Angie Beard has formally switched federations, moving from Australia to the Philippines just a month before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Western United’s 25-year-old defender was part of the 29-woman provisional pool that will have a month-long training camp in Sydney before the global meet.
Beard, who previously played for Brisbane, Melbourne, and Fortuna prior to joining Western, had three caps with Australia.
Beard, whose mother hails from Cebu, joined the Filipinas in their training camp back in October 2022.
Midfielders Jessica Miclat and Ryley Bugay are also returning to the pool after not being called up for the Filipinas’ recent matches.
The team will be led by co-captains Tahnai Annis and Hali Long. Under the duo’s leadership, the Filipinas are now ranked 46th in the world, which is the country’s highest placing ever.
Kiara Fontanilla, Kaiya Jota, Olivia McDaniel, and Inna Palacios are the goalkeepers who have been called up.
The likes of Maya Alcantara, Alicia Barker, Reina Bonta, Jessika Cowart, Malea Cesar, Sofia Harrison, and Dominique Randle will look to seal a ticket in the defense.
When it comes to the midfield, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkinson, Eva Madarang, Isabella Pasion, Quinley Quezada, and Jaclyn Sawicki will vie for spots in the middle of the pitch.
Sarina Bolden will lead the attack alongside the likes of Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel, and Meryll Serrano.
“This is the biggest stage in women’s football and the Filipinas will be shining a spotlight on the country. The team wants to make the country proud that’s why the PFF and the management are doing everything possible to prepare the team,” said Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng.
The pool will be trimmed down to 23.
There is still no word as to whether the Filipinas will have some friendlies just before they engage in the World Cup, where they will play the likes of Switzerland on July 21, host nation New Zealand on July 25, and Norway on July 30.
