Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

El Farolito

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: Sacramento Republic ends El Farolito’s Cinderella run

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Sebastián Herrera of Sacramento Republic FC celebrates after scoring a goal against El Farolito SC in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Sebastián Herrera of Sacramento Republic FC celebrates after scoring a goal against El Farolito SC in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

In a Third Round battle of Northern California’s two most iconic Open Cup Cinderellas, one threw the other out of the ball, as USL Championship stalwarts Sacramento Republic brought NPSL adversaries El Farolito’s glory run to an end in a 1-0 home victory.

With Republic fans present in droves at Heart Health Park and El Farolito’s supporters punching above their weight in terms of noise, the bout quickly proved compelling. The Burrito Boys and the Indomitable Club battled back and forth from the jump, constantly launching attacks and counter-attacks, neither side letting the other control the ball for too long or showing any fear of playing direct. For a while, the only thing separating the sides was Sacramento’s ability to earn more setpieces than their San Franciscan counterparts.

Fortunately for the hosts, they had one other crucial advantage: the presence of team captain and Open Cup Modern Era assists leader Rodrigo López. In the 29th minute, that turned out to mean everything, as López launched a cross into the box for striker Sebastian Herrera, who headed it home to get both the all-important goal and the captain’s 12th career Open Cup assist. The amateurs soon got to work trying to mount a spot, and last year’s co-top goalscorer Dembor Benson came dangerously close in the 38th, but it ultimately remained 1-0 to the Republic at halftime.

As evening turned to night and the air continued to cool, the tension on the pitch only boiled hotter with each passing minute. The contest had already been somewhat chippy in the early going, but in the second half, it went to another level. Five different Burrito Boys and nine Indomitables picked up yellow cards by the end of the night, though not always at the times they were merited. For instance, Sacramento’s AJ Edwards drew a yellow card after a foul on El Farolito’s Jesús Martinez that Martinez had absolutely milked for all it was worth. Not long after, Edwards got away with blatantly shoving a Farolito player to the ground. Such was the nature of this contest as it teetered ever closer to getting out of control.

Of all the brewing dislikes in the stadium, none burned hotter than Jesús Martinez versus the home crowd—who, from his flop in the 61th onward, despised everything he did. When he started jawing with a subbed-off López and a member of the Republic’s coaching staff, it only added fuel to the fire. By the time Martinez landed knee-first on a downed Republic player, nearly sparking a brawl and ultimately earning his yellow card for arguing afterward, a red may not have satiated those who wanted his head.

Fortunately, the match still featured more productive outlets for the teams’ pent-up aggression. As the second half went on, Republic’s grip on the game felt tighter by the minute, and it helped that they gunned aggressively for another score seemingly every time they got a touch. Meanwhile, El Farolito kept playing determined soccer, preventing dagger after dagger to the point where a viewer trying to decipher who was leading from how the teams behaved might have concluded the Burrito Boys were a goal up instead of down.

However, despite a spark from Erik Arias once he came on as a substitute, the amateurs just couldn’t get the degree of attacking momentum that they needed. As the eighth of eight stoppage time minutes loomed, the Burrito Boys lined up for some last free kick, but once Sacramento snuffed it out, the clock struck midnight on El Farolito’s Cinderella run.

Few were happier for the win than Sacramento goalkeeper and fan-voted Man of the Match Jared Mazzola, who came up big with three saves in his first Open Cup start since 2023, when he was still playing for USL-1 side Greenville Triumph.

“It was an incredible experience,” Mazzola told reporters after the match. “Any time I get to play at Heart Health Park is amazing. I’m just blessed to wear the crest and blessed to have my name on the back of this shirt. It means so much to me and my family, so I’m really happy to be here.”

Also buzzing after the game was Rodrigo López—who, after tearing his ACL during Sacramento’s cupset over the San Jose Earthquakes last year, made a triumphant return to extend his assists record. In his own post-match comments, the Indomitables’ captain showed he wasn’t taking any of this for granted.

“To me, it feels good to win,” said López. “It’s been a long 11 months for me, and to be able to play today in front of my family, in front of the fans, and in front of the people who showed me a lot of love and support throughout these 11 months, for me to step on the field again, it’s just a blessing.”

With this win, the Republic have added yet another reason why Sacramento is such a dangerous place for Open Cup hopefuls to visit. The 2022 US Open Cup runners-up improved to 21-3-1 (1-0 PKs) all-time at home in tournament play, easily one of the best home records in American soccer. Now, the day’s Goliath set their eyes on playing David, as they prepare to take on an MLS side in the Round of 32 next month.

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Burrito Boys of El Farolito stun Monterey Bay with chaotic game-winner

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Photo: US Soccer

A sparse but loyal crowd welcomed Monterey Bay FC (USL League One) and visitors El Farolito (NPSL) for the opening night of the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. El Farolito entered the round as the sole-remaining club representing the National Premier Soccer League, as the other six were all eliminated in Round 1 by professional opposition.

They would keep their latest Cinderella run alive with a 2-1 win over Monterey Bay. The game was decided in dramatic fashion with an chaotic 84th minute goal by Edgard Kreye. With the win, the 1993 US Open Cup champions claimed their fourth upset of a pro team in the last two years.

“I am very proud of the team’s character throughout the game,” said El Farolito head coach Santiago Lopez. “We knew we were up against one of the best USL teams in the country but they showed no fear.”

The “Burrito Boys” entered the round having bested MLS NEXT Pro side Real Monachs 3-1 after extra time in Round 1 on the road.

Monterey Bay FC entered the night on a 4-game win streak, including their 4-0 opening round victory over International San Francisco (SFSFL).

El Farolito, unlike many amateur sides, has a much older group of players, with an average squad age of 28.5, The pros in the 18 for MBFC averaged just 25.5 years of age.

MBFC would start the match generally on the front foot, with El Farolito attempting long clearances and fast break attempts from early on in the contest.

In the 8th minute, El Farolito keeper Johan Lizarralde would attempt to spring his side on the attack with a quick punt that he harshly sliced into his team’s bench. This brought a round of ovation and several laughs from his teammates on the bench who were about to put on their raincoats just a few minutes later.

Lizarralde would make another mistake in the 18th minute when attempting to send the ball upfield from within his own 6 as pressure mounted on. The ball would travel just 30 yards and land at the feet of MDFC’s Xavi Gnaulati who dribbled forward and delivered a through ball into fellow midfielder Mobi Fehr who had his attempted cross snuffed out.

The next near miss would go through Gnaulati as well, who would pop the ball over El Farolito captain Johnatan Mosquera and deliver a volley from 8 yards into the glove of Lizarralde. The ball would trickle it’s way towards the goal line before being hacked away by Andres Zuluaga, only to be volleyed at goal again from the top of the 18, with a deflection up and off the crossbar, and down safely into the keeper’s hands.

Looking the more composed of the two sides through the first quarter of match, MBFC would win a penalty kick in the 27th minute of the match after a headed corner hit Dembor Benson’s arm on a bang-bang play at the near post.

Xavi Gnaulati would convert the kick for his third goal of the tournament, moving him temporarily into a tie at the top of the goalscoring list for the competition.

This is when the momemntum would change, however.

El Farolito started to command possession, and would dictate several attacks before the break, missing chances in the 35th minute but winning corner kicks.

Play would slow going into the break as Mosquera would have to exit the match in the 39th minute with an injury, being replaced by Omar Quiroga.

Rain would let up in the second half, but the field would remain slick, and El Farolito would show the few hundred in attendance that they knew how to manage a game going forward.

In the 54th minute, Johnatan Perez would deliver a cross into Benson who would show his special athleticisim with a leaping headed effort that would force a equally spectacular save MBFC’s GK Samuel Gomez.

In the 57th minute, Gabriel Arias would deliver a free kick deep to the back right post that would find Zuluaga ready to hack the ball again, this time into his team’s scoring goal.

With the game now level, El Farolito would not let their foot off the gas and nearly scored again two minutes later with Benson sliding into a Perez cross that would hit the wrong side of the post.

Winger Herlbert Soto would be the next to connect with with Benson in the 83rd minute, chipping a ball from the endline to the back right post. Benson would fail to convert with his head, forcing a brilliant reaction save from Gomez who would deflect the ball up and off the underside of crossbar. Perez woulld then deliver a left footed shot on the rebound, deflected back by a diving header from MBFC’s Joel Garcia Jr. The ball would then find Edgard Kreye twice: first, blasting the ball into the chest of another MBFC defender on the line, and then sliding the ball calmly past the two almost-hero defenders now in splits on the turf.

The match would end 2-1 giving the Burrito Boys another win over a professional opponent, and yet another upset on the road. MBFC head coach Jordan Stewart immediately went to shake hands with the El Farolito staff and players, and El Farolito players ended the night either dancing on the field, lying in star-pose, crying tears of joy, or carrying babies.

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: El Farolito upsets MLS NEXT Pro team on road for 2nd year in a row

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Players from El Farolito (right) and Real Monarchs battle for the ball in a First Round match in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: J. Derick Fox
Players from El Farolito (right) and Real Monarchs battle for the ball in a First Round match in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: J. Derick Fox

The Real Monarchs of MLS NEXT Pro played host to El Farolito of the NPSL on a chilly night in Herriman, Utah. Despite less than 30% possession and less than half of the passes completed than their opponents, El Farolito came out as underdog victors again.

After a first quarter of hour that was dominated by the Real Monarchs, El Farolito got their first real chance in the 18th minute with a ball played into the top of the box, which found Judas Higuera. He was able to play the ball through traffic and find Dembor Benson at the back post, who slotted it past the keeper and open the scoring.

Both teams played about the same from the opening goal on until halftime – Monarchs enjoyed most of the possession but could not out any solid chances to score. The frustrated hosts went into the locker room, looking for answers for the second half.

Players from El Farolito celebrate after beating Real Monarchs in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: El Farolito
Players from El Farolito celebrate after beating Real Monarchs in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: El Farolito

The Monarchs found their answer in the 58th minute when a quick free kick got the ball to Monarchs’ captain, Noel Caliskan, who dribbled to about five yards outside the box before slipping, but playing the ball through a line of defenders and finding halftime sub, Antonio Riquelme, who found himself one on one with the keeper. Riquelme was able to power the ball past the keeper for the equalizing goal.

El Farolito’s keeper, Johan Lizzaralde, kept them in the match with two massive second half saves. One came just shortly after the Monarch’s goal on a shot from just outside the box almost slipped in at the near post, but he was able to react and parry it out for a corner. Just minutes later, Monarchs had a create looping ball into the box that led to a snap-header, but Lizzaralde was up to the task again.

The second half ended with the score level at 1-1, so we played 30 more minutes. El Farolito had their first real chance since their goal with a free kick from about a ten yards outside the box. The shot was on target, but was punched away by the Monarchs keeper, Max Kerkvliet.

The game really changed when Monarchs’ defender, Kobi Henry, received his second yellow card for a foul right outside of the box in the 104th minute. The Monarchs were able to defend the ensuing freekick from the edge of the box and any other threat and get into halftime of extra time still level, but that would not last long.

Up a man for the rest of the match, El Farolito was finally able to create more in the attack. They found their moment when Herbert Soto made a great run into the box and was dragged down by a Monarchs defender and was awarded a penalty. He stepped up and buried it to give the guests the late lead.

Monarchs committed too many forward and were caught a couple times in dangerous situations, but El Farolito finally put the match to bed in the fifth minute of stoppage time after a save from Kerkvliet fell straight to Eric Arias, who hit a wide empty net to make it 3-1 with the last kick of the match.

Johnan Lizarralde of El Paso Locomotive during the club's First Round match in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: J. Derick Fox
Johnan Lizarralde of El Paso Locomotive during the club’s First Round match in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: J. Derick Fox

After the match, assistant coach Marcos Da Silva, said that this win was not just of El Farolito, but everyone back in San Francisco – especially their head coach who missed this match for a special reason, stating “when we leave San Francisco, we’re not just representing those guys are over here. We are family, over there, everybody, all the crowds we left over there in San Francisco. We fight for them. Also, we play for them today, especially, we fought for our head coach! He couldn’t come because his daughter was born, and he couldn’t make it, you know that we could go for him for his family too because of you know, he’s supposed to be over there, but he wanted to be here, you know, we fought for him too.”

When asked what it is like to return such an experienced team from last season’s Open Cup and NPSL successes, Da Silva said, “everybody knows what they’ve got to do, and everybody’s really committed with the team with a group because of here, we’re not just a soccer team, an amateur soccer team. We are a family, we have more than that when someone made a mistake. The other one is over there to recover, and that’s why we keep going. And that’s a pretty good feeling, because there’s a family is not just a soccer team.”

 

2024 US Open Cup Round 3: Oakland Roots rally to end El Farolito’s cup run in extra time

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Ali Elmasnaouy (right) of the Oakland Roots SC celebrates after scoring a goal in the 98th minute in a 2-1 win over El Farolito in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Oakland Roots SC
Ali Elmasnaouy (right) of the Oakland Roots SC celebrates after scoring a goal in the 98th minute in a 2-1 win over El Farolito in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Oakland Roots SC

Prior to kickoff, one may have thought that this fixture seemed lopsided with El Farolito being an amateur team in the 4th division of US Soccer. Though Oakland Roots, the favorites from the USL Championship, were finally able to come away victorious 2-1, the game remained an extremely competitive affair right up until the final whistle in extra time.

It was a rematch from the Second Round of last year’s US Open Cup which the Roots’ won 3-1 at the same venue at CSUEB Pioneer Stadium in Hayward, Calif.

El Farolito shocked everyone by finding the back of the net first via a header by the reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round, Dembor Benson. A mishit volley off of a cross, bounced around in the box and perfectly found itself on the head of Benson who directed the ball into the top left corner, outside of the keeper’s reach putting the San Francisco team 1-0 up in the 12th minute.

Roots refused to take the goal laying down and spent the rest of the half knocking on El Farolito’s door. The siege continued until the 46th minute just before the halftime whistle. An expertly placed cross from the right side by 19 year old, Ilya Alekseev found Guillermo Diaz who had ghosted into space with a late run toward the back post. Diaz headed the ball powerfully into the back of the net to draw the game level before the break. 

The remainder of normal time was a very cagey affair with seven yellow cards as well as one red card awarded to El Farolito player Edgard Kreye before the 90 minute whistle. Though many cards were given, there would be no more goals until extra time. 

In the first half of extra time the Oakland Roots took their opportunity to stick their nose in front and complete the comeback. In the 97th minute, a curling ball from deep, skipped off of Trayvone Reed and bounced directly into the path of Ali Elmasnaouy who skillfully flicked the ball past the keeper, finding the back of the net. 

In the 110th (105+5) minute, El Farolito managed to get one last chance before the end of the first period of extra time with Benson finding space in behind the defense following a mistake from Neveal Hackshaw. The defender misread the header and allowed the ball fly over him and land at the feet of Benson, prompting the keeper to rush off his line which queued Benson to attempt to chip him. The chip beat the keeper but ended up being slightly wide, denying El Farolito their golden chance to claw their way back level.

Less than a minute after the start of the second period of extra time Roots player Trayvone Reed received a second yellow card for a foul on El Farolito’s Jhoann Yabur. Suddenly, Roots find themselves having to defend a lead with another half of extra time left and one less player to defend with.

Through a great display of defensive focus and rigidity, Oakland Roots were able to keep El Farolito at bay despite having only 29% possession in the second period of extra time. 

El Farolito continued fighting until the bitter end but ultimately it was the favorites who came out on top in what was only their second occasion playing extra time in club history. 

Oakland head coach Noah Delgado elected to play multiple youngsters in this match with five teenagers seeing the field, one of which getting the assist for the equalizer and another scoring the winning goal.

“A special night for those boys, we knew El Farolito is a good team … so we knew it would be a difficult game …” said Delgado. “Playing younger players, developing players, developing local … it’s great to see them getting to contribute and playing in a cup game which is a little more testing than what they are used to.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 2: Dembor Benson of El Farolito voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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2024 US Open Cup Round 2 Player of the Round
Photo by Central Valley Fuego || Graphic by Phil Naegely

El Farolito continued their marauding run in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in no small part due to their striker in-form, Dembor Benson. The Honduran forward was able to clinch the equalizer just before halftime and also scored the winning goal for the second time in a row in an Open Cup match.

Benson’s inspired form in front of goal has catapulted El Farolito Soccer Club into US Open Cup headlines and earned himself TheCup.us Player of the Round award for the Second Round.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Benson received 72% of the first place votes, running away with the award by a wide margin over second place Jonathan Jimenez (NYCFC II) and third place finisher Mark Hernandez (Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC).

Benson comes from a strong soccer family headlined by his older brother Honduran international Jerry Bengston. (NOTE: According to Benson, the two have different surnames due to a registration error that has yet to be fixed.) Bengston made 69 appearances for the Honduran national team and is the nation’s seventh all-time leading goal scorer. Dembor has undoubtedly lived up to his family name recently, scoring five goals in his last five games. 

The in-form striker is not only scoring a high number of goals but scoring them in crucial moments, getting the winner against Timbers2 in Round 1, as well as a brace to knab the equalizer and the winner in the dying minutes against Central Valley Fuego.

After giving up an early goal, El Farolito came from behind to beat the Fuego thanks to Benson pouncing on a rebound from a long ball inside the box. Benson placed it on the right side.

Then, he was an 88th minute hero, scoring the equalizer at the far post following a pass from Sebastian Yabur inside the box.

Next up, El Farolito will face Oakland Roots SC who are not only local neighbors but were the team that knocked them out of the competition last year.

“To be honest that game, I take it as a ‘Clasico’ or something like that,” said Benson. “The truth is I’m feeling anxious, already visualizing what will happen (in the game) on Tuesday … It’s going to be a beautiful game as they are the favorites before the game but we have been showing that El Farolito isn’t just any team. El Farolito is a team that against whoever will fight, will give everything and that day will not be the exception.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 2: Dembor Benson’s brace propels El Farolito to historic upset of Central Valley Fuego

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El Farolito pose for a photo prior to their match against Central Valley Fuego in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: El Farolito
El Farolito pose for a photo prior to their match against Central Valley Fuego in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: El Farolito

El Farolito isn’t through with scoring upset victories in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and has obtained yet another historic result on the road, this time in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley.

The National Premier Soccer League side came from behind to knock off USL League One’s Central Valley Fuego FC 2-1 in Merced, CA thanks to two goals from striker Dembor Benson.

El Farolito, an amateur club named after a local Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, became the first NPSL side to upset consecutive professional team opponents in regulation, previously stunning MLS NEXT Pro side Timbers2, 2-1 at Providence Park in Round 1.

Orange County FC was the last amateur side to beat two professional teams in the same tournament, defeating FC Golden State Force (USL-2), 2-0, before advancing against Orange County SC (USL-C), 2-2 (5-3 PK), but their second round match went to penalties.

Lopez called for intensity from his players and went on the offensive from the beginning. Fuego FC had trouble advancing from its own half as El Farolito put high pressure on its back line in an attempt to recover the ball closer to goal.

In the 12th minute the NPSL side almost opened the score early on as Benson connected a header that bounced off the post and ended up in the hands of Fuego FC keeper Andre Zuluaga.

Fuego FC was awarded a penalty just a few minutes later following a slide tackle inside the box, which Jose Carrera-Garcia converted into a goal to make it 1-0 for the hosts.

However, El Farolito kept pressing as Benson found the late first-half equalizer, capitalizing on a rebound from a long ball inside the box, and placed it in the bottom right corner of the net.

Players from El Farolito (left) and Central Valley Fuego battle of the ball in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Central Valley Fuego
Players from El Farolito (left) and Central Valley Fuego battle of the ball in the Second Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Central Valley Fuego

Lopez’s team remained persistent in pushing forward during the second half and came close. Just as they did in Round 1, El Farolito came from behind to win it thanks to a late goal from Benson, who netted the ball in the 88th minute at the far post following a pass from Sebastian Yabur inside the box.

This was Benson’s third goal of the cup and his second match-winner after scoring the decisive goal in the previous round against TImbers2.

Benson celebrated the win with his teammates, all of whom called him over for the team photo in front of the scoreboard as he carried his son in his hands with him.

“To me this is more than just a team, it’s a big family,” Benson said. “I’m so happy and proud to be a part of this. It’s not easy to get on a bus and travel five hours to beat such a tough team. It’s been nothing but joy for me since this team opened its doors to me.”

Regardless of picking up a win over Fuego FC head coach and former USMNT standout Jermaine Jones, El Farolito head coach Santiago Lopez expressed how grateful he is to lead his team to victory in the tournament.

“I’m very honored to be a part of the US Open Cup and be involved with this group,” Lopez said. “Jermaine Jones is a great coach. Regardless if it was him or someone else we still have to compete, and I wish him all the luck in the world.” 

It’s the club’s first time in the Third Round in the Modern Era of the US Open Cup.

2024 US Open Cup Round 1: Former champs El Farolito use red card to upset Timbers2 in Portland

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Johnatan Mosquera of El Farolito celebrates after scoring a goal against Timbers2 in the FIrst Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers
Johnatan Mosquera of El Farolito celebrates after scoring a goal against Timbers2 in the FIrst Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers

For the first time since their inaugural season in 2015, the Portland Timbers MLS Next Pro side Portland Timbers2 competed in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The MLS club’s second team hosted National Premier Soccer League power El Farolito, a club that was once known as the 1993 Open Cup champion under a previous name, Club Deportivo Mexico. El Farolito last competed in the 2017 and 2019 of the tournament.

Back in the tournament for the first time since 2019, El Farolito stunned a shorthanded Timbers2, 2-1 with goals from Johann Yabur and Dembor Benson in the second half.

“It’s a great experience to be back in the Cup,” El Farolito coach Santiago Lopez said. “The difference? Strategy. We knew their formation, we knew how to neutralize them under pressure. They never changed any formation, going a man down.”

Early on in the first half, El Farolito exploited their strong play and physicality to have the majority of the early chances at goal. But as the half wore on, T2 consistently caught them on the counter and through their speed.

KeeSean Ferdinand pounded on a mishandled ball in the box in the 30th minute, scoring from close range to lift Portland to a 1-0 lead it would hold through halftime despite an 8-6 shots deficit.

But El Farolito’s Santiago Lopez said the message was simple at halftime: “Score two in the next 45 — and that’s what happened.”

Timbers2 was wearing down El Farolito with their superior speed and wide play, but in the 53rd minute everything changed when T2’s Harvey Neville picked up his second yellow card, leaving his team down a player for the rest of the game.

That gave El Farolito an opportunity to mount a comeback. Yabur equalized in the 52nd minute, heading home off a beautiful cross from second-half substitute Judas Higuera to give the visitors a chance.

Benson then completed the comeback in the 68th minute, scoring the winner from teammate Jonatan Valdivia that sent El Farolito to the Cup’s second round.

T2 had one final chance in the last minutes, when Kyle Linhares was one-on-one with El Farolito goalkeeper Lizarralde. But Linhares’ shot sailed a foot wide.

“It was the first time for all of our players, for the team, for most of the staff on the bench, myself included, that we played the U.S. Open Cup game,” T2 head coach Serge Dinkota said. “We mentioned in the pregame that it was going to be a difficult game with maturity and experience required.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Oakland Roots hot start delivers first USOC win, 3-1 vs. El Farolito

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After scoring a goal, Wolfgang Prentice (19) of the Oakland Root is hugged by teammate (66) of the Oakland Roots as Jhonatan Perez (23) of El Farolito walks away during a US Open Cup 2nd round game at Cal State East Bay in Hayward, Calif. on Apr. 5, 2023. (Douglas Zimmerman / SoccerBayArea)
After scoring a goal, Wolfgang Prentice (19) of the Oakland Root is hugged by teammate (66) of the Oakland Roots as Jhonatan Perez (23) of El Farolito walks away during a US Open Cup 2nd round game at Cal State East Bay in Hayward, Calif. on Apr. 5, 2023. (Douglas Zimmerman / SoccerBayArea)

The Oakland Roots vaulted to an early three-goal lead and hung on to earn a 3-1 victory over El Farolito in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday night.

“I think we made the game a lot more difficult than it should have been,” Roots head coach Noah Delgado said after the match. “But I thought the end goal was accomplished, the guys won the first ever US Open Cup in Roots history.”

Oakland’s lineup included three experienced internationals who were making their first start for the Roots: Kevin Wright (Sierra Leone), Neveal Hackshaw (Trinidad & Tobago), and Bryan Tamacas (El Salvador). It also included three young players who had seen limited playing time with the club: Drew Murray, Ryan Her, and Wolfgang Prentice.

El Farolito, who won the 1993 US Open Cup under the name CD Mexico, was missing their captain, Herlbert Soto. He was red carded in their First Round Open Cup match against International San Francisco.

Twelve Minute Lapse Ends El Farolito’s Open Cup Dreams

The visitors made a promising start to the match. Their first chance came in the 7th minute, when Ricardo Delgado’s free kick from 25 yards out was on target, but Oakland goalkeeper Taylor Bailey made an acrobatic save to keep the ball out.

Two minutes later, Delgado went down in the box, but the referee decided that Oakland’s Trayvon Reid had taken away the ball cleanly.

But then things fell apart for El Farolito.

In the 11th minute, Oakland’s Johnny Rodriguez was taken down to the left of the penalty area. Ryan Her took the free kick and an El Farolito defender headed it into his own goal. But the referee hadn’t blown his whistle, so the kick was taken again. Her’s second attempt curved toward the near post, and Rodriguez headed it in.

Oakland added another in the 15th minute, when Ethan Kohler grabbed an outlet pass from El Farolito goalkeeper Johan Lizarralde and dished the ball to Prentice, who cut back toward the middle and blasted a shot that Lizarralde couldn’t reach.

The third goal came in the 24th minute, when Trayvon Reid took on a pair of defenders and dished it to Rodriguez as he made his run into the penalty area. Rodriguez’s cross was perfectly timed as Prentice made his run to the back post for his second goal of the game.

After the initial shock, El Farolito scrambled to get back into the game. Their first chance came in the 30th minute, when a backpass to Bailey took a funny hop on a patch of turf in front of goal. Cesar Benitez intercepted the ball, but Bailey made the save on his shot attempt from close range.

The visitors received a lifeline in the 45th minute, when Bailey’s clearance was intercepted by Benitez, who dished the ball off to Delgado, who was taken down by Bailey. Delgado converted the subsequent penalty kick.

El Farolito Dominates the Second Half, But No Goals

As the match went on, tempers flared. In the 65th minute, there was a scuffle between Hackshaw and Jude Higuera and then a yellow card to El Farolito’s Jonatan Mosquera one minute later.

El Farolito kept the ball in Oakland’s end of the field for much of the second half, but clear chances were rare. In the 70th minute, Higuera’s one-timer required Bailey to make a diving save to deflect the ball over the endline for a corner.

Disaster struck for El Farolito in the 83rd minute after Jehimy Arias received his second yellow card for kicking the ball away in frustration.

But El Farolito had one more chance to pull back a goal, when a long ball from Daniel Buitrago found Jhon “Saya” Quinones, who headed the ball off the crossbar. Hackshaw was able to clear the rebound off the goal line.

And Oakland’s Prentice had one final chance for the hat trick in the third minute of stoppage time, but his shot was deflected wide by Lizarralde.

After the game, Coach Delgado was asked whether his team had suffered a second half letdown.

“I think a big part of that is fitness,” he said. “We did as much as we can to give fitness in the preseason games. But during the season, it’s hard to replicate game minutes. So I think some guys got a bit tired but we were able to push them through.

“And El Farolito, they have a lot of veteran players that are savvy. These guys played in Europe, these guys played on national teams, these guys are former pros. So you’ve gotta respect El Farolito for what they bring.”

Delgado was asked his squad had been motivated by any bitterness last about last year’s Open Cup draw, when the Roots had to travel 2,600 miles to Greenville, South Carolina to play a road match in the second round.

“Yeah, a little bit,” he said. “I think everyone has that at the back of their mind. We didn’t bring that up, but you know I can think about traveling across the country where we could have played a local game or had a home game. There are a lot of teams there but is what it is, this team will deal with adversity.”

He said the team was excited to be moving on in the tournament.

“I think it’s something that’s super special that you’re able to play games against opponents you don’t necessarily play in higher and lower divisions,” he said. So, you know, one step at a time, of course, but having one off kind of playoff games can really bring out an intensity that’s not there In the regular season.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 1: El Farolito erupt in extra time to beat Inter San Francisco, 3-0

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Daniel Buitrago (10) of El Farolito holds off Nikolai Littleton (7) of Inter SF in a US Open Cup first round match at Ohlone College in Fremont, Calif. on Mar. 22, 2023. Photo: Douglas Zimmerman | SoccerBayArea
Daniel Buitrago (10) of El Farolito holds off Nikolai Littleton (7) of Inter SF in a US Open Cup first round match at Ohlone College in Fremont, Calif. on Mar. 22, 2023. Photo: Douglas Zimmerman | SoccerBayArea

Host El Farolito won the US Open Cup’s San Francisco derby, scoring all their goals in extra time to beat International San Francisco 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Ohlone College in Fremont.

While the two clubs are in different leagues, they share some connections. Inter has two former El Farolito players on their roster and Farolito has competed against several Inter players who also have played for one of their NPSL rivals, Oakland SC.

Inter was founded in May of 2021 and has already earned promotion to the Premier Division of the San Francisco Football Soccer League (SFSFL). El Farolito’s soccer club was founded in 1985 and is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its 1993 US Open Cup championship (won under their previous name, Club Deportivo (CD) Mexico).

It was a wide open game, with the home side maintaining a 19-13 advantage in shots over the 120 minutes. But both clubs looked slightly out of sync at times, struggling to take advantage of finishing opportunities. Farolito’s NPSL season doesn’t begin until April 1 and each of Inter’s first three scheduled SFSFL matches have been postponed due to inclement weather.

International SF Maintains Slight Edge in First Half

The intensity of the match was established within the first minute of play, when Inter’s veteran striker Matt Fondy was taken down hard near the corner flag.

El Farolito had the first chance of the match in the 5th minute, when they won three consecutive corner kicks. On the second corner, Judas Herrera’s header from close range deflected off of Inter’s Nikolai Littleton and went just wide.

Inter’s first chance came in the 11th minute on a one-timer from veteran striker Matt Fondy at the right side of the box that sailed just wide.

The first card of the match came in the 19th minute, when Farolito’s Jonatan Mosquera received a yellow for elbowing Fondy in the face.

Five minutes later, Inter defender Jack Callan was unable to clear a long ball into the box. Farolito’s Judas Higuera crossed the ball to César Benitez, whose shot went high up in the air and was eventually grabbed by goalkeeper Mason Kealy.

Inter’s best scoring chance of the first half came in the 31st minute and was set up by a former El Farolito player, Leo Lázaro. His free kick from 20 yards out found Javier Rivera for a soft header, but goalkeeper Johan Lizarralde got a fingertip on the ball and was able to deflect it away. Lázaro grabbed the rebound and sent in another cross, but Fondy’s shot attempt deflected back to Lázaro, who was called for a foul from climbing onto the back of a Farolito defender.

Inter kept pressing forward to try and take the lead before halftime. In the 39th minute, Nikolai Littleton’s soft shot from well outside the box was deflected away by Lizarralde for a corner. On the subsequent corner kick, Fondy got his head on the ball, but it sailed over the crossbar.

In the second minute of stoppage time, Fondy sent in a low cross that bounced past Lazarralde. Lázaro was waiting at the far post, but Hurick Balierio stole the ball, dribbled to safety and eventually cleared it away.

Johnatan Mosquera (2) of El Farolito and Matt Fondy (11) of Inter SF fight for a header during a US Open Cup first round match at Ohlone College in Fremont, Calif. on Mar. 22, 2023. Photo: Douglas Zimmerman | SoccerBayArea
Johnatan Mosquera (2) of El Farolito and Matt Fondy (11) of Inter SF fight for a header during a US Open Cup first round match at Ohlone College in Fremont, Calif. on Mar. 22, 2023. Photo: Douglas Zimmerman | SoccerBayArea



Farolito Takes Over, With Second Half Substitutions

In the second half, El Farolito made key tactical adjustments, pressing Inter’s ball-handlers and increasing the tempo.

The clubs traded chances early in the half, with El Farolito nearly scoring when Higuera’s shot from 25 yards out barely missed sneaking in under the crossbar.

Four minutes later, Fondy received a pass at the near post after a corner kick. Four International players were perched on the goal line, but Fondy’s soft header floated over the bar.

And then El Farolito began bringing on substitutions who would make a major difference in the game. In the 64th minute, they brought in Javier Calle and Daniel Butrago. Coach Santiago Lopez explained his strategy.

“Our four subs in 10 minutes helped a lot. We knew they would continue to play more direct so we wanted two new central midfields to dispute second balls.”

And in the 71st minute, Lopez brought on Jhon “Saya” Quinoñes and Jhonathan Perez.

“Shortly after that we noticed the opponent’s left side was their weakest and we added two fresh players attacking that side,” Lopez said. “Perez –sitting more back to support Saya in case he wasn’t able to return to defend but with the freedom to attack as well. Saya –to look for spaces behind the defensive line and to create 1v1 situations in the final third.”

While El Farolito was bringing on fresh players, International SF did not make any substitutions until Carlos Quintero came into the match in the 79th minute. As the match went on, their players appeared to be tiring, no longer able to chase after long passes.

Inter did have a rare second half chance in the 80th minute, when Littleton crossed the ball into the box as Fondy was making his run to the far post. Lizarralde was out of position, but a Farolito defender was able to prevent Fondy from getting enough on his header to keep it from going in.

And then the momentum seemed to change in their favor in the 85th minute, when El Farolito’s captain Herlbert Soto was red carded for allegedly retaliating after being hit in the jaw by an International San Francisco player.

The 10-man Farolito squad regrouped to play out the final few minutes before extra time and got their first shot on goal in the 4th minute of stoppage time, with Kealy making a kick save at the near post.

Farolito Breaks the Scoring Drought in Extra Time

As the extra session began, Coach Lopez remained confident in his club’s ability to keep creating goal scoring opportunities.

“I am very fortunate to have a group of many leaders. They all organized and motivated each other at all times,” he said. “I just told them to keep focus on their individual roles and that regardless of the red card, they have the talent and preparation to win the game.”

And Farolito finally broke through in the 94th minute, when Mosquera headed home Butrago’s corner kick. The ball deflected off an International San Francisco player’s shoulder while Kealy tried to reach for the ball in vain.

Farolito doubled their lead on another set piece in the 99th minute. Butrago’s corner kick ended up in a group of players in the box. Kealy deflected away two shots from close range, but the ball eventually ended up on the right foot of Quinoñes who slammed it home.

International San Francisco had a glimmer of hope at the end of the first extra session when Littleton was clipped from behind in the box, but the referee said play on. And they earned another corner in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, but Callan rushed his shot and lifted well over the bar.

In the second half of the extra session, International SF had one final chance when substitute Gamal Abdul Nasser Compaore was open for a shot at the top of the box, but his shot went straight into Lizzarde’s arms.

And Farolito added another exclamation mark in the 113th minute, thanks to two of their second half substitutes. Calle sent Quinoñes to chase a long ball into the penalty area. Inter’s Kealy and Littleton converged on him, so he fed the ball to Benitez at the far post for the finish.

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Fresno FC “win ugly” and advance against El Farolito

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Fresno FC's Elijah Martin (3) Martin reaches to kick the ball while El Farolito's Ronaldo Herrera (7) and Aramis Haywood (4) looks on in a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)
Fresno FC’s Elijah Martin (3) Martin reaches to kick the ball while El Farolito’s Ronaldo Herrera (7) and Aramis Haywood (4) looks on in a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)

Fans were left to wait until the 76th minute during a very tense affair between home side, El Farolito and Fresno FC for a match winner in Wednesday’s US Open Cup Second Round match at historic Boxer Stadium in San Francisco. At halftime, Adam Smith’s one change made the difference as forward Qudus Lawal was able to slot home after a mix-up in communication in El Farolito’s backline and goalkeeper Luis Castro.

El Farolito’s Edson Carona (11) chases Fresno FC goalkeeper Sam Howard (28) as he kicks a ball out of bounds during a US Open Cup second round at Boxer Stadium in San Francisco, CA on May 15, 2019. (Photo: Douglas Zimmerman)

The Foxes were 1-0 winners on the day and will travel to Sacramento in two weeks time to take on fellow USL Championship club, Sacramento Republic FC. El Farolito, previous US Open Cup winners in 1993, hosted the Second Round match after their 2-1 victory and wonder-strike from Leonard Fredes in Turlock last week defeated Academica SC. Unfortunately, last week’s hero, Fredes was unavailable for the match after breaking his arm when he hit the ground after his Sportscenter-worthy game-winner.

Twelve minutes into the match, Fresno FC center back, Sam Strong was issued a yellow card for a rash challenge on Carlos Montez during a counter attack. He had to play cautiously and carefully throughout the half to ensure he was not sent off. A minute later, Montez had some freedom off a corner with a chance on a half volley but he dragged his shot wide.

Fresno FC were given an opportunity right after during a free kick, which was just outside the area on the right. From 22 yards away, captain Juan Pablo Caffa’s attempt flashed wide to the near post.

After about 20 minutes, both sides seem to settle into the match. Just before the half hour mark, El Farolito’s Aramais Hayward blazed a curling effort close after a nice buildup by the home team. However, the best chance of the first half fell to Jemel Johnson after his strike beat the goalkeeper, hit the underside of the bar and was cleared off the line.

At halftime, Adam Smith made one change in tinkering with his strike partnership. Qudus Lawal joined Jemel Johnson in the attack. In the 52nd minute, the ball was cleared off the Fresno FC backline after a slow looping header that beat the Sam Howard during a El Farolito free kick. About 10 minutes later, Fresno’s Renato Bustamante was alone after a missed clearance from El Farolito inside the area, but Castro read the angle beautifully.

A couple of crosses bothered Castro in a matter of minutes and which led to him receiving medical attention.

As the match slowed into its final 15 minutes, a quick throw in El Farolito’s half and a chip toward goal caused confusion between Castro and Angel Chavarria. The two collided and the ball popped loose resulting in Lawal’s match winner. A proper goalscorer’s strike to settle things.

El Farolito had two golden opportunities about five minutes from time while pushing for the equalizer. In a patient buildup, Wilmar Aguinaga had a wonderful effort from the top of the 18 saved by Howard. The ensuring corner saw Chavarria free by himself, but his header went over the bar.

Fresno FC’s victory means that they’ll face Sacramento Republic FC in two weeks time.

On the match, coach Adam Smith said: “I wasn’t very happy at halftime. I wasn’t that happy in the second half either. Sometimes you have to win ugly. We won ugly today, but I’ll take 1-nil any day of the week, at the end of the day. It’s nice to get the win and be able to move on in the competition.”

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