Filipinas fall to Wales in Pinatar Cup opener on halftime penalty

Except for a late first-half penalty, the Filipinas' defense held its ground against Wales. PFF

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The Philippine women's football team had a rough debut in the Pinatar Cup early Thursday (Philippine Time) after dropping a 0-1 result to Wales at the Pinatar Arena in San Pedro Del Pinatar, Spain.

Kayleigh Green's penalty just before halftime decided the outcome, but the Filipinas' defense held forth for the other parts of the match.

The 32nd-ranked Welsh squad showed its class over the 53rd-ranked Philippine team by playing a better offensive for almost the entire match.

However, the Filipinas' defense was solid as well except for one crucial error at the first-half stoppage time when Dominique Randle tripped Rhiannon Roberts inside the penalty spot while trying to get the ball back.

Green sent Olivia McDaniels in the wrong direction and slotted the penalty at the left side of the goal just before Lucie Sulcova called it a half.

The Filipinas exerted a better effort in the second half, but the Welsh ladies still escaped with a win.

The Filipinas will next face Scotland, a 0-2 loser to Iceland on Wednesday night, on Saturday night.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno