San Ramon FC Stays Alive, Wins Elimination Match

October 3rd, San Ramon, CA

San Ramon FC's men's pro-development team started their quest for back-to-back qualifications for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a solid 4-2 win at home on Saturday, October 3rd at Tiffany Roberts Field in San Ramon.

Every Match An Elimination Match

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San Ramon FC's men's senior team took a 1-0 lead into half time on a goal by defender Jacob Akanyirige.

Coming out of the half, the team extended their lead to 2-0, but Academica SC (Turlock, CA) then scored twice to level the match and shift the momentum in their favor. All matches are elimination matches in this tournament. Both sides knew a tie was not an option.

Shortly after losing the lead, San Ramon FC continued to press and took advantage of a misplayed free kick by Academica SC. Winning the ball deep in the visitor's defensive end, SRFC started a quick counter attack leading to their 3rd goal and a 3-2 lead. Momentum shifted again in favor of San Ramon FC and the visitors in yellow were never able to recover.

A late penalty kick goal by SRFC's #10 Roberto Gonzalez padded the lead and led to a memorable sideline celebration with San Ramon FC's youth players. 4-2 was the final score and saw San Ramon FC advance to round 3 of the 2027 qualifying process.

You can watch the video of the US Open Cup match, or just watch clips of the goals, on San Ramon FC's website at sanramonfc.com/mens.

Awaiting Announcement On Next USOC Match

The team now awaits the announcement of their next opponent for 2027 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifying. Later this week, US Soccer will announce the round three pairings as well as the date/time/location of the match. Round three matches will be held the weekend of October 31 - November 1.

October 10 - League Play

While they await their next USOC opponent, the team will return to fall league play with a home match on Saturday, October 10 at 6 pm at Tiffany Roberts Field. Admission is free.

San Ramon FC's men's senior team currently sits in first place in the League For Clubs NorCal Fall Cup competition.

Looking To Make (More) History

The men's senior team qualified for the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in the fall of 2025, marking the first time San Ramon FC - or any team from the greater Tri-Valley - clinched a spot in the "tournament proper."

By qualifying, they earned a spot in the 2026 tournament alongside professional clubs like the San Jose Earthquakes and Sacramento Republic.

In the opening round last March, San Ramon FC's pro/dev team traveled to Phoenix and played professional club Phoenix Rising FC of the USL Championship league, losing 4-0.

With its 4-2 win in round two of the 2027 qualifying process, the team moves two wins closer to achieving its goal of back-to-back appearances in the US Open Cup.