Get to know two of the Filipinas’ forwards for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Featuring the forwards. The goal scorers. Tasked to penetrate and dismantle the opposition's defense and create the opportunity for goals.
Every team's system might be anchored on its defense. After all, gaining possession starts on that end of the pitch. But the finishing touch is placed on the forwards' shoulders and legs to get that football behind the keeper's line.
Chandler McDaniel and Katrina Guillou take the spotlight in this feature of the Filipinas' top forwards for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Name: Chandler McDaniel
Position: Forward
Age: 25
Birthplace: Orange, California
Club: FC Golden State
Chandler McDaniel only joined the Filipinas last year, but she has already proven to be a lethal weapon up front. She has a total of five goals for the Filipinas in three tournaments.
Even after sustaining a heartbreaking ACL injury in 2022, McDaniel barely missed form when she returned to action back in April, when she netted three goals, including a brace against Tajikistan in the 2024 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Expect her to secure more points for the country in the biggest competition of the Philippine football program.
Let 'em know
McDaniel's heart should never be questioned.
"A year ago, I was struggling to accept the fact that I had torn my ACL. This month I was finally able to play for my country again," the forward said after making her comeback for the Filipinas.
"Always trust in the plan God has made for you. I couldn’t be happier to be back out here with my team!"
Turns out, God's plan is to put her on the Philippines' FIFA World Cup squad.
Pass the sass
McDaniel is passionate in anime and cosplaying.
In this post, she dressed up as Rock Lee from Naruto. Guess what, Lee also suffered from a devastating injury, but came back even stronger, too! That's a lot like McDaniel, we reckon.
Keep slaying
Check out McDaniel's confidence-boosting first goal back from injury.
Name: Katrina Guillou
Position: Forward
Age: 29
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
Club: Pitea IF
Katrina Guillou chose to represent the Philippines when she was still in college and formally introduced herself to the Filipinas with a goal in her debut tournament back in early 2022.
Since then, she's netted 10 total goals for the country, including a hat trick. Suffice to say, Guillou is a formidable scorer who strikes fear into the hearts of defenses.
Let 'em know
Guillou donning the Philippine colors has deep roots because she was raised by her Filipino mother in the United States when her father died.
For Katrina, every moment spent inside the pitch with the Filipinas is an homage to her mother, who sacrificed a lot for their family.
"Getting to share this [Filipinas experience] with my mom, who was born and raised in the Philippines, it has meant a lot to kind of represent her, do everything for her and our family."
Pass the sass
Katrina has an affinity for the sea. She, apparently, likes headstands, too.
Keep slaying
Is there any doubt that Guillou is a force to be reckoned with? Here's more proof to reinforce that belief.
This article is part of a series that puts the spotlight on each member of the Filipinas' FIFA Women's World Cup squad. The previous editions featured the country's top goal scorers, goalies, forwards, and defenders. Stay tuned for the next one.
(MDB)