AN upset-conscious Philippine women’s squad yielded a close 1-2 decision to fancied New Zealand early morning yesterday (Tuesday afternoon in the US) in a friendly at the Titan Stadium inside the California State University campus in Fullerton, California.
The Filipinas struck first with irrepressible forward Sarina Bolden scoring the icebreaker in the 46th minute, but the Ferns countered with two goals in the second half to score a come-from-behind win.
Defender Meikaela Moore, who was struck down inside the penalty box, converted the equalizing penalty kick in the 70th minute while back row partner Ali Riley booted in the winning marker in the 83rd on a follow-up during a goalmouth scramble.
The charges of coach Alen Stajcic tried to equalize in the match’s dying seconds, but Jessika Cowart’s last-gasp header from a pass by skipper Tahnai Annis hit the left goal post and was cleared by the Kiwis.
The Ferns are ranked No. 22 ranking in the FIFA women’s world ratings while the Filipinas are ranked 31 spots lower.
In their first match since winning the Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship trophy at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last July, the Pinay booters looked cohesive and threatening early on.
Their relentless efforts finally paid off as nimble midfielder Sara Eggesvik came through with a long pass just inside the midfield to the surging Bolden, who slipped pasta defender to blast a 10-yard volley past the fingertips of Kiwi goalkeeper Elrin Naylor.
Stung by that goal, the Ferns pressed their rivals in the second half, with Moore seeing a clear shot at the goal before she was taken down from behind by defender Dominique Randle.
The Glasgow City mainstay coolly slotted in the tying penalty kick on the bottom left of the goal past goalie Olivia McDaniel.
Riley scored the insurance goal 13 minutes later with a left foot shot that took the starch out of Filipinas.
The Filipinas are back at their training camp in Irvine, California as part of their preparations for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to Aug. 20, 2023.
