Filipinas start strong, destroy Saudis

Everything is going according to plan for the Philippine national women’s football team after its 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers last Sunday at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso was happy they were able to get the win and dictate the tempo of the game in the process.

The Philippines currently sits on top of Group G with a 1-0-0 win-draw-loss record and a +3 goal difference.

“We were very happy with the way the game went. We knew we were playing against a well-organized opponent but the girls were very, very ready for it and we were very happy with the outcome,” Torcaso said.

“Our objective is to come here to secure three points in each game and we did that.”

Goals from Jacklyn Sawicki (16th minute), Meryll Serrano (55th), and Alexa Pino (81st) contributed to the victory over the Saudis.

The Philippines is playing in the qualifiers without strikers Sarina Bolden and Katrina Guillou in the roster due to injuries.

The main goal of the squad is to top the group, which also has hosts Cambodia and Hong Kong, and clinch a spot for next year’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Tocaso said the inclusion of young talent like Pino and Bella Pasion will be crucial in their campaign.

“I think the important thing to note is we were able to start a young Bela Pasion, young Pino and they did a fantastic job in today’s game,” Torcaso said.