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Women's Soccer Rutgers-Newark Athletic Communications

Ruela Steps Down as Head Women's Soccer Coach; Bilbao Named Interim Head Women's Soccer Coach

NEWARK, NJ | The Rutgers University-Newark Scarlet Raiders announced that head coach Ariana Ruela has moved on to pursue a Division I opportunity as an assistant coach. With the latest announcement, her time with the Scarlet Raiders is officially coming to an end. 

Ruela led the Scarlet Raiders women's soccer team for seven seasons and tallied a record of 53-55-12 (.492). The 53 wins along with the 49% win percentage place her as the winningest women's soccer coach in Rutgers-Newark history. 

"We're sad to see her go, but this was an opportunity she couldn't pass up," said Athletic Director Mark Griffin. "I want to thank her for everything she's done for us over the years and how much she has improved the program."

Under Ruela, the Scarlet Raiders checked off a few firsts' for Rutgers-Newark. In 2019, under the direction of Ruela, the Scarlet Raiders defeated Rowan University, 1-0, for the first time in program history. In that same season, they recorded another first when they took down Kean, 2-1. In the 2020 season, Ruela guided the women's soccer team to their second straight double-digit win season, giving her three in six full seasons. Just last season, the Scarlet Raiders took down the No. 1 seed in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Tournament, FDU-Florham, 1-0, before falling to New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) foes, Stockton University, in the semifinal round. 

Stepping into Ruela's shoes for the 2022 season, on an interim basis, will be men's soccer assistant coach, Jonathan Bilbao. Bilbao brings with him a slew of experience both as a coach and a player. His professional playing career began in 2009 for the New Jersey Ironmen before moving to Portugal where he played for Murca SC . From there he took his talents to Malta where he played for Pieta Hotspurs from 2011-2014. 

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"I'm excited to have Jonathan step into this role for this season, said Griffin." "He brings a ton of experience and will bring a new perspective to our team."

On the coaching side, Bilbao has been the head coach at Orange High School since 2018 while also being part of the Rutgers-Newark men's soccer staff as an assistant coach since 2017. His coaching career began right where his collegiate career came to an end at New Jersey City University where he was an assistant coach for the 2013 season. Bilbao brings with him knowledge at the NJAC level after being a standout star for the Gothic Knights where he also played with current Director of Athletic Communications, Tom Krychkowski. In 2007, he was named NJAC Offensive Player of the Week and First Team All-NJAC. He not only stood out on the the pitch but also in the classroom which propelled him to be voted on the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-America District II College Division Second-Team. Bilbao has also been associated with Jersey Star Soccer School and Competitive Soccer Training since 2014 & 2015. 

The Scarlet Raiders women's soccer team kicks off their 2022 campaign on Thursday, September 1 when they travel to Schenectady, NY to take on Union College. Two days later they will take on Brooklyn College in their home opener at Frederick Douglass Field on Saturday, September 3 at 1:00 pm. 

 
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