OWATONNA &8212;

The Albert Lea boys&8217; soccer team continues to struggle to put back-to-back solid performances together. Two days after playing well in downing Austin, the Tigers came out flat against Owatonna and paid the price with a 4-0 Big Nine Conference loss.

&8220;This is a reoccurring theme for us and something I was aware of coming into the season with the average age of our players being a little younger,&8221; Albert Lea head coach Elia Romano said.

&8220;Our communication and support was lacking tonight.”

The Tigers gave up three goals in the first half before the Huskies tacked on one more in the second.

Albert Lea did play better in the second half thanks in large part to the defensive work of Adam Kermes who helped slow down Owatonna&8217;s top attacker.

Albert Lea was outshot in the match 13-8, and the Huskies made sure to get quality shots off with most of their attempts.

The Tigers (4-4-1) are back in action Saturday when they hosts Mankato Loyola.