Saitama Championship Final

URATON cruised to the final game of the championship, where they played Urawa Minami. This seemed a little strange. The championship for all Saitama and the two teams playing are Urawa East and Urawa South.

The game was at Saitama Stadium 2002, the place built for Japan side of the 2002 World Cup. It filled up pretty well for a high school game. I think most people were from other soccer teams and family members but it was a good turnout. I kept running into students and parents but didn't talk to any of the teachers. They showed up an hour and a half early to get in free and get seats. I was planning on that but the buses were packed and I couldn't get there on time.

It was a rough game. One kid was taken off the field for what I think was a pride related injury, but there was nothing more serious. There wasn't much doubt who would win. Urawa Higashi dominated possession and played great defense. The kids played well, and took the game 1-0.