During this year’s qualifying games for the 2026 US Open Cup tournament, one Bay Area amateur team stood out above the rest: San Ramon FC. Despite facing their sternest test yet in the final qualifier game, San Ramon beat The Olympic Club 2-1, sending the team into next year’s tournament.
A crowd of several hundred San Ramon FC supporters lined the field at Tiffany Roberts Field for the kickoff on Sunday evening. Just as kickoff approached, a layer of low fog descended on the field, creating difficult playing conditions.
Just minutes into the game, San Ramon also faced a 1-0 deficit when The Olympic Club’s Kaya Fabbretti got on the end of a free kick and slotted the ball into the goal. His celebration with his teammates ended up lost in the fog.
However, San Ramon turned up the attack and later in the first half earned a foul just outside the penalty box. San Ramon midfield maestro Roberto Gonzalez stepped up and delivered a free kick that may have been deflected slightly, or the keeper lost sight of it through the fog. Nevertheless, the ball found the back of the net to tie the game up at one all heading into the break.
In the second half, San Ramon took control, and in the 58th minute, Carver Jensen put the home side up 2-1. The players celebrated the goal on the sideline, surrounded by youth from San Ramon FC.
The Olympic Club valiantly tried to make their way back into the game, had a couple of good chances, but were unable to get the tying shot on target. When the final whistle blew, San Ramon celebrated their hard-fought victory.
San Ramon FC raised the qualifying banner after the game and now has a few months to prepare for their first-round match in the 2026 US Open Cup, scheduled for March 2026.
