If shots on goal were goals instead of shots, the Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer team would be close to undefeated.

They’re not, though, and the Tigers’ record is around .500.

For the fifth time this season, the ALHS boys outshot an opponent and lost while dropping a 2-1 Big Nine game to Austin at Hammer Field Thursday night.

The Tigers totaled 17 shots, 11 of them on the net. The Packers put five of their six shots on the goal, scoring on two of three in the second half.

Coach Elia Romano didn’t, however, attribute the loss to the offense.

&uot;In the end, we just left our marks on defense a couple times in a row and they were able to capitalize on it,&uot; said Romano. &uot;It doesn’t take too many mistakes. The most important thing for us right now is to stay confident and finish strong going into section.&uot;

After a scoreless first half Thursday, the Tigers took the lead about 10 minutes into the second when Adam Clark connected on a throw-in from Conner Keyeski.

Austin tied it about a minute later and scored the game winner off a corner kick with about 20 minutes left.

&uot;We had a lot of good looks,&uot; said Romano. &uot;We put one off the crossbar in the second half, and we had some nice set-ups in the first.&uot;

Playing well for the Tigers, according to Romano, were Jake Levisen, Justin McGinnis and Brett Plantage.

The Albert Lea junior varsity won 1-0. Cody Otterson scored.

The Tigers, 5-6-1 in the Big Nine and 6-7-1 overall, play Saturday at Rochester Mayo and end the regular season Tuesday at Rochester JM.

(Contact Jim Lutgens at sports@albertleatribune.com or 379-3437.)