MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines Women's National Team's preparations for its second appearance at the Asian Games have suffered a setback, with Angela Beard ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
A defender by trade but listed as a forward for the Asian Games, Beard was not among the players present during the team's training camp in Manila ahead of the tournament. The Filipinas will face Uzbekistan, Hong Kong and three-time Asian Games gold medalist China in Group G as they look to improve on their quarterfinals finish three years ago.
Philippines head coach Mark Torcaso confirmed that Beard would not be included in the final squad after picking up an injury.
Beard's absence is a blow to a Filipinas side that has leaned on her experience and versatility during a landmark period for Philippine women's football.
"t's just a small overuse issue that needs to be monitored whilst I transition teams," Beard told ESPN at a pre-Games media opportunity in Manila.
"Better than I use preseason to get myself back to 100% before the season and national team camps in the future.
"Wishing the girls the best of luck for our Asian Games campaign. It's a shame I can't be there as it's another good mock World Cup type tournament to get the team locked into the style of play and playing group."
The 29-year-old, who featured for Brisbane Roar during the latter stages of the 2025-26 Australian A-League Women season, has made 30 international appearances and scored twice for the Philippines since her debut at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
She was also part of the squad that won the country's first football gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last December, and played a role in the team's qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Beard's absence leaves Torcaso with adjustments to make, but the Filipinas still have options in attack, with Mallie Ramirez, Inday Tolentin, Natalie Collins and Alex Carpio among those available up front.
For a team entering another major tournament with expectations continuing to rise, Beard's absence presents an early challenge to overcome but provides an opening for the next generation of Filipinas to step up and make a difference at the Asian Games.
Philippines Women's National Team at the Asian Games
Philippines is drawn in Group G and will face China, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan.
Fixtures
Sept. 14: Philippines vs. Uzbekistan
Sept 17: Philippines vs. Hong Kong
Sept 21: Philippines vs China
Tournament progression:
Quarterfinals: Sept. 25
Semifinals: Sept. 29
Final: Oct. 2