The Parkland High School boys soccer team fell just short of its goals during the 2019 season, losing in the final four of both the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 tournaments. Rival Emmaus claimed both titles, which stings the Trojans a little bit.

“We weren’t really happy with the way that last season ended,” said Trojan head coach Patrick Birns. “Losing to Emmaus is always tough, but then seeing them win leagues and districts isn’t what we want. The guys that were on that team last year and are back this year have that in the backs of their minds and don’t want to feel that way again this season.”

Parkland brings back seven starters from a team that won 16 games last season, including seniors Joel Santiago (17 points), defender Ben Marko and goalkeeper Victor Baran. The Trojans’ depth this fall and overall team speed should be strengths. They expect to play meaningful games late into the season.

Other top returnees that were highlighted by Birns include Mustapha Salau, Drew Berger, Alex Wilsterman, Bryce Shalbert and Jackson Vanderpool.

“We have a lot of experience back from last year’s team with more than half of our starters back,” Birns said. “We always play a lot of bodies and always want depth. Our junior class this year is large and talented. That will be a very good thing for us.”

With a shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic, teams will be playing lots of contests over a condensed schedule. The EPC season starts Friday with a 10-game division schedule (divisions are aligned by county) in fewer than four weeks. Depth and health will be the primary concern for all programs alike this year.

“It has been a difficult and weird year this year,” said Birns. “With restrictions on formal practice and workouts, the guys have had to train a lot on their own. They’ve all held themselves accountable and have worked hard in the offseason up to this point. Team unity will be a major strength on this team. They enjoy playing together and can’t wait to get out on the field together.”

Parkland opens its 2020 campaign on the road against Central Catholic on Friday. Other teams the Trojans will see include Whitehall, Allen, Dieruff and Emmaus, with the regular season concluding on October 21. There will be no EPC Tournament this year, but plans are in place for a district tournament.