photo by Ashley Stewart

Albert Lea attacker Callen Pirsig battles past a Keliix defender and prepares to send a cross pass to David Grano. Albert Lea lost 3-1 Wednesday in Blaine.

Albert Lea unable to cash in at state

By Ashley Stewart | Albert Lea Tribune

Published Friday, August 1, 2008

The Albert Lea U-15 boys’ soccer team went 1-3 in the Classic 3 state tournament this week. With its third trip in four years the team hoped for better results than the two previous trips.

The team finished the regular season undefeated and anticipated a strong tournament after it drew the No. 2 seed overall in the eight team field.

However, the lone win came Sunday against Forest Lake when Albert Lea’s offense started the game early by scoring a goal in the first minute. The goal came from a cross off of the foot of Julio Ambriz to Steven Kruen who then knocked in Albert Lea’s first goal of the tournament. The offense continued to play aggressively and at halftime had a 3-0 lead, getting goals from David Grano and Callen Pirsig. In the second half midfielder, Spencer Overgaard slipped past Forest Lake’s defensive trap and polished off a 7-0 victory for the team. This wasn’t just a triumph for the team, but for Overgaard too, scoring his first career goal.

The competition proved to be tough as Albert Lea ran into Inver Grove Heights, St. Michael and Keliix. The quality scoring opportunities came in bunches throughout the tournament, but Albert Lea failed to capitalize on its chances. The team was able to score goals quickly during the regular season, but had a tough time getting past the defenses in Blaine.

“Our forwards did well throughout the whole tournament,” said Albert Lea defender Logan Tufte. “We just needed to get more shots through their defenses.”

In their first game of the tournament Albert Lea played against Inver Grove Heights and suffered a 1-0 loss. They played tough defense and goalkeeper, Cameron Hove managed to keep the game scoreless at halftime. With about 10 minutes left in the game, Inver Grove Heights sent a bending corner kick into the back of the net for the 1-0 win. Albert Lea couldn’t finish opportunities to tally up a tie.

“We played impressive defense against a team that could pass really well,” said Albert Lea co-head coach Scott Pirsig. “They seemed to wait for the perfect shot and we took advantage of that.”

On Monday they went on to face St. Michael, a team that had the most regular season wins coming into the state tournament with a 11-1 mark. St. Michael took advantage of the goalkeepers height by scoring all three of their goals low and on the ground. With multiple shots on goal Albert Lea couldn’t bury the ball in the back of the net.

“We have a really solid defense and a good goalie,” said Albert Lea defender Kyle Larsen. “We just needed to step up and challenge our opponents’ defense.”

In the last game of the tournament Albert Lea played Keliix. Keliix, knowing they still had the chance to play in the state championship game, played aggressively and utilized the sidelines for offensive plays. For Albert Lea the chance to play in the championship was no longer possible but the team wasn’t about to roll over for anyone. On a through ball from Callen Pirsig, David Grano blasted a low ground ball into the goal. Albert Lea was unable to tally another goal and the game was left at a 3-1 loss for the team.

“This year we hit a groove and gained confidence in our play,” Pirsig said. “We deserved to be here at the state tournament.”

The U-15 boys’ soccer team earned an automatic berth to the state tournament after defeating Northfield 3-0 in the last game of the regular season. As a result of its success, the team will move up to the Classic 2 division next summer, which will provide more of a challenge.