The Albert Lea U-13 boys soccer team wrapped up the regular season last week with a pair of impressive wins.

Monday, the locals traveled to Northfield and notched a hard fought 2-1 victory. Albert Lea goalkeeper Cameron Hove turned in another stellar performance, helped once again by outstanding defense led by Darian Weigel, Jonathan Koenigs, Luke Cheever and Anthony Tate.

Despite Albert Lea’s stingy defense Northfield delivered the first goal of the game. Minutes later, Albert Lea tied it up as Weigel sailed a beautiful shot in the left corner of the goal past the Northfield keeper.

In the second half, Albert Lea began to dominate the flow of the game with midfielders Steven Kreun, Cody Wichmann, Spencer Overgaard and Thomas Furland turning in strong performances.

Northfield got what seemed to be the big break of the game when they were awarded a penalty shot midway through the half. The shot went wide, and the miss seemed to energize Albert Lea.

The U-13 boys were unable to capitalize on many opportunities until Callen Pirsig sent a pass to Davis Thompson who found the back of the net. The score came with only about three minutes remaining and put the final tally at 2-1.

Wednesday, the U-13 boys hosted Apple Valley at Lakeview Park. Looking to achieve a better seed in the district tournament, Albert Lea came away with the important 4-2 victory.

Out of the gate Albert Lea applied offensive pressure, but couldn’t get anything by the Apple Valley defense. Apple Valley then began to apply pressure of its own and fired in the only goal of the first half to take the lead into the break.

The intensity picked up considerably in the second half with both teams moving the ball and creating scoring opportunities. Albert Lea got the break it needed when the Apple Valley keeper carried the ball out of the box.

Anthony Tate took the directional kick and rifled it past the Apple Valley keeper. Albert Lea then began to dominate play and took the lead 2-1 when Aldo Campos headed in a cross from Julio Ambriz.

However, Apple Valley wasn’t done yet. It answered shortly after to knot the score at two. The tie triggered urgency in Albert Lea with solid play from Fernando Peralta, Luis Cazaras and Jacob Yahnke. It was Ambriz who knocked in the third goal, assisted by Pirsig. Shortly after, Carlton Stripe finished for Albert Lea scoring the fourth and final goal.

Also on the team but unable to play are Ryan Broitzman and Logan Tufte.

The U-13 boys, hoping to repeat a trip to the state tournament this year, open up district play the week of July 10.