After one of the most successful seasons in program history for the Parkland High School girls soccer team, head coach Al Haddad was able to reflect on the year and all that his team accomplished.

“Very proud of the players and how they carried themselves throughout the season, from fantastic participation starting in June for strength and conditioning, preseason and how hard they worked and how they dealt with adversity throughout the season that comes in many different ways,” said Haddad. “A group that never quit and took any opportunity to play and took it upon themselves to have pride in their performance. A group that always looked in the mirror and accepted responsibility and accountability for their actions and level of play. After graduating 13 seniors the prior season, there were many doubts by many on what this team would accomplish, yet the 23 players never doubted what they could achieve.”

The Trojans won their ninth consecutive Eastern Pennsylvania Conference championship and fourth straight District 11 4A title.

“We strive every year to put ourselves in a position to play in both of these championships,” Haddad said. “Winning nine straight EPC titles and then our fourth straight district title is something that each group of seniors has as a team goal. There is more pressure on them not wanting to be the team that doesn’t than the pressure of the game itself. Like most years and again this year, both CCHS and Emmaus pushed us to our limits, and we were fortunate that the ball went our way in those games.”

Parkland’s run came to an end in the PIAA playoffs semifinal round when it fell to the eventual state champion Pennridge.

“The eventual state champions, they were big, strong, technical and fast,” Haddad said. “I felt their speed and strength was something that was difficult for us to overcome. I felt our players played really well, created some chances and had the ball bounce the wrong way a few times. Over 80 minutes, that was just too much to deal with.”

Parkland (24-1-1 overall) will graduate seven seniors, including Joanna Chou, Lauren Ervin, Sophie Frank, Aristea Gougoustamos, Sophia Hallal, Ella Amadio and Danielle Marsteller.

“Our team was led by all seven seniors, not just the four captains,” said Haddad. “Like all years, they take on the leadership role and do a really good job making sure the underclassman understand what it means to represent PHS girls soccer and the level of play that is expected at training sessions and on game day. They are very academic and so involved in our community over their four-year career.”

Parkland should be just as competitive and strong on the field next season, returning a large group of contributors from this season.

“We started this season with 14 players with no varsity experience,” said Haddad. “Next year, we bring back players that played in the semifinals against the state champions. No game will pose any pressure for them as they reach back and use that game as a guide.”