Filipinas during a friendly with South Korea in Incheon.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Victory eluded the Philippine women’s football team anew as the Filipinas dropped a total of two friendly matches against South Korea in Incheon.
But coach Mark Torcaso believes the effort the Filipinas put up in 3-0 and 2-1 defeats are necessary steps to what he has always stressed as bridging the gap with some of Asia’s top teams.
“To come in and give Korea very, very tough two games, I’m actually delighted,” said Torcaso. “Even with some key players missing, we were able to fight hard.”
The Filipinas remained without a win in this calendar year, having lost all five matches including February’s Pinatar Cup in Spain against European opposition.Friday saw the Filipinas flirt at battling a scoreless draw until South Korea found ways late in the second half to come away with a 3-0 win.
On Monday, the Philippines conceded twice in the first half, but had a chance to snatch a draw after defender Angie Beard struck a free kick in the 74th minute.
Beard’s goal, which she fired over a wall of South Korean defenders from at least 30 yards, was the first time the Philippines scored in 2024. INQ