Ryutsu Keiei University Kashiwa (Chiba) has secured their place in the semifinals of the 103rd National High School Soccer Championship after defeating Ueda Nishi (Nagano) with a stunning score of 8-0 during the quarterfinals held at the Fukuda Denshi Arena on January 4.
The match was marked by Ryutsu Keiei Kashiwa's aggressive gameplay from the outset. They took the lead just 13 minutes in when forward Haruta Yamano scored the first goal. Soon after, midfielder Teppei Wada seized on a mistake by Ueda's defense to net the second goal at the 17-minute mark. By the 28th minute, Aomu Kameda, who has already signed with J2's Kataller Toyama, added to the tally with a beautiful shot from the left side of the penalty area, bringing the score to 3-0.
Ryutsu's momentum continued unimpeded. Yamano scored his second goal at 37 minutes, heading the ball expertly after Yu Kasyuya provided a cross from the left. Just three minutes later, Wada grabbed his second of the match, flicking the ball home after bypassing Ueda's goalkeeper, and Kameda duplicated his earlier effort just before halftime, leaving Ryutsu Keiei Kashiwa with a commanding 6-0 lead at the break.
Despite Ueda Nishi's attempts to regain control, they were met with fierce defense and quick counterattacks from Ryutsu. The second half saw Kashiwa secure their seventh goal from a corner kick at the 70-minute mark, when defender Rusei Nasu headed the ball home. They concluded their scoring spree with a penalty converted by Sou Yuzuki at the 74-minute mark, finalizing the score at 8-0.
This victory is notable for Ryutsu Keiei as they enter the semifinals for the first time in six tournaments, aiming for their second championship title after last winning it 17 tournaments ago. Their next challengers will be Toukai University Sagami (Kanagawa), with the match scheduled for January 11.
On the other hand, Ueda Nishi has faced disappointment as they were unable to replicate their earlier success, having knocked out higher-ranked competitors such as Yaita Chuo (Tochigi) earlier on their path to the quarterfinals.
The 103rd National High School Soccer Championship has seen extraordinary talent and competitiveness this season, and this quarterfinal match demonstrated the skill and determination of the players. With Ryutsu Keiei's significant win, the stage is set for exciting matchups as they contend for the championship.