US Open Cup Thoughts with Devon Kerr
Plus a preview of tonight's match up with El Farolito
As a teaser to our full podcast drop tomorrow, we offer this conversation with USL Lead Analyst Devon Kerr ahead of tonight’s U.S. Open Cup match against El Farolito. Kerr joined us on The Quail Call for a wide-ranging conversation, covering new-look USL Championship squads and his journey covering a wide swath of American soccer. He also offered an enthusiastic endorsement of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup while also expressing disappointment over the lack of prioritization when it comes to MLS teams, particularly those who don’t return to defend a title.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Journey Starts Tonight
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 18 at 7:00PM PST
Location: Heart Health Park
Competition: Lamar Hunt US Open Cup | First Round
Watch: YouTube
Ahead of tonight’s matchup with El Farolito SC of the National Premier Soccer League, Head Coach Neil Collins said the team was looking forward to playing in front of the hometown supporters. Collins said the team’s ultimate priority would remain the USL Championship, but with the squad as assembled, the team planned to “battle on all fronts.”
As noted by Valor Nash on our last podcast, and again by Devon Kerr in the YouTube clip, El Farolito SC won the 1993 U.S. Open Cup under its previous name, San Francisco Club Deportivo Mexico.
El Farolito has a proud history, and Republic FC shouldn’t take the semi-professional squad lightly. This will be the third-straight year Republic FC will host El Farolito in the Open Cup. As Ryan Hodek previously wrote:
While the gulf between professional and amateur soccer often suggests a routine evening, El Farolito’s Open Cup history tells a very different story.
Based in San Francisco and affectionately nicknamed “The Burrito Boys,” El Farolito has become a household name within Open Cup circles. The club was the Open Division’s top finisher in both 2023 and 2024, consistently navigating the early rounds and proving capable of matching up with fully professional opponents.
Previous Matchups
Republic FC faced El Farolito in each of the last two competitions, narrowly beating the “Burrito Boys” 1-0 each time. Last year, Sebastian Herrera netted the game-winner to send The Quails into the Round of 32, where the team promptly folded like a cloth napkin in San Jose. Tonight will be a chance to rotate the squad, but it’s safe to assume Sacramento won’t overlook the visitors.
Republic FC’s Open Cup History
Last year’s Round-of-32 clash with San Jose Earthquakes was so dispiriting because it was so out of character for the club. Again, let’s check with Ryan Hodek.
For Sacramento, the Open Cup is more than a midweek distraction—it’s part of the club’s identity. As one of the top finishers in the USL Championship last season, Republic FC qualified for the 111th edition of the tournament and will once again aim to add to an already impressive résumé.
The Indomitable Club has appeared in every Open Cup since its inaugural season and remains the only second-division side to reach the National Championship Final since 2008, highlighted by a memorable 2022 run that included victories over three MLS opponents. Since 2014, Sacramento’s 23 Open Cup wins are the most by any club in the competition.
What’s Next?
Republic FC host Monterey Bay FC on Saturday, March 21 at 7:00PM.
