By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

Hays High School boys' soccer coach Chris Michaelis said his team got away from its "characteristic brand of soccer" in its 1-1 draw with Dodge City.

The Indians (3-3-1, 1-1-1 WAC) got an early score but failed to produce much after that, allowing Dodge City to tie it late in the match Thursday at HHS Field.

Dodge City is now 3-2-1 and 1-0-1 in WAC play.

"We really got away from what we had been doing as far as trying to possess the ball," Michaelis said. "We didn't play the characteristic brand of soccer that we've been trying to do."

The Indians got their goal early on a set piece.

Senior midfielder Josue Lopez lobbed in a cross into the inside of the box, and junior midfielder Lane Clark headed it into the goal in the second minute of the match.

"Unfortunately, that was early, and that was the highlight of the game for us," Michaelis said.

Dodge City tied it in the 69th minute after Hays High committed a foul inside the box. Senior Hector Navarro made the Indians pay by sending his penalty kick into the lower left side of the goal.

"There was a foul inside the box," Michaelis said. "It was a good call, and that was their opportunity to tie it up and make it a game again."

Michaelis said his team struggled with its possession and tried to stretch Dodge City's defense.

"We tried to stretch them, and that's not what we want to do," Michaelis said.

"It was a step backwards to be honest with you," Michaelis added. "We've got some very smart and intelligent guys. They'll see the film and will realize what we did wrong. The encouraging thing for me is the kids know and will be able to fix it."