Filipinas eagerly await Bolden

Philippine national women’s football team head coach Mark Torcaso kicks their training into high gear as they brace for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Perth, Australia from 1 to 21 March.

Torcaso, who will be entering his first Asian Cup as head coach, said they need to intensify the program they had in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games as they are currently in a one-month training camp.

Joining the 26-woman training pool are FIFA World Cup veterans Hali Long, Sara Eggesvik, Angie Beard, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Wunsch, Chandler McDaniel returns alongside Katrina Guillou, Carleigh Frilles, Meryll Serrano and Olivia McDaniel.

Completing the pool are Malea Cesar, Janae Defazio, Ariana Markey, Aisely Sia, Alexa Pino, Alessandrea Carpio, Jourdyn Curran, Kaya Hawkinson, Natalie Oca, Aaliyah Schinaman, Ava Villapando Jael-Marie Guy, Paige Mcswigan, and Mary Louise Ramirez.

“The players understand that we’re obviously going to a competition that is much tougher than the SEA Games. So now it’s about lifting our intensity, our quality, our fitness levels, our speed to be of another level higher than that and obviously to achieve the opportunity to go to another World Cup,” Torcaso said.

Striker Sarna Bolden was not included in the training pool despite being part of the training camp last year in preparation for the Bangkok SEA Games.

Bolden, the country’s all-time goalscorer, can still join them Down Under should she make a full recovery.

“We’re going to give her every single chance to be part of it. We aim to get her on the field,” Tocaso said.

“She’s got a very special presence in our team all the time.”

The Filipinas will train at the Mall of Asia Sky Pitch and Rizal Memorial Stadium from 1 to 5 February, and 17 to 22 February.

The team will have a closed camp in Balesin Island, Quezon, from 6 to 15 February before heading to Perth for a 24 to 28 February buildup.