The Albert Lea U17 girls’ soccer team made a move up in divisions this summer and the success hasn’t come like it used to, but the Tigers came through with a 2-1 win over Dakota Rev Thursday in Albert Lea.

Last season Albert Lea played in the Classic 3 Division and after dismantling the competition in every game, the team decided to move up a division for more competitiveness.

While the Tigers have been competitive throughout the season their first win didn’t come until Thursday when they scored the game-winner off a free kick that rattled around in front of the Dakota Rev net and trickled over the goal line when Chelsea Lebrun got enough of her boot on the ball at the 76th minute in the second half.

“The girls had a real strong effort tonight,” co-head coach Jeff Miller said. “They played with their heart. They’re a team that knows how to play the game.”

It didn’t take long for Albert Lea to get on the board in the first half when midfielder Jenna Christensen knocked in a free kick from 25 yards out in the first five minutes of the match.

Christensen was allowed to take a more offensive approach after coaches Dave Stewart and Miller decided to try a new formation five minutes before the game started.

The Tigers went with a 3-4-3 in hopes of sending an extra attacker forward on offense and Christensen played the attacking midfield position.

“In changing the formation we were able to take some of our better talent and utilize them in a different fashion,” Stewart said. “Moving Jenna up there in the midfield also allowed her to assist in the forwards attacking the ball.”

It paid off as Christensen scored the first goal and assisted on the second goal.

After playing a strong first half Albert Lea came out with less energy in the second half and Dakota Rev took advantage with a goal five minutes into the half.

The Tigers were able to battle back and finally converted a scoring chance when Christensen sent a free kick into the box which Lebrun converted for the game-winner.