Even without star striker Sarina Bolden, Philippine women’s national football team head coach Mark Torcaso has high hopes for the team heading towards the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso expressed optimism for the team’s upcoming stint in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers slated in Cambodia by the end of the month, even as the team deals with the absence of star striker Sarina Bolden.
Bolden, who is the team’s top goal scorer, will continue to miss action for the national team due to injury — after also missing out on the team’s Manila camp earlier this month.
Torcaso named his 26-player lineup that the Philippine Football Federation will bring to Cambodia, where the Filipinas begin their journey to qualify for another FIFA Women’s World Cup, two years after making their maiden appearance in the tournament in New Zealand.
[READ: Hali Long, World Cup holdovers lead Filipinas roster for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers]
Led by captain Hali Long, Torcaso’s lineup includes key veterans like Sara Eggesvik, Jaclyn Sawicki, Olivia McDaniel, Angie Beard, Jessika Cowart, Chandler McDaniel, Malea Cesar, Isabella Pasion, Janae Defazio, and Kaya Hawkinson.
“We are confident in every player in our pool and we are excited by the 26 that will battle it out for us to get to the Asian Cup,” Torcaso said.
“I believe it’s well-balanced and provides quality in every area of the pitch. It’s also great to see some of our strong young players that have progressed and developed over the years join some of our World Cup superstars,” he added.
Filipinas' second leading goal scorer Quinley Quezada makes her return to the national team after a brief absence, along with Sofia Wunsch (Harrison), Meryll Serrano, and Carleigh Frilles.
Locally-based players Inna Palacios, Dionesa Tolentin, and Charisa Lemoran are also called up. Youth standouts continue to flank the Filipinas as well, with Nina Mathelus, Gabrielle Baker, Alexa Pino, Ava Villapando, and Chayse Ying also headed to Cambodia.
Torcaso’s Filipinas are eager to hit the ground running, especially after stumbling in their last game, falling in a friendly against Chinese Taipei.
[RELATED: Filipinas stumble against Chinese Taipei in rare home friendly]
“We are looking forward to Cambodia and we can’t wait to get out there and perform for all our fans at home and abroad,” said Torcaso.
Rounding up the squad are Nina Meollo, Rhea Arcenal Chan, and Katana Norman.
The Filipinas open their campaign with pool games in Group G where they face Saudi Arabia, hosts Cambodia, and Hong Kong.
Their first game kicks off on Sunday, June 29, against Saudi Arabia.