A group of young local soccer players got to experience a different style of the beautiful game recently and wasted no time impressing.

The Sequoia FC 2015 players traveled to Sacramento on Presidents Day weekend and placed third in the Futsal State Cup.

According to coach Eddie Garcia, the players “had a great showing.”

“It was an excellent weekend for the young Sequoia boys, as they got to experience a different form of the game,” the coach said. “And we were really proud of each and every one of them and how they performed individually and as a team.”

Futsal is played on a hardcourt much smaller than a regular soccer field and is similar to five-a-side or indoor soccer.

The team consists of Maddux Graney, Hudson Hall, Kai Mykham, Bazil Backman, Jack Valadao, Arley Ruiz and James Holt..

It took the young players a little time to get going as they got used to the new style and they dropped their opening game, losing 8-5 to Ov Toros Futsal.

But they quickly bounced back with back-to-back victories over Walnut Creek Surf White (4-2) and CVFA (5-1).

They advanced to the playoff rounds as group winners, but would lose their semifinal to eventual state champions Diablo Mustang Red 5-3.

“This team displayed incredible resilience throughout the entire tournament,” assistant coach Jay Mykham said. “The players played really well collectively and individually.

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“Reaching the semifinals is a big accomplishment and the players should be very proud of themselves. The future looks promising.”

According to assistant coach Brian Hall, the team played in “some very close games.”

“It was a special experience for the team of young Humboldt kids that participated,” he said. “With little futsal training and experience, they competed and advanced into semifinals.

“There’s potential in Humboldt to expand our soccer season and compete year round.”

Check out some video highlights of the tournament action above.

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