MARK Esalan and Eric Barajas, two of the top scorers of their respective teams in the recent Men’s M-League Spring 2021, have been selected to be part of the M-League All-Stars roster that will go up against the NMI Men’s National Team in an exhibition match on Sunday, June 27, at the NMI Soccer Training Center.
The TanHoldings Football Club, with the help of Esalan, clinched the Division A championship of the Men’s M-League recently.
Esalan contributed a total of 12 goals.
“I feel really grateful, once again, to be selected as one of the top scorers, one of my biggest achievements in 2021!” Esalan said.
Although the striker’s main purpose is to score, Esalan said he also focused on helping his team and teammates. “My plan, whenever I enter every game, is to help my teammates. Yes I do aim to score in every game possible — I approach the plan of scoring a goal by just being in the moment of the game and letting my feet do that scoring.”
He added, “But my teammates also help me become a good striker. Most importantly they believe in me. Having that understanding and chemistry with my teammates also helps me become a good striker on and off the pitch.”
The other top scorer of the M-League spring season is Paire Football Club’s Eric Barajas who delivered a total of 11 goals.
Included on the M-League All-Stars roster with Esalan and Barajas are player/coach Martin Jambor (THFC), Jason Quimzon (THFC), Eunsyu Hahn (MPU), Allan Hinson (MPU), Skyler Poon (MPU), Ajani Burrell (Paire), Whit Alitzer (Paire), Jeff Seo (Paire), Jeremiah Diaz (NMI U18 A), Jerald Aquino (NMI U18 B), Richard Steele (NMI U18 B), Floyd Masga (NMI U18 B), Andrew Omelau (Kanoa) and Xiong Zhe Li (The One FC). The team manager is Norman Del Rosario.
TanHoldings’ Mark Esalan battles a goalie during a Men’s M-League Spring 2021 game at the NMI Soccer Training Center.
