El Farolito’s Historic U.S. Open Cup Run Ends with Loss to Sacramento Republic
By Favian Renkel/NPSL.com
All good things must come to an end—but that doesn’t mean the journey wasn’t worth celebrating. El Farolito, the nation’s underdog darling, stepped onto the field in the third round of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup against a club synonymous with Open Cup magic: Sacramento Republic. Fresh off a dramatic comeback win over USL side Monterey Bay FC, El Farolito had their eyes set on yet another Cupset. Just 80 miles from San Francisco, the reigning NPSL national champions were within striking distance of their best tournament run in recent memory. As the last NPSL team standing, they carried the hopes of the amateur game on their shoulders.
Sacramento Republic struck first in a match that began with both clubs cautiously feeling each other out. In the 29th minute, veteran midfielder Rodrigo Lopez curled in a pinpoint cross that found the head of Colombian forward Juan Sebastián Herrera. The powerful header made it 1-0, and it was Lopez’s 12th career assist in the U.S. Open Cup—extending his all-time lead in the tournament’s modern era. It was a moment of quality in a game that saw plenty of intensity, and the combination of Herrera and Lopez proved to be the difference-maker on the night.
El Farolito didn’t go quietly. The NPSL side showed the same grit that carried them through back-to-back Cupsets in the opening two rounds. The match began to heat up with several yellow cards before halftime, signaling just how much was at stake for both clubs. Sacramento nearly doubled their lead in the 50th minute with a shot that drifted just wide, and again in the 72nd minute when El Farolito’s backline cleared a shot off the line to keep the match within reach.
El Farolito surged forward in the final stretch, chasing the equalizer and pushing Sacramento onto the back foot. They had chances late—none more dangerous than a flurry of activity around the 80th minute—but couldn’t find the back of the net. As emotions boiled over in stoppage time, a total of 13 yellow cards underscored just how intense and physical the match had become. Ultimately, El Farolito fell 1-0 in a game full of heart and fight, bowing out of the tournament with heads held high and the appreciation of their loyal traveling supporters.
Storied striker for El Farolito, Dembor Benson, reflected on the significance of staying true to their identity despite the result.
“We understood the opponent and how difficult it was going to be,” Benson said. “El Farolito always plays up for the occasion. We came out with the intention to win, but today we came up a bit short. The group is happy with everyone giving it their all. Now we need to get ready for what’s to come.”
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https://x.com/favianrenkel/status/1912948355321504237?s=46
Head coach of El Farolito, Santiago Lopez, echoed similar sentiments as he reflected on the team’s U.S. Open Cup run.
“You know, we need to keep going, and we have to keep looking for these cup runs again and try to progress to the fourth round next year,” Lopez said.
El Farolito now shifts its focus to defending their NPSL national championship while setting their sights on qualifying once again for next year’s Open Cup. Lopez emphasized the club’s commitment.
“And try to fight for that NPSL championship once again, and obviously try to look for another Open Cup qualification with all these pro teams,” Lopez said. “You just never know how many spots are going to be allocated to the NPSL. So hopefully we could get into those spots and be in the Open Cup next year.”
In the end, El Farolito once again left their mark on the U.S. Open Cup—not just with results, but with the heart, identity, and spirit that defines the competition. From Dembor Benson’s family watching from Honduras to the loyal fans who made the trip from San Francisco, El Farolito reminded the soccer world why the Open Cup matters. They didn’t just chase another Cupset—they delivered belief, pride, and a sense of belonging to everyone who roots for the underdog. Though their 2025 run ends in the third round, their story lives on, not as a loss, but as another cherished chapter in the legacy of the little burrito club that continues to inspire.
Photo Credit: Dario Cruz/NPSL.com
