If you're a fan of soccer in the Lehigh Valley Conference, it doesn't get much better whenever Emmaus and Parkland square off.

Despite a 4-0 lopsided victory for the Trojans, the game lived up to the hype, especially early on. The constant shoving and pushing was evident from the start in a game that featured five yellow cards shown to both teams.

"It comes from both sides," said senior Collin McConnell. "We both hate each other [and] we're just as physical. It's just who can keep their heads, and who can not get the yellow cards and keep their heads and keep composure."

The Trojans (8-0, 7-0 LVC) remained undefeated with their victory over the Hornets (6-3-1, 6-2), and have also been ranked as the state's top team in the newest edition of the Pennsylvania State Coaches Association rankings.

"It's sweet," said McConnell. "I haven't beaten them in a year and a half - so its been a long time. It feels even better to beat them after so long."

The Trojans grabbed a 1-0 lead heading into halftime after holding off a number of Hornet opportunities and adding a late first half goal by senior Dylan Engel.

Senior Nick Hutchinson took a free kick and placed the cross in prime position for Engel, who used his body to redirect the pass into goal with 6:22 remaining in the first half.

Prior to that, it was the Trojan defense that came up huge to keep the game scoreless. A.J. Bishop was taken down in the penalty box at the 18:23 mark, giving the Hornets a chance to go ahead early on. But not only was Bishop's first shot on the penalty kick saved by senior goalkeeper Jacob Gottwald, his follow up attempt was saved as well.

"Gottwald, he just comes out on top when we need him to," said McConnell. "He's just an amazing keeper. He knows what he's doing, and he showed it tonight with that sick save on the PK."

A late shot from Bishop at the halftime whistle gave the Trojans a little but of a scare, but was saved again by Gottwald - who had five first half stops.

While it took over 33 minutes for the Trojans to get on the scoreboard, they wasted no time in adding to their total after halftime. After a Trojan shot on goal, McConnell connected on the rebound for a score at the 37:10 mark.

"We just have a thing with Emmaus," said McConnell. "We always come out and we're always pumped and we always know it's going to be a good game."

Logan Howell put the game away 15 minutes later after receiving a pass from senior Darren DaSilva. After shaking off a defender in the penalty box, Howell used his left foot to fire a shot toward the left side of the goal from about 15 yards out to put the Trojans up 3-0.

McConnell then added his second goal with just over 10 minutes to play on another assist from DaSilva.

"I felt him on my back pushing and shoving," said McConnell. "I knew there was only like one other person in the box with me. So I turned it, took my time, took a huge deep breath and just placed it. "

The defense once again remains a staple for this team. The shutout marks the seventh time in 10 games that the Trojans have kept their opponents scoreless. They've given up just three goals this season.

"As a forward, I rely on them all the time," said McConnell. "They are, I think, the best in our league so far."