COHESION and versatility are the aims of a Philippine squad being formed for the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Under-17 Asian Championships in Bali, Indonesia in May.
Australian coach Siniza Cohadzic said this after a 30-member Philippine national women’s under-17 pool went through a series of friendlies over the weekend.
“That’s how we want to build the team. We want to have those number of plays, where we can compete,” said Cohadzic after their sendoff game for the Bali tournament.
Four players, including New Jersey standout Gabrielle Baker will be around. They were among the players who joined their two-match series against South Korea early this month.
The Filipinas under-17 squad played with different sets of players during their series of friendlies.
First, Isabella Alamo scored on the 86th minutes when they won over Kaya FC last Thursday at the University of Makati turf.
Last Sunday, the young Filipinas put away the Manila Diggers, 3-0, with Isabella Preston scoring in the 36th and 40th minutes, and Alamo knocking in a goal in the 20th over at the Ayala Vermos Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.
Another set of players won over the La Liga All-Stars, 6-0, featuring Nina Mathelus, Ava Villapando, Natalie Collins, Alamo, Sophia Saludares and Kieran Bradley.
“To be honest, we want to have talent that will give the right balance, and go with the right team of players in the Asian Championships,” Cohadzic told the Manila Standard.
The Philippine Football Federation conducted a local training camp at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on March 21 to 23, with the coaches identifying locally-based players who can reinforce the team.