The Hays High School boys soccer team has 37 members this season, making up both the varsity and junior varsity teams.

In their most recent varsity home game on Thursday, Sept. 19, Hays faced off against Dodge City. In previous years, Dodge City has been ranked nationally, and the team is currently ranked ninth in their respective region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

The game ended in a 7-0 victory for Dodge City. This dropped the Hays team’s record to 3-3, while Dodge City continues undefeated with a record of 6-0.

However, earlier in the week, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, Hays defeated Great Bend, 2-0. This was their first home game of the season.

The Hays soccer team also came home with victories against Topeka West and Emporia.

Head coach Daniel Kelly has a goal for this year of winning the regional championship and competing at state.

“This season, the focus is on building on the success of the past two years,” Kelly said. “We have posted good records the past two years for the regular season and have been able to host post season games, but we have not been able to finish with the regional championship and state appearance that we set as our goal. So, this year is about having a good regular season and then finishing the year strong in the post season.”

The next home game will take place on Monday, Sept. 30 against Wichita Trinity at 7 p.m.

26ddixon@usd489.com