NORTHFIELD &045;&160;Seventh-ranked Northfield ended the Albert Lea boys’ soccer season with a 1-0 Section 2A semifinal victory.

The Tigers played even with the Raiders in the first half, but just missed out on a pair of scoring chances in the first 10 minutes that proved to be the best opportunities of the night.

Jared Gavle hit the post on a hard hit shot and Zach McGinnis was unable to get a foot on Jesse

Tovar’s cross in front of the net.

The Tigers finished the first half even in shots at seven apiece, and they were able to keep the ball in the attack zone.

However, Northfield would dominate the second half peppering the Tiger goal with shots.

The Raiders would take the lead 13 minutes into the half, but that is all Albert Lea would give up on

the night.

&8220;It came down to inches again for us,&8221; said Tiger head coach Elia Romano.

&8220;In the first half we had the extra inch getting to the ball first, but in the second they had the inch.&8221;

The Tigers would fatigue a little in the second half having to play defense for much of the final 40 minutes.

Albert Lea finished the season with an 8-6 overall mark.

&8220;I cannot tell you how proud I am of this group of boys,&8221; said Romano.

&8220;They took such strides as soccer players and athletes this season.

They got to a level as players that I hoped we could reach at the beginning of the season, but I didn’t know if it would be possible.

&8220;I am really looking forward to the next few seasons because there is a lot of talent here and on the younger teams that has been developing for some time now.&8221;