In the semi-finals, they faced Kashiwa Reysol. Neither team gave an inch, and the score remained 0-0 for a long time.
With no goals scored until the end, the match went to a penalty shootout. All five Tsukuba Junior players successfully converted their penalties, securing their spot in the final.
In the final, they faced Takaoka JFC. The first period was a tight contest, ending scoreless.
The score changed in the second period. Sora Doi broke the deadlock. Surrounded by opponents on the left flank, he skillfully turned and cut inside, then unleashed a powerful right-footed shot. The perfectly controlled shot nestled into the bottom left corner of the goal, giving Tsukuba Junior the lead.
Then, the match moved again in the third period. Koshiro Sakayori took a corner kick from the left, and Sora Doi headed it into the net in front of the goal. Tsukuba Junior extended their lead to 2-0.
Tsukuba Junior fought as one team until the end and won 2-0, securing their first championship.
[Comment from Coach Yoji Nakano]
"This tournament, from the qualifiers to yesterday's quarter-finals, was a series of tough matches. The quarter-final against Kobe was a come-from-behind victory, and the semi-final against Kashiwa was decided by a penalty shootout. In the final, our number 4 center-back (Yuta Hoteida) was suspended due to a red card in the semi-final, but I believe they performed well despite the adversity."