By: Icko de Guzman
Perth Stadium was alive with 44,379 fans on the opening day of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, and while the Philippines fell 0–1 to host nation Australia, goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel emerged as the standout performer in a valiant defensive effort.
Facing a familiar foe — the Matildas had crushed the Filipinas, 8–0, on October 2023 — the Philippines came into the match determined to make a statement.
A 14th-minute header from Australian captain Sam Kerr decided the contest, but McDaniel’s heroics kept the scoreline respectable.
“I mean, as well as we did, I think we’re still a bit unhappy with the result,” the 5-foot-8 keeper from Laguna Beach, California, said.
“A loss is a loss and we wanted to come away with something, whether it be a draw or a win.”
The Filipinas’ defense, anchored by skipper Hali Long, Jessika Cowart, Angela Beard, and Sofia Wunsch, absorbed relentless pressure. Meanwhile, McDaniel produced an astonishing 18 saves to keep the hosts at bay for long stretches.
“I’m just really proud of all the hard work that the girls put in,” the 28-year-old Filipinas anchor added.
“The last 45 minutes we didn’t concede, and that’s something we can build on. I’m really happy with the girls, really proud of them, and we’re just going to look to get better and better each game.”
Now, the Filipinas shift their focus to the Gold Coast for a crucial showdown against South Korea.
With group-stage survival and a pathway toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 on the line, McDaniel is clear-eyed about what’s next.
“We’ve got to come away with some wins in the next couple of games so we can get ourselves out of the group,” she said.
“We’ll put this game in the rearview, learn from it, and focus on South Korea.”
