PH men’s football team routs Guam in Tri-Nation Friendlies

Philippine men’s football team in action during the Tri-Nation Friendlies at Rizal Memorial Stadium. –PFF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine men’s football team rolled past Guam, 5-1, on Wednesday in a winning start to the Tri-Nation Friendlies at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Debutant Cole Mrowka scored the opening goal early on to set up a dominant showing by the Filipino booters in the first of two scheduled friendlies in a span of six days.

Mrowka, attached with Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew, struck six minutes after kickoff in a fitting start to his stint with the national team.

Jarvey Gayoso doubled the lead in the 18th before Santi Rublico produced his first international goal before halftime as the Philippines went up 3-0.

Levi Burg pulled one back for the visitors before the Philippines added two more, all from Andre Leipold.

Leipold’s goals came in the 63rd and near the final whistle.

The hosts will face Myanmar on Tuesday at the same venue to wrap up the Tri-Nation campaign, which is aimed at preparing the team before the Asean Hyundai Cup that starts next month.

Myanmar and Guam square off on Thursday as part of the Tri-Nation schedule.