Son Hwayeon's hat trick too much as Filipinas fall to Korea in Asian Games 2023 tiff

The Philippine women's national football team was sent crashing by South Korea as the Filipinas absorbed a 5-1 defeat for their first loss in the 19th Asian Games on Monday night in Hangzhou, China.

The Filipinas fell to a 1-1 win-loss card while world no. 20 Korea improved to an immaculate 2-0 slate after also dominating Myanmar on the opening day.

With both teams coming off their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup stints, the Filipinas got off to a hot start with Sarina Bolden getting things underway for the squad as she converted a goal off a Merryl Serrano assist at the 8th minute mark.

But the Koreans were quick to respond as Chun Garam found the back of the net for the equalizer just four minutes after.

Son Hwayeon then went for a header in between the defense of Hali Long and Jessika Cowart for a 2-1 lead at the 44th minute before Ji Soyun's penalty kick sent Korea to a pivotal 3-1 cushion.

Son further imposed her will, scoring her second and third goals at the 56th and 60th minute marks for a hat trick and giving her side a comfortable 5-1 advantage.

The last time the two squads faced off, Korea emerged victorious as well after pulling off a 2-0 win against the Philippines during the semifinals of the 2022 AFC Asian Women's Cup last year.

The Filipinas will next face Myanmar on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The top finishers from five groups and the three best runner-ups will advance to the quarterfinals.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News