Christensen, Friehl score in 2-1 win

Seniors Ariel Christensen and Taylor Friehl each scored for the Tigers Thursday as the Albert Lea girls’ soccer team beat Willmar 2-1 in the Section 2A quarterfinals.

“Both our goals were finished with composure and conviction,” Albert Lea head coach Rick Barnhill said. “They came from our two seniors and they demonstrated how to play in a big game moment.”

Christensen scored first for the No. 5-seeded Tigers (10-8, 7-3 Section 1A) 22 minutes and 45 seconds into the first half off a Friehl assist.

The Tigers took a 1-0 lead into halftime, but scored again at 48:13 on a Friehl goal assisted by Christensen.

Willmar’s Chloe Donoho scored the No. 4 Cardinal’s (9-9-1, 3-1) lone goal at 53:17, but the Tigers staved off a comeback to hold on and advance to the semifinals on Tuesday.

Barnhill called the match very even, and between two equal teams.

It was well played by both teams,” Barnhill said. “It’s a shame anybody had to lose.”

He also said that everyone on the team contributed to the win, especially sophomore Marleny Huerta-Apanco.

“She really played with certifiable heart and courage in the middle of our defense,” Barnhill said, of Huerta-Apanco. “That was a blessing to see.”

The win secured Albert Lea’s sixth consecutive 10-win season, as they move another step toward a state tournament berth.

The Tigers play in the Section 1A semifinals at 7 p.m. Tuesday at No. 1-seeded Saint Peter (11-5-1, 10-2-1).