Filipinas lose in second international friendly against Costa Rica, 2-1

Following their 1-1 draw against Costa Rica last Saturday (Manila time), earlier this morning, the Filipinas lost their rematch.

Despite ending the first half with the lead, 1-0, it was the second half where Costa Rica came alive to score two goals that edged the Filipinas’ effort. With two goals from La Sele, the match ended 2-1 in their favor.

Today marked the second of two international friendlies against the Central American team. Additionally, it also caps off the Filipinas’ training camp in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica gets the comeback

After the kickoff, the start of the match saw both sides of the field hungry to score. Costa Rica earned their first chance only three minutes in, while the Filipinas attempted theirs in the ninth minute. Before the first half went into extra time, the keepers on both ends had saved multiple shots.

However, in the second minute of extra time of the first half, Carleigh Frilles scored the first goal of the game, converting a through ball from Isabella Flanigan. With this, the Filipinas were able to close the first half on top.

Coming into the second half, Costa Rica was eager to come back from behind. Raquel Rodriguez had an early chance to score, but it was waved offside.

However, in the 61st minute, Rodriguez was able to score the equalizer off of a penalty from a handball. Following this, the Filipinas continued to press hard in hopes of coming back in the lead but were unable to get past Costa Rica’s defense.

67 minutes in, Gloriana Villalobos scored their second goal to put Costa Rica on top of the Filipinas, 2-1. The Philippine side nearly found a way to level the game once again with a shot from Jessica Cowart, but it was saved by Daniela Solera.

The whistle blew to end the match, 2-1.

These two international friendlies in Costa Rica were the Filipinas’ first time playing against a Central American team. And going up against the 37th FIFA-ranked women’s team, the 53rd-ranked Filipinas were able to put up a good fight against the team.

Although they may have capped off their training camp with a loss, the opportunity to play a World Cup-experienced team will certainly prove to be valuable in the Filipinas’ own journey to next year’s Women’s World Cup.