Stajcic names final 23 for Filipinas' World Cup debut

And then there were 23.

Ahead of the Philippines' debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup, Coach Alen Stajcic named 23 players in his squad who are set to continue writing history for Philippine football.

PHOTO CREDIT: Pilipinas Women's National Football Team

In the goalkeeper position, mainstays Olivia McDaniel of Stallion Laguna and Kiara Fontanilla of Central Coast Mariners were named, as well as high school standout Kaiya Jota.

The defense will be anchored by co-captain and veteran Hali Long. New addition and former Matilda Angela Beard of A-League Women side Western United will look to fortify a backline that already boasts the likes of Jessika Cowart, Reina Bonta, and Dominique Randle. Sofia Harrison, Alicia Barker, and Malea Cesar have also been selected and are expected to contend for the fullback spots.

Captain Tahnai Annis of Icelandic side Thór/KA will be expected to lead the midfield. Jaclyn Sawicki, Beard’s teammate at Western United, and Sara Eggesvik have been the preferred options as of late.

Joint-top scorer Quinley Quezada has taken on a more wide role, as has Anicka Castañeda. Ryley Bugay makes her return after months away from the national team setup, and is expected to provide cover in the middle.

There will be no shortage of talent up front, led by Filipinas’ joint-leading scorer and Western Sydney Wanderers striker Sarina Bolden. Katrina Guillou joins the team fresh off of a productive stint with Pitea in the Swedish top tier, with young options in Carleigh Frilles and Isabella Flanigan.

Meryll Serrano, the Filipinas’ lone Pinatar Cup goalscorer makes her way into the squad, as well as Chandler McDaniel who has returned after being sidelined due to injury.

Long-serving Filipinas keeper Inna Palacios was relegated to the reserves list, alongside young options in defender Maya Alcantara and midfielder Isabella Pasion.

Coach Alen acknowledged the difficulty of selecting a final roster from the available talent. When asked, he said: “It was such an extremely tough choice, but these players were ultimately the ones who put their hands up and impressed the most in recent times and based on current form. They are the ones that my coaching staff and myself think will represent the Filipinas the best and gives us the best possible chance to perform at our peak in the World Cup.”

The delegation wrapped up their month-long Sydney camp and will travel to New Zealand on Monday morning, with their base camp in Auckland.

The Filipinas will open their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign in Group A against Switzerland on July 21 in Dunedin, followed by a match against the hosts New Zealand on July 25 in Wellington. They close out their preliminary round campaign against group favorites Norway on July 30 in Auckland.

While not heavily favored at this point, the Filipinas have a chance to create more history by advancing to the knockout stages, but will need to secure a top-two finish in their group.