The Philippine Women’s National Football Team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the New Zealand Football Ferns in a friendly, Wednesday morning Manila time, at the Titan Stadium in the Cal State Fullerton campus in California, USA.
The Filipinas drew first blood against a team ranked 22nd in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings just before the halftime break. Sarina Bolden found the back of the net in the 45+1 minute off an assist from Sara Eggesvik.
However, that was as good as it got for coach Alen Stajic’s team. The Football Ferns came back strongly after the break.
New Zealand found a way to level the contest in the 71st minute. The Football Ferns were awarded a penalty and defender Meikayla Moore converted the spot-kick past Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
The Oceania side then clinched the lead thanks to defender Ali Riley’s strike in the 83rd minute.
The Filipinas tried to find a way back, but it just was not meant to be. Jessika Cowart had a late sniff at the goal, only for her effort to hit the woodwork.
This result culminates in a 13-day training camp for the Filipinas in the US.
Philippines XI: McDaniel (GK), Long ©, Randle, Harrison, Eggesvik, Miclat, Quezada, Guillou, Frilles, Bolden, Madarang.
New Zealand XI: Nayler (GK), Bunge, Bott, Moore, Riley A, Riley I, Anton, Chance, Hassett, Satchell, Hand.
