The Bluffton boys soccer team edged visiting Kalida 1-0 in a defensive non-conference battle Thursday evening, October 14, at Steinmetz Field. VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS_eo_G484A

With the win in their regular season finale, the Pirates improved their record to 11-3-2. Bluffton is ranked ninth in the state Div. III poll.

Kalida finished its regular season 8-6-2 with the defeat.

Pirate senior Jude Spallinger tallied the only goal of the night at the 33:33 mark.

Bluffton put eight of its 20 shots on goal. Kalida got off 10 shots vs. the stingy Pirate defense, four of which were on target.

Pirate keeper Kyle Basil made four saves in goal to post the shutout. 

The Wildcat goalkeeper was credited with five saves.

The Pirates received a first round bye as the top seed in the Div. III sectionals.

In round two, Bluffton will host the winner between 11th seed Mansfield St. Peter's and 12th seed Old Fort on Saturday, October 23 at 4 p.m.