The U-17 boys’ soccer team split a pair of games this week, losing a heartbreaker to league- leading Mankato on Tuesday 1 – 0, then dominating New Prague at home on Wednesday, winning 4-0.

With four games left to play entering Tuesday’s game vs. Mankato, the locals knew a win would put them in the drivers seat to win the South District and a direct bye to the state tournament.

Although Albert Lea outplayed Mankato for much of the game, especially the second half, Mankato tallied the only goal of the contest about half way through the first half on a header that sailed just past keeper Cameron Hove.

The 1-0 loss marked the first time the U-17 boys had been shut out this year. Julio Ambriz, Cesar Victorino, Jose Campos, Tom Furland and Byron Mendez all had chances, but Mankato’s shut out solidified their spot in the state tournament.

Anthony Tate, Logan Tufte, Kyle Larsen, Spencer Overgaard and Jonathan Koenigs turned in a strong defensive effort.

In the 4-0 win Wednesday, Hove and Darian Weigel each played a half in the goal to record the shut out.

Callen Pirsig got the scoring started with a pair of goals in the first half. Chad Maier and Tyler Osmundson rounded out the scoring with a goal each in the second half. Carlton Stripe, Steven Kreun and Jose Campos also provided some offensive pressure.

Also on the team but unable to play this week is Brandon Ranum.

The U-17 boys will finish out the regular season next week with a pair of home games Tuesday and Wednesday. Then it’s on to league playoffs when Albert Lea will take on Waseca for a chance to advance to the regionals.