Philippine women’s football team vs New Zealand in a football friendly. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ Jay Layno
MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine women’s football team conceded twice in the second half and lost 2-1 to highly-ranked New Zealand in a friendly match held Wednesday (Manila time) at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, California.
Meikayla Moore scored off a penalty in the 66th minute before Ali Riley produced the winner in the 82nd as the Filipinas couldn’t sustain a halftime lead courtesy of Sarina Bolden.
Coach Alen Stajcic’s side could have salvaged a draw in minutes into stoppage time but Jessika Cowart’s attempt from a set piece hit the goal post.
The match against the 22nd-ranked Football Ferns, co-host of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup with Australia, served as part of the Filipinas’ ongoing camp in the United States.
It was also the Philippines’ first match since defeating Thailand for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship in mid-July at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Bolden produced her 17th international goal shortly before the halftime whistle with a volley that came off a long ball by Sara Eggesvik at midfield.