EAGAN &045; The Albert Lea Elks U-12 girls’ soccer team tried twice to play the Eagan No. 2 team.

Both games were cancelled because of thunderstorms.

They finally met on Friday.

This time, Albert Lea reigned.

The visiting U-12 girls pulled off an impressive upset, knocking off the previously-unbeaten league leaders 2-1.

Albert Lea, coming off a big win over second-place Prior Lake, started slowly and a bit tentatively at Eagan. The home team, pressing hard on the offensive end, was awarded a penalty kick midway through the first half and connected for the game’s first score.

It seemed to spark the Elks team, which turned up the pressure on defense.

Sophie Miller got the visitors on the board with a goal following a drive up the field., and Mariah Maras scored just before halftime.

The second half was scoreless despite strong opportunities for both squads.

Sage Prihoda-Fitzgerald and Stephanie Fergus split goalie duties for the locals, both registering some good saves.

Morgan Stadheim led the defense that included Ellie Johnson, Kaitlin Cope, Elizabeth Winkels and Jenna Bowman.

Also contributing to the offensive effort were Madi Passingham, Kelsey Paulson, Kellsie Dieser and Ann Peterson.