The Albert Lea U-16 girls’ soccer team came close to winning a state championship Saturday before inclement weather halted play at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

Albert Lea led Maple Brook 3-0 with 5:30 remaining in the second half of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Classic 3 state title game. Coach Paul Marka said the game would be resumed at that point today, though the starting time was not known as of late Saturday afternoon.