By NIKOLE JAVIER
The Philippine women’s national team made a gallant stand but just couldn't push through into the win column after absorbing a 2-1 loss at the hands of the higher-ranked Scotland in the 2023 Pinatar Cup at the Pinatar Arena in Spain on Saturday, Feb. 18.
The Filipinas’ breakthrough goal from Meryll Serrano came at the 90th minute but the 25th ranked Scots held their own in the waning minutes to preserve the vicotry.
Katrina Gillou attempted to sneak in behind Scotland’s defense but couldn't find the back of the net at the 35th minute.
The Scots refused to be empty-handed at the first half once Lauren Davidson fired a shot from the right wing at the 43rd minute to score past Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Dealing with a deficit from the first half, the Filipinas got into a bigger hole at the 57th minute after Rachel Corsie’s shot from the six-yard box slipped past McDaniel.
Despite being limited in possessions yet again with just 21 percent compared to the 79 percent of Scotland that translated into two goals, the Philippines would settle for a consolation off a late conversion by Serrano to cut the deficit to 1-2.
The 53rd ranked Philippines will seek to end its Pinatar Cup bid with an ambitious win against the No. 16 Iceland on Tuesday, Feb. 21 (Wednesday morning in Manila time).