Hailey Sammarco is one of a small number of players on the Parkland High School girls soccer team that has not won a district championship. The sophomore was with the Trojans last year when they were the top seed in the district tournament and were upset in the quarterfinals, ending a streak of four straight district titles.

This season, Parkland was looking to avoid another upset bid and get back to playing for championships.

Sammarco helped make that happen with a goal just before the halftime whistle blew to break a deadlock and propel the Trojans to a 3-0 victory over the eighth seed, Northampton, last Saturday afternoon in a District 11 Class 4A quarterfinal at Parkland High School.

“It was an important goal and really helped boost our confidence level,” Sammarco said. “It proved that we could break through their defense. That was really important to get that goal before halftime so we could have some momentum for the rest of the way.”

In a slow and scoreless first half between the two teams, Parkland had the advantage in possession and opportunities. The Trojans (11-0 overall) just had a difficult time staying onside with the Kids (7-5) running an offside trap.

It seemed like pass after pass onto a Trojans player streaking down the field towards goal would be stopped dead by the referee. But just as the clock was ticking down in opening stanza, Olivia Kunz found Sammarco, who slotted the ball home with three seconds left until halftime.

“It was a great pass by Olivia [Kunz] over the top of a defender,” said Sammarco. “It helped to beat their offsides trap, which was giving us trouble all half. Once it got over the defender and onto my path, I just had to take the right touch and find the net.”

Senior Emma Schock then scored twice midway through the second half to add some insurance. Freshman Aristea Gougoustamos assisted on Schock’s goal.

The Trojans outshot Northampton 20-3 overall. Senior goalie Teresa Gonzalez finished the game with three saves.

“This one feels really good,” Sammarco said. “This is a prideful win, especially after what we experienced in this round last year. Everyone was excited once the whistle blew, but we know we have more work to be done.

“We want to finish this run on top and play for the girl next to us.”