ST. PETER &045; The Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer team decisively downed section foe St. Peter Thursday, extending the Saints’ losing streak to 3.

The ALHS varsity scored three unanswered goals with the junior varsity beating the Saints counterparts 3-1. The victory pushed the Tigers to 4-1-0 against potential section opponents.

Head coach Elia Romano, whose team improved its record to 4-9-0, cited superior play at all positions for the win against a St. Peter crew that dropped to 9-7-1.

&uot;Our defense looked very strong, playing fully focused and making excellent decisions throughout the game,&uot; said Romano. &uot;The midfield did a great job fighting for 50/50 balls, playing more long direct balls in the first half when we had the wind and settling into a more ‘possession style’ offense in the second half.&uot;

Co-captain Nate Lombardi notched two more goals and Peter Drachmann found the back of the net for the first time this season. Conner Keyeski played his best game of the year with multiple shots on goal and an assist.

&uot;But this was really a team effort with everybody working hard to create opportunities, win contested balls and keep St. Peter out of our defensive third,&uot; said Romano.

On the downside, sweeper Kyle Kirsch, playing his most dominant game of the season, was lost

during a collision in the second half to a knee injury. Combined with the loss of Logan Schallock (ankle) in the Faribault game, the Tiger defense will have to rely more heavily on remaining starters Tim Evans and Andy Stapleton until they return to the lineup.

&uot;This was a much-needed win and a good first step in the right direction,&uot; noted Romano. &uot;I am encouraged by the work ethic we showed throughout the entire game and am relieved that the effort was rewarded with multiple goals.&uot;