Bengals Boys' Soccer Program Playing Consistently Well, Led by Talented Team Captains

It's been a hard-hitting season, with a lot of successes for the Bloomfield High boys' soccer team, as the year reaches its pinnacle.

Head coach Michael Aiello's Bengals took a 6-5-1 record into a home match, at Watsessing Park, on Oct. 11, versus Morris Hills. Kickoff time there is 3:30 p.m. On Oct. 18, the Bengals welcome Bayonne, at 4:30 p.m., in a game from Watsessing Park, and on Oct. 22, Bloomfield hosts a night game, versus Caldwell, in a 6:30 p.m. match from Foley Field.

Aiello has been pleased with his team's effort this year. The Bengals have battled a tough schedule, with three of its five setbacks by one goal each.

"I am really happy with how the season has progressed," said Aiello. "We've grown as a team over the past month, and are excited for the upcoming county and state tournaments. Our schedule over the first 10 games was not easy, having had to play a handful of state-ranked teams, and some Super Essex Conference (SEC) American Division teams, which I believe is the one of the best, if not the best divisions in the entire state."

Aiello has seen his team continue to mature.

"We've learned a lot about ourselves as a team this first month, and have really battled and played hard in a lot of close games, with some very good teams," the coach said. "In a recent match against Seton Hall Prep (played on Sept. 30), we took a 1-0 lead with about 20 minutes left before ultimately losing in overtime. Despite the result, I was thrilled with how we played against one of the best teams in the state. This is an extremely dedicated, and hard-working group, that play for each other."

Aiello credited the team's captains, Miguel Ganhito, Miguel Lopez, Nico Travers, Daniel Pena, and Fabian Madrid, for providing the necessary leadership to a hard-working group of Bengals.

"We played a lot of close games in this competitive SEC Liberty Division, and our back line of Madrid, Lopez, Demarie Blair and Pena has not only played great defensively, but has also provided us with a lot of offense throughout the season. Both Miguel and Danny have scored and assisted on a number of goals. Fabian and Demarie are an excellent center back combination, and do a great job of anchoring our back line."

The coach praised the midfield, led by seniors Gabe Bastidas, Matteo Merced and Travers, who have done a good job of controlling the game, and providing the necessary work rate which every successful team needs.

"These three young men are not only skilled soccer players, but also tough hard-working players who are difficult to play against," said Aiello.

The offensive attack has been consistent.

"Miguel Ganhito has paced our attack, leading us with six goals and two assists, so for this season," said Aiello. "Miggy is a dangerous player who draws a ton of attention from our opponents. Not only does he lead us in scoring, but he creates many chances for us, as well.

"Sophomores Julius Deputato, Jake Buccieri and Tyler Brodbeck have all played huge roles for us this season, as well. All three of them are extremely smart, technical players who continue to get better, and better, as the season has gone on. They've provided much of our offense this season."

Juniors Ethan Johns and JC Lee are "super talented players," according to Aiello, who continue to make big contributions for Bloomfield, on offense.

"We also have tremendous depth at the keeper position, with junior Alex Leon, who has been starting matches since his freshmen year," the coach said. "Alex is a great leader and an extremely talented keeper. He played a great match against Seton Hall Prep.

Sophomore Daniel Echeverry has earned big wins over Livingston and Columbia this year, and junior Josh Tang earned his first career varsity shutout vs McNair.:"

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