The history-maker keeps living up to the reputation.
Another massive achievement has been added to the Filipinas’ landmark appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
That milestone comes in the form of Olivia McDaniel placing third on the list of goalkeepers with the most saves in the marquee international tournament.
The only ones ahead of St. Olivia were Daniela Solera of 36th-ranked Costa Rica and Zecira Musovic of world number 3 Sweden. The Costa Rican goalie had 22 saves, followed by Musovic who had 21. Behind the Swede were McDaniel and Australia’s Mackenzie Arnold who both thwarted 18 possible goals.
Half of the 25-year-old goalkeeper’s total saves on the game’s grandest stage came from the Filipinas’ match against New Zealand. Against the host nation, Sarina Bolden converted early with a beautiful header and it was McDaniel who held the fort for the rest of the contest to give the Philippines its first-ever victory in FIFA’s flagship event. The intense battle ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of the debuting Philippine squad.
With her heroic performance against the Football Ferns, McDaniel received the VISA Player of the Match trophy.
The Filipinas played three matches in the World Cup, specifically against the higher-ranked squads of Switzerland, New Zealand, and Norway. McDaniel took the brunt of the opposition’s relentless attacks, yet she still stood out as one of the tourney’s best goaltenders. But hey, why wouldn't she? Olivia clearly belongs with the world's best.