BLOOMFIELD, NJ – The Bloomfield High School boys’ varsity soccer team feels very good about its chances this season.
The Bengals feature a solid group of talented players who last season benefitted from competing in the daunting Super Essex Conference-American Division, the top division in the conference.
“I think one of the best things about this team is the fact that last season we had the chance to play in one of the toughest, if not the toughest, leagues in New Jersey, the American Division of the Super Essex Conference,” BHS head coach Mike Aiello said. “We have the ability to play fast and we have some very smart and technical attacking players. We have tough and hard-working defensive minded players. I’ve been impressed with the work rate in both scrimmages and practices so far this preseason.”
The Bengals are poised to improve on last year’s 3-15-3 record. This season, they have moved to the SEC-Liberty Division, the second highest division in the conference. BHS, which graduated just one player who started every game last year, opens the season Sept. 7 at Nutley at 4 p.m.
The key returning players are junior center-backs John Fabiano and Jean-Carlos Pereya; junior center-midfielder Jason Ricca; midfielders Anthony Rizzi (sophomore) Sahil Doshi (junior) and Nicolas Kovach (senior); junior defender Antonio D’Andrea; and junior goalkeeper Matthew Vitella.
Aiello has been impressed with Fabiano and Pereya during the preseason.
“They both read the game exceptionally well, are extremely tough, and work hard,” Aiello said. “Jean-Carlos saw time mostly as a forward last season, but he has proven to be a versatile player because he can go from being a goal scorer to a lock-down defender. John started every game last year as either center-back or center defensive mid and sets a great tone for our team from a physicality standpoint. He is a fantastic leader.”
Ricca, who made First Team on the All-SEC-American last year, also will be a leader and a go-to player. “Jason was a captain as a sophomore and has started for the varsity team since his freshman year,” Aiello said. “We rely on Jason’s ability to play in the middle of the field, and what we can do from an attacking standpoint often begins when the ball is at his feet.”
Aiello also expects Rizzi to be a major offensive threat. “Anthony was tied for the lead in goals last season as a freshman. This year we moved him to the middle of the field because he is very dangerous around the goal, whether it’s hitting a ball for a shot or finding a through ball for one of his teammates, “ Aiello said.
Doshi and Kovach will serve as strong complements to Rizzi in the midfield. “Sahil plays out wide for us in the midfield and is the fastest player every time he steps on the field,” Aiello said. “He is dangerous when the ball is at his feet in 1v1 situations.
“Nick can play just about any position on the field at a high level,” added Aiello of Kovach, who made Honorable Mention on the All-SEC-American last year. “He has a tendency of being at the right place at the right time, whether it’s finishing a chance or setting up a teammate for a great chance. He has improved tremendously over the past couple of years and is an important piece for us this season.”
D’Andrea will spark the defensive unit. “Antonio is a starting outside back for us. He works hard, is an intelligent player, and a strong leader,” Aiello said.
Vitella also looks strong in goal. “Matt has been impressive this preseason,” Aiello said. “He attended every summer session, often found working on his own even before the sessions started. I’m excited for what the season has in store for him.”
The key newcomers are senior Anselme Dembassa, and sophomores Marco Colasurdo and Noah Kelly. “Anselme is a very dangerous attacking player who works exceptionally hard and has a great attitude,” Aiello said. “In a short amount of time, he has developed great chemistry with Anthony Rizzi, who plays behind him. Marco is hard-working, and when he and Sahil are playing out wide together, their speed makes us a tough team to play against.Noah is a strong defensive player who is always willing to go in hard for a challenge and reads the game well.”
The Bengals have been focused on improving their fitness level.
“I believe if we are in the best shape possible, from a fitness perspective, combined with the speed with which we play, we can be a dangerous team,” said Aiello.
The season goals include winning the SEC-Liberty Division, qualifying for the state tournament, and continuing to take part in the various community service activities that they have been involved with the past couple of years, noted Aiello.
Indeed, Aiello is excited about this year’s team.
“This is my sixth year as part of the Bloomfield High School boys’ soccer program and my third year as head coach. This is the most excited I’ve been about a team in that time. We are still a relatively young team, but if we can stay focused on getting better each day, I think this season could be special.”
Anselme Dembassa is the brother of Mesmin and Jefferson. “All three are a part of the varsity roster and have proven to be key players for us this season,” Aiello said. “They have a strong relationship and are constantly pushing each other at practices. They have had a positive effect on our team and have set a great example for what has become a very close group of players.”
BHS partial schedule
Sept. 7, at Nutley, 4 p.m., season opener
Sept. 9, Eagle Academy (Bronx, N.Y.) 10 a.m., at Foley Field
Sept. 11, Caldwell, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13, at Montclair Kimberley Academy, 4 p.m.
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