As the weather has gotten cooler, the Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer team has warmed up nicely.

Coach Jim Haun’s Tigers won for the fourth time in a row Saturday, topping Winona 2-1 in a Big Nine game at Hammer Field.

Neither team was able to establish control in the first half until the 11th minute, when Albert Lea scored on a long shot by Taylor Zimmerman. The assist was by Jake Clark on a cross from the right side

Albert Lea’s second goal was scored by Jake Clark, in the 24th minute of the second half on a penalty kick. The Tigers had worked the ball into the penalty area on a series of passes, and Clark was taken down by a defender about 6 yards in front of the goal.

The Albert Lea midfielders and defenders shut down Winona’s attack for the remainder of the game.

Eric Hutchison was in goal, registering nine saves while coming out of the goal to stop long passes by Winona several times.

&uot;The defense also played well, especially in the second half,&uot; said Haun.

Jake Levisen was the defensive leader. Clark had a good game, according to Haun, and for the second game in a row was involved in every Albert Lea goal.

The Tigers’ record is now 5-4-0 overall and 3-4-0 in the Big Nine.

The Albert Lea JV defeated Winona 4-3. Goals were scored by Brian Christianson, Nick McPherson and Dustin Trail.