In her first appearance in a local derby, Sarina Bolden was able to help Chifure AS Elfen Saitama seal a 0-0 result against Omiya Ardija Ventus in front of 1,959 fans in the 2021-22 WE.League season, Saturday afternoon at the NACK5 Stadium Omiya in Saitama.
The result leaves Elfen Saitama at 11th place in the standings with five points after nine matches played. On the other hand, Omiya Ardija Ventus is in sixth place with nine points after eight games played.
“We have prepared for our second consecutive victory with a goal of three points,” said a translated version of coach Etsuko Handa’s comments. “Unfortunately, one goal was a draw, but I think it was great for the team to be held to a clean sheet and to score a point.”
Bolden was brought on at the 61st minute to replace Japanese forward Juri Kawano as Handa sought to freshen up her attack.
Unlike last week against AC Nagano, though, Elfen Saitama failed to find a goal late in the second half and both sides eventually had to settle for a goalless stalemate.
“In terms of defense, I feel that what we have done so far has been getting results little by little. We created a relatively large number of chances to start up, and we were able to play aggressively as a team, so we will continue to prepare ourselves so that we can connect to the final goal,” furthered Handa.
“Today was our first Saitama Derby of the season, and it was really helpful for many people to support us. There were some pinches, but the support reached the team. The next match will be a Saitama derby at home, so we will win the match with the support of many people and lead to the second half,” she continued.
Bolden and the rest of Elfen Saitama hope to return to winning ways when they take on the Urawa Reds Ladies in another local derby at the Kumagaya Athletic Stadium in Saitama, Japan. The kickoff is scheduled at 2:00 PM Manila time.
