After a tough loss to Rochester Century at home Saturday afternoon, the Albert Lea girls’ soccer team hoped to hit the road and earn a win Monday night at Mankato East.

Despite taking an early one-goal lead, the Tigers could not keep the lead after two late first-half goals by the Cougars. Both teams came out in the second half with stellar defenses, with neither team finding the back of the net and the Tigers dropping their second consecutive game, 2-1.

Scoring for Albert Lea was senior captain Turena Schultz, connecting with a header off an assist from senior Sydney Nelson on the corner kick.

The Tigers held the lead for most of the first half. The Cougars caught some breaks and scored two goals in the final seven minutes of the half to take a one-goal lead into the break.

“(We) went out the second half with two objectives,” said head coach David Schultz. “To keep the Cougars from scoring (and) score two goals for a win. (We) kept the Cougars scoreless in the second half, however, could not find the back of the net in the second half. It was a hard defensive battle for both teams.”

The Tigers attempted four shots on goal in the game, all of which were taken by Schultz. The Tigers also attempted four corner kicks.

Senior Marissa Vogt recorded four saves in the net.

Mankato East took seven shots on goal, four corner kicks and had two saves at the net.

The Tigers fall to 5-9 on the season with just two games remaining before the start of the section tournament.

Tuesday’s game against Red Wing was postponed to Wednesday night due to inclement weather conditions.

Wednesday’s game against the  5-8 Wingers will be the Tiger’s final home game and they will play Rochester Mayo to close out the regular seasonThursday night on the road.