Albert Lea still struggling to find goals, falls to Mankato Loyola

Published 12:00 am Monday, September 25, 2006

For the third consecutive match, the Albert Lea boys&8217; soccer team was shutout falling to Mankato Loyola 3-0 Saturday.

Albert Lea gave up all three goals in the first half and did not generate many offensive chances itself.

&8220;We played well for about 15 of the 80 minutes,&8221; Albert Lea head coach Elia Romano said. &8220;Our defense has to stiffen its spine.&8221;

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Offensively, the Tigers had problems holding onto the ball and generating attacks with multiple players making runs and lending support.

Romano said that two of Loyola&8217;s goals were avoidable with better play at midfield.

&8220;Gone are the days we can give up two or three goals and win,&8221; Romano said. &8220;We don&8217;t have a striker who is going to be able to beat two or three defender by themselves.&8221;

The Tigers will look to right the ship this week with four days of practice on their schedule.