ALTON — Alton’s boys soccer team earned its first win over rival Collinsville since 2012 on Saturday morning, edging the Kahoks 1-0 in a semifinal match at Alton as the Redbirds continued a strong start under new head coach Toby Henesey.
The victory moved Alton forward in Saturday’s competition and helped build early optimism for a program that finished 6-13-0 last year. The Redbirds are 2-1 overall after opening the season with two wins in their first three matches.
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Alton later lost the title match 3-1 to Marquette Catholic on Saturday evening, but the Redbirds were competitive throughout the match.
The Redbirds also defeated Civic Memorial 2-0 on Aug. 26 before the Collinsville match.
Coach Henesey, an Alton High and Greenville University graduate, brings a strong soccer background to the program. He has been part of the Alton Irish Soccer Club for years, worked with the St. Louis Scott Gallagher group and built ties to Alton players through the Alton Irish.
Senior goalkeeper Patrick Henesey is expected to be one of the area’s best this season after strong efforts in 2025. Jude Cowan and Sam Clark have been among Alton’s top offensive threats to date. Cowan has two goals on the season and Clark has a goal.
Alton is scheduled to play on the road at Mascoutah at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, weather permitting.
Alton boys soccer fans turned out in a large group for the Saturday Alton vs. Marquette championship, shown below.
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