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.