There was no last-minute miracle this time around for the Philippine Women’s National Football Team.
Carleigh Frilles’ first half-strike was not enough as the Filipinas faltered 2-1 against Costa Rica, Wednesday morning Manila time, at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá in San Jose.
The 20-year-old forward gave coach Alen Stajcic’s side the lead in the 45+2 minute when she latched onto Isabella Flanigan’s pass to put the ball at the back of the net.
However, the home side retaliated strongly in the second half.
The Philippines missed a good opportunity to double its lead when Tahnai Annis squandered her penalty attempt.
Raquel Rodriguez then made the Filipinas pay at the other end when she converted Costa Rica’s spot-kick in the 61st minute after a handball incident in the box.
Gloriana Villalobos then scored the winner for the 37th world-ranked team in the 68th minute to send the Philippines into defeat.
Costa Rica XI: Benavides, D Cruz, S Cruz ©, Rodriguez, Oporta, Chinchilla, Alvarado, Salas, Villalobos, Alvarado, Solera (GK).
Philippines XI: Cesar, Randle, Long ©, Flanigan, Frilles, Harrison, McDaniel (GK), Madarang, Quezada, Eggesvik, Cowart.
