By Jesse Aguirre/NPSL.com
El Farolito standout Dembor Benson has done it all. He has been a star of the U.S. Open Cup, played professionally with Central Valley Fuego FC, and scored 15 goals with El Farolito during the 2026 season. He is looking forward to a busy weekend, as El Farolito competes in both the NPSL National Semifinals and the USASA National Amateur Cup.
- How are you preparing for a busy weekend for the club, one that includes a national semifinal for the NPSL and the National Amateur Cup?
We are preparing well. I’m staying focused on the task at hand and giving it our all during training. We know at this point of the season these matches require a lot of intensity, and the team is focused on the goals and the objectives that we have this weekend.
- How does your experience at the professional level help you prepare for big matches like these?
As professionals, we need to stay calm and be well prepared for these important matches. As footballers, we always strive to give our best in these types of matches because this is a time for us to compete, as we’ve shown, and it’s always our goal to go that extra mile and represent this beautiful club.
- What are you expecting from the NPSL National Semifinals? The National Amateur Cup?
I expect a very difficult match. Our coach has given us insights, and we know we are facing a strong rival. So far, this tournament has surprised me with how difficult it has been and how difficult this past match was because we had to do a lot of running and fighting. We know it won’t be easy because both teams want to win and be in the final. But we are calm because we have a strong team, and we know that we are built to beat any team on any pitch.
- How would you describe yourself as a player?
As a player, I would describe myself as a warrior on the pitch. I like giving it my all for my teammates on the field, and I feel like I show that fighting spirit when I’m on the pitch.
- How does traveling across the country to Milwaukee affect your preparation?
It’s a bit difficult because at the moment we aren’t really traveling very long distances, and at this moment we are also returning from a difficult quarterfinal. We know we have about a 7-hour trip and then just a short time’s rest before having to compete in our next match. However, we feel prepared and know that we have a responsibility to perform.
- What has El Farolito accomplished this season? How does it compare to previous seasons?
This season we have reached our initial objectives, which are to be conference champions and play in this tournament, and now we are trying to reach our additional objectives, which are to be national champions and to win the cup. This team is built to always compete and to be as effective as possible on the pitch.
- What are you hoping to accomplish this weekend? What goals do you have for yourself and the team?
First of all, to be champions of the cup tournament and to reach another final for the team, to return home with the cup, and to reach the final of the NPSL and to be able to return home to our families to enjoy these moments.
- The games this weekend could help El Farolito qualify for the U.S. Open Cup. Why is that competition so important to you and the club as a whole?
The team is always looking to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup. It’s a goal that we have always had and that we have had every year. It’s a goal that we are trying to reach to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup so we can compete in this historic cup. We know it will be a difficult challenge and a busy weekend with lots of work, but I have faith in God that we will do well and reach our objectives.
- What are you expecting from your opponent in the NPSL National Semifinal? What are you expecting to see from the level of competition at the National Amateur Cup?
Normally, these types of teams have strong players, players who have played professionally. This was shown during our last match, where we almost got eliminated, but luckily, we were able to turn the game around. We are conscious that it’s 11v11, and we know that we are facing a difficult opponent, but we are also confident in our quality as a team, and we are sure that we can reach our objectives.
- How has the Lopez family provided leadership and guidance to El Farolito?
In reality, this family is a strong presence in this community, and they’ve allowed lots of players to be a part of this family as long as they show the right spirit and talent. We are excited that we have the opportunity to train every day, and we know how difficult it is to find people who are willing to give you these opportunities. It’s a blessing to have such a great family represent this institution and this league.
- Do you have a message for your fans and supporters back in San Francisco?
To our fans, thanks for all of the support, and we know that this will be a difficult weekend, but this team is ready to deliver and to go the distance.
Photo Credit: Kevin W. Fowler/NPSL.com and Doug Zimmerman/NPSL.com
