In her first match back in the 2021–22 WE League, Sarina Bolden was brought on late, helping Chifure AS Elfen secure a 2-2 draw against neighbors Omiya Ardija, Saturday afternoon at the Kumagaya Athletic Stadium in Saitama, Japan.
The 5-foot-8 forward was brought on for Japanese midfielder Hikaru Yumura at the 88th minute at the same time Chika Kato replaced Juri Kawano. It was a move by coach Etsuko Handa to bring on fresh legs for her side as it defended for a valuable point.
Beforehand, 19-year-old midfielder Riko Yoshida scored a first-half brace in the 7th and 45th minutes. However, Omiya Ardija Ventus found a way back into the match thanks to defender Saori Ariyoshi’s 25th-minute strike.
Come the second half, it was Omiya Ardija Ventus that found a way to put the ball at the back of the net again. Japanese forward Ayaka Inoue scored her sixth goal of the season at the 71st minute to ensure that her side goes home with a point.
The result means that Elfen Saitama is up at 10th place in the standings with eight points while Omiya Ardija Ventus remains at sixth place with 13 points.
Elfen Saitama resumes its campaign on Monday, March 21 against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies with kick-off scheduled at 1:00 PM Manila time in the Kumagaya Athletic Stadium.
On the other hand, Omiya Ardija Ventus plays a day earlier against Albirex Niigata Ladies at 1:00 PM Manila time in the Denka Big Swan Stadium.
