Philippines routs Guam in Trination Friendlies opener

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team marked its return to Rizal Memorial Stadium with a 5-1 win over Guam in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Friendlies on Wednesday night.

The match came 18 months after the Philippines’ victory over Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Championship at the same venue.

The home win also served as part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Championship next month.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the tournament is an important step in the team’s buildup.

“A winning start on home soil against Guam is exactly the confidence-builder this group needed as we begin our final preparations for the ASEAN Championship in July — but we know the work is far from done, and these Tri-Nations Friendlies are precisely the proving ground where Coach Carles and his staff will sharpen this squad into a team ready to compete for the Hyundai Cup,” Gutierrez said.

Cole Mrowka opened the scoring in the sixth minute on his debut after Guam goalkeeper Josiah Jones parried Jarvey Gayoso’s first attempt.

Gayoso doubled the lead in the 18th minute, scoring his fifth international goal after Daisuke Sato’s delivery from the left.

Santi Rublico made it 3-0 in the 44th minute, finishing a long ball from Jeff Tabinas with his left foot for his first international goal.

Guam pulled one back in the 60th minute through Levi Berg, who intercepted the ball from Jaime Rosquillo before beating goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad in a one-on-one chance.

Andre Leipold restored the Philippines’ three-goal cushion in the 63rd minute, finishing Gayoso’s assist after a patient buildup.

Leipold completed his brace in stoppage time from Pocholo Bugas’ delivery from the left to seal the 5-1 win and earn Player of the Match honors.

“First of all, I’m very happy, also to score my first two goals for the national team and I’m ready for the next game,” Leipold, playing on his first RMS game after a solid Asian Cup Qualifiers stint, said. “It was very good because first of all we have very new players. It was a good game in preparation for the next game so we need to keep going and win the next game.”

Mrowka said the home support made his debut more meaningful.

“I’m very honored to make my debut and obviously very happy that we got a very good result,” Mrowka told pff.org.ph. “It’s amazing. You don’t see anything like this. I’m so glad to be able to play in front of all of them and represent the country.”

He added: “Honestly, it feels like we’ve been playing together for so long. The connection on the field was just so coordinated. Thank you to the Federation for organizing this amazing event and to all the fans for coming out. We’re excited to see you again on the ninth.”

Jones said Guam valued the test against the Philippines.

“It’s tough playing against the Philippines. Good team, technically,” Jones told pff.org.ph. “Good atmosphere, they support their team really well, which makes it difficult for anyone coming. This is a great opportunity for Guam to play against the Philippines and Myanmar and continue developing against high-level teams.”

The Tri-Nation Friendlies continue Saturday, June 6, when Guam faces Myanmar.

The Philippines will close its campaign against Myanmar on June 9.

Both matches will be played at Rizal Memorial Stadium, with kickoff set at 7:30 p.m.