WE League Monthly Best Defense Award Announced for April/May
Key facts
- WE League Monthly Best Defense Award Announced for April/May
- The WE League has announced that Risa Kanehira of RB Omiya Ardija Women has won the Best Defense Award for April and May.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 25, 2026
Direct answer
The WE League has announced that Risa Kanehira of RB Omiya Ardija Women has won the Best Defense Award for April and May.
- Citation
- WE League Monthly Best Defense Award Announced for April/May (May 25, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 25, 2026
The WE League has announced that Risa Kanehira of RB Omiya Ardija Women has won the Best Defense Award for April and May.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 12:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 25, 2026 at 12:48 (16 min after Collected)
## 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."
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."
FAQ
Who is the recipient of the WE League Monthly Best Defense Award for April and May?
Risa Kanpei of RB Domyoji Ardija WOMEN received the award.
Which match was the Best Defense Award based on?
The match was the 2025/26 SOMPO WE League Round 19, RB Domyoji Ardija WOMEN vs. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies.
What was the selection criteria?
She was praised for her team-coordinated defense, successfully winning the ball and quickly transitioning to attack with high quality.
How is the WE League Monthly Best Defense Award selected?
It is decided based on recommendations from each club, fan and supporter votes, and the selection committee's results.
Who is the head of the selection committee?
Ayumi Umehori, a WE League director.