Earthquakes Secure 2-1 Victory Over Republic in U.S. Open Cup Round of 32
On May 7, 2025, the San Jose Earthquakes hosted Sacramento Republic FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, for a Round of 32 match in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Earthquakes emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, advancing to the Round of 16.
The Earthquakes began the match aggressively with Amahl Pellegrino finding the back of the net early in the second minute off a double assist by both Preston Judd and Mark-Anthony Kaye. This set the tone for the match as Republic came out with a heavy defensive lineup that was simply unable to answer. The Earthquakes scored again in the 44th minute as Preston Judd found the back of the net, this time off another double assist by both Niko Tsakiris and Nick Lima.
Pellegrino had many opportunities to add to his first goal. He quite possibly could have logged a hat trick, even a double hat trick, on the night. The action was exciting even though he missed. Luckily for the Earthquakes, goalkeeper Earl Edwards did a solid job protecting the net.
The match also featured the long-anticipated return of Hernán López. Returning to action after having shoulder surgery in mid-March, he entered in the 66th minute and played until the final whistle.
Unfortunately, San Jose's Jamar Ricketts earned a red card in the 83d minute. He will therefore be unavailable for the next match.
For their part, Republic would not go down easy. Having defeated the Earthquakes in 2024, the club was confident they could compete. A late goal by Trevor Amann, off an assist by decorated veteran Rodrigo Lopez in the 96th minute, brought the final score to 2-1.
The Earthquakes would end the night advancing to the Round of 16 where they will face a Portland Timbers MLS squad they just beat 4-1 at PayPal Park only days earlier. The match will be played May 20 at PayPal Park.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for two decades, and has been covering professional soccer, including MLS, since 2014. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2025 Ahsan Awan for American Presswire subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. Ahsan Awan can be found on X as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
NPSL's El Farolito Falls to USL's Sacramento Republic FC in US Open Cup Third Round
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM Pacific Time, San Francisco's beloved amateur soccer team, El Farolito, faced USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match took place at Heart Health Park, located in Sacramento, CA.
Founded in 1985 by Salvador “Don Chava” Lopez, El Farolito began as a small taqueria in San Francisco's Mission District. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved institution, with multiple locations serving some of the city's most iconic burritos. But beyond the culinary delights, El Farolito is also home to a soccer team that has captured the hearts of many people.
The team, often referred to as the "Burrito Boys," has a rich history in the U.S. Open Cup. In 1993, they won the prestigious tournament under the name San Francisco CD Mexico. Their success was not just on the field but also in fostering a sense of community and pride among the Latino population in the Bay Area. The team's ethos revolves around family, culture, and the love of the game.
In 2024, El Farolito added another chapter to their storied legacy by winning the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) championship, defeating FC Motown 2–1. Their journey in the U.S. Open Cup that year was nothing short of remarkable, with standout performances from players like Dembor Benson, who scored crucial goals in the tournament.
The 2025 season has seen El Farolito continue their impressive run. They secured victories over multiple notable opponents including Real Monarchs and Monterey Bay FC, both USL Championship teams, to reach the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.\
Sacramento Republic FC, established in 2012, has quickly become a powerhouse in the USL Championship. The team has a rich history in the U.S. Open Cup, having participated in every tournament since 2014. Notably, they are the only second-division team to reach the U.S. Open Cup Final since 2008, defeating three MLS side clubs in the 2022 tournament, only to fall in heartbreaking fashion in the cup final versus MLS side Orlando City SC after a string of controversial incidents in the lead up to the match that left many wondering whether fair play was compromised.
For Republic FC, participation in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup follows what has come to be a long tradition. They have been a dominant force in the west. Their entry into the third round of the 2025 Open Cup is a testament to their commitment to success and their desire to challenge themselves against top-tier competition.
The match between El Farolito and Republic FC was more than just a game; it was a celebration of soccer's ability to unite diverse communities. El Farolito, with its deep roots in the Latino community of San Francisco, brings a unique blend of passion, culture, and underdog spirit. Sacramento, with its professional pedigree and history of success, represents the pinnacle of second-division soccer in the United States.
For El Farolito, this match was an opportunity to continue their Cinderella story and prove that heart and determination can overcome the odds. For Sacramento, it was a chance to assert their dominance and remind the soccer world of their pedigree in the lead up to USL’s launch of USL D1 and the promotion-relegation format across divisions.
Unfortunately, for El Farolito, this match would be their last in this year’s Open Cup tournament. The club fell 0-1 to Republic FC. With chilly winds swirling throughout the match, the boys in old glory red found the back of the net in the 29th minute on a brilliant header by Sebastian Herrera that came off an assist by Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez’s current 12 assists in Open Cup play make him the all-time assist leader in tournament history. After that goal, El Farolito began to break down. Their play became frenetic. Communication both on the pitch and from the sideline deteriorated and leadership seemed to diminish. Despite their high energy and aggressive play, El Farolito was simply unable to equalize. Sacramento’s keeper did an excellent job protecting the net and earned a clean sheet.
Sacramento ascended to the Round of 32 where they will face a familiar foe, the MLS side San Jose Earthquakes. That match will be played at PayPal Park in San Jose, CA on May 7.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over two decades, professional soccer since 2014, and USL side Sacramento Republic FC since their inaugural season. All images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2025 Ahsan Awan for American Presswire subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. Ahsan Awan can be found on X as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
Republic FC Clinches Dramatic 1-0 Victory Over El Paso, Remains First in the West
Sacramento, CA - In an otherwise nerve-wracking encounter at Heart Health Park, Sacramento Republic FC emerged victorious with a late, dramatic 1-0 win over the El Paso Locomotive on September 16, 2023. The game had fans on the edge of their seats as it remained locked at nil until Sacramento's Luis Felipe delivered a stunning header into the back of the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy. This thrilling victory not only showcased the tenacity of the Republic FC but also solidified their position at the top of the USL Championship western division.
The match began with both teams displaying their prowess, engaging in a back-and-forth battle that kept supporters on their toes. The first half of the game was marked by excellent defensive efforts and some impressive saves from both goalkeepers. Sacramento's attack relentlessly pressured El Paso's defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Despite their best efforts, Sacramento found themselves continually thwarted by the brilliance of El Paso's Mexican goalkeeper, Benny Diaz. Showcasing his remarkable reflexes and positioning, Diaz kept a clean sheet during regulation time, denying Sacramento's attackers on a half dozen occasions.
As the clock ticked away and the match seemed destined to end in a goalless draw, the fans at Heart Health Park held their collective breath. Sacramento had dominated possession and generated a half-dozen incredible shots on goal throughout the match, but Diaz remained an impenetrable wall. The tension reached its peak in the 90th minute, as the referee signaled six minutes of stoppage time.
In those dying moments of the game, at 90+4’, Sacramento's Luis Felipe emerged as the hero. A well-placed cross found the midfielder perfectly positioned in the box, and with exquisite precision, he rose above the defense and connected with the ball using his head. The power behind the header left Diaz with no chance as the ball sailed into the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the players and fans alike.
The 1-0 victory was a testament to Republic FC's resilience and determination. They had dominated the match, constantly pressuring El Paso's defense, and were finally rewarded for their efforts. Luis Felipe's late-game heroics secured all three points for the boys in old glory red and sent Heart Health Park into euphoria.
This crucial win not only added to the Republic FC's points tally but also allowed them to create critically important separation at the top of the table. With this victory, they now sit alone in first place, setting themselves up as strong contenders for a deep playoff run.
As Republic FC continues their quest for USL Championship glory, their fans can look back at this thrilling 1-0 victory over El Paso as a defining moment in their season. The relentless pursuit of victory exemplified by the team on that fateful night in September 2023 serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to success. Sacramento fans can undoubtedly expect more heart-stopping moments and memorable victories as the team marches forward in pursuit of greatness.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over a decade, and has been covering professional soccer, including MLS and the San Jose Earthquakes, since 2014. All images taken for American Presswire and subject to unlimited use under license unless otherwise noted. Ahsan Awan can be found on X as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi.
