BETHALTO — The Alton Redbirds fell to Jacksonville 2-1 in a close regional semifinal soccer match Tuesday night.
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Alton took an early lead when Jude Cowan scored to put the Redbirds ahead 1-0. Jacksonville answered two minutes later as Henry York scored off an assist from Braedyn Thomas to even the match at 1-1.
Both defenses held strong for the remainder of the first half, keeping the game tied heading into the break.
Jacksonville broke the tie in the second half when Jean Hermilus scored at the 22:58 mark to give Jacksonville a 2-1 advantage.
Alton had several opportunities late in the match to find an equalizer, but the Redbirds came up just short as Jacksonville held on for the victory.
With the win, Jacksonville advances to face Civic Memorial in the regional championship match Saturday.
