MAZ Pacheco’s Filipinas debut will have to wait, but this early, head coach Mark Torcaso is already raving about her commitment to the national team.
The highly-touted Aston Villa defender is still in the process of obtaining her Philippine passport, making her ineligible to play for the Filipinas in the Pink Ladies Week where the national squad will play two friendlies in Antalya, Turkey.
Pacheco, however, was still able to make it to the Filipinas training camp and has been active participant as she waits for her passport, enabling her to become familiar with the system in place.
“Obviously, Maz, her passport is still in the process. She is committed to us which is excellent,” said Torcaso. “She’s been really excited and impressed by all that we’ve been able to do.”
Prior to joining the Philippines camp, the 26-year-old Pacheco has suited up for the England youth team from 2015 to 2019.
Pacheco was also part of the Liverpool youth squad from 2014 to 2015, before beginning her seniors career with the same club in 2015. She also played for Doncaster Rovers Belles, Reading, and West Ham United before signing with Aston Villa in 2021.
Aside from Pacheco, Chandler McDaniel and Anicka Castaneda will not play for the two friendlies that include a match against Kenya on Wednesday due to injuries.
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