By Cort Reynolds
 ASHLAND - The visiting Bluffton boys soccer team defeated Ashland 3-1 Saturday afternoon at Community Soccer Park. 

The undefeated Pirates improved to 7-0-1 this season with the win.

The game's first goal was netted by Bluffton's Thad Mittendorf in just the second minute. Pirate Kaden Basil tallied in the 24th minute to advance the lead to 2-0.

Jude Spallinger netted the third Bluffton goal in the 33rd minute to put the visitors on top 3-0 at intermission.

Ashland's Dylan Kruty found the back of the net in the 67th minute off a feed from Carson Lavengood to avoid a shutut.

Tayton Kleman dished out one assist for the victors. 

Bluffton sent nine of its 10 shots on goal. Ashland mustered just five shots, two of which were on target.

Pirate senior keeper Nic Essinger made one save, while Braxton Mathias was credited with six stops for the losing hosts.     

Bluffton (1-0 NWC) visits local league rival Allen East (4-6, 1-1 NWC) Monday, September 21 on the fast synthetic turf of Goodwin Field in Harrod at 7 p.m. 

The Pirates (2-0-1 road), seeking their sixth straight NWC title, have won 26 league matches in a row.