England-born Filipina Maz Pacheco is set to make her long-awaited appearance for the Philippine national team ahead of Pink Ladies Week in Turkiye.
The Philippine women’s national football team receive a shot in the arm ahead of their first taste of action in Turkiye since their friendlies in South Korea in April, confirming the commitment of England-born defender Maz Pacheco.
In the squad list posted on Saturday, October 12, Pacheco was among the 26 players named for the Pink Ladies Cup for Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso.
Pacheco is born to Filipino parents but was raised in England. Being exposed to football at an early age, the 26-year-old has had tremendous experience in top-flight football in the region.
Currently, she plays for Aston Villa in the FA Women’s Super League.
Pacheco joins a team flanked by World Cup veterans including Olivia McDaniel, Hali Long, Sara Eggesvik, Angie Beard, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Chandler McDaniel, Bella Flanigan, Quinley Quezada, Katrina Guillou, and Sarina Bolden among others.
Also on the list are Inna Palacios, Nina Meollo, Rhea Chan, Janae Defazio, Anicka Castañeda, Judy Connoly, Kaya Hawkinson, Isabella Pasion, Jaclyn Sawicki, Alessandrea Carpio, and Meryll Serrano.
Youth team products Nina Mathelus, Lauren Villasin, and Ariana Markey round up the squad.
In the tournament, the Filipinas go up against Jordan and the Democratic Republic of Congo on October 26 and October 30, respectively.
This is their first tournament since the Pinatar Cup in February.