New Bloomfield HS girls’ soccer coach Jon Aliaga excited for season

BLOOMFIELD – Jon Aliaga has reason to feel optimistic.

The new Bloomfield High School girls’ varsity soccer head coach has been impressed by his team’s work ethic and dedication during player meetings and workouts this summer.

After serving as head coach at Lacordaire Academy in Montclair for the past few years, Aliaga, indeed, is thrilled to be coaching at BHS.

“I am excited about the opportunity,” said Aliaga about being the new coach. “This is a great group of girls who in the offseason have been working well. There is a good sense of family and unison among the team, which I am really looking forward to working with.”

Aliaga grew up in Kearny, a hotbed for soccer. In high school, he played for national powerhouse St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark where he was graduated in 2000. He then continued his career at Drew University. After graduating in 2004, Aliaga became a graduate assistant coach for Drew.

The Lady Bengals, who enjoyed a stellar 16-4-1 season  last fall, are moving up to the Super Essex Conference-Liberty Division this season after competing in the Colonial Division. Aliaga, who was named the Bengals head coach last month, welcomes the challenge.

“We are moving up a division, which is great because we are going to be playing a little bit more tougher teams. We welcome the challenge as well,” Aliaga said.

Regarding his coaching philosophy, Aliaga stresses the importance of teamwork. He also emphasizes strategic development, defense and hard work.

“We’re going to build on the tactical skills, but also the physical and psychological. I am big on  defense,” said Aliaga, who recently moved to Bloomfield with his young family. “I believe that with  defense and hard work, great things can happen.”

The Bengals will begin official practice August 15. The season opener is Sept. 9 against Belleville at Brookdale Park in a Liberty Division game.