Tigers’ season comes to an end

Published 10:03 pm Tuesday, October 17, 2017

: Albert Lea senior Spencer Indrelie moves the ball upfield in Worthington Tuesday night during the section 2A semifinals. The Tigers would lose the match, 3-0 to the Trojans. - Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea boys’ soccer team shut out by Worthington in 2A semis

WORTHINGTON — The Albert Lea boys’ soccer team hit the road Tuesday night to take on Worthington in the Section 2A semifinals. Despite their best efforts, the Trojans were too much to overcome for the Tigers as they fell, 3-0.

It didn’t take too long for the Trojans to get on the board, as they scored five minutes into the match after getting past the Tigers defense. The Trojans would add another goal to their total around 10 minutes later to take a two-goal lead.

Albert Lea came close to a goal when senior Spencer Indrelie booted a deep penalty kick that just sailed over the top of the net. The Tigers went into the halftime break down, 2-0.

To their credit, the Tigers did come out and play a much more aggressive and physical second half. However, it just wouldn’t be enough to overcome the two-goal deficit.

Albert Lea senior Lennon Shimon chases down a ball in Worthington territory Tuesday night. The Tigers finished with a 10-7 record this season and earned a No. 5 seed in the Section 2A tournament. – Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune

Worthington would add a third goal after a blocked penalty kick rebounded back to the kicker, who was able to put the ball in the second time.

Despite the Tigers giving up three goals, it was another stellar game for senior goalkeeper Levi Kermes, who had multiple diving saves.

Head coach Zac Luther talked about his team’s performance after the game.

“Tonight we ran into a team that was a bit too much for us to handle,” he said. “After a slow start we did play much better the second half.”

After a rocky start to the season, losing three of their first four games, the Tigers found their footing and were able to finish the season with a 10-7 record, earning a No. 5 seed in the Section 2A tournament. The season was a big improvement over last year, which Luther credited to the hard work of the team and especially the seniors.

“I’m incredibly proud of how hard these young men worked this year,” Luther said. “These guys never backed down and put together a fantastic season. I want to thank the seniors for the leadership they provided this year. We have some big shoes to fill and I’m excited to to see the younger guys step up. I also want to thank the parents and families for the support this year.”

Albert Lea loses 12 players to graduation and will have six step up into the senior roles in 2018.