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13 January 2025

Fujieda Junshin Achieves Historic Three-Peat At National High School Girls' Soccer Championship

With a stunning 5-0 victory, Fujieda Junshin becomes the first team to win three consecutive championships.

On January 12, 2025, at Noevir Stadium Kobe, Fujieda Junshin achieved historic glory by defeating Kamimura Gakuen with a resounding 5-0 scoreline, marking the first time any team has claimed three consecutive titles at the All-Japan High School Girls' Soccer Championship.

This monumental victory not only crowned Fujieda Junshin their eighth championship but also established their dominance in high school girls' soccer, underlining their prowess on the national stage. Just four minutes after the start of the match, Fujieda Junshin struck first. Forward Fujihara Rinon showcased her skills by finding space and firing the ball accurately to the left corner of the net, sending their supporters wild with excitement.

Certainly, the early goal set the tone for Fujieda Junshin, who continued to pressing for more. A corner kick at the 12th minute resulted in another chaotic moment for Kamimura's defense, leading to defender Tsuji Sawa inadvertently directing the ball past her own goalkeeper, effectively doubling the lead for Fujieda Junshin.

Although Kamimura Gakuen attempted to regroup and respond vigorously, it was Fujieda Junshin who maintained control, with their goalkeeper, Ito Kanuka, firmly denying any scoring attempts by the opposition. With adept saves and positioning, she upheld the team's unwavering defensive posture.

Shortly before halftime, the team increased their lead when midfielder Suzuki Yuma drove powerfully from outside the penalty area, scoring their third goal with precision to the left corner, leaving Kamimura Gakuen at 0-3 down as they went to the locker rooms.

Returning for the second half, Kamimura tried to ignite some momentum but faced solid resistance from Fujieda’s defense. They remained resolute under pressure. The breakthrough continued for Fujieda Junshin as they seized the advantage through strategic corner kick plays. At the 19th minute, Tsuzuki Yuzuki anchored the fourth goal with a header, illustrating their set-piece effectiveness.

The final blow akin to the grand exclamation point came at the 42nd minute; forward Yuzuki Tsuzuki secured her place as the tournament's top scorer by netting her eighth goal, cementing the 5-0 victory for Fujieda Junshin.

This championship match not only underscored Fujieda’s attacking prowess—having scored 39 goals throughout the tournament without allowing any against them—but it also set the stage for their legacy as one of the greatest teams to ever compete at this level.

“It was the biggest moment for us, and we couldn't be happier,” said MF Kasai Yui, capturing the players' elation as they celebrated their unprecedented achievement. Another notable aspect of their victory was GK Ito Kanuka reflecting on their team’s dedication: “We worked hard every day for this, and it paid off.”

Historically, Fujieda Junshin has faced significant challenges. Four prior schools had attempted to reach three consecutive championships but fell short. Their road back to this level was paved with hard work, determination, and resilience. Despite missing out on the fourth consecutive title the previous year, this match reignited their fire and confirmed Fujieda Junshin's reign as the ultimate powerhouse of high school girls’ soccer.

This victory not only highlights the team's current caliber but also sets expectations for their next seasons. With immense talent on display and seasoned players likely transitioning to professional leagues, the future of Fujieda Junshin remains bright.

Fujieda Junshin's incredible performance this season challenges other teams and establishes them as relentless contenders for the future, securing their status as legends within the world of high school sports.