Filipinas star Sarina Bolden strikes twice in a 3-nil win over Jordan for their first game back in Pink Ladies Week.
Sarina Bolden scored twice in a 3-nil win for the Philippine women’s national football team over Jordan in their opening game of Pink Ladies Week in Turkiye, marking the team’s return to competitive football after six months.
Their first taste of competitive action since a pair of friendlies in South Korea back in April, the world no. 39 Filipinas hit the ground running as Bolden connected with newcomer Janae DeFazio just two minutes into the game.
DeFazio sent a cross to the back post, which found the Filipinas' all-time leading scorer all alone for an open header to pull the Philippines ahead, 1-nil.
The early conversion spoke volumes of head coach Mark Torcaso’s new philosophy of being more aggressive and taking control of possession time.
“It’s just a really motivated group, and we’ve been working hard leading into this game. Right from the first whistle we implemented what we’ve been working on,” said DeFazio, who played with NWSL side Kansas City Current.
“In the first five minutes it worked, so that was just a really rewarding feeling. And especially representing the Philippines, it feels great,” she added.
Despite scoring early, a second goal was hard to come by for the Filipinas.
In fact, it wouldn’t be until the second half that the Filipinas had a solid chance at goal. Jordan even threatened to equalize before the Philippines could pad their lead.
A hand ball against Sara Eggesvik gave the Jordan side a chance to equalize near the hour mark, but Olivia McDaniel saved Ayah Al-Majali’s spot kick to keep the Philippines ahead.
Ten minutes after, it was the Filipinas that got a chance for a penalty kick when Bolden was pulled down by Al-Majali in the box. She calmly converted to make it a brace for herself and a 2-0 lead for the Philippines.
Then it was Katrina Guillou who put the icing on the cake as she also made a penalty of her own after Quinley Quezada was fouled inside the box. At the 77th minute, Guillou found the back of the net against Rawand Kassap to reach the final score.
All in all, Torcaso was satisfied at the team’s win.
“I think the really important thing is we got a win, because we haven't played together for a period of six months, and for now to get a good win, against a good opponent who came out and pressured us in situations, it was a really pleasing thing," said Torcaso.
The Filipinas return to action when they face Kenya still in Turkiye at the Emirhan Sports Complex in Antalya.