The Dodge City High School Red Demons varsity soccer team had to come-from-behind Tuesday night at Memorial Stadium.
The Demons rallied to beat the Hays Indians, 3-1, improving to 9-2 on the season.
"It was an ugly win for us," Dodge coach Virgil Hutchcraft said. "We came out flat and not quite as aggressive as we usually are. I didn't think technically and tactically that we were playing all that bad, but just behind in the game.
"Once we got that first goal, they started pouring out which is good. I told the team it was an ugly win and sometimes we have to have those. But as long as we come out with a 'W', we'll take it and be happy about it."
It was a slow first half, with only one goal from Hays. The Indians scored with only 1:46 left to play. DCHS trailed 1-0 at the half.
But the Demons weren't giving up just yet.
After a halftime talk from Hutchcraft about playing more aggressive and going after the Indians, they did just that.
The Demons spent the majority of the second half at the Indians' goal.
Juan Ramirez scored Dodge's first goal of the game, with an assist from Ivan Peralta. There was 16:46 left to play.
With eight minutes left, the Demons had two free kicks in a row, both with positive results.
Peralta had the first free kick and after a tip off the goalkeepers fingers, it went in.
Jean-Damien Bouyer shot the second with no problem. This gave the Demons a lead of 3-1.
"We win and lose as a team," Hutchcraft said. "It's an entire team effort."
The Red Demons will be seeking to improve to 10-2, when they travel to Wichita Heights on Thursday.
"At this point in the season, all games are going to be tough whether they should be or not, they will be," Hutchcraft said. "We have to be tough."
Reach Susie Van Heule at (620) 408-9913 or e-mail her at susie.vanheule@dodgeglobe.com
DODGE CITY —
