Tigers beat Pittsburg 2-0 in SEK soccer tilt

Fort Scott's Josh Buller (white jersey) avoids a tackle by Pittsburg's Mercedes McGuire during action at Ellis Park Tuesday evening. Buller scored both goals in the Tigers' 2-0 victory over the Purple Dragons in Southeast Kansas League play. (Captured Images/Kenny Felt)

Josh Buller scored both goals and freshman goalkeeper Brett Allen posted his third straight shutout as Fort Scott High's soccer team posted a 2-0 victory over Pittsburg in Southeast Kansas League play at Ellis Park Tuesday evening.

After an 0-2 start to the season in which they were outscored 12-2, the Tigers have won three straight and outscored their opponents 14-0.

"The defense has been solid, led by our sweeper Chris Herman," Fort Scott head coach David Gray said. "Our outside defenders, Jordan Karleskint and Ryan Rost, patrol the sidelines, while center midfielder Griffin Hulbert and center defender Garrett Baugher protect the middle. This group has become the strength of the team, stopping attacks before they ever get to the keeper."

Allen was asked to make just five saves as the Purple Dragons (0-3 SEK, 1-3 overall) had difficulty getting into the offensive half of the field, especially in the first half. Pittsburg's best chance to get on the scoreboard didn't even come until the 62nd minute of play when Allen deflected a shot by David Garcia.

Buller scored his first goal in the third minute of play as Kholton Dwyer headed the ball over and the junior forward struck it into the dead center of the net from 15 yards out.

Buller headed in the second goal at around the 25th minute.

Fort Scott took 26 shots in the game while Pittsburg managed to get off just seven.

In Fort Scott's two previous games, they've won 4-0 at Pittsburg and 8-0 at Columbus. That makes the Tigers 3-1 in the SEK -- one of those early losses came to Independence, who they'll face Thursday at 4:30 in a league road match. The 8-goal outburst was the most for the Tigers since beating Columbus 10-0 on Sept. 15, 2005. It also tied for the third-most goals Fort Scott has scored in a game with the 2005 match being the school record.

This was the Tigers' third straight victory over Pittsburg and fourth in their last five meetings. Fort Scott is 12-6 all time against Pittsburg.

The Tigers' will play at home Saturday in a non-league match against Paola. Play will begin at 1 p.m. They did not play at Spring Hill Monday due to bad weather. That match has been rescheduled for this coming Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Goalkeepers: P -- Sean Perkins (10 saves). FS -- Brett Allen (5 saves).

Scoring

FS -- Buller (Dwyer), 3rd min.

FS -- Buller (unassisted), 25th min.