AUSTIN &045; The Austin boys’ soccer team used a penalty kick in its first matchup with Albert Lea to key a victory, and Thursday night a penalty kick by the Packers was the difference once again in a 1-0 victory.

Albert Lea had 11 shots on goal in the game with five coming on goal, while the Packers had 12 shots overall with five were on goal.

However, the penalty kick midway through the second half

was the deciding kick on a cold, windy night.

&8221;In both games we have gotten unlucky on penalty kicks with the call in the previous game swinging the momentum, and the call in this game deciding the outcome,&8220; said Albert Lea head coach Elia Romano.

Albert Lea responded by dominating the final 15 minutes of play using low passes to work the angles and have attackers make runs behind the Austin defense.

The Albert Lea defense had a very solid outing with Kyle Kirsch leading the way and both Chris Rahn and Clay Casanova playing very dominant along with him.

The Tigers also

got a nice lift off the bench with Jairo Campos, Sam McGinnis, Spencer Dahl and Evan Hegwood all playing very well.

&8221;We did not get a two game win streak going which was our goal, but what we did accomplish with this game was getting the entire team to show up ready to play for the second game in a row,&8220; said Romano.

&8221;If we can sustain this kind of focus and intensity in our last regular season game

and into the section tournament, I like our chances in both very much.&8220;

The boys’ team will begin sections Saturday when they will face the winner of Mankato Loyola-Central Minnesota Christian at 1 p.m. at Hammer Field.

The Albert Lea junior varsity tied 2-2 while the C-squad won 5-1.