The majority of the second round of the Emperor’s Cup took place on Saturday, with three J1 League clubs suffering “giant killing” upsets by J3 League sides and others nearly suffering the same fate.

Ventforet Kofu were the first top division team knocked out of the Cup when they lost 6-7 to Oita Trinita in penalty kicks. 

The Kyushu side will face Shimizu S-Pulse, who dispatched Mito Hollyhock 3-0 at home, in the third round.

A 94th-minute goal by Ryosuke Tada gave another J3 side, AC Nagano Parceiro, a 1-0 win over Nagoya Grampus, who continue to struggle despite their recent managerial change.

Vegalta Sendai saw their dreams of Cup glory disappear as they conceded a stunning five goals in a 5-2 loss to Grulla Morioka. 19-year-old Shunsuke Motegi scored his first goal for Vegalta in the defeat.

Grulla’s third round opponents will be Japan Football League members Honda FC, who become the first non-J.League side to advance to the third round after winning 2-1 at Matsumoto Yamaga.

Current J1 League leaders Kawasaki Frontale stumbled early, going into halftime down 1-0 to Blaublitz Akita before recovering to win 3-1 and advance to a third round showdown with JEF United Chiba.

The round will conclude with four more matches on September 7.