Filipinas at the 19th Asian Games

Filipinas at the 19th Asian Games: Squad announcement, schedule and format

As the Philippine Women’s National Football Team is set to compete in the 19th Asian Games, new head coach Mark Torcaso has named his 21-strong squad heading to Hangzhou, China. Here’s everything you need to know about the players who will represent the country, the schedule and format of the tournament, and how to support the Filipinas in their hunt for continental glory.

The squad: Intact core as familiar faces rejoin

Announced via the team’s official social media pages, the core of Filipinas from the Women’s World Cup squad has mostly remained intact, bolstered by a number of familiar faces making their return to the roster. Check out the list below for the players who will be donning Philippine colors at the upcoming Asian Games:

Goalkeepers: Kiara Fontanilla, Olivia Davies-McDaniel, Inna Palacios

Defenders: Reina Bonta, Jessica Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Hali Long, Eva Madarang

Midfielders: Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkinson, Natalie Oca, Isabella Pasion, Quinley Quezada, Jaclyn Sawicki, Camille Rodriguez

Forwards: Sarina Bolden, Alisha Del Campo, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel, Meryll Serrano

As always, the Filipinas will be counting on the reliable services of Olivia McDaniel in between the sticks. However, some notable absences include Angie Beard, Alicia Barker, and Dominique Randle—all defenders that took to the pitch during the World Cup, leaving options at the back rather thin. In comparison, eight defenders had made the trip to New Zealand, though the team back then had the luxury of fielding a slightly bigger squad size. Importantly, however, they remain led by the veteran presence of Hali Long. Eva Madarang, who played a key role in the AFF Championship-winning side, is also back in the lineup.

On the offensive end, the squad has also seen some shake-ups, as youngsters Carleigh Frilles and Isabella Flanigan sit out this tournament. Isabella Pasion and Natalie Oca, who were both in the Philippines’ SEA Games roster, have also been called up again. Meanwhile, missing out on the midfield action is Tahnai Annis, but the stable presence of regular starters Sara Eggesvik and Jaclyn Sawicki will be a welcome sight for supporters.

Indeed, aside from Eggesvik, the Filipinas will also hope to make the most out of the availability of their European contingent, including Katrina Guillou and Meryll Serrano, amidst initial doubts about their club commitments in the Swedish and Norwegian leagues. Joining them up top is none other than World Cup goal scorer Sarina Bolden, who will no doubt be looking to add to her international tally.

The roster has also been reinforced by several homegrown stalwarts. Inna Palacios, who was among the reserves in the New Zealand stint, returns to the active keeper list; while UAAP Season 81 Best Striker Alisha Del Campo rejoins the attacking front after impressing for De La Salle University in the ongoing PFF Women’s League (PFFWL). The midfield also features the return of another familiar figure in Camille Rodriguez, coming off the back of a four-goal performance in Kaya FC’s PFFWL table-topping victory over Stallion Laguna.

Match schedule and tournament format

The Filipinas’ Asian Games campaign starts on September 22, Friday, at 4 pm (PHT), with the first test coming in the form of Hong Kong, whom they defeated 4-0 in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in April this year.

Next, they go up against formidable opponents in South Korea—ranked 20th in the world and fourth-best in Asia—on September 25, Monday, at 7:30 pm (PHT). The team will then look to avenge their disappointing SEA Games loss against Myanmar when they face their fellow AFF representatives on Thursday, September 28, also at 7:30 pm (PHT).

All three matches will be held at the Wenzhou Sports Centre Stadium throughout the group stage. Among the 17 teams participating, eight will qualify to the knockout stage, composed of the five group winners plus the three best second-placers. Should the Philippines advance, the quarterfinals are scheduled on September 30, the semifinals on October 3, and the medal matches will wrap up on October 6.

Catch all the action via One Sports, One Sports+ and Pilipinas Live, the sports streaming app by Cignal TV.