By Cort Reynolds
The Bluffton boys soccer team tied Kalida 1-1 in a defensive battle Tuesday evening.

The Pirates ran their record to 11-2-2 with the tie.

Jayden Mays netted the lone Bluffton goal eight minutes into the fray. The Pirates carried that 1-0 lead to intermission.

Clay Bellmann of Kalida netted the equalizing goal two minutes into the second half, and the game was then scoreless over the final 38 minutes.

The Pirates got 13 shots off, six of which were on goal. The Bluffton defense limited the visitors to just three shots, two of which were on target.

Nic Essinger made one save in goal for the Pirates, while the Wildcat keeper made five saves.

Bluffton visits local rival Allen East Thursday at 5 p.m. in a showdown for the outright Northwest Conference title in the regular season finale. Both teams are 4-0-0 in league play.

The Pirates have won 24 straight NWC matches en route to capturing the last four league titles.