Looking up at the scoreboard in the second half, the Whitehall girls soccer team found themselves down by three goals and in search of a goal of their own. While they ended up getting two and were in search of just one more to tie the game, it just did not come before the final horn sounded and Whitehall’s comeback effort fell just short, losing 3-2 to Parkland Monday night at Parkland High School.

The game seemed out of hand early in the second half with the four-time defending District 11 champion Trojans (7-0 overall) leading by three goals on their home turf, but the Zephyrs (4-3), the last team to win districts before Parkland’s recent run, clawed back and nearly was able to make it all the way back.

“We had a few chances there to tie in the final minutes, but it just didn’t want to happen for us tonight,” said head coach Chris Bleam. “I’m really proud of the girls as they continued to compete for the whole game and actually got stronger as the game progressed. We played with a completely new system and that cost us the two goals early as we adapted to things, but the improvement and learning that occurred throughout the game will only help us as we near the midpoint of the regular season.”

There were a combined five goals scored between the two teams, and all five were recorded by two players, one from each team. Ava Schaller tallied all three goals for the Trojans, while Kate Bonshak netted both for the Zephyrs.

“Kate is a terrific leader and represents Whitehall with total class both on and off the field,” Bleam said. “She’s a great player and we’re lucky to have her on this team.”

Parkland outshot Whitehall 9-4, but Whitehall held the advantage in corner kicks at 5-3. Goalie Grace Clary finished with six saves.

Even though the Zephyrs fell just short of upsetting the Trojans on the road, under the lights, Bleam still took away a lot of positive things from the game for the future.

“Our goal is to continue to learn and improve as we have many young team contributors,” said Bleam. “We need to win enough to qualify for postseason and then apply our lessons in those games when they really matter.”

Whitehall remained on the road its following game at Pleasant Valley yesterday and will wrap up the week at home against East Stroudsburg South Friday afternoon.