The Albert Lea boys’ soccer team dug themselves a hole early, getting down 3-0 in the first 14 minutes Thursday, but responded well en route to a 5-0 loss to Mankato East.

“I think that for 65 minutes we really played with (East) very well,” Albert Lea head coach Elia Romano said. “Once we relaxed we were able to calm down and generate a couple of good scoring opportunities of our own.”

Mankato East came out firing in the first half at Hammer Field, scoring at the six minute mark, 8:00 and 14:00. The Tigers were toe-to-toe with the Cougars for the remainder of the game, according to Romano, holding Mankato East scoreless until 30:00, and gave up just one goal in the second half.

“As much as a defeat shouldn’t be a confidence booster, I think this one should,” Romano said. “We really didn’t concede too many quality scoring opportunities and that’s really encouraging. The team is taking steps forward every time we get on the field.”

The Tigers will go for their first win 4 p.m. Saturday against Fairmont at Hammer Field.