J-League first-division leaders Machida Zelvia made an early exit from the Emperor's Cup on Wednesday, losing 4-2 on penalties to Tsukuba University after their second-round fixture ended in a 1-1 draw.
The university students equalized in second-half injury time and neither team scored in extra time at Zelvia's Machida Gion Stadium in western Tokyo, forcing a penalty shootout.
Niigata's Japan Soccer College also scored a major upset, defeating an inexperienced Nagoya Grampus squad 1-0 at the J-League first-division side's Toyota Stadium.
"It was a comprehensive defeat," Grampus manager Kenta Hasegawa said. "It really brought home how hard the Emperor's Cup is. Our preparation was lacking."
