The Philippine Women’s National Team concluded their US training camp with a 1-2 defeat to 22nd ranked and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 co-hosts New Zealand in an international friendly last Tuesday, 06 September 2022 (Wednesday morning Manila time) at the Titan Stadium in Fullerton, California.
Sarina Bolden gifted the Philippines with a shock lead in first half stoppage time. Midfielder Sara Eggesvik found the forward with an inviting ball to the box, allowing Bolden to fire a volley past the New Zealand goal.
However, New Zealand equalized in the 71st minute from the penalty spot after the Philippines conceded a penalty allowing Meikayla Moore to slot home the spot kick past Olivia McDaniel.
New Zealand completed the turnaround seven minutes from time as Ali Riley struck home from close range to put the Football Ferns ahead.
Not to be undone, the Filipinas pressed on for a late equalizer and agonizingly came close to finding it right before full-time, but substitute Jessika Cowart’s header was denied by the post.
Head coach Alen Stajcic thought the match, which was the culmination of the team’s training camp, was a perfect gauge of the team’s capability against higher ranked teams.
“It was a good performance against a strong and experienced team,” said Stajcic after the match. “We have to compete, but we have to win. I am happy we competed and showed that we are at this level, but we have to find a way to win.”
