The Philippine women's football team got a huge boost as Maz Pacheco is set to join the national squad later this month.
The Philippine Football Federation announced that Pacheco is part of the 26-female pool that will go up against Jordan on October 26, and Democratic Republic of Congo on October 30 in the next FIFA international window where a camp in Turkey is also slated.
Born in Ornskirk, England, the 26-year-old Pacheco is currently playing as a defender for Aston Villa in the Women's Super League (WSL). She had stints in the England age group national squads, the latest being in the Under-21 squad in 2019 where she had 10 appearances.
Pacheco had been hinting of her desire to play for the Philippine national team, even during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup where she made the trip to New Zealand.
“Maz provides our group with professionalism, experience, and excitement,” said PWNT coach Mark Torcaso in a statement. “After talking to Maz, she is very excited to come into camp and get into training.”
“Maz will work with our group to familiarize herself with our way of play. She along with a few other new faces will bring freshness and competition amongst the group,” said Torcaso.
Also making the squad is Janae De Fazio, who plays for Kansas City in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. She also had a stint with UCLA.
“We are excited for Maz to be part of this, but equally excited for Janae De Fazio, who has just spent the summer with Kansas City in the NWSL. It’s an exciting time and I know that all the players are looking forward to getting together again,” said Torcaso.
Also in the pool are forwards Sarina Bolden, Alessandrea Carpio, Bella Flanigan, Katrina Guillou, Nina Mathelus, and Chandler McDaniel, midfielders Anicka Castaneda, Judy Connolly, Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkinson, Bella Pasion, Quinley Quezada, Jaclyn Sawicki, and Meryll Serrano, defenders Angela Beard, Rhea Chan, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Hali Long, Ariana Markey, and Lauren Villasin, and goalkeepers Olivia McDaniel, Nina Meollo, and Inna Palacios.
PWNT previously conducted a camp in Manila where most of the Philippine-based players to get acclimated with the system of Torcaso.
