WE League Monthly Best Defense Award Announced for April/May

WE League Monthly Best Defense Award (April/May)

The WE League has selected Risa Kanehira (RB Omiya Ardija Women) as the recipient of the Monthly Best Defense Award for April and May of the 2025/26 SOMPO WE League.

● Target Match 2025/26 SOMPO WE League, Matchday 19: RB Omiya Ardija Women vs. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies

● Targeted Scene In the 54th minute, Risa Kanehira, in coordination with Miki Takahashi and Moeno Sakaguchi, successfully won the ball against the opponent's build-up. Her decisive defensive play directly contributed to the goal scored by Haon Nishio.

● Player Comment "Thank you for selecting me for the Monthly Best Defense Award for April and May. By coordinating our defensive pressure from the front—the 'RB style'—Sakaguchi-san and I managed to win the ball and effectively set up Nishio-san's goal. I am very happy that we were able to embody what we strive for as a team during such an important game, the Saitama Derby."

● Reasons for Selection (Selection Committee Chair: Ayumi Kaihori) "This was an impressive scene where the team coordinated to set a defensive trap, multiple players targeted the ball, successfully stopped the opponent's advance, and quickly transitioned to the attack. Not only did they win the ball, but the subsequent sequence—sending an accurate pass leading to a goal—clearly demonstrated the high quality of their defensive-to-offensive transition. I believe this was a fantastic play that perfectly represents how RB Omiya Ardija Women has played this season."