For the second match in a row Fiji have lost to the Philippines, this time going down 8-0 following a clinical performance from the side which qualified for its first FIFA Women’s World Cup earlier this year.
Coach Lisa Cole was encouraged by the opportunity the two matches offered her side, especially given the Philippines are ranked 54th in the world to Fiji’s 67th position.
“Great experience for Fiji women’s national team. Only way to improve is to test yourself vs. those ahead of you. Lots of lessons learned. Just getting started,” Cole shared on Facebook.
The two match series against the Philippines was played in Sydney, Australia and serves as preparation for Fiji’s upcoming OFC Women’s Nations Cup campaign.
It was a tough couple of outings for Cole’s side as they struggled to impose themselves at this level following an almost three year absence from the international stage.
It took Sofia Harrison just ten minutes to open the scoring and although Fiji had a prime opportunity to level the score in the 23rd minute, it wasn’t to be.
Instead it was Quinley Quezada who netted in the 25th minute to take the Philippines to a 2-0 lead, before a quick-fire brace from Katrina Guillou extended it to 4-0 heading into the break.
Guillou earned a hat-trick with her 54th minute strike before defender Isabella Flanigan scored her maiden goal for the Philippines to make it 7-0.
Birthday girl Carleigh Frilles capped off her special day with her first goal just after the restart, and her second wrapping up the match in additional time to take the Philippines to an 8-0 victory.