Sarina Bolden’s remarkable journey from American academies to representing the Philippines at the highest level culminated in a historic moment at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The 27-year-old forward rose above defenders and scored the first-ever goal for the Philippines in the tournament, securing a 1-0 victory against New Zealand and making her team the first of the newcomers to claim a win.
Bolden’s path to wearing the Philippines’ colors wasn’t straightforward. Born in Santa Clara, California, she initially played for American academies before joining the Philippines national team in 2018 while playing for Loyola Marymount. The decision to represent her Filipino heritage proved to be a pivotal one, as she went on to excel on the international stage.
Her soccer journey also took her through various countries and playing styles, having signed her first professional club contract in Sweden in 2019 with Sandvikens IF. Subsequently, she played for teams in Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and Australia with the Western Sydney Wanderers. These diverse experiences shaped her into the talented player she is today.
Bolden’s impact on the field was profound. In 37 international matches, she scored an impressive 22 goals, consistently showcasing her goal-scoring prowess. Notably, she had already been a star for her country, scoring the game-winner in her senior international debut during the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup against Jordan. Her crucial penalty kick in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup shootout against Taiwan secured the Philippines’ spot in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Her historic goal at the Women’s World Cup was met with instant jubilation from the large contingent of Filipino fans, while even New Zealand supporters couldn’t help but be amazed by her performance. The Filipino players, including Bolden, took a bow in front of the ecstatic fans at Sky Stadium, an unforgettable moment that showcased the unity and pride of Filipinos worldwide.
Bolden’s journey is a testament to the diversity and global reach of Filipino soccer fans. She has become a symbol of what it means to represent the Philippines on the world stage. Her success and passion for the game have undoubtedly inspired many young players in the Philippines and beyond.
As the Women’s World Cup progresses, other nations also face their own challenges and stories. Norway’s Ada Hegerberg, one of the tournament’s top stars, did not start in a critical match against Switzerland. Meanwhile, Australia’s team captain, Sam Kerr, missed the opening match due to injury, but her teammates remained confident in their squad depth.
Canada, another strong contender, aimed for a Tokyo-style run to the title, displaying ambition and determination to lift the trophy.
Overall, the 2023 Women’s World Cup promises to be a showcase of talent, diversity, and passion for the beautiful game, with players like Sarina Bolden leaving an indelible mark in the sport’s history.
