FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Interstat) — Fukushima Utd defeated Giravanz Kitakyushu 2-1 on Wednesday at TOHO Stadium in Fukushima. Daigo Takahashi scored Giravanz Kitakyushu’s lone goal and played the full 90 minutes. Kaisei Kano put Fukushima Utd ahead in the 54th minute and also played the full match, and Hiroki Higuchi scored in the 61st during a 73-minute appearance. Kano’s goal broke a scoreless deadlock. Higuchi was booked in the 47th. Koh S. was cautioned in the 81st and Kawabe S. in the 90th minute plus three for Giravanz Kitakyushu. Fukushima Utd held on after Higuchi’s goal. Fukushima Utd made substitutions in the 73rd, 82nd and 88th minutes, while Giravanz Kitakyushu changed players in the 58th, 77th and 87th. The result leaves Giravanz Kitakyushu 1-2 in the competition and 1-3 across all competitions. Fukushima Utd is 1-1-1 in the competition and 1-2-1 across all competitions.