WINONA – The Tigers proved they’re still the team to beat in the Big Nine at Winona Tuesday.

Thursday, September 23, 1999

WINONA – The Tigers proved they’re still the team to beat in the Big Nine at Winona Tuesday. While the Big Nine leading Tigers didn’t win Tuesday, they battled second place Winona to a 1-1 tie after two overtime periods.

And, the tie leaves the Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer team alone on top of the conference with a record of 5-0-1.

&uot;It was a very exciting and well played game,&uot; said coach Jim Haun. &uot;We’re still undefeated.&uot;

The Tigers were outshot 6-3 in the first half, but scored the only goal of the half to take the lead. Dan Ravenhorst scored on a direct free kick from about 20 yards back. His shot passed a row of Winona defenders and into the net.

&uot;Their goal tender didn’t even see it coming.

Winona tied the game with about 11 minutes remaining in the second half.

&uot;They worked hard to get the ball in on our defense and scored on a combination play in front of the net.&uot;

Winona also outshot the Tigers 12-2 in the second half, but Albert Lea almost put the game away with one minute remaining. Luke Behrends controlled the ball down field and hit the crossbars on his scoring attempt. A rebound shot sailed over the net.

In the overtime periods, the Tigers controlled the play and outshot Winona 3-0, but neither team managed to score.

If the Tigers are going to remain undefeated, the real test will come tonight at Hammer Field. They host Mankato West, the No. 3 ranked team in the state. The game is also worth four points in conference standings.

&uot;We have our most critical game tonight,&uot; Haun said of the homecoming match up.