MANKATO &045; Coach Elia Romano is sensing a pattern for Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer team.

It’s one he’d like to change very soon.

The Tigers, for the third time this season, outshot their opponents and lost, falling 1-0 in a key Big Nine Conference game at Mankato West Tuesday. It counts four points in the standings because the Tigers and Scarlets play only once this season.

&uot;It was a pretty even game, all things considered,&uot; said Romano. &uot;We had a lot of good opportunities that we just couldn’t convert. If we keep putting the ball into those positions, it will turn into goals eventually.&uot;

Neither team could convert in regulation Thursday. West finally scored with 45 seconds left in the second overtime.

Taylor Zimmerman, Brady Plantage and goalkeeper Ethan Berg played a strong game for the Tigers, according to Romano.

&uot;Berg didn’t have a chance on West’s goal,&uot; said Romano. &uot;They had a lot of time to set up from about 15 yards away.&uot;

Romano said he was pleased with the effort of the Tigers, who outshot West 26-18.

&uot;We came out with a lot of effort, we didn’t come out flat,&uot; he said. &uot;We played hard, and I’m proud of the guys for that.&uot;

Albert Lea’s junior varsity lost 6-0 and the C-squad fell 4-3. Andrew Kortz, Josh Svendsen and Richard Needham scored for the C-squad, with assists by Svendsen and Zach McGinnis.

The Tigers, 3-2 in the Big Nine and 3-3 overall, play at Austin Thursday and host Rochester Mayo Saturday.