Filipinas to welcome back Chandler McDaniel, field 4 newcomers in friendly vs New Zealand

FILE – Filipinas dominate Thailand 3-0 to be crowned the AFF Women’s champions. PFF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine women’s football team parades four newcomers and returning forward Chandler McDaniel in its friendly against New Zealand on Wednesday (Manila time) at Titan Stadium in California State University, Fullerton.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) on Sunday bared the 27-member team for the Filipinas’ friendly against World No. 22 New Zealand.

Midfielders Reinna Gabriel and Meryll Serrano, defender Reina Bonta, and goalkeeper Kaiya Jota will make their debuts.

McDaniel is also part of the lineup after missing the team’s bronze finish in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam and a historic title run in the Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship last July.

The forward suffered a right knee injury during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 last February, where the Filipinas booked their first-ever ticket to the Fifa World Cup. McDaniel has two goals for the national team including the game-winner against Thailand in the World Cup qualifier.

Competing against the Football Ferns are mainstays bannered by forwards Sarina Bolden, Quinley Quezada, Bella Flanigan, and  Katrina Guillou, midfielders Tahnai Annis, Cam Rodriguez, Anicka Castaneda, Sara Eggesvik, Carleigh Frilles, Kaya Hawkinson, Jessica Miclat, and Jaclyn Sawicki, as well as defenders, Hali Long, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Malea Cesar, Eva Madarang, Dominique Randle, and Tara Shelton.

Defending the Philippines’ goal are goalie Olivia McDaniel, Kiara Fontanilla, and Ina Palacios.

The national team is in the United States, preparing for its World Cup participation next year.

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