STEUBENVILLE — The match lived up to expectations.

The Catholic Central and Edison girls soccer teams have played many competitive matches through the years, and the Crusaders and the Wildcats played another one Saturday afternoon.

A fast start to the second half propelled Catholic Central to a 3-1 victory in the second of four games of the Together We Care soccer tournament on Reno Field inside Harding Stadium.

“They played well today,” Catholic Central (5-4-2) head coach Jonathan Hoover said. “After a rough couple of games, we changed some things, and we were able to come out on top today.”

The Crusaders scored two goals less than three minutes apart early in the second half to gain control.

“It is always competitive when we play them,” Edison (0-13-1) head coach Jordan Tice said. “The last time we played them, they scored in the last four minutes off of a free kick to win, 2-1. I knew it was going to be a competitive game. The girls were ready to go.”

Maria Meyer recorded both of Catholic Central’s goal in the second half, while Bella Zinno netted the team’s goal in the first half. All three were unassisted.

“They have definitely improved from the last time we played them,” Hoover said. “We played faster (Saturday). We did a lot of the little things that we needed to do to win.”

Bre DeChristopher made one save in goal for the Crusaders.

Maddie Brenstuhl delivered the lone goal for Edison. Emma Scott made six saves.

Zinno opened the scoring when she knocked a loose ball into the back of the net with 18:38 left to play in the first half to give Catholic Central a 1-0 lead.

Meyer extended Central’s advantage to 2-0 when she scored her first goal with 35:20 remaining. Then, Meyer recorded her second goal with 32:34 left in the second half to increase Catholic Central’s lead to 3-0.

Brenstuhl scored on a corner kick with 6:30 left to play to cap the scoring.

“We are happy to be a part of this event,” Tice said. “This event helps a lot of people.”

“This is a great event,” Hoover said. “This event raised a lot of money. This year it has had be to be scaled back due to COVID-19. We still want to recognize all the sponsors. Everything stays local. This is the eighth year, and it so far it has raised more than $135,000.”

UP NEXT

CCHS: Travels to Weir High Tuesday.

Edison: Travels to Sandy Valley on Monday.

Catholic Central is scheduled to play Weir Tuesday at Jimmy Carey Stadium.