PRIOR LAKE &045; With two starters and a reserve missing from the lineup, the Albert Lea High School girls’ soccer team lost 2-0 at Prior Lake Thursday night.

But it could be a blessing in disguise for the Tigers.

Prior Lake, rated No. 10 in the state in Class AA, will probably be seeded first or second in Section 2A, and the Tigers expect to be seeded second or third.

&uot;I look forward to meeting them again at section, with hopefully a different outcome,&uot; said ALHS coach Todd Lange.

On Thursday, the Lakers scored the only goal in a close first half and dominated the second, though their second goal didn’t come until 55 seconds remaining.

&uot;It was definitely lop-sided in their favor,&uot; said Lange. &uot;They had the ball in our end most of the game.&uot;

Liz Reynen played an outstanding game in goal, according to Lange, who was told by the Prior Lake coach that Reynen was the best goalkeeper they’ve seen all season. Also playing well for the Tigers, according to Lange, were Steph Overgaard and Amy Ravenhorst.

&uot;It was a good learning experience for us,&uot; said Lange. &uot;Prior Lake and Rochester Century are the two best teams we’ve seen so far, and now we know what we need to adjust for the next time we play them.&uot;

The Tigers host the Albert Lea Invitational Saturday, facing Mankato East at 11 a.m. in the opening round. The winner meets Caledonia or Kasson-Mantorville for the championship at 1 p.m.