CHILE emerged with a gritty 1-0 decision over an undermanned Philippine squad early yesterday morning (Tuesday in South America) in a chippy contest that capped their two-match friendly at the Estadio Municipal dela Pintana in Santiago.
Veteran midfielder Karen Araya struck in the 23rd minute, a lead Chile held throughout the match as the Filipinas played shorthanded in the second half when midfielder Sara Eggesvik was shown the exit for getting a second yellow card in the 53rd minute after colliding hard with a Chilean player.
Skipper Hali Long remonstrated with the referee regarding the call, to no avail.
Filipinas coach Alen Stajcic of Australia also incurred a yellow card for contesting some calls in game that became a highly-physical affair.
The hosts tried to make the most of the manpower edge but goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel played valiantly, foiling the La Rojas Feminina’s forays inside the box to keep the game close.
Bella Flanigan had a chance to tie the score near the end of the match but her shot from the left flank was off the mark.
The World Cup-bound Filipinas ended their first training camp in a South American country with a loss and a draw against Chile following their 1-all standoff in Vina del Mar last week.
“We’ve never played against a South American squad before so it was an excellent opportunity for us to grow and develop and become better footballers leading to the World Cup,” Stajcic said in a statement.
