The Albert Lea boys’ soccer team opened the Section 1A playoffs in dominating fashion, picking up a 4-0 win over Lake City to remain alive in the playoffs.

The sixth-seeded Tigers (7-10 overall) got three goals from Cal Pirsig, who once again delivered one of his best performances in the clutch.

“He’s just been a stud all year,” said Albert Lea head coach Elia Romano. “Cal has just really been coming up big when it counts this year.”

Pirsig wasn’t so much concerned about scoring three goals as he was the result on the scoreboard.

“I’m just happy to win,” he said. “I don’t care who scores.”

Pirsig scored twice in the first half and added a third goal late in the second half on a sharp-angle shot that found the net. Oscar Hernandez also scored in the game off a penalty kick with 12 minutes to go in the second half.

The Tigers blasted the Lake City goal for 43 shots and allowed their opponent just three for the game.

The victory sets up a rematch with No. 3 seed Byron Thursday in Byron.

The Bears got a 2-1 victory over Albert Lea less than two weeks ago in a game where the Tigers were sluggish.

“I didn’t think we really gave Byron our best shot,” Romano said. “It was the day after homecoming and we looked pretty sluggish. I think we should be able to give them a good game.”

Albert Lea defeated Byron last year in the section tournament following a regular season loss.

“We’re going to have to be disciplined and stay in front of them and move our feet,” Romano said. “It’s a very small field over there and they like to attack very quickly.”