ARLINGTON — Against Jackson the Eagles tried something new to combat their recent lack of offense.

“We only got one shot against Cascade — we scored — but we knew we had to try a more aggressive approach,” said Arlington manager Mike Gudgeon.

Unfortunately for Arlington’s boys soccer team, however, the new shifted focus meant it forgot about defending Jackson’s attack, resulting in a 5-1 Western Conference loss at home April 14.

“Our defense has been strong all year, but tonight it just didn’t look like Arlington defense usually does,” said Gudgeon.

Of course it didn’t help that the Eagles (4-6) were facing a Timberwolves team without a loss (10-0) so far this season, and has shown tremendous firepower, scoring 26 goals in 10 matches.

That kind of attack was on display very early, as Jackson owned a 4-0 halftime lead behind goals by Guy Shively (3rd minute), Jordan Schweitzer (18), Matt Reinikka (28) and Jacob Gerbasi (39). The Timberwolves’ offense was just too physical for the Eagles early on.

But that changed after halftime as Eagles fans saw what looked more like an Arlington team in the second half as the defense produced a number of scoring opportunities. Arlington ended the clean sheet in the 75th minute when Jacob Fure leapt through the air to connect with Kevin Krogmann’s cross just in front of the net.

While there was celebrating for the goal, Gudgeon said the reality is that his team is approaching a make-or-break point in the season.

“I’m not worried, but it’s time,” he said. “If something doesn’t change — we have to decide that we want to come together and all play our best game at the same time.”

Arlington plays at Snohomish at 7:30 p.m., April 22.