Boys soccer: Alter blanked in state semifinals

It’s been a fun ride for the reigning Division II boys state soccer champions this season. That success also earned the Alter Knights a bit bigger target on their backs, and the team they faced Wednesday night in the state semifinals has been waiting a whole year to take another shot.

Columbus St. Francis DeSales made the most of that opportunity in Springfield, beating Alter 2-0 in a state semifinal showdown.

The Knights beat the Stallions in the same game last season, and for the second year in a row, the Stallions came into the game with an unbeaten record.

DeSales jumped on top early. Zack Garrett headed home a goal at the 13-minute mark of the first half and that turned out to be all the Stallions would need.

The Knights didn’t get many good looks at the net. The Stallions defense pitched a seventh straight shutout in the postseason. They have outscored opponents 32-0.

DeSales goes for a third title in four years Saturday afternoon against Bay Village Bay. Alter’s season ends at 17-3-3.

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