By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

NMI Men’s National Football Team coach Jeff “Ziggy” Korytoski was very pleased with his players’ debut in an international tournament despite losing to Guam last Sunday in the preliminary qualifying tournament for the East Asia Football Federation Championships.
“I could not ask for more. They did what they were supposed to do, which was to limit Guam’s scoring opportunities and take advantage of every opportunity, if there was any, to score,” said Korytoski, whose squad bowed to Guam, 2-3.
Guam, which is composed of much younger, experienced players, as far as international tournament exposure is concerned, was expected to have an easy time against the NMI team at the Oleai Sports Complex Field.
But the visitors were given a tough fight as the NMI, which played in its first international soccer game, tied the game twice.
Mark McDonald scored the host’s first goal in the 57th minute forcing a 1-1 deadlock in the second half. Guam’s Alan Jamison made the first goal in the game in the 9th minute.
After Zachary Pangelinan broke the tie with a header in the 65th minute, McDonald made another goal in the 75th minute to create a deadlock anew.
A Pangelinan goal in the 75th minute saved Guam from going home empty handed.
“Although we lost yesterday’s game, it put more pressure on Guam heading to Game 2. They know now what we are capable of and we are no pushovers,” said Korytoski.
The second game will be played at Harmon field this Sunday and Korytoski admitted it will be tougher than the first match, as the crowd will be on the host’s side.
“It will be more difficult so we need to prepare harder. We have to work harder on defense,” said Korytoski.
The NMI team lost three players in the second half of the first match, but Korytoski said there’s no need to panic.
“It was all due to fatigue. But come Sunday, we will be having a healthy team,” he added.
The NMI team will be leaving for Guam on Friday morning and will return to Saipan on Monday.
Aside from McDonald, also on the team are Bruce Berline, Wes Bogdan, Kyle Cabael, Dave Duenas, Yoshi Gabaldon, Mike Hall, Peter Houk, Lucas Knecht, Chris Leon Guerrerp, Aaron Lewis, Eric Lister, Jon Mafnas, Leo Mendiola, Tyce Mister, Chris Nelson, Dale Roberts, Brad Ruszala, Jason Schroeder, Vince Stravino, Michael Thomas, Angelo Villagomez and Ben Wood.
After the second game on Guam, the team to score the most goals will advance to the next round of the qualifier.