The Albert Lea Eagles U-10 boys’ soccer team ended its season some time ago.

Friday, August 06, 1999

The Albert Lea Eagles U-10 boys’ soccer team ended its season some time ago. Josh Svendsen isn’t finished yet.

Svendsen, who along with several of his U-10 teammates participated in the local All-American Soccer Shootout at Brookside several weeks ago, will compete at the state level Saturday at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

Svendsen’s trip to state began with a first-place finish in the local competition. Josh Anderson was second, Andrew Klick third. All three earned the right to compete in the South District Shootout at Rochester.

There, Svendsen and two other competitors had 15 rounds to compile points to see who would advance to the state finals.

Svendsen had 20 points after the final round, one more point than the second-place finisher.

When asked how he felt about winning, Svendsen could only reply, &uot;I just went nuts! I couldn’t believe it.&uot;

Svendsen and his U-10 teammates are no strangers to the massive soccer complex at the National Sports Center. They went undefeated there in the season-ending Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Jamboree.

Svendsen will compete Saturday at 1 p.m. An awards banquet will be held at Minneapolis Elks Lodge No. 44 at 5:45 Saturday evening and, after the banquet, all contestants and their parents will attend the Minnesota Thunder professional soccer game against the Indiana Blast. At halftime, all state contestants will put on a demonstration of the Elks Shootout.

On the upcoming state competition, Svendsen said, &uot;It would be nice to win. I hope to represent Albert Lea well.&uot;

Svendsen also expressed his appreciation to the local Elks Club for its support.

Svendsen will be accompanied to Blaine by his parents Steve and Jolene, and his little brother Shea.