Filipinas play a pair of friendlies against South Korea

THE Philippine women’s football team hones up for future competition and integrates new faces as it plays a pair of international friendlies against Asian power South Korea in Icheon City.

The 39th-ranked Filipinas battle the No. 20 Koreans on April 5 and April 8 at the Icheon Sports Complex as a highlight of their training camp in South Korea.

Coach Mark Torcaso has assembled a 29-strong squad led by FIFA World Cup veterans Sarina Bolden, Liv McDaniel, Sara Eggesvik and Katrina Guillou for the faceoff with the Koreans, the Filipinas’ tormentor in the semifinals of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India.

At the same time, Mr. Torcaso has brought along Under-17 (U17) stalwarts Gabrielle Baker, Aiselyn Sia, Alexa Pino and Nina Mathelus, new additions Alessandria Carpio and Chayse Ying and returning Cathrine Graversen and Charisa Lemoran for integration.

“It’s always a great opportunity to have our Filipinas come together and rally behind the country to play against our Asian counterparts like one of the top national teams like South Korea,” said Mr. Torcaso.

“We also welcome the new faces of Filipinas to our national team. Matches like this prepare our players for major events next year and continue to develop our team and our players,” he added.

The Filipinas look to make the most of the chance to get back at the Koreans, who beat them in the 2022 WAC semis, 2-0, and in the battle for fifth in the 2018 edition, 5-0. — Olmin Leyba