AUSTIN – In an earlier meeting with Austin, the Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer team let things get out of hand early in a 7-4 loss.

Friday, October 05, 2001

AUSTIN – In an earlier meeting with Austin, the Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer team let things get out of hand early in a 7-4 loss.

This time, it wasn’t decided until very late.

The Tigers played the Packers to a scoreless tie through regulation and a five-minute overtime before falling 2-0 in the second extra period at Austin Thursday night.

&uot;The guys played a super game,&uot; said ALHS coach Jim Haun. &uot;It was the best complete game we’ve played all year. The guys played hard the whole time and never let up.&uot;

They did so despite some struggles on offense that led to a 38-19 shots-on-goal advantage for the Packers. The Tigers didn’t put a shot on the net until the 15-minute mark of the first half.

&uot;But they guys kept their composure, remained patient and we did get some good chances to score,&uot; said Haun.

The best came early in the second overtime when it was still tied, but the Tigers were turned away by a Packer goalkeeper that Haun said had an outstanding game.

Haun also complimented the efforts of Tiger goalie Ethan Berg – who made 21 saves – and the entire defensive unit.

Taylor Zimmerman, in particular, played well, marking the Austin player who scored all seven goals in the last game and not allowing him to score until overtime.

&uot;It was a tremendous effort by Taylor,&uot; said Haun.

Also playing well, according to Haun, were Jason Christianson, Hector Ortiz, Ryan Lowe and Brady Plantage.

Haun said it was a tough loss for the Tigers, who fell to 5-10 overall and 4-9 in the Big Nine.

&uot;Whenever you have a 0-0 tie at the end of regulation, it’s a heartbreaker to lose,&uot; said Haun. &uot;But I think we came out of it with the feeling we played well.&uot;

The Tigers host Winona Saturday at 1 p.m.