The Albert Lea U-13 boys’ Elks soccer team improved its overall record to 5-3-1 by defeating league leading and previously undefeated LaCresent in recent action.

The visiting Elks played defensively for most of the first half and had very few offensive opportunities against the highly skilled LaCresent team, going into halftime down 1-0.

In the second half, the team woke up offensively and had a number of good runs, finishing with some strong scoring chances. Albert Lea notched its first goal with a perfect corner kick by A.J. Kortz, who placed the ball right in front of the goal, with Richard Needham finishing for the score.

Albert Lea’s second score started with a strong run down the side of the field by midfielder Evan Hegwood, who then made an excellent crossing pass to forward Josh Svendsen, who found the high opposite comer of the goal.

The boys finished the game with a strong defensive effort, keeping the home team scoreless the last 20 minutes of the game. Having strong defensive games were Chris Rahn, Isaac Wiese, Clay Casanova, Nick Koza and Bryan Yost. Scott Johnson, Dustin Wangen, Stephan Bera and Oscar Palomo also turned in strong performances in the victory. Adam Hutchison was in goal for the Elks.

In previous action, the U-13 boys lost to Northfield 4-1 and, in the same week, lost a tough game to Owatonna 1 -0. The boys then went on a three-game winning streak, beating Red Wing 8-1, St. Peter 5-1 and Winona 3-1. Notching goals for Albert Lea during that period were Oscar Palomo, Svendsen, Kortz, Needham, Corey Dieser, and Johnson.

The U-13 boys are coached by Jay Hutchison and Dennis Dieser.