(Alexandria, MN) -- Alexandria eliminated Saint Michael-Albertville Thursday night 1-0 in the the semifinal round of the Section 8AAA Boys' Soccer Tournament to move one step from a first State Tournament berth in 21 years.

Though the visiting Knights enjoyed a large territorial advantage during much of the contest, Alexandria's defense was able to turn in a clean sheet. The Cardinals successfully defended against 15 corner kicks, with senior goalkeeper Ethan Carlson collecting 10 saves.

The Cardinals finished with only four shots on goal all night, but they made a second half conversion count. In the game's 56th minute, senior Francisco Rodriguez triggered a lead pass out of the defensive zone to the left side. Junior Patrick Klecker dribbled through the midfield ar

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