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The Bladensburg High School boys' soccer team scored a goal in the first half and hung on in the second half to knock off the defending Class 4A state champion Bowie Bulldogs, 1-0, Friday afternoon in a 4A South Region semifinal.

It was sweet redemption for Bladensburg, which was knocked out of the 4A South Region playoffs by Bowie the past three seasons, including the 2006 and 2007 region title games.

The Mustangs advance to face High Point in the 4A South Region finals. The Eagles defeated Eleanor Roosevelt on Thursday night. That game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at High Point High School, with the winner advancing to the state semifinals.

Bladensburg got on the board in the first half when Alambi Clarke blasted the ball past Bowie goalkeeper John Smock. There appeared to be some miscommunication in the Bowie defense; Clarke had a wide open shot at the goal.

"I noticed the defender was pretty clumsy, so I was anticipating him making a mistake," Clarke said. "I just capitalized on the chance that I had."

Bladensburg (12-2) had several other chances to increase its lead in the first half, but Smock kept the Bulldogs in the game with several saves.

But the Bladensburg defense was just as good, and it suffocated a Bowie offense that scored eight goals in its first two 4A South Region playoff games. The Mustangs never gave the Bulldogs a clear shot at the goal.

"Both teams played well, but today we were the better team," said Bladensburg coach Joe Ogunsanya. "When you beat Bowie you know it's a good win. We had to earn this one."

Bladensburg now turns its attention to High Point, with a trip to the state semifinals on the line. The Mustangs defeated the Eagles, 4-2, in their only meeting this season.

Bowie, on the other hand, will look back on one of the more interesting seasons in Richard Kirkland's nearly 30-year tenure with the program. Injuries had an effect on the Bulldogs (10-7) for most of the season. Several key players missed significant playing time as a result, and Bowie struggled to find team chemistry.

But instead of wondering what could have been, Kirkland spent time wishing High Point and Bladensburg luck as they battle for a 4A South Region title.

"They are a good team and the coach worked the clock well," Kirkland said of Bladensburg. "I wish them the best of luck and hope they bring another state title back to the county. I would love to see Prince George's County win another state title."