The Albert Lea U-13 boys’ soccer team’s season ended last week with a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to Dakota in the second round of the district tournament in Apple Valley. The loss ended Albert Lea’s chances of earning its second straight trip to the state tournament.

With their sights set on the state tournament, the boys headed into the district tournament playing their best soccer of the season winning three straight and four out of their last five games.

The team opened against Northfield on Wednesday and was in for a defensive battle from the start. The defense, once again anchored by Anthony Tate, Darian Weigel, Luke Cheever, Davis Thompson and Logan Tufte, was strong throughout. Goalkeeper Cameron Hove turned away all shots in regulation play.

The offense, led by Julio Ambriz, Carlton Stripe, Aldo Campos and Luis Cazaras, was unable to capitalize on the few quality scoring opportunities they could muster.

With both teams unable to score in regulation or overtime, the game was forced to a shootout.

Seven players took turns firing from the penalty kick line before Albert Lea’s Hove drilled the deciding shootout goal. Also scoring in the shootout for Albert Lea were Tate, and Callen Pirsig.

The win set up a showdown with the Dakota Rev, a team Albert Lea had lost and tied with in two regular season games this season. Albert Lea had outplayed Dakota in both games during the year and was confidant heading into the Saturday morning contest.

Albert Lea was destined for another defensive battle as the first half was played to a scoreless draw. Midfielders Steven Kreun, Jacob Yahnke, Cody Wichmann and Thomas Furland, despite the heat, covered the field and turned in a strong game.

The game of ball control seesawed back and forth in the second half but neither team was able to penetrate the others defense. Just when it looked like Albert Lea was set for another overtime and another possible shoot out, Albert Lea’s Pirsig knocked in a go-ahead goal with just a matter of minutes left in regulation play.

As the seconds ticked away, it looked like Albert Lea would once again be in the district championship game. With their season on the line, Dakota was intent on finishing the game with a flurry of offensive pressure. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Dakota knocked in the game-tying goal.

Battling the letdown from the near victory and also the sweltering heat, the boys never recovered and surrendered the game deciding goal about halfway through the overtime.

Also on the team but unable to play in the district tournament are Spencer Overgaard, Jonathan Koenigs, Fernando Peralta and Ryan Broitzman.

With the loss, the U-13 boys completed a very rewarding and successful season and dramatically improved as the season progressed. The team was very balanced with all players playing quality minutes and nearly every player on the team with a goal or an assist.