Albert Lea girls’ soccer team ties St. Peter

Published 9:05 am Monday, September 21, 2015

For the second consecutive game, the Albert Lea girls’ soccer team shut out a five-win team.

On the heels of Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Red Wing, the Tigers snapped St. Peter’s five-game winning streak Saturday with a 0-0 overtime tie at St. Peter.

“This was by far our best effort of the season, and our girls played inspired with high self-motivation and a collective sense of unity,” said Albert Lea coach Rick Barnhill.”

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Tigers goalie Kathryn Flaherty held the Saints (5-2-2, 4-0-1 Big South) scoreless for first time since their season opener against Chanhassen (6-0-3, 2-0 Metro West).

“Outstanding defensive play from a host of players including Katie Rasmussen, Maddy Funk, Haley Larson, Ella Zelenak, Turena Schultz and Laura Flaherty allowed us to be competitive against a traditional section juggernaut,” Barnhill said.

Claire Sherman led the Tigers’ offensive attack, and Rachel Rehnelt was dynamic in the midfield, Barnhill said.

Albert Lea had a 4-2 edge in corner kicks but an eight-minute deficit tin time of possession and three fewer shots on goal.

Next, the Tigers (2-5-1, 1-4 Big Nine) will play at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Faribault (2-5-1, 0-5 Big Nine). The Falcons are coming off a 0-0 home tie Saturday against Simley.

In the 12-team Big Nine Conference standings, the Tigers are 10th. However, the team hopes to move up in the coming weeks.

“Regardless of our challenging start to the season, we are really enjoying the day-to-day interaction, and now we feel a sense of hope and destiny is in our control,” Barnhill said.