A lot of people expected this to be a breakthrough year for the Albert Lea High School girls’ soccer team.

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

A lot of people expected this to be a breakthrough year for the Albert Lea High School girls’ soccer team.

Instead, it’s been a season of near-misses.

The Tigers sustained another one-goal loss Tuesday, falling 1-0 to Rochester Century at Hammer Field. It was Albert Lea’s fourth one-goal loss of the season and second to Century.

Coach Todd Lange said the Tigers’ record – 2-5-2 overall and 1-4-1 in the Big Nine – is not an indication they’re playing bad soccer; just that they haven’t won the close ones.

&uot;If we were playing bad, I’d know what to do,&uot; said Lange. &uot;We’re just going to keep playing the way we have been. We know were going to get some wins here. We’re playing some very good teams and staying right with them.&uot;

Liz Reynen helped keep the Tigers right with the Panthers. The junior goalkeeper returned from an injury and made several outstanding saves while facing 21 shots. Century’s lone goal came with 10 minutes left in regulation on a rebound.

&uot;Liz did a fantastic job tonight,&uot; said Lange, who also praised the play of Amy Ravenhorst and defenders Libby Berg, Holly Nelson and Stephanie Overgaard.

The Tigers put 10 shots on Century’s returning all-conference goalie.

&uot;The girls played their hearts out,&uot; said Lange. &uot;I’m proud of the way they’re playing.&uot;

The Tigers host Owatonna Thursday.