By Bill Alden

Wesley Leggett scored 13 goals in the first 10 games this fall for the Princeton Day School boys’ soccer team.

Last Wednesday, senior forward Leggett tried mightily to add to that total as PDS hosted Old Bridge, making a number of runs and generating some shots in the box but it was to no avail as the teams played to a scoreless tie through regulation and two overtimes.

“It was unlucky that some of them didn’t go in; it wasn’t my day to strike it,” lamented Leggett. “I take pride in striking it with both feet.”

In reflecting on the tie with Old Bridge, Leggett acknowledged that the Knights had a tough defense to break down.

“They were a very physical team,” said Leggett. “They had a very good defensive shape, they were very organized.”

In the overtime, the Panthers appeared to be in good shape as they dominated possession early on.

“There was a lot more aggression coming into the overtime; everyone was working hard, everyone was pushing forward,” said Leggett.

“We had the momentum; we were all going strong for each other. Everyone was moving forward, everyone was winning their tackles, winning our first ball. I thought we were going to put one in.”

Having been a starter for the Panthers since his freshman year, Leggett is determined to put together a strong final campaign.

“I was looking to have a big senior year; one thing I want to do with any team is to help it win,” added Leggett.

“Whether that is scoring or assisting the ball or just being an overall threat for the whole team.”

Leggett has worked hard to be a threat all over the field. “As an overall player, I am a lot better than last year,” said Leggett. “I am a lot faster, stronger, my finishing got better, my athleticism and my overall game are better.”

Next fall, Leggett will be bringing his game north as he has committed to attend the University of Connecticut and play for its men’s soccer program.

“Connecticut has been one of the schools that I always wanted to go to; they have a good athletic program,” said Leggett.

“I have respect for all of the coaches and I think they have a good fundamental basis to help me grow as a player and a person. I picked that school because I thought that would be the best for for me.”

With PDS starting postseason play this week by hosting Morristown-Beard in the opening round of the state Prep B tourney on October 11, Leggett believes that Panthers will be a tough out.

“I like the direction we have. We are a very slept-on team; based on our record, people would think that are are not that good,” said Leggett, who scored a goal as PDS fell 3-1 to Pingry last Saturday to move to 5-5-1.

“If we come out strong and consistently, we are a very good team. We need to be more physical coming out from the jump. Even if we are not the most talented team, I would rather outwork every team. We like to put the ball down and play some passes across, look to open up the gaps, and play through the gaps.”