UW-Milwaukee graduate has incredible match as Philippines shocks New Zealand in World Cup

Olivia McDaniel, a 2020 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, enjoyed a magical match in goal for the Philippines early Tuesday, making nine saves and leading her squad to an historic 1-0 upset of host country New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup.

The Philippines, appearing for the first time in its history in a men's or women's World Cup, registered its first-ever victory and moved to 1-1-0 in pool play.

Eighteen of the 23 players on the roster are American-born, including the California-born McDaniel and her sister, Chandler, who also played at UW-Milwaukee and didn't appear in the match. Indiana native and Marquette University alumna Ryley Bugay checked in at the 83rd minute.

The team even trained in the United States, coming together in storybook fashion with players who have familial ties to the Philippines.

The McDaniel sisters' parents, Filipina mother Lindy and soccer-coach father Clint, first helped get the ball rolling for a Philippines soccer program in 2012, securing a complex in Corona, California, for the first tryouts.

Olivia's performance, which earned her Player of the Match, stands out as one of the singular performances in the 2023 World Cup. Her extra-time save in the 93rd minute to preserve the lead was the biggest moment. There were also some good breaks; a goal by New Zealand in the 68th minute was negated by a review that revealed offsides and a shot in the 63rd minute glanced off the post right into McDaniel's arms.

The Philippines scored on Sarina Bolden's header that bounced off the hands of New Zealand keeper Victoria Esson in the 24th minute.

New Zealand, which secured its own upset over Norway to open group play, joins the Philippines with three points in the Group A standings. Switzerland has four, having procured a win over the Philippines and a draw, and Norway one after its draw with the Swiss.

The Philippines would advance to the knockout stage with a win over Norway at 2 a.m. CT Sunday. That's no easy task; despite where the Norwegians stand in group play, they entered as the highest-ranked squad in the group.

A loss against Norway would mean elimination, while a draw would require Switzerland beating New Zealand to guarantee passage into the Round of 16 (which takes the top two teams in each group of four).

The Philippines clinched a berth in the World Cup in 2022 when it reached the semifinals of the Asian Cup.

Olivia received her bachelor's degree in communications from UWM in 2020, and Chandler received her degree that same spring in criminal justice, with a minor in psychology. 

Olivia played only sparingly in net for UW-Milwaukee after transferring from Cal State Fullerton, appearing in nine matches.