THE Chandler McDaniel-led Stallion Laguna FC is set to make history when it joins the preliminary stage of the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League this week.
This will mark the club’s first appearance in Asia’s premier women’s club competition.
In representing the Philippines, Stallion Laguna is bracketed with three clubs in Group A of the preliminary round.
They will first meet Khovd Western (Mongolia) on Tuesday, the Strykers FC (Guam) on August 28, and ISPE WFC (Myanmar) on August 31 at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, Myanmar.
All matches are important, with the top team from the group qualify for the Group Stage in November, 2025.
Their continental appearance is a significant milestone for Stallion Laguna’s women’s program.
Coached by Ernie Nierras and Clint McDaniel, the squad is composed of experienced campaigners and rising young talents eager to test themselves at the continental level.
“The team arrived here early to acclimatize, know the culture, enjoy the food, and enjoy the hospitality of Myanmar,” said Nierras, with the team already in Myanmar for a week.
McDaniel is captain of the team, the roster of which includes goalie Olivia McDaniel, a veteran of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The rest of the lineup includes Kaya Hawkinson, Isabella Villaflor, Claire Lubetaniakirara Ogawa, Mia Bookhard, Arantxa Del Mundo, Mckenna Davidson, Yanzie Yalong, Mikayla Simons, Alyssa Jane Ube, Isabella Pasion, Charisa Marie Lemoran, Regine Rasonable, Rhea Chan, Ariana Robles, Jenna Merrill, Malia Cerdon, Pau San Buenaventura, Nia Fountain and Lovely Fernandez.
“I feel a tremendous amount of pride to have been a part of that. Winning is a habit and one that our girls have trained and worked hard towards,” said Chandler McDaniel.
