By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

McPHERSON -- The scoreboard didn't reflect it, but Hays High School boys' soccer coach Chris Michaelis said his team actually played better in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the host in the McPherson Tournament, than its 1-0 loss at Hays the week before against the same team.

Michaelis said his team's attack and possession improved, but it wasn't enough to overcome McPherson's early flurry of goals.

"They are a good team," Michaelis said. "We played them a week ago last Thursday and saw and knew what they had and what they could do. Even though the score difference was greater than the previous week, I did think our kids did some things better than we did last week."

The Bullpups scored three goals in the first 22 minutes of the game, putting the Indians (2-3) in an early bind.

The tournament's most valuable player, McPherson senior forward Nick Torres, scored the opening goal just three minutes in, beating several Hays High defenders in front of the goal.

McPherson senior Cole Krizek added another goal in the 17th minute on a pass from junior Dylan Blosser, and senior Dylan Babcock scored the team's third goal in the 22nd minute on an assist from junior Ryan Horton.

"Before the game, I tried to prepare them that they were going to come out and get after it," Michaelis said. "They took it to us the first 15 maybe 20 minutes of the first half. By the time we caught our breath, we were already down three goals."

The Indians slowed McPherson late in the first half and battled even with the Bullpups in the second half.

Torres added another goal in the 67th minute, receiving pass from Horton and shooting into the bottom corner of the goal.

However, Hays High junior Shawn Herrman responded with a goal in the 78th minute, ruining McPherson's shutout. It was the first goal the Bullpups conceded all tournament.

Junior forward Jordan Windholz passed Herrman a through ball as Herrman dashed past the back line and put the ball into the back of the net.

Though his team lost in the championship game, he said it was good to at least put a goal on the scoreboard.

"We were hoping they wouldn't shut us out, because they've shut out all their opponents in this tournament," Herrman said.

"We're glad at least that didn't happen."

Hays High had four players make the all-tournament team: Herrman, Windholz, junior Lane Clark and senior Kellen Griffin.

This was the fourth time in a row Hays High reached the championship game. In 2009 and 2010, the Indians won the tournament, but they finished second in their last two trips.

"I told our guys they need to be proud," Michaelis said. "There are six different teams that wish they had a chance to play in this game. Even though the outcome wasn't what we wanted, they should be proud of the fact they played for a championship."

The Indians defeated Independence 11-1 and Thomas More Prep-Marian 4-0 en route to the championship game.

"For the seniors, it was heartbreaking, because they had been here four years in a row," Michaelis said. "It would have been nice for them to get one more before they graduated."