COLUMBIA, Ill. — The Belleville Althoff and Father McGivney boys soccer teams have become quite familiar with one another this season, with both teams entering tonight's matchup having split their previous meetings, each earning a 1-0 victory.
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The Columbia sectional final was no different, as Belleville Althoff came away with another hard-fought 1-0 victory over Father McGivney to advance.
The first half was a defensive battle between the two teams. Althoff controlled possession for much of the half, but Father McGivney's defense held strong, keeping the Crusaders off the scoreboard. Both teams went into halftime tied 0-0.
Following the game, Father McGivney head coach Brett Schubert praised his players and the program.
"I can't be more proud of everything this program is and the people who represent it. These kids make coaching very easy," Schubert said.
In the second half, Belleville Althoff finally broke through. Christian Smith got a dribbler past Father McGivney goalkeeper Patrick Gierer at the 21:12 mark to give the Crusaders a 1-0 lead.
Father McGivney continued to battle and had an opportunity to even the score late in the game. The Griffins broke away toward the goal, but an Althoff defender made a crucial play to clear the ball off the goal line and preserve the lead.
Schubert said his team had opportunities but was unable to capitalize.
"We had our chances tonight. We had a breakaway, and they had an amazing play to clear it off the line. It comes down to making an opportunity, and we missed," Schubert said.
