Parkland High School boys soccer head coach Patrick Birns is like every other coach in that he wants to test his team early in the season against a quality opponent to see where they stand in the grand scheme of things. The Trojans had one of their first real tests in game number three of the 2021 season when they traveled to the Philadelphia area to take on Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.

Parkland jumped ahead early with three first-half goals and took down the Blue Devils 3-0 last Saturday afternoon in a nonconference game.

It was an important win for the Trojans (2-1 overall, 1-1 EPC) early in the season and Birns knows this could really give his team some motivation moving forward.

“They are a very good team and they were not happy that they lost by three goals,” said Birns. “They are one of the prominent teams around the Philadelphia area and they have a lot of talented players. This was a great early-season test for us, and it’s even better that we were able to come out of here with a clean sheet and a victory.

“It’s always good to play a nonconference team that pushes your level. Getting out of the Lehigh Valley and playing a high-level team like this lets the boys know if they are legit contenders for postseason championships this year.”

Zack Reightler Will Wagstaff and Zach Morales all found the back of the net in the opening half. Rocco Birns added an assist for Parkland, which, after losing its opener to Central Catholic, has won two straight games and played with more inspiration according to Birns.

“We pressed the ball and played at a high pace on both sides of the field,” Birns said. “Our intensity, that was unfortunately missing in the Central game, was outstanding. The boys wanted to win every 50-50 ball and keep the possession until we could score.”

Matt Link had seven saves in the win.

After falling to the Vikings, Parkland beat Allen the day before the Chestnut Hill game, and then defeated Easton this past Monday for its third straight victory.

“It was a rough start [with the Central loss], the boys are still feeling each other out,” said Birns. “But with each passing game and practice they are getting a better idea of how to play together, and it’s showing with these recent results.”

Parkland has two EPC games against Northampton and Pocono Mountain West to finish off the week.