The Albert Lea U-12 boys’ soccer team was back in action this week with a solid effort in a 3-2 loss to Waseca on Tuesday.

Albert Lea’s goalkeeper, Cameron Hove, turned in another stellar performance with defensive help from Julio Ambriz, Logan Tufte, Jonathan Koenigs and Anthony Tate.

About midway through the first half, Waseca delivered the first score of the game.

Minutes later, Albert Lea tied it up as Ambriz rifled the ball past the Waseca goalkeeper.

Spencer Overgaard, Carleton Stripe, Darian Weigel and Ryan Broitzman moved the ball well at midfield, creating additional scoring opportunities. But it was Waseca that found the back of the net just before half to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Both teams came out strong in the second frame. Albert Lea applied more pressure, but couldn’t get anything by the Waseca defense. Waseca then began to apply pressure of its own. However, just when it looked like Waseca might increase its lead, Luke Cheever made a beautiful pass to Callen Pirsig who knocked it home to pull the score even at 2-2. Waseca answered shortly after to take a 3-2 lead. Cody Wichmann, Thomas Furland along with Cheever and Pirsig created more scoring opportimities during the remainder of the game but were unable to find the net again.

Also on the U-12 team but unable to play this week are Steven Kreun and Davis Thompson. The U-12 boys are next in action this Friday when they open up district play in Mankato versus New Ulm.