Despite sustaining an ACL tear in her right knee in the Philippine Women’s National Football Team’s historic 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign, forward Chandler McDaniel has been named in the 27-player lineup for the upcoming friendly against New Zealand.
After missing the 31st Southeast Asian Games and the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee alumna bolsters an attack, which also features the likes of Isabella Flanigan, Katrina Guillou, Sarina Bolden, and Quinley Quezada.
Coach Alen Stajcic’s team will also have four players who are in line for a debut. Goalkeeper Kaiya Rose Jota from Elite Clubs National League side LA Breakers FC, defender Reina Bonta from Yale University, midfielder Reinna Gabriel from Cornell University, and midfielder Meryll Serrano of Norwegian club Arna-Bjørnar.
Goalkeepers Kiara Fontanilla, Olivia Davies-McDaniel, and Inna Palacios are in the pool.
When it comes to the defense, the likes of Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Hali Long, Eva Madarang, Dominique Randle, and Tara Shelton are in contention to make Stajcic’s back four.
In midfield, the former Central Coast Mariners head coach will pick from Tahnai Annis, Anicka Castaneda, Sara Eggesvik, Carleigh Frilles, Kaya Hawkinson, Jessica Miclat, Camille Rodriguez, and Jaclyn Sawicki.
The Filipinas will take on New Zealand this Wednesday at 8:00 AM Philippine time at the Titan Stadium in Cal State Fullerton.
