Early in the game, Albert Lea boys’ soccer coach Jim Haun had to be wondering if the Tigers could keep up with Rochester John Marshall.

Wednesday, September 05, 2001

Early in the game, Albert Lea boys’ soccer coach Jim Haun had to be wondering if the Tigers could keep up with Rochester John Marshall.

By the end, it was apparent they can. But by then it was too late.

The Tigers fell behind early and, despite outshooting the Rockets in the second half, lost 3-1 in a Big Nine game at Hammer Field Tuesday night.

&uot;They’re a very quick team, and we just didn’t handle their quickness very well,&uot; said Haun.

Especially early on, when the Rockets dominated play while taking a 2-0 lead and outshooting the Tigers 15-5 in the first half.

The visitors made it 3-0 15 minutes into the second stanza.

&uot;Our guys played much better in the second half,&uot; said Haun. &uot;We outshot them 12-11, but it wasn’t until the last 10 minutes that we started to really put some offense together.&uot;

It resulted in a foul call against Josh Kasper just outside the penalty area. Hector Ortiz nailed the penalty kick.

Haun said goalie Eric Hutchison played another strong game, as did Peter Hillman on defense.

&uot;Everyone else played hard,&uot; said Haun. &uot;We just weren’t that focused in the first half. We played a much better second half. It leaves us something to build on.&uot;

The Tigers host the Albert Lea Invitational Saturday, with games at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Hammer Field.