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By Cort Reynolds
TIFFIN - The top-seeded Bluffton boys soccer team defeated previously unbeaten Riverdale 1-0 in overtime in Div. III district final action at Tiffin Columbian's Frost-Kalnow Stadium on a rainy, cool Saturday evening.
The hard-fought win improved the Pirate season record to 15-2-2. Bluffton advances to the regional semifinals vs. Fairview Park Fairview, which beat Independence 2-1 to claim the Elyria district title Saturday.
Third-seeded Riverdale ends its season 14-1-4 after their first defeat of the season. The Falcons and Pirates had played to a 0-0 tie earlier this season.
The rivals played 167 minutes of scoreless soccer this season before the Pirates found the back of the net in overtime.
Bluffton's Matt Daws booted a low free kick off the wet turf that squirted off the hands of Riverdale keeper Ethan Shane. The ball rolled behind Shane over the goal line with 8:13 left in the first OT period to give Bluffton sudden victory.
The Pirates had a few good scoring opportunities late in regulation, but shots went off the post and crossbar in the 70th and 72nd minutes. Riverdale then had a solid chance to score with six minutes left in regulation, but could not capitalize.
The rain started coming down harder in the final 15 minutes of the second half, saturating much of the field.
Riverdale put five of its nine shots on goal as keeper Nic Essinger made four stops for the Pirates.
Bluffton put half of its 10 shots on target, forcing Shane to make four saves.
Fairview was the second seed in the Elyria district, and they defeated top seeded Independence to advance and face Bluffton Wednesday, October 30, at 7 p.m. at a site to be announced.
The FPF Warriors of Cuyahoga County are 11-5-2 this season.
The regional finals will be Saturday, November 2, at a site TBA.
