By Cort Reynolds

OTTAWA – Playing at Glandorf Park, Bluffton High School boys soccer team broke open a scoreless battle late and beat non-conference foe Ottawa-Glandorf 1-0 on September 26.

Pirate Jackson Brauen scored in the 64th minute to provide the eventual winning goal.

The Pirate record improved to 7-6 overall with the close victory. 

O-G fell to 5-7-1 after the shutout loss.

Bluffton directed five of its 13 shots at the Titan keeper in the defensive bout. O-G got off nine shots, three of which were on goal.

Pirate keeper Emmitt Kidd made three saves in goal. The Titan goalie was credited with four stops.

The Pirates tied O-G in the reserve match, 1-1. Xavier Navarro scored the Bluffton goal on an assist by Adam Fritsch.

The first-place Pirates (3-0 NWC) continue their quest to repeat again as conference champions when they visit league rival Lincolnview (3-7-1, 1-1-1 NWC) Monday, Sept. 30.

Bluffton then hosts perennial non-league power Ottawa Hills Thursday, October 3 at 5 p.m.