With key players out due to injury, the Philippine women’s national football team failed to give fans a win at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
A younger Filipinas squad struggled to connect as the Philippine women’s national football team fell in a narrow 0-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei in the team’s first official home game in three years at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night.
Flanked by newer players due to more veteran players missing out on the camp due to injury, most notably top scorers Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada, the Filipinas were outplayed by the busier Chinese Taipei.
The visitors were more aggressive from the get-go, controlling possession for most of the match. The Filipinas struggled building their attack, relying instead on counter attacks and set pieces.
Near the half hour mark, Chinese Taipei broke through and got past Olivia McDaniel after a short clearance ended up with Sara Eggesvik deep into the Filipinas half. A first touch that went awry ended up with Saki Matsunaga who was able to slot it in past the Filipinas keeper to put the visitors ahead.
The Filipinas struggled to get their offense going but still had some promising tries, including a try by Chandler McDaniel near halftime where she appeared to be tripped inside the box. However, no foul was called.
In the second half, the Filipinas were stuck on the defensive against a Chinese Taipei side that continued to push.
While Filipinas skipper Hali Long and her backline were able to keep things at bay for the score to stay the same, the Filipinas struggled to get one back.
Still, the Filipinas were able give the 3,000 strong crowd at Rizal Memorial Stadium something to cheer about with some close attempts.
The Filipinas threatened the most at the 80th minute when Janae DeFazio got a good look at goal but was blocked by a Chinese Taipei defender. It was unclear whether or not the ball grazed the defender’s arm, which would’ve lead to a Filipinas penalty kick.
The Filipinas had one last attempt in added time when they had a set piece right outside the box but they couldn’t convert.
Up next for the Filipinas is the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. They face Saudi Arabia first on June 29.