It was a beautiful night for an under the lights crosstown derby between The Saint Ignatius Wildcats and St. Edward Eagles on Wednesday evening.

The No. 2 ranked team in the state, the Soccer Cats set out on a 70-degree night against a much older opponent. The Eagles had 6 more upperclassmen than the ‘Cats and yet the host fought brilliantly.

Despite their best efforts, the Wildcats weren't getting their last third of the attack to click in the first twenty minutes. That changed when Kory Nekoloff ‘19 buried away a swung in cross, leaving the Eagles' keeper helpless.

The young Wildcats started to strut their stuff after making the breakthrough and holding up that swagger with another goal 2 minutes later. Kyle Folds ‘20, Coach McLaughlin's man of the match, nets one home making the Wildcats the clear leaders.

Just before the half, off a corner from right behind the Ignatius Student Section, Nolan Bartolone ‘20 absolutely crushed a header on his run from the top of the box. This spectacular goal let the Wildcats go into the break feeling tremendous.

The second half was a quiet affair. The dominating ‘Cats controlled much of the possession but couldn't find a fourth.

The Eagles came back with a few attacks of their own. A couple of deflections from a crossed ball in left an Eagle attacker all alone on the right side of the box and put it in the bottom corner.

The ‘Cats bounced back in spectacular form. Topped off by an Everett Shorey goal that left fans in awe. From the right side Shorey ripped ball so fast that it went straight through both of Clein’s gloves.

As the final whistle sounded on the field of faith, the Wildcats successfully grounded the Eagles and walk away the victors 4-1.

Coach Mike McLaughlin was happy with the result, saying “We started off very strong, and there's such an emotional charge to this game playing St. Eds. It's a little about soccer but it's more about energy and who can handle the energy and I was really pleased how we handled the ball”

The Wildcats go away to Copley next.