Chandler McDaniel back for Filipinas in Olympic qualifying

Filipinas’ Chandler McDaniel. –AFC/Filipinas PHOTO

Chandler McDaniel, one of the important figures in the lead-up to the Philippines’ historic qualification to the International Association Football Federation (Fifa) Women’s World Cup, is set for a comeback from a long absence due to an injury.

The 25-year-old striker was named part of the Filipinas’ 21-player roster for the first round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifying Tournament which starts next week in Hisor, Tajikistan.

Coach Alen Stajcic could give McDaniel the opportunity to regain her regular spot on the team more than a year after sustaining a right ACL injury against South Korea in the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup in India.

Prior to getting hurt, McDaniel had an impressive debut for the Philippines in the Asian Cup Qualifiers, assisting on the late goals scored by Tahnai Annis and Camille Wilson as the Filipinas escaped Nepal, 2-1. She also scored her first international goal against Hong Kong to secure a place in the continental tournament.

Her stunning winner in the Asian Cup opener resulted in the Philippines’ first-ever victory over Southeast Asian rival Thailand, 1-0, setting up for a magical run towards a slot in women’s football’s biggest showpiece.

Old faces

FILE–Filipinas in the AFF Women’s Championship 2022. –PFF PHOTO

McDaniel was named to take part in the United States camp last September but did not play in the Filipinas’ 2-1 friendly loss to New Zealand.

She joins familiar faces in the Olympic Qualifier which will put the Filipinas against host Tajikistan, Hong Kong and Pakistan in Group B.

Sarina Bolden, Hali Long, Katrina Guillou, Quinley Quezada, Annis, Sara Eggesvik and McDaniel’s sister Olivia headline the squad list for the competition which also serves as among the final preparations for the World Cup.

Jessika Cowart, Carleigh Frilles, Sofia Harrison, Eva Madarang, Jaclyn Sawicki, Anicka Castaneda, Malea Cesar, Meryll Serrano, Maya Alcantara, Alicia Barker, Reina Bonta, Inna Palacios and Kiara Fontanilla complete the roster.