The PNG’s Under 20 Women’s National Football Team departed today, from a three week tour of The United States.
Head Coach, Lisa Cole, is using the tour to further gauge the strengths and weaknesses of a side that has had only four competitive matches ahead of November’s World cup.
Having departed on August 11, the squad of 25 young women, had slipped from their training camp in Goroka, largely under the radar. Assistant Coach, Rachel Wadunah had said, the team was anxious on the travel, but hopeful of putting in good performances whilst on tour. Earlier in the year, Cole was adamant that the side’s improvement lay how much experience could be gained in the short period of time prior to the World Cup in November.
Arriving in the US via the Philippines, the side had mixed results Their opening match against Seattle Pacific ended with a 5-1 score line for the visitors, while their first win, coming after day 9 with a 2-1 win over Lock Haven, a result that boosted the team’s morale. Then a 1-1 draw against Bloomsburg, as the women showed positive signs of improvement. The squad is expected to arrive in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
