The recently graduated defender from Burlingame, California looks to make her impact and continue her playing career at the national level.
"This upcoming tournament is a thrilling opportunity for me to represent not only the Philippines, but Cal Poly Humboldt on the international stage," said Rhea Chan. "I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and acknowledge the vital role my teammates, coaches, friends, and family have played in my journey. Their unwavering support, guidance, and belief have consistently empowered me to push my limits on the field. Our exceptional Fall season instilled a confidence in me, fueling my decision to represent Humboldt with pride. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has ever believed in me, as their continued support has driven my passion and determination."
The Pinatar Cup, which originated in 2019, is an invitational women's association football tournament that is held in San Pedro del Pinatar, Region of Murcia, Spain. The 2024 Pinatar Cup will be held from February 24 through February 27 and will include teams from the Philippines, Scotland, Finland, and Slovenia. The four Women's National Teams who are invited engage in a semi-final format, playing two international FIFA official matches each. The Philippines National Team will open on February 24 versus Scotland. Prior to their match on February 24, they will play a friendly versus Finland on February 21.
The Philippines National Team qualified for their very first FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 via their 2022 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup semi-final finish. This was the first time the country qualified for a FIFA World Cup of any gender or age level. During the Group stage in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand, the Philippines went 1-2-0 and defeated host country New Zealand with a score of 1-0. It was the first FIFA World Cup win ever for the country. The team saw losses to Switzerland and Norway, respectfully.
Chan played her final season at Cal Poly Humboldt this past Fall and helped contribute to the best season in program history. As a staple in the 'Jacks defensive back line, Chan was awarded Best Defender by her teammates at the end of the season.
"I am so proud of Rhea and excited for this amazing opportunity to continue her journey in the game and represent the Philippines national team," Landy said. "She's been a great player and teammate in our program for the past three seasons. We wish her and her team the best of luck in the upcoming tournament."
Cal Poly Humboldt won a program best 13 matches this past season, which included their first postseason tournament win in CCAA history after defeating Stanislaus State 2-1 in double-overtime of the quarterfinals. The team also went undefeated in non-conference play for the first time in program history. For NCAA Division II, Cal Poly Humboldt earned their highest ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Association National Poll, coming in ranked at No. 21 in the September 19 and 26 Top-25 polls.
Chan joined the Lumberjack soccer program in the Fall of 2021 from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Over her three years in a Humboldt uniform, Chan has started 45 matches for the 'Jacks and appeared in 49 matches, playing a total of 2,998 minutes. She has 17 shots, eight of which were on goal, and one assist during her time as a Lumberjack. Defensively, Chan contributed to 22 total shutouts over her three seasons.
Off the pitch, Chan excelled in the classroom as well. She was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team and graduated in the Fall with a degree in Child Development, specializing in Speech Language Pathology. Other academic awards throughout her time at Cal Poly Humboldt include CCAA Academic Honor Roll, Athletics Department Presidential Scholar, and Magna Cum Lade.
For more information on the 2024 Pinatar Cup schedule and match times, please click here to view ESPN's website.