The ELKS U-14 boys’ soccer team finished the regular season with a record of 4-4-0 and will move into the district playoff on July 22 at Burnsville.

The boys completed the last three games with one win and two losses. They lost to a competitive team at Northfield by a score of 2-1. Felipe Ambriz scored the only goal with an assist to Jairo Campos. They controlled the ball but just could not finish with goals.

In their next outing against the last place Prior Lake team, they took them lightly and were stung by a losing score of 2-1. Adam Kermes scored with the assist going to Tyler Prihoda.

In the final game of the regular season they faced an excellent Lakeville club who was in second place. With a win over Albert Lea they would move to first place and have a direct seed to the state tournament. The locals came to play with every individual taking their play to the next level by defeating Lakeville 4-2.

Ambiz gathered four points on two goals, one on a penalty shot, and two assists. Adam Clark and Levi Herrera scored the other goals. Other assists were awarded to Campos, Juan Gonzales and Andy Harte. The coaches had high praise for everyone who played and would not single out any one individual. This win was a total team effort.

They have an opportunity to make it to the state tournament for the second year in a row. Last year, they were U-13 state champs at the C3 level. Because of their finish last year they were required to move up to the C2 level.

The defense has been strong again this year by allowing only 14 goals in eight games. Our strikers are starting to finish their scoring attempts and the midfielders are playing much better than earlier in the year. Their four losses during the season were by one goal in each game. They seem to be peaking at the right time and will have to keep their confidence going into the district playoffs in order to achieve their team goal.

The team wishes all the Albert Lea boys and girls good luck in the district and state tournaments.