Bolden powers Filipinas past Jordan in Pink Ladies Cup

Sarina Bolden steered the Philippine Women’s Football Team as they began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Jordan in an international friendly during the Pink Ladies Week tournament in Antalya, Turkey.

Janae DeFazio delivered a remarkable performance in her maiden appearance in Filipinas when she connected a cross to Bolden for a header, allowing the team to score its first goal barely two minutes in. 

With another assist from DeFazio, Bolden converted a penalty in the 68th minute to give the team a 2-0 cushion lead. 

But the Filipinas encountered trouble once when a handball by Sara Eggesvik gave the opposing team a penalty. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel kept the Philippines ahead of the game when she saved a penalty kick by Ayah Al-Majali in the 59th minute. 

When Jordan captain Maysa Jbarah fouled Quinley Quezada in the 77th minute, Katrina Guillou stepped up, scoring past Rawand Kassap to give the Filipinas a three-goal lead and complete the victory.

This was the team’s first match since facing South Korea in Incheon in April, and Coach Mark Torcaso considered it as a positive step forward for the team.

“It is going to take some time to build our playing style, but the most important thing is we got a win,” said Torcaso. 

“We haven’t played together for a good six months, and to get a solid win against a strong opponent that challenged us in key moments is really pleasing. I’m glad for Sarina, for Katrina, and for all the girls for securing a great result,” he added.

This was the Philippines’ first win over Jordan since a 2-1 victory in the 2018 Asian Football Confederation or AFC Women’s Asian Cup group stage, where Bolden scored the winning goal in the 76th minute.

The Filipinas will aim to keep their record unblemished when they go up against Kenya on Wednesday, October 30, at the Emirhan Sports Complex in Antalya.