In a stunning turnaround at the Western Digital Stadium Kitakami, Grulla Morioka triumphed over Verspah Oita 4-2, shaking off recent struggles to claim an impressive victory. This match, played on October 26, 2025, proved pivotal for both clubs-one looking to climb out of the depths of the Japan Football League table, while the other aimed to solidify its playoff aspirations.
From the outset, it was clear that Grulla Morioka entered the match with a renewed determination. After a series of disheartening results, including a heavy loss to TIAMO Hirakata just a week prior, they needed a win to revive their season. Scoring their first goal of the match in the 12th minute, Riku Tsuchiya-who had been under pressure to find form-broke the deadlock, sending a wave of relief and exuberance through the home crowd.
However, Verspah Oita, positioned 6th in the standings and riding a wave of recent victories, responded swiftly. Just ten minutes later, Yuta Sugawara equalized with a well-placed shot, reminding everyone why his team was in contention for the playoffs. The back-and-forth nature continued as Grulla Morioka regained their advantage shortly after, with Takumi Kamikawa netting their second goal in the 30th minute, leaving Oita scrambling.
As the match progressed into the second half, both teams showcased their attacking prowess and defensive frailties. After Kota Sato extended Morioka's lead to 3-1 in the 57th minute, Verspah Oita fought back once more, narrowing the gap to 3-2 thanks to a strike from Kenta Hoshino in the 72nd minute. The tension in the stadium was palpable, with fans aware that this game could tip either way.
But Grulla Morioka had no intention of surrendering their lead. In a moment of brilliance, Kohei Yamada sealed their resounding win with a fourth goal in the 80th minute. The home side, buoyed by the cheers of their supporters, held on steadfastly through the final moments, defying predictions made just days before the match.
For Grulla Morioka, now with 29 points and sitting in 10th place, this victory may serve as the much-needed turning point for the rest of their campaign. Meanwhile, Verspah Oita, despite the setback, remains in 6th place with 43 points but must regroup quickly as the playoff race tightens. As the season draws to a close, each team has starkly different paths ahead, with Morioka aiming to capitalize on their newfound momentum while Oita needs to rebound and maintain its quest for playoff glory.
In retrospect, the pre-match preview perhaps underestimated the home team's potential for an upset. The fire in Grulla Morioka proved to be a crucial factor, and as they look toward the next fixtures, one thing is certain: in football, the tide can turn with remarkable swiftness. For both teams, the stakes remain high-Morioka seeks to build on this victory while Oita must respond and now face the pressure of maintaining their playoff position. The battle continues, and October has only just begun to show its drama.