San Francisco's El Farolito Shocks Pro Teams in U.S. Open Cup

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El Farolito, a San Francisco-based amateur soccer club, has pulled off a stunning upset by defeating a professional team in the ongoing U.S. Open Cup tournament. The club, known for its burrito-themed branding, has managed to advance further in the competition than many expected, defying the odds against more established professional squads.

Why it matters

The U.S. Open Cup is a prestigious national soccer tournament that allows amateur and semi-professional clubs to compete against Major League Soccer (MLS) and other professional teams. El Farolito's success is a feel-good story that highlights the potential for smaller, community-based clubs to make waves in the sport, even against better-resourced professional organizations.

The details

In their latest match, El Farolito defeated a professional side, continuing their Cinderella run in the U.S. Open Cup. The amateur club, known for its burrito-themed branding and grassroots support, has managed to progress further in the tournament than many anticipated, showcasing the talent and determination of their players.

• El Farolito defeated a professional team on Tuesday, March 23, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

El Farolito will continue their U.S. Open Cup run, facing another professional team in the next round.