THE Filipinas have named their 23-person pool for the 20th Asian Games, signalling not just the build-up for the quadrennial meet in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan but also the continuation of the early stages of their preparation for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The last international window saw the Filipinas play two tune-up matches in the United States against San Diego Wave and Albion San Diego last June.
But the Asiad will be the first tournament of the Filipinas since the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia where the Philippines booked a return trip to the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan last March 19.
Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso sees the situation as an opportunity to expand the pool with a few players not around with the Asian Games not part of the FIFA international window, while going for the best finish possible in the quadrennial multisports event.
“(In this) Asian Games, (we) have a few players unavailable as it’s outside of the FIFA window, and we will use this opportunity to continue to test our young players and give opportunities to players to announce themselves on the national stage,” Torcaso said in a statement. “We want to give a chance for every player to be an option for next year’s World Cup. We will use this Asian Games as one of these options.”
“We want to advance as a group. We want to go as far as we can in this competition. We want to enjoy success. It’s as important as the Southeast Asian Games (where) we won gold. Our opportunity to win a medal or to go as far as possible is a reality here as well.”
The Filipinas will battle Uzbekistan again on September 14, before facing Hong Kong on September 17, and China on September 21, a first for the national squad under Torcaso, in their Group G assignments.
“If I look at the groupings, I think all the groups are tough groups in their own individual ways. I think our group is a tough group,” Torcaso said.
“We haven’t played China ever since I’ve been here. China is a great team and it gives us a chance to play against a very, very good team. But again… this Asian Games is also about preparing us for the World Cup.”
Both the women’s and men’s Under-23 team will be in Japan for the Asian Games.
“A big thank you to the Philippine Football Federation, President John Gutierrez, General Secretary Gelix Mercader for undertaking the processes for us to play in these tournaments. We have two teams this year, our men’s team as well as our women’s team. Support us and we will do our best to represent the country proud,” Torcaso said.
The squad list are as follows:
GOALKEEPERS
Olivia Alexandra McDaniel
Nina Andrea Meollo
Gabrielle Ann Rourke
DEFENDERS
Hali Moriah Long
Kaya Hawkinson
Azumi Oka
Reina Gabriela Bonta
Aiselyn Marie Sia
Sofia Nicole Wunsch
Jourdyn Curran
MIDFIELDERS
Isabella Pasion
Jaclyn Katrina Sawicki
Katrina Jacqueline Guillou
Tea Pidding
Carleigh Frilles
Camryn Penn
Skye Leach
Megan Murray
FORWARDS
Mary Louise Ramirez
Dionesa Tolentin
Natalie Collins
Angela Rachael Beard
Alessandrea Casimere Carpio
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