The Albert Lea girls’ soccer team looked for a statement win Thursday night that would have jumped them to fifth place in the Big Nine Conference standings.

The opponent was Mankato East, and Albert Lea was on the road for the second time this week. After shutting out Faribault, the Tigers took their turn and lost a tough 1-0 decision to the Cougars in a tough, physical match.

“It was definitely a battle,” said Tigers coach Laura Wangen. “Both teams had multiple chances. Unfortunately, only one chance found the back of the net.”

Goalkeeping has been at the forefront of the Tigers’ success this season, and keeper Kathryn Flaherty turned in another tremendous performance.

“She played outstanding once again,” Wangen said. “As a whole, our defense stood strong and our offense battled until the end. I am proud of the effort.”

With the loss, the Tigers fall to 4-5 in the conference, but still have two conference games remaining on their schedule.

Albert Lea will head outside of the Big Nine Conference with a match at Stewartville Monday.

Start time for the match is scheduled for 5 p.m.