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| Stallion Laguna won its first ever major women's title. Ivan Saldajeno |
MANILA—Stallion Laguna reigned supreme in the PFF Women's Cup after beating Kaya Iloilo, 1-0, in the championship match on Monday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Chandler McDaniel struck the only goal of the match, a long-distance shot in the second minute, to put the Binan-based lady footballers ahead.
"The opportunity arose, and I knew that if I didn't take the shot, I was gonna hear about it from my sister (Olivia), my dad (coach Clint), and my brother (Finn). But no one stepped in and I saw the opening, and I just went for it," said McDaniel, who was later named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament which serves as a prelude for next year's PFF Women's League.
Kaya Iloilo had one last scare as they had a huge chance from close range, but the shot deflected through a Stallion Laguna defender before sailing out of bounds as the referee blew his final whistle afterward.
This is the entire football club's first major championship in the 11s ranks since the men's team won the 2013 UFL title.
Olivia McDaniel, after completing a clean sheet, was named Best Goalkeeper, while Katrina Wetherell was named Best Midfielder.
Kaya Iloilo still got awards in the end as Hali Long was named Best Defender and Julissa Cisneros was the top scorer of the cup.
Manila Digger finished third in the six-club event that also featured Azzurri, Tuloy, and Beach Hut, which despite finishing in fourth place forfeited their playoff matches.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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