By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School boys soccer team lost 3-1 to visiting Shawnee in the season and home opener at Steinmetz Field on Saturday evening, August 16.

The match was tied 1-1 at the half, but Shawnee scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to break the tie and win.

The Pirate boys start the season 0-1, while the Indians open 1-0.

Shawnee’s Connor Hoops scored the first goal in the 19th minute.

Bluffton’s Carter Steinmetz knotted it 1-1 in the 30th minute to even it up  before intermission.

In the 71st minute, Shawnee untied it on the winning goal by Landon Meas. Just two minutes later the Indians put the game out of reach as Nolan Schroeder found the back of the net to provide a two-goal lead.

Shawnee also won the junior varsity bout, 1-0. 

Bluffton plays at tough Botkins Tuesday, August 19. The Trojans advanced to the regional finals last season. Botkins hosted Miami East late Saturday night in their opener.