By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON – The Bluffton High School boys soccer team lost 6-1 to undefeated visiting power Van Buren in a non-league match on Tuesday, September 3, at Steinmetz Field.

The Pirate record dropped to 1-4 with the defeat. The Black Knights improved to 5-0 after the win.

VB’s Seth Gregory netted goals in the 13th and 22nd minutes to shoot the Black Knights into an early 2-0 lead. Teammate Nick Kingery tallied in the 28th minute to put the visitors ahead 3-0 at halftime.

Kolten Wilson netted a goal in the 41st minute to extend the lead to 4-0. Aiden Riesen made it 5-0 with a score five minutes later.

Gregory completed a hat trick with his third goal in the 60th minute. 

Pirate Hudson Phillips found the back of the net in the 71st minute to avoid the shutout with the lone Bluffton goal.

The Pirates put four of their eight shots on goal. Twelve of the VB shots were on target. Pirate keeper Emmitt Kidd made six saves in goal. The Knight keeper was credited with three stops.

The visiting Bluffton boys soccer team also lost a makeup match 2-1 at Tree of Life Christian School Saturday afternoon in a match rescheduled from August 17.

The Pirates entertain Ottoville (4-1) on Thursday, Sept. 5. They then travel to Archbold (2-2) on Saturday, Sept. 7.