By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s football team began its title defense in a dominant fashion after blanking Timor Leste, 7-0, at the start of the 2025 ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam Thursday evening, Aug. 7.
The Filipinas hardly felt the absence of Sarina Bolden as they immediately flexed their might right from the start, with an early goal from Aaliyah Schinaman off an assist from Chandler McDaniel in the 2-minute mark.
Two more conversions from Quinley Quezada and one from Hali Long dictated the pace, with Dionesa Tolentin and late substitute Adelaide Wyrzynski combining for three more in the second half.
Up next for the Filipinas in Group B are Australia U23, on Sunday evening, Aug. 10, at the same venue. The Aussies stumbled in their first assignment against Myanmar, 2-0, earlier.
Seeking to repeat its triumphant run in the 2022 edition that the country hosted, the Mark Torcaso-guided crew went full force, not refusing to slow down despite repeated attempts from Timor Leste to stop the bleeding.
The Filipinas not only shone offensively but also on defense which was nothing but a masterclass, forcing the Timorese to just one in shots on target department, while them having 15.
