Olympic Qualifiers: Filipinas training camp squad features defensive reinforcements, proven attacking options

International women’s football is just a few weeks away, as the Filipinas gear up to challenge Asia’s best for a spot in the Summer Olympics next year. They will be looking to deliver yet another campaign for the history books in round two of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) later this month. Here’s everything you need to know about the players called up to the training camp in Australia, the match schedule and what the team will need to do to book their trip to Paris.

The squad at the Melbourne camp

After steering the Filipinas to a quarterfinal berth at the recently concluded Asian Games, Mark Torcaso has named 29 players for the OQT training camp ahead of another clash with the continental giants. As only 22 can make the final cut, the head coach will have plenty on his mind as he and the staff get a good look at all the options, aiming to build the strongest possible roster and drilling the team into playing as a cohesive unit.

Here are all the players in the camp Down Under:

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

Defenders: Alicia Barker, Angie Beard, Reina Bonta, Jessica Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Zoe Hudson, Hali Long, Eva Madarang, Dominique Randle, Aaliyah Schinaman

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

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

Perhaps the most notable change from the 21-woman squad in the Asian Games is the addition of reinforcements at the back—going from a mere five defenders in China to now double that figure. Aside from mainstays like Hali Long and Jessica Cowart, fans will no doubt welcome the sight of Angie Beard, who featured prominently during the Philippines’ memorable FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign. The right-back is coming off a promising start in Europe with her new team, Linköping FC, as they won their last two Damallsvenskan matches.

Joining them are two fresh faces: Zoe Hudson, who recently moved from Portuguese side Valadares Gaia to Melbourne-based Box Hill United SC; and Aaliyah Schinaman, hailing from the University of California–Berkeley.

With the Icelandic league concluding just last week, Thor/Ka teammates and World Cup squad members Dominique Randle and Tahnai Annis also mark their return. Another familiar name is Jessica Miclat, who sat out both international tournaments in New Zealand and China. 

The team also includes the ever-reliable duo of Sara Eggesvik and Jaclyn Sawicki to provide both stability and visionary forward passes, alongside the more attacking-minded Quinley Quezada. Scoring machine Sarina Bolden will be looking to add to her tally, having found the back of the net in all of the Filipinas’ matches at the Asian Games, including against the highly ranked South Korea and Japan. Meanwhile, Katrina Guillou will be looking to translate her fine club form to the international stage, having scored twice for Pitea in two of their last three games.

Local talents Camille Rodriguez and Alisha Del Campo, who both contributed to their team’s goals as they went head-to-head in the PFF Women’s League semi-finals earlier this month, will now join forces as they hope to suit up for the country. Youngsters Natalie Oca and Isabella Pasion have a chance to crack into the midfield lineup, while further forward Isabella Flanigan will also hope to get minutes again playing for the flag.

Tournament schedule and format

The first match will see the Philippines go up against Chinese Taipei, whom they last played in January 2022 at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Having won an unforgettable penalty shootout that sent the team to the World Cup, they will hope to replicate their success or put up an even more convincing showing when they take to the pitch on October 26, Thursday, at 4 pm (PHT).

The Filipinas’ entanglement with Australia—from former Matilda Beard to A-League debutant Quezada—will then make for an enthralling matchup against the world number 11 team, especially on their home soil. The highly anticipated face-off is set for October 29, Sunday, at 2 pm (PHT).

At 3 pm (PHT) on November 1, Wednesday, the team will face Iran, who may be ranked lower but still are not to be underestimated. The Filipinas will look to take care of business for the final group stage game and put themselves in a prime position to achieve a quarterfinal berth.

The top teams from each of the four groups, alongside the three best runners-up, will advance to the knockout stage. Only two spots in the Olympics are up for grabs, meaning the Filipinas have a formidable challenge ahead of them against the powerhouses of the confederation. But as they embrace the enormity of the moment, these players have the chance to again redefine the present and future of Philippine women’s football.