Nadeshiko league returned after a brief international break, and Apollon Ladies started their new season with a Super Cup victory. This and more in this week’s NWSL Abroad update!
Nadeshiko League (Japan)
INAC Kobe 1 – 1 Yunogo Bell
INAC Kobe score their first goal in four matches as they played to a draw against Yunogo Bell over the weekend. Despite recently returning from two friendlies in Canada, Nahomi Kawasumi played a full 90 minutes for the club, having been given some rest during the second of the two international matches. Absent from the starting lineup for the first time since returning to the club was Beverly Goebel, though she did come in as a sub in the 62nd minute continuing to play in more of a midfield role. While the 1-1 draw can be seen as a slight improvement, INAC Kobe has continued to struggle and is currently in last place in league standings while Yunogo Bell is in second.
NTV Beleza 1 – 2 Albirex Niigata
Both Nanase Kiryu and Tiffany McCarty came on as subs as Niigata was able to score a second half goal to secure a 2-1 victory over NTV Beleza. Kiryu came on in the 57th minute while McCarty came on in the 72nd minute. Beleza is currently third in the league while Niigata is in fifth place.
Vegalta Sendai 3 – 2 AS Saitama
Thanks to a stoppage time goal, Vegalta Sendai finished out their lower league series matches with a win defeating AS Saitama 3-2. Brittany Cameron got the start again and kept a clean sheet until the 61st minute when AS Saitama tied the score at one goal a piece. AS Saitama would score again seven minutes later but Vegalta answered back quickly and was able to find a winner in stoppage time. Vegalta would finish in first place in the lower half of league standings. Cameron had a pretty good run with the club as she earned two clean sheets and allowed only four goals in four matches played.
Iga FC 2 – 0 Kibi International
Kristie Mewis made her second start and played 90 minutes at forward in Iga FC’s 2-0 victory over Kibi International. Rachel Van Hollebeke did not suit up for the match. This was the second straight win for the club in a season where results have been mixed. Iga FC will play in a home and away promotion/relegation playoff against Nittaidai on November 15th or 16th and November 23rd.
Scottish Women’s Premier League (Scotland)
Glasgow City FC 2 – 1 Aberdeen
Glasgow City FC ended their season with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen. After a hard fought battle, City was able to pull out a late winner off the foot of team captain Leanne Ross. Ross had been out injured since August so it was a nice touch that she was able to get the game winner after having only been on the pitch ten minutes. Morgan Marlborough also featured in the club’s final league match, getting the start. Having clinched the league title weeks ago, City finished 17 points clear at the top. They next face Zurich in Champions League action on November 9th.
Elitedivisionen (Denmark)
Fortuna Hjørring 2 – 0 KoldingQ (October 25)
With B93/HIK/Ryparken withdrawing from the league in September, Fortuna Hjørring did not have a league match, though they did play and defeat KoldingQ the previous week 2-0. Taryn Hemmings, Nadia Nadim and Michelle Betos all started that match with Nadim continuing her scoring streak, netting the first goal of the match in the 37th minute. Melissa Henderson was an unused sub for the match. Fortuna Hjørring’s next action is a Champions League fixture against Damallsvenskan champions FC Rosengard on November 8th.
Cyprus Super Cup (Cyprus)
The Apollon Limassol Ladies won the Cyprus Super Cup over the weekend by a 9-0 margin. Sky Blue FC midfielder Ashley Nick scored a goal and had an assist in the team’s victory. It appears that Nick will be staying with Apollon Ladies as they begin their league play and will remain with the club through January 2015.
Feature Photo courtesy of Dan Orlowitz/Goal.com
