MIDFIELDER and skipper Tahnai Annis, veteran defensive linchpin Hali Long and ace striker Sarina Bolden lead the final list of 23 players named by Australian coach Alen Stajcic for the Filipinas, who are set to make their historic debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand next week.
Stajcic announced the final roster late Sunday night, which was posted in the Philippine Football Federation website, as the Nationals ended their four-week training camp in Sydney, Australia and headed for their base camp in Auckland, New Zealand yesterday.
“We congratulate the 23 players who were selected for the Philippines in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and express our gratitude to the players who have committed and sacrificed to make themselves available throughout the selection process,” PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Jr. said in a statement after the announcement was made.
“We wish our team all the best as they head to New Zealand for the final days of their preparation, before the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” echoed PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes.
“The next weeks will be the culmination of a year-and-a-half of hard work, dedication and sacrifice by every member of our Team,” said national women’s team manager Jefferson Cheng. “This group of 23 represents the best of us, the best of the indomitable Filipino spirit, and I am excited to see them make all of us even prouder.”
Also making the cut was first-choice goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who will be backed up by Kiara Fontanilla and Kaiya Jota.
Joining Long in the back row are Alicia Barker, Angela Beard, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison and Dominique Randle.
Supporting Annis at midfield are Ryley Bugay, who is taking time off from her medical studies in the US; Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Quinley Quezada and Jaclyn Sawicki.
Aside from Bolden, providing the offense are Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel and Meryll Serrano, while goalie Inna Palacios, Maya Alcantara and Isabella Pasion are the reserves.
Bracketed in Group A, the charges of Stajcic open their drive against Switzerland on July 21 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in the southwestern city of Dunedin, play Norway four days later at the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, before winding up their campaign on July 30 against the host Ferns at Eden Park in Auckland.
