The Philippines absorbed a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Thailand on Sunday to settle for a runner-up finish in the ASEAN zone of the AFC U-14 Girls’ Regional Championship at the Chao Anouvong Stadium in Vientiane, Laos.
Phonchita Thaenprathum supplied the winning goal for the Thais in the third minute of the second half extra time, denying the Filipinas a dream finish in their campaign in the Laotian capital.
Coached by Joyce Landangan, the Pinay booters went unbeaten in Group A with wins over Laos (3-1) and Cambodia (1-0) while drawing Thailand (2-2), before crushing Myanmar, 5-1, in the semifinals last Saturday.
Leading the Philippines’ charge in the competition were Carleigh Frilles, who topscored with four goals including a hat trick in the semis win over Myanmar, Katelyn Alexander (three goals), Trinity Wambolt, and Maria Lazo.
Other members of the team were Alessandra Villalon, Kassandrea Zalamea, Anya Fuentes, Arianna Lepage, Journey Wynder, Gabriella Collatos, Shelten Cruces, Keanne Dedel, Alexzandrea Lagman, Martina Torres, Marienell Cristobal, and Jessica Pido.