El Farolito Defeats Seacoast United 1-0 to Win the 2025 Steinbrecher Cup
By Seth Macomber/NPSL.com
El Farolito are champions once again, as they defeated the Seacoast United Phantoms 1-0 on Sunday afternoon to win the Steinbrecher Cup.
Farolito had their first opportunity 30 seconds in. Dembor Benson was alone on goal in a play that looked similar to the opening tally in Saturday’s game. This time, however, Benson was unable to put his attempt on frame.
Farolito continued to put pressure on the home side, firing a shot just wide before forcing a big save. The California club got their breakthrough in the 12th minute through Jhohann Yabur.
“We had two clear chances in the opening minutes, and we didn’t take advantage,” Farolito head coach Santiago Lopez said. “Luckily, we got that goal and we could slow down the game because we knew that they were very vertical, very quick.”
Seacoast nearly equalized eight minutes later, but the unmarked Joaquín Brizuela couldn’t get to the low cross at the back post.
The Phantoms continued to look for opportunities to target Brizuela, but center backs Jonathan Mosquera and Andres Zuluaga neutralized the striker.
Seacoast goalkeeper Tobias Jahn was called into action in the 39th minute when Benson got to Herlbert Soto’s service. The striker’s powerful volley was pushed over the bar to keep the game at 1-0.
Benson looked dangerous after the break, putting a header on target that Jahn grabbed. Moments later, the No. 9 played a through ball that Jahn got to first.
In the 57th minute, Edgard Kreye was fouled just outside the box. The ensuing free kick bobbled in the area before Kreye hit a shot at the goalkeeper.
Brizuela had a chance in the 62nd minute, but goalkeeper Kevin Gonzalez fearlessly came off his line to smother the ball. Brizuela threatened again in the 76th minute, but his shot went out for a corner kick.
Alfred Baafi was put in on goal in the 85th minute, but Gonzalez once again did well to meet the challenge. He denied Brizuela two minutes later.
“[Gonzalez] has been great,” Lopez said. “This is his first season back after about ten years. He used to play with us in the San Francisco league and then went out to play professionally in Chattanooga. This was his first opportunity as the starting goalkeeper because our other goalkeeper stayed back home.”
This is Farolito’s third national title, which is a testament to what the club does both on and off the field.
“I’m very grateful to have an ownership group that supports us and helps us out with training and gives us extra days to travel so these guys can get some rest,” Lopez said. “And the coaching staff does so much for me. They help me make these decisions. Most importantly, the families and the players who are involved. They do so much work, physically and mentally, to be on this stage.”
The Hank Steinbrecher Cup brings together the best amateur teams from around the country for a single-elimination tournament.
Lopez believes Sunday’s win is a reward for years of hard work.
“I’m very happy for them, because they’ve been together for over three years,” Lopez said. “You’re finally seeing the seed that they planted bloom.”
Photo Credit: Luke Stergiou/NPSL.com
