UPDATE: The Wildcats will face St. Xavier on Sunday at 11 am for the Jesuit Cup title. The Bombers defeated St. John in PKs on Saturday. 

The quest to reclaim the Jesuit Cup is off to a successful start.

The Saint Ignatius varsity soccer team fought its way to a 3-1 victory over Walsh Jesuit at Toledo St. John's Jesuit High School on Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats advanced to 3-0 on the season with the victory. The Soccer Cats will play for the Jesuit Cup title on Sunday, facing St. Xavier at 11 am. 

The men of Mike McLaughlin '85 started out well in the first half. Kyle Folds netted a goal in the first to grant the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. The advantage stood heading into the break.

The Warriors received a PK early in the second half following a tough play. Walsh Jesuit put away the chance, tying the contest at 1. 

After applying due pressure, the Wildcats broke through with 15 minutes remaining. Folds struck again for his second of the day, bagging a 2-1 lead for the Wildcats.

Pressing as time ticked down, the Warriors surrendered a late PK to the Wildcats with five minutes left. Senior and captain Kyle Healy found twine on the PK, sealing the victory for the Wildcats.

"We created some good chances early in the game that we didn't put away," said McLaughlin. "The longer the game went without us putting away chances, the more Walsh came alive. It was good that we had to deal with some pressure from Walsh and it was good how we responded. Every game, we learn a little more about this group. Looking forward to playing in the Jesuit Cup final tomorrow."

The Wildcats will look to bring the Jesuit Cup home tomorrow for the first time since 2016. The Bombers captured the crown last season in Cincinnati.