The Empress’s Cup All-Japan Women’s Championship got under way over the weekend with JFA Academy Fukushima among those advancing to the second round of the annual tournament.
　The JFA Academy edged Shizuoka Sangyo University Bonita 2-1 on Morita Umi’s 88th-minute winner. The Academy will next play Osaka University of Health and Sports Science.
　In other games, Fujieda Junshin High School beat Niigata University of Health and Welfare 3-1 and will meet Tokiwagi Gakuen High School in the next round.
　The second round will take place on December 1 and 2 when AS Elfen Sayama and Fukuoka J. Anclas of the nation’s top flight Nadeshiko League will join the tournament. Nadeshiko Challenge League winners Vegalta Sendai Ladies will also join from the second round, taking on Nihon Sport Science University at home in Sendai.
　The rest of the Nadeshiko League teams – including two-time champions INAC Kobe and runners-up NTV Beleza – will appear from the third round (December 8 and 9).
　The quarterfinals will be held on December 16 and the semifinals on December 22. The final will be staged on December 24 at NACK5 Stadium in Omiya.

From JFA.or.jp