HUNTSVILLE — Tanner’s first trip to the state soccer tournament ended in a 4-2 defeat to Altamont Thursday afternoon at John Hunt Park in Huntsville. Playing against a team that has won two out of the last six 1A-3A state titles, the Rattlers couldn’t keep pace with the Knights in the second half.

The key moment came with one second remaining in the first half when Altmont’s William Jackson was fouled near the top of the 18-yard box. The referee determined Jackson to be inside the box and awarded a penalty kick, which Jackson converted to put the Knights up 2-1.

The goal was devastating for Tanner, which was doing its best to survive a barrage of attacks from Altamont at the end of the first half. With a 2-1 lead, Altamont was content to keep possession and make Tanner chase the game.

Jackson gave the Birmingham private school an early lead when his low shot beat Tanner goalkeeper Alan Rios five minutes into the game. Altamont nearly went up by two goals moments later, but a quick reaction from Rios deflected the ball wide for a corner kick.

Content to play defense and counter attack, Tanner took advantage of Altamont’s over pursuit by getting the ball to its star forward Jose Moreno behind the Knights’ defense. Moreno beat two Altamont defenders and scored with a cool finish into the left corner to tie the game in the 24th minute.

Tanner’s search for an equalizer became even more difficult 15 minutes into the second half when Sinan Turan gave Altamont a two-goal lead. Turan’s shot deflected off a Tanner defender just inside the 18-yard-box and over Rios’ head.

When it looked like Altamont might run away with things, Moreno connected with David Pizano on a corner kick to pull Tanner within a goal at 3-2 midway through the second half. But before Tanner could plan its next attack, Jackson completed his hat trick for Altamont a minute later on a chip from 20 yards out.

Altamont advances to the 1A-3A finals Friday to play the winner of Bayside Academy and Westminster-Oak Mountain.

Record-setting season

Tanner won a school record 21 games this season, including victories over 6A schools Austin and Muscle Shoals. Moreno finished the season as one of the tip scorers in the state with 40 goals while Ivan Lopez’ 27 assists were also among the best in the state.