KAGOSHIMA (Interstat) — Aura Takahashi scored twice as Kagoshima United defeated visiting Kochi United 3-1 on Wednesday. Takahashi struck in the 2nd minute and again in the 35th, giving Kagoshima a two-goal halftime lead before he was replaced in the 61st minute. Mikuto Fukuda added a third goal in the 87th minute, with Shuto Inaba providing the assist after coming on as a substitute. Ryuta Fujimori pulled one back for Kochi United in the 90th minute, assisted by Genya Sekino. Koju Yoshio also recorded an assist for Kagoshima United before being substituted in the 75th minute. Both sides made substitutions throughout the second half. Kochi United received four yellow cards, while Kagoshima United was booked twice, including Fukuda’s late caution. Kagoshima United improved to 2-1 in the competition and 2-2 overall. Kochi United dropped to 0-3 in the competition and 0-3 overall. Kagoshima United next travels to Osaka, while Kochi United visits Gainare Tottori.