Stallion completes turnaround with women’s crown

Chandler McDaniel scored a sensational goal that spelled the difference as Stallion Laguna edged past Kaya-Iloilo, 1-0, on Monday night to capture the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Women’s Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Philippine international struck the winner two minutes into the contest with a screamer that completed the turnaround from being dead last in last year’s PFF Women’s League to Stallion’s first taste of silverware since its men’s team’s United Football League and UFL Cup double in 2013.

McDaniel, later named MVP, lifted the cup trophy that may shift a tide in the domestic scene for women’s football composed of pro, amateur and collegiate clubs.

Stallion lost all nine matches in the 2023 Women’s League, including a game that featured a one-off appearance of McDaniel and her sister, Filipinas ace goalkeeper Olivia, against La Salle.

But Stallion beefed up its roster not only with the McDaniel sisters but also with fellow national team mainstays Sofia Harrison and Bella Pasion plus Americans Jamia Fields, Katrina Wetherell and Haley Bostard.

Awardees

Stallion won five of six matches on the way to getting the cup title at the expense of Kaya, which fell short of a domestic double after taking the Women’s League crown.

Kaya made it to the semis after edging out Manila Digger, 2-1, while Stallion was given a free ride to the final after Beach Hut decided to forfeit their face-off.

Olivia McDaniel was named Best Goalkeeper, Mexican Julissa Cisneros of Kaya won the Top Scorer plum, Wetherell was Best Midfielder, Kaya captain Hali Long was Best Defender and Tuloy FC received the Fair Play Award.

Six clubs took part in the Women’s Cup, including Azzurri SC. INQ