After six months, including a management change, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team is set to return to action with a player who has been on the program’s radar in recent years: Maz Pacheco.
The 26-year-old standout, currently playing for Aston Villa in England, headlines a 26-woman squad for this month’s Pink Ladies Cup in Türkiye.
Other new names on the roster include former UCLA Bruin Janae DeFazio and Calder United SC midfielder Judy Connolly.
“Maz brings professionalism, experience, and excitement to our group. After speaking with her, it’s clear she’s eager to join the camp and start training. Maz will work with the team to familiarize herself with our style of play,” said Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso.
“She, along with several other new faces, will inject freshness and competition into the squad. We are excited for Maz to be part of this, but we’re equally thrilled for Janae DeFazio, who just spent the summer with Kansas City in the NWSL. It’s an exciting time, and I know all the players are looking forward to coming together again.”
In addition to Pacheco, notable players who made the squad include goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, defenders Angie Beard and Hali Long, midfielder Sara Eggesvik, and striker Sarina Bolden.
Other goalkeepers in the lineup are Nina Meollo and Inna Palacios, while Rhea Chan, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Ariana Markey, and Lauren Villasin will compete for spots in the defense.
The midfielders in the squad include Anicka Castañeda, Kaya Hawkinson, Isabella Pasion, Quinley Quezada, Jaclyn Sawicki, and Meryll Serrano.
In the attacking third, Alessandra Carpio, Isabella Flanigan, Katrina Guillou, Nina Mathelus, and Chandler McDaniel will aim to score goals.
“We want to keep expanding our pool of players and give everyone a chance to represent our national team in the future,” said Torcaso. “We have some fresh faces, returning World Cup players, and youth in the mix. This is an exciting group, and we are looking forward to our time in Turkey.
“We will implement our new playing style and begin preparations for our Asian Cup qualification, as well as the AFF tournament and SEA Games. This is a great opportunity for us to reunite after a long break,” he added.
“It’s also important to acknowledge the selection of other players who, unfortunately, were unavailable due to injuries or college commitments. Notable absentees include Katana Norman, Camille Sahirul, Reina Bonta, Inday Tolentin, Alexa Pino, and Carleigh Frillies.”
The Filipinas are scheduled to face two nations as part of their participation in the Pink Ladies Cup: Jordan on October 26 and the Democratic Republic of Congo on October 30.
These matches will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Filipinas, and their head coach can’t wait for the action to start.
“It’s an exciting time, and I know all the players are looking forward to coming together again,” said Torcaso.
