SPARK PLUG: Princeton Day School boys’ soccer goalie Ryan Sparks surveys the action in a 2015 game. Last Saturday, senior standout Sparks came up big in a 1-0 victory over Hopewell Valley, making eight saves to earn the shutout. The Panthers, who moved to 8-4-1 with a 3-0 loss to South Kent (Conn.) last Monday, play at Hun School on October 13, at Wardlaw-Hartridge on October 15, and at Montclair Kimberley on October 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Ryan Sparks has grown a lot over the last few years in his role as the starting goalie for the Princeton Day School boys’ soccer team.

“I remember my first game freshman year was MCTs against Allentown when they were a big powerhouse; I was scared,” said senior Sparks.

“Last year, I was more aggressive and this year I am even more aggressive. As I have gotten older and stronger, I am not afraid to go out on the ball any more.”

As Sparks and PDS hosted Hopewell Valley last Saturday, they were looking to be aggressive in the wake of a 4-0 loss at the Hill School (Pa.) three days earlier.

“This game we just wanted to come out and play hard; we were really soft when we started off against Hill and they were pushing us around,” said Sparks.

“We wanted to come out and be the bigger team. We started a little slow but after the first 10 minutes we picked it up and started using our bodies; getting more aggressive and playing as a team.”

With Sparks playing well in goal, making eight saves, PDS stifled HoVal, earning a 1-0 victory with senior defender Jack Amaral tallying the lone goal of the contest.

“We have come a long way since the beginning of the season,” said Sparks, reflecting on the PDS defensive effort in the win over the Bulldogs.

“When we first started out against Pennington (a 5-2 loss on September 12), we wouldn’t hold the line but now we have worked to get that line. As you see, when they hold that line and they send those balls through, I am able to come out and sweep the ball out.”

Topping the Bulldogs was another step in the right direction for the Panthers.

“This is a big rivalry for us, they are right next door,” said Sparks, who also stars for the Panther baseball team as an outfielder/pitcher. “We were all saying this is a big time game because a lot of people know each other.”

With PDS off to a solid 8-4-1 start, Sparks likes the way the Panthers are competing.

“I am happy with that record, we have been playing some really good teams,” said Sparks.

“We played Pennington, Peddie, and Hill. Although we lost those games, those are big time teams where they recruit, have boarding, and stuff like that. We are just from the area and we are able to hang with the big boys.”

Sparks credits new Panther head coach Ollie Hilliker with helping the team hang in there through the ups and downs.

“He has been really good; I think what he has done really well getting us united as a team,” said Sparks.

“Last year, I thought we had a lot more talent but this year we are playing so much better as a team. I think he has gotten us to work well together and really bond.”

As a result of PDS’s cohesion on the field, Sparks believes the squad can do some damage in the postseason.

“At the beginning of the season, I didn’t know what we were working with and I wasn’t too confident,” said Sparks.

“Now I am confident that we can go far in MCTs and we could even win Preps.”