Not even seven months since they received a 5-1 beating at the hands of South Korea at the Asian Games, the Filipinas faced Colin Bell’s charges once more over the course of two matches in Icheon, Korea, losing both in a window that saw sterling performances, much-awaited debuts, and a maiden goal.
Philippines 0-3 South Korea
Reeling from a fourth-place finish at the Pinatar Cup last February, Mark Torcaso called up a squad made up of the usual veterans and exciting youngsters, with one eye on the friendlies and another on the upcoming AFC Women’s U17 Asian Cup in May. Despite the lineup including youngsters Nina Mathelus, Aiselyn Sia, and Chayse Ying, Torcaso stuck with a largely experienced lineup for the first match, handing a debut to right-back Rhea Chan.
The Koreans would start off on the front foot, but it was the Filipinas who had the first big chance, Sarina Bolden nearly getting a foot to an Angie Beard free kick.
The Newcastle Jets forward – who would be flying back to her team in preparation for the Elimination Finals – would hardly get another sniff of the ball in the opposing box, however, as Korea asserted their superiority. However, the Filipinas’ defense, bolstered by the returning Hali Long, forced Korea to long shots and crosses deep into the box, which were met with little success. Seattle Reign midfielder Ji So-yun would find herself in a scoring position against Olivia McDaniel, only to find her shot tipped onto the post.
After a dismal first half for the Koreans, they started the second much more brightly, substitute Choe Yu-ri’s goalbound shot denied again by McDaniel. Choe would not be denied, however, pouncing on a lacking Jessika Cowart back pass to make it 1-0 for South Korea in the 73rd minute.
The Koreans were finding their feet, and Ji So-yun would atone for her earlier miss by launching a free kick into the top right corner in the 76th, and Jang Sel-gi firing home from close range in the 88th minute to make it 3-0.
The match done and dusted, Mark Torcaso would bring on Filipinas U17 youngsters Nina Mathelus and Aiselyn Sia, with the former nearly scoring a consolation after latching on to a Katrina Guillou pass and rounding the keeper, only for a heavy touch to take it out of her reach.
The match would end 3-0, despite a hardworking defensive display by the Filipinas.
Philippines 1-2 South Korea
With Sarina Bolden flying back to Australia, Torcaso would once again opt for an experienced lineup for the second match, swapping out Bolden and midfielder Tahnai Annis for Chandler McDaniel and Katrina Guillou.
However, any hopes of replicating the previous game’s result were shattered within the first 30 seconds, as Choe Yu-ri outstripped Hali Long and found Choo Hyo-joo to give the Koreans a very, very early lead.
The early goal didn’t help the Filipinas, and opening nerves saw the Koreans nearly grab a second a few minutes later, only for Choe to drag her shot wide. After withstanding heavy pressure from the Koreans, the Filipinas would nearly grab a shock equalizer off of a free kick, but keeper Choi Ye-seul would save Long’s shot with her foot after spilling an earlier attempt.
The Filipinas would rue that missed chance a few minutes later, as Choe burst in behind the Filipinas defense to make it 2-0 to the Koreans. She would nearly make it a brace just before halftime, but the intervention of both McDaniel and Angie Beard prevented the Filipinas from going into the break three goals down.
Both Beard and McDaniel would be key for the Filipinas as the second half began and the Koreans continued to pile on more pressure. Despite a flurry of attempts by South Korea, McDaniel pulled off one impressive save after another to keep the scoreline down, including an incredible triple save to further frustrate the Koreans.
In the 74th minute, Katrina Guillou was fouled outside the box, with the resulting free kick sent into the top corner by Beard for her maiden Filipinas goal, as well as the first for the Filipinas in 2024. However, despite the Filipinas’ increased pressure, the goal would remain a mere consolation as South Korea grabbed a much more narrow 2-1 win.
The aftermath
The Filipinas would continue their 2024 with two more losses, although the two friendlies saw markedly better performances from the team, especially McDaniel, who had recently signed with Brazilian club Santos. Colin Bell, however, was frustrated, even remarking the team’s disappointment at not winning 8-0.
Focus for the Filipinas now turns to the U17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia this May, where a group of South Korea, North Korea, and hosts Indonesia awaits the Filipinas, and – possibly – the U17 Women’s World Cup.
