Sarina Bolden had to settle for another loss in the 2021-22 WE.League as her team, Elfen Saitama, failed to complete a comeback and folded 3-2 against Urawa, Monday afternoon, at the Kumagaya Athletic Stadium in Saitama.
“We were expecting today’s game to be a tough time,” said a translated version of head coach Etsuko Handa’s comments. “In the first half, we were able to showcase our strengths, but we were not able to create a rhythm, and we had a lot of time to get the ball against our opponents.”
Bolden was brought on for midfielder Kozue Setoguchi at the 76th minute as her side was chasing the game. Beforehand, Urawa Reds were able to gain a two-goal cushion thanks to a brace from their striker Yuika Sugasawa at the 55th and 57th minutes.
Elfen Saitama was able to get back into the game thanks to midfielder Chika Kato’s 62nd-minute strike. Hikaru Yumura then leveled the contest with a header off a corner at the 77th minute to help the Handa’s wards get closer to clinching a draw in front of 1,404 fans.
However, the Urawa Reds found a way to regain the lead and eventually break the hearts of Bolden, who was given a yellow card at the 88th minute for rough play, and her teammates. A close-range strike from Yu Endo at the 89th minute proved to be the decisive winner as Elfen Saitama found no way back from their late heartbreak.
“In the second half, we conceded two goals early, but we were able to return two goals, which I feel that we have a common understanding of the team and the results of our training. With the second half of the match resuming and scoring five goals, we will take a positive view of the part where we are improving as a team, and prepare ourselves again for next week so that we can clear the final win and defensive issues,” furthered Handa.
The result leaves Elfen Saitama at 11th place in the standings with eight points at the back of one win and five draws while Urawa Reds are at third place with 23 points behind seven wins and two draws.
Bolden and her teammates shall take on Albirex Niigata Ladies on Saturday at 2:00 PM Manila time at the Shoda Shoyu Stadium Gunma in Maebashi, Japan.
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