By: Icko de Guzman
Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso is leaving no stone unturned as the team gears up for a crucial clash in the ASEAN Women’s MSIG Serenity Cup 2025 in Vietnam.
Riding high on a dominant 7-0 thrashing of Timor-Leste last Thursday, Torcaso knows that a strong showing against Australia on Sunday night could put the Philippines within striking distance of the knockout rounds — especially after the Australians stumbled in their opener, falling 2-1 to Myanmar.
“We don’t focus on other opponents,” said Torcaso. “We focus on us, on what we need to do. Our target is to get out of the group, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen and play the maximum amount of games here in Vietnam.”
Debutants Dionesa Tolentin, Aaliyah Schinaman, and Adelaide Wyrzynski all made an immediate impact by scoring in their first appearances. Meanwhile, Azumi Oka and Isabella Alamo delivered standout performances in their maiden starts.
Those bright displays have impressed Torcaso as he continues to shape the squad for a demanding stretch ahead — which includes the 33rd Southeast Asian Games later this year and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March 2026.
“We have a very young team with players still developing to play for our country,” added Torcaso. “It’s important for us to keep building through this tournament, into the SEA Games, and then the Asian Cup, because we want to go to another World Cup.
“We have a lot of work to do, and we’ll keep doing it for our country, for our fans back home, and for all Filipinos abroad.”
When Vietnamese media asked about the team’s naturalized players, Torcaso was quick to clarify.
“Every one of our players is Filipino, it doesn’t matter where they were born,” quipped Torcaso. “They all have a connection to our country, and that’s what matters most. They represent the Philippines with passion and pride, and they’ve shown that for many years.
“I’m privileged to coach this national team and proud to say that every one of these girls is from the Philippines, regardless of their birthplace.”
