Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Andrew Alstott of Fort Dodge and Humboldt’s Will Orness go after the ball on Monday inside Dodger Stadium. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

The Fort Dodge boys soccer team lost a close 2-1 contest to unbeaten Humboldt on Monday night.

The Dodgers (0-8 overall) and Wildcats (8-0) played to a 1-1 tie in the first half.

“We had opportunities,” said FDSH head coach Joe Jackson. “We had some good passing up the field, but we couldn’t get a shot off through their back line.

“We had some very nice passing from the guys to get it back in the middle and worked the ball well.”

Fort Dodge scored the first goal of the contest on a penalty kick from Franco Juarez.

Humboldt, which has now taken 17 consecutive regular-season matches, tacked on a goal to send the game to a 1-1 tie.

“(Humboldt) has some big athletic guys in the back,” Jackson said. “They did great where they would throw the ball up front and hit a hard one.”

The Wildcats, who have won the last three matchups in the series, scored early in the second half for the eventual game-winner.

The last six matches have been decided by one goal. Humboldt is 4-0 in one-goal matches this year.

“We were mostly at full strength (tonight) as they guys returned from the musical,” Jackson said. “Their touches weren’t there right away, but they came in and got the touches back after they got up to game speed.”

Before the match, The Fort Dodge Soccer Association recognized players and coaches.

“It was great to have the kids and coaches out there,” Jackson said. “They walked out with the guys and were out there for the National Anthem and helped chase balls.

“They were able to be out there on the field during halftime, too.”

Fort Dodge is back in action on Tuesday when it travels to face Ankeny Centennial at 6 p.m.