8 new faces join Filipinas for Finland friendly, Pinatar Cup 2024

Eight new Filipinas are introduced in the Philippine women's national football team (PWNFT) 27-member lineup for the upcoming 2024 Pinatar Cup in February at the San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain.

Seeing action on Spanish soil for the four-nation tournament for the second consecutive year, the nationals are joined by the following: midfielder Camille Sahirul, forwards Alexa Pino and Isabella Bandoja, goalkeepers Leah Bradley and Nina Meollo, and defenders Rhea Chan, Katana Norman, and Aiselyn Sia.

PWNFT's all-time top goal scorer Sarina Bolden headlines PWNFT's attacking position, alongside Isabella Flanigan, Chandler McDaniel, and Dionesa Tolentin.

Providing flair and creativity in the midfield are Tahnai Annis, Sara Eggesvik, Jessica Miclat, Isabella Pasion, Quinley Quezada, Jaclyn Sawicki, and Meryll Serano.

Tasked to handle the defensive end are Maya Alcantara, Angela Beard, Reina Bonta, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, and Hali Long.

Completing the holdovers is goalie Olivia McDaniel.

The Filipinas are the only non-European squad invited to play in the competition, similar to last year's Pinatar Cup, which served as their preparation for the country's maiden FIFA Women's World Cup appearance in Down Under.

In the 2023 edition, the Philippines, the lowest-ranked nation, lost all of its three matches against Iceland, Wales, and Scotland.

Serrano scored the lone goal for the Filipinas with a 90-minute free kick in their 2-1 defeat over Scotland.

This 2024, the Philippines is no longer the lowest-ranked side, with Slovenia currently 44th in the world ranking. Scotland and Finland, meanwhile, are 25th and 27th globally, respectively.

Torcaso and his wards take on Scotland on February 24 before facing the winner between Slovenia and Finland on February 27.

On February 21, the Filipinas and Finland will play a friendly match.