefecture with a quarterfinal ticket in hand and a tasty cup tie to look forward to, Urawa were left wondering why their domestic season had gone into shambles. The ACL becomes Urawa’s only shot at salvaging their disastrous campaign, and with Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao awaiting them in the competition’s semifinal, Urawa have a mountain to climb if they wanted to end the season on a high note.
In the other round of 16 ties, Oita Trinita survived a marathon penalty shootout to edge Sanfrecce Hiroshima, while there were straightforward wins for Kashima Antlers and Sagan Tosu over Yokohama F-Marinos and Cerezo Osaka respectively. Vissel Kobe shocked Kawasaki Frontale 3-2, while V-Varen Nagasaki kept the J2 flag flying high after beating J1 side Vegalta Sendai 2-1.
Emperor’s Cup Round of 16 Results
September 18th 2019
Vissel Kobe (J1) 3-2 Kawasaki Frontale (J1)
Sanfrecce Hiroshima (J1) 1-1 (aet) Oita Trinita (J1) (Oita won 10-9 on penalties)
Sagan Tosu (J1) 4-2 Cerezo Osaka (J1)
Jubilo Iwata (J1) 1-1 (aet) Shimizu S-Pulse (J1) (Shimizu won 4-3 on penalties)
V-Varen Nagasaki (J2) 2-1 Vegalta Sendai (J1)
Ventforet Kofu (J2) 2-1 (aet) Hosei University (university)
September 25th 2019
Kashima Antlers (J1) 4-1 Yokohama F-Marinos (J1)
Urawa Red Diamons (J1) 0-2 Honda FC (JFL)
Emperor’s Cup Quarterfinal Draw (matches to be played on October 23rd)
Vissel Kobe (J1) vs Oita Trinita (J1)
Sagan Tosu (J1) vs Shimizu S-Pulse (J1)
Kashima Antlers (J1) vs Honda FC (JFL)
V-Varen Nagasaki (J2) vs Ventforet Kofu (J2)