Injury-plagued Filipinas remain solid — Torcaso

Even without strikers Sarina Bolden and Katrina Guillou, the Philippine national women’s football team head coach Mark Torcaso believes the 26-woman pool has more than enough firepower to make an impact in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Cambodia.

The two won’t be making the trip since they are on the injured list alongside Reina Bonta.

But Torcaso is confident they will be able to dominate the competition when it starts on 29 June at the National Sports Complex of Cambodia in Phnom Penh.

Bolden and Guillou were also absent when the Filipinas lost to Chinese Taipei, 0-1, last 3 June at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

“We are confident in every player in our pool and we are excited by the 26 that they will battle it out for us to get to the Asian Cup. I believe it’s well-balanced and provides quality in every area of the pitch,” Torcaso said.

“It’s also great to see some of our strong young players that have progressed and developed over the years join some of our World Cup superstars.”

The Philippines is in Group G with Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and the host country.

Only the top team of each group will earn a berth for next year’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Team captain Hali Long banners the Filipinas along with Sara Eggesvik, Jaclyn Sawicki, Olivia McDaniel, Angela Beard, Jessika Cowart, Chandler McDaniel, Malea Cesar, Isabella Pasion, Janae Defazio and Kaya Hawkinson.

Also joining the squad are returning players Quinley Quezada, Sofia Wunsch, Meryll Serrano and Carleigh Frilles.

Completing the roster are Nina Mathelus, Gabrielle Baker, Alexa Pino, Ava Villapando, Chayse Ying, Nina Meollo, Rhea Arcenal Chan, Katana Norman, Inna Palacios, Dionesa Tolentin and Charisa Lemoran.