Sara Eggesvik in action in the Philippines’ international friendly with New Zealand. PFF photo
Pinays bow to Kiwis
THE Philippines dropped a 1-2 decision to New Zealand in their international friendly Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila) at the Titan Stadium inside the Cal State Fullerton campus.
It maybe a satisfying result for the World Cup-bound Filipinas, but coach Alen Stajcic’s ultimate goal is to emerge triumphant.
“We can compete, but we have to win,” said Stajcic after the match.
Sarina Bolden netted a first-half stoppage time goal off a Sara Eggesvik assist to open the scoring for the Philippines.
It was Bolden’s 17th international goal that came in the Filipinas’ first match since winning the AFF Women’s Championship last July.
The No. 56 Philippines was able to hold on the lead, but things didn’t come its way in the final 20 minutes.
The 22nd-ranked Football Ferns struck twice in the second half, as Meikayla Moore converted a 70th minute penalty after a Dom Randle foul inside the box.
Captain Ali Riley then gave New Zealand the lead in the 83rd minute with a close range goal.
The Filipinas won a free kick deep into stoppage time, but Jessika Cowart’s attempt for the equalizer at the end hit the goal post.
