Futsal tournament kicks off in Kalaheo on Saturday

LIHUE — Makani, a girls 10 and Under soccer team returned from the Aloha International Cup hosted by Leahi Soccer on Oahu last week.

They’ll be in action Saturday when a futsal tournament gets underway at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.

“The youth division goes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the older division players play from 3 to 8 p.m.,” Coach Ramon Semblante said. “We’ll be on the court from 11 a.m. with the Makani 10s.”

During the Aloha International Cup played on Oahu, Makani was led by the scoring of Jasmine Semblante and the coaching of Josaiah Motosue who is currently attending school on Oahu.

“The girls played solid,” Ramon said. “They represented Kauai well. Kauai had five teams in the tournament, but Makani was the only one making the semifinals where they finished equal third.”

During the pool play, Makani finished second to advance to the next level, shutting down Leahi Green, 5-0 behind a hat trick, or three goals scored, from Jasmine and nets from Maka Calderon and Kirra Carvalho.

Jasmine continued to stoke Makani, netting two goals in the Kauai team’s 2-0 win over Leahi.

“This is all about team play,” said Coach Ron Motosue. “Everyone played well, and Jasmine was hungry. Everyone fed her because she could close.”

During its match against Excel, Makani held a 2-0 lead at the half, but could not hold Excel who scored four second-half goals to win 4-2.

“The girls did really well for this tournament,” said Coach Ron Motosue. “Of the 11 players, 10 have never had tournament experience. Jasmine also played in two tournaments, her team reaching fourth place in the Bulls’ tournament ahead of the Aloha Cup.”

Coach Junior Ehia said the final game Makani played in the tournament went down to the final minute.

“We lost it on a back door play,” Coach Ehia said. “The girls were defending well, but pushed just a little harder on the wrong side, allowing the goal in the 48th minute (of 25-minute halves).”