Hickory FC Topples El Farolito 3-2 to Win 2025 NPSL National Championship
Photo Credit: Doug Zimmerman/NPSL.com
Article By Favian Renkel/NPSL.com
In front of a record-setting crowd at Kezar Stadium, Hickory FC edged El Farolito 3-2 in a dramatic NPSL National Championship on Saturday night. Nearly 1,000 fans packed the historic venue, which once hosted the city’s NFL teams, to witness an intense battle that saw momentum swings, standout performances, and late-game drama.
Hickory FC, the back-to-back Southeast Conference Champions from North Carolina, claimed their first national title in just their second year of existence — a remarkable feat for the fledgling club.
The match opened with high energy and physicality. El Farolito looked vulnerable early, nearly conceding on a Hickory corner before the 10-minute mark. Tensions flared shortly after, with yellow cards issued to both sides around the 15th minute as the final lived up to its billing: a passionate crowd, high stakes, and two worthy finalists.
El Farolito responded with their own close chance — a header that drifted just wide in the 20th minute. But Hickory found the breakthrough before the half-hour mark. NPSL Golden Ball winner Antonio Pineda rose to meet a well-placed cross and headed home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Just before the break, El Farolito earned a penalty, and Dembor Benson calmly converted to bring the match level at 1-1 heading into halftime.
Hickory struck again early in the second half. Geoffroy Letienne headed in a set piece with Pineda once again involved in the buildup, restoring the visitors’ lead in the 55th minute.
Despite a valiant effort from El Farolito — including a stretch of sustained pressure with 25 minutes to play — Hickory’s goalkeeper, Daniel Miklosi, stood tall. Kevin Gonzalez, El Farolito’s own shot-stopper, came up with a key one-on-one save on the counterattack to keep his side in it.
The drama escalated when Hickory was reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes left in regulation. El Farolito surged forward, pushing for an equalizer, but it was Hickory who found the net again. Tomas Pollacchi delivered the knockout blow in stoppage time, finishing a breakaway to make it 3-1 and seal the title. Pollacchi was later named Man of the Match for his influential performance.
El Farolito managed to pull one back before the final whistle, but it was too late to change the outcome.
This final marked the largest crowd El Farolito has ever hosted, a milestone moment for the San Francisco-based club. But the night belonged to Hickory FC, who now add a national championship to their growing list of accolades in just their second year of existence.
Hickory FC head coach Carlos Rubio praised his squad after the win.
“You see a lot of tears here — and that’s because they worked so hard this year,” Rubio said. “They deserve every bit of it. It speaks to the community, the ownership group, everyone who puts in the effort to get us where we are. It was a dream two years ago, and today it’s a reality.”
The success of Hickory FC even drew praise from El Farolito head coach Santiago Lopez after the championship.
“They’re a fantastic team,” Lopez said. “Before the match, I knew it was going to be a very tough and close game — a lot of details. But they had a great game plan, and we just weren’t able to take advantage of our opportunities. Fantastic club. I know they’re going to grow, and hopefully they can make a good run in the Open Cup.”
With the U.S. Open Cup on the horizon for Hickory FC, anything seems possible for the NPSL side next season — a sentiment shared by many fans across the country who view the tournament as the essence of American soccer. Capelli Sport Man of the Match Pollacchi spoke about what the competition would mean for the city of Hickory.
“It will be really nice for the city, more than for the players, because this city — this community — deserves this,” Pollacchi said. “Bringing a big, huge game to Hickory is going to be something really important.”
Rubio echoed that excitement. “Super excited, super excited,” he said. “I think it’s a dream to be part of the oldest competition that has a little history. We worked hard — that was one of our targets this year — so I’m super excited to bring that level of soccer into our community.”
In just two seasons, Hickory FC has risen from a promising expansion team to national champions — a trajectory that underscores the club’s ambition, determination, and growing influence within the NPSL. Backed by a committed community, a clear vision from its leadership and a roster headlined by standout talents, Hickory’s ascent has been swift but far from accidental. As they now turn their sights to the U.S. Open Cup next year, the club’s blend of tactical discipline and emotional investment positions them as more than just champions — they are now a model for success in the NPSL.
