LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Philippine Women's Soccer National Team has been announced ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, which kicks off on 20 January 2022 in India. Making the team is former Eastern Oregon University student-athlete Kiara Fontanilla.

Fontanilla was selected as one of three goalkeepers for the Philippine women's team as they seek World Cup qualification. The Philippines take on Thailand, Australia, and Indonesia in Group B with matches to be played in Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, and Pune.

For Fontanilla, this is her first career appearance with the Philippines following a five-year collegiate career, including two with the Mountaineers. She donned an EOU uniform during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. 

"We are extremely proud of Kiara, she has worked extremely hard to be in this position," Head Coach Jacob Plocher said. "She has always stepped up when called upon and was willing to do whatever was needed to help the team. I know she will do a great job representing the NAIA, the CCC, and EOU!"

While at Eastern Oregon, Fontanilla appeared in 11 games and was tabbed a starter in seven. During the 2020 season that was modified and played in the spring, she appeared in the first six games, all as a starter.

She posted a 5-0-1 record with all five wins coming by way of shutout. Fontanilla finished the season playing in 560 total minutes and allowed just one goal during that span. She finished with 19 saves and had a .950 save percentage and a .160 goals against average. Academically, she was named to the CCC U.S. Bank All-Academic Team this past fall term.

This year for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third placed teams, will qualify to the knockout stages. The 12 teams will also contest for the five qualification spots for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

Head coach Alen Stajcic, who was appointed last October 2021, has been in the thick of the team's preparation for the Women's Asian Cup with a training camp held from November 2021 to January 2022 in Irvine, California, USA.

"I've got a lot of hope and a lot of belief that we can actually achieve the goal," said Stajcic. "The players are all aligned and driven to succeed as one and that's what we have to do to give ourselves every possible chance of getting one of those spots for the World Cup."

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) called up twenty-three (23) players to form the final squad for the competition. To learn more about the AFC Women's Asain Cup 2022 and to see the full squad for the Philippines, click the link above. 

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