PHNOM PENH—Team Philippines fell to a tough Thailand stand in the third and final period and absorbed a 2-3 loss on Tuesday in the men’s floorball finals of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the competition venue of the Dinosaur Alive Theme Park in Chroy Changvar District here.
A late goal from Simon Johansson, struck home in the 39th minute in the third period, allowed the Thais to escape for the third straight time.
Despite the loss, it was still the Philippines’ best finish after placing fourth in 2015 and 2019.
“It was a tight game. We made a few mistakes. That made the difference today,” said coach Noel Mendoza.
The Filipinos took the lead early, drawing strength on Kim Franz’s attack in the 20:58 mark in the second period.
The Thais then equalized in the third period, behind Johansson, who scored in the 30:46 mark for a 1-all tie.
Then, Franz assisted Melvin Mendoza for the Philippines’ second goal in the 32:07 mark, for a 2-1 score.
Thakit Kavairit then broke through at 36:07 to keep the Thais close with a 2-all deadlock, before Johansson came through with the deciding point.
The Filipinos earlier upset Thailand, 6-4 in the Group Stage.
“Lumaban ang men’s team. ‘Yung goal natin gold. Nakita natin na kaya. And we almost got it. Pero mabilis ang scoring, and the momentum changed quickly,” said Philippine Floorball Association president Ralph Ramos.
Earlier, the Philippine women’s team settled for the bronze medal with their 4-2 victory over Malaysia.
