For the first time in over three decades, a Moorestown Friends School Boys’ Soccer team member qualified for the Second Team All-South Jersey. Jonah Bierig ’24, who plays as a dedicated goalkeeper, stood out as one of the top six players allowed for this position in South Jersey.
Bierig shared, “I have been playing soccer for a while, but I recently committed to soccer. I have been [revolving] my life around soccer, and I have worked really hard.”
Jonah Bierig kicks a ball across the pitch in a game in Fall of 2022. Taken by Dinah Megibow-Taylor ’24.
As Bierig’s coach over the past three years, US Boys’ Soccer Coach Mike Schlotterbeck commented, “[Bierig] is one of the top leaders I’ve ever coached. He has a [special] way of motivating his teammates and really keeps the team together. He inspires his teammates and is always certain to be sure that the coaches are keeping the level of training at a high level.”
In addition to qualifying for All-South Jersey last season, Bierig also broke two school records for 190 saves in a season, and 22 saves in a game against Shipley. Noting the importance of teamwork, he added, “Without the team, I would not have done anything I’ve accomplished. But given the individual stats, just a lot of work and hours went [into them].”
Fellow team captain Nick Makar ’24 added, “Jonah is a prominent leader for our entire team. He’s really loud on and off the field. He’s always pushing me to be a better player, and I’ve realized that sometimes I just have to accept his criticism.”
Bierig’s recent engagement in soccer extends beyond the local sphere. He took the summer with teammate Preston Galanis ’25 to spend time with AD Alcorcón, a professional soccer team in Spain. “I was given the opportunity to play soccer with one of the professional teams, which was super sick. I learned a lot, and I know that I can only grow from here.”
Photo of Jonah Bierig from Media Day in Fall
of 2023. Photo taken by Hannah Puc ’24.
After his successful season last year, he wishes to set new goals for his senior year: “I definitely hope to play in college. I am planning on taking a gap year to go play in Israel for a year, but my main goal is Division I. If I was given the opportunity, I would also love to play on the national team, but I am not sure if I want to go pro.”
While he has received offers from a few Division III colleges, Bierig remains focused on achieving his ambitious goals. “Breaking the school record and making All-South Jersey was really important to me because it proved that you can do anything that you put your mind to. My main goal was to make All-Region, but there is always more that I can achieve.”
