Filipinas absorb tough loss vs South Korea in friendly
Filipinas absorb tough loss vs South Korea in friendly
Phương Nhung
The Philippine women's national football team held firm in the first half before succumbing to a flurry of goals from South Korea in a 3-0 loss in their friendly on Friday in Incheon.
The Filipinas were stout defensively in the first half, with Olivia McDaniel producing some fine saves to keep the match goalless after the first 45 minutes.
They even had the chance to go ahead in the second half through Sarina Bolden, whose attempt went wide.
South Korea, ranked 20th in the world by FIFA, showed its class in the final 25 minutes as they produced three goals -- first from Choe Yu Ri who pounced on a defensive miscue to give the Taegeuk Ladies their breakthrough in the 73rd minute.
South Korea's talismanic midfielder Ji So-yun, now suiting up for Seattle Reign, doubled their lead just three minutes later before Jang Sel Gi made it 3-0 just two minutes before full time.
The two teams will play again on Monday.
The Filipinas have yet to score a win against South Korea after losing to them 2-0 in the semifinals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022, and 5-1 in the group stage of the 19th Asian Games last year.
