Battogtokh's Relishes USL Experience as Others Begin

In July 2021 the USL League Two's season concluded and with it ended Mongolian-American Bilegtuvshin Battogtokh's first taste of professional football...for now.

As earlier reported by MFC, Battogtokh had joined Ocean City Nor'easters for the 2021 two-month summer season while his college team, the Ohio Christian Trailblazers, had its offseason break. While mainly part of the club's under-23 side, the versatile defender/forward practiced 2-3 times per week in preparation for the weekly match. He quickly made an impression on the Nor'Easters's staff as he scored against the club's reserve team in a scrimmage.

Battogtokh describes the club's environment as very professional with a focus on player development and promotion within the club. This is not surprising for a club that is perennially at the top of its level, a 9-time US Open Cup participant, and a producer of over 100 professional players around the world since 2003.

In addition to playing during his time in New Jersey, Battogtokh, who majors in Sports Management at OCU, got his first major coaching experience, working as an assistant with the club's youth sides and even the first team for which he would also sometimes join as a player.

Perhaps the most the most challenging part of his summer was making difficult decisions. Battogtokh had been invited by Rastislav Bozik and Suichi Mase, the former and current managers of the Mongolian national team, to participate in two training camps in Mongolia during the summer. Unfortunately both camps clashed with college and club commitments and the player was unable to attend.

Now that the Nor'easters season has ended, Battogtokh has carried his form and performances over into the college season. The senior scored three goals in the Trailblazers' first four matches of the season, including one against Shawnee State and Trinity Christian College. His consistency continues to be noticed by officials in Mongolia and he has once again been invited to a Mongolian national team camp in December 2021.

There's just one major difference this time; his college season will be over and nothing will stop him from attending the camp and fulfilling his dreams!