The 8-time State Champion Saint Ignatius varsity soccer team started out their title defense under the lights at Wasmer Field on a beautiful Friday night.

A young team filled with talent set out to prove themselves against Sylvania Northview Wildcats from Toledo, and did so in a 3-2 victory.

The hosts started out the game trading quiet possessions with their opponent. The first real attempt was executed and finished by sophomore Kory Nekoloff netting home a header off a corner.

The Soccer Cats seemed to be in control but after a nice first save from Senior Captain Ryan Mark, Sylvania Northview returned the 2nd opportunity. But the hosts wouldn't be down for long.

Sophomore Matt Mcloughlin took a long through ball, and running from the right side, delivered a picture perfect finish that could not have placed it better. The ball glided past low left side to give the Wildcats the advantage once again.

Northview was starting to feel the pressure of the talented defending champs. Quickly afterward, Luke Griffiths collected a cross box pass and gently laid it in the left side of the net to give his team a 3-1 lead at the half.

Confidence kept the Soccer Cats rolling, controlling most of the possession of the second half. That confidence was thinned by a rebound goal off the post from Northfield captain Marios Kamilaris. That goal made the last 15 minutes of the game tight.

The physicality of both teams started to emerge, drawing all who were watching to the edge of their seats. After a few good chances from both teams, the Wildcats eventually held off the visitors to cap their first win of the season. 

The Soccer Cats return to the pitch on Tuesday, August 22 for a match at Twinsburg at 7 pm.