The 2026 NPSL season is one game away from completion after 55 teams, spread out over 8 conferences, duked it out for three intense months. In addition to winning a league championship, both clubs will have qualified for the US Open Cup - in this case, El Farolito SC will have already qualified for the USOC by winning the 2026 USASA Amateur Cup just last weekend. This means no matter what happens, Bristol Rhythm AFC will play in the 2027 First Round Proper. The league will have two more allocation places for next year’s tournament.

Bristol Rhythm vs El Farolito FC

This will be the debut for Bristol Rhythm in a NPSL title game, and they will do so in style, hosting the final at Gene Malcom Stadium in Bristol, Virginia. For the first two years of their existence, Rhythm finished 6th place in the Southeast Conference. In 2024 the conference was won by Appalachian FC with Hickory FC finishing second and last year it was Hickory FC, eventual league champions, who won the conference and Appalachian in second. With both of those sides departing the league, the very tough conference was won handedly by Bristol; they finished with 9 wins and a draw from 10 played, resulting in a 2.8 points per game.

Jorge Gracia led the team this season with 6 goals, Elliot Edwards 5, Patrick Enchill also had 5 goals while 8 more players added 15 goals to the season tally. Their regular season goal differential was +15. When asked about their successful season, and about hosting the final, Bristol Rhythm owner and GM Diane Smith said “From day one, our mission has been to unite our region through soccer, and we’re excited to welcome supporters from across the country to experience the passion, hospitality, and atmosphere that make Bristol so special,” Smith added. “We are grateful to the NPSL for entrusting us with this championship and look forward to showcasing our city, our club, and the continued growth of the league on its biggest stage.”

Those travelling fans will be coming from San Francisco, as the legendary El Farolito SC have made it to their third NPSL Final back-to-back-to-back, something no club has accomplished in the league’s 23 years. Sonoma County Sol earned their way to four title matches spread out over 11 years, winning one; Chattanooga FC were losers in four league finals over a 5 year span; nobody has ever won two in a span of three seasons… can the mighty El Farolito do it?

After last week, El Farolito SC may believe they can do anything; they knocked Duluth FC out of the National Quarterfinals, 3-0, on Saturday the 18th; shutout Chicago House AC, 2-0, in the USASA National Amateur Cup Semifinals on Friday the 24th; beat Ambassadors FC Ohio at 11am local time in the NPSL National Semifinals; then won the USASA National Amateur Cup 3-1, over fellow lower league soccer legends, Lansdowne Yonkers FC - guaranteeing more silverware and a spot in the USOC First Round Proper.

Dembor Benson has been immense for the team, once again, even on 16 goals with Diego Pinto for the Golden Boot race - one more goal this game and the title is his. Fellow El Faro squad members, Edgard Kreye is on 10 goals, Erik Arias on 9, Herlbert Soto has 7, and 8 more players piled on 19 goals this year. They won the Golden Gate Conference for the fourth year in the last five; with 8 wins and 2 draws from 10 played, El Farolito SC had a points per game of 2.6, missing out on hosting the league final by a draw.

The 2026 NPSL Final should be a great game between two of the best teams in the league - neither team getting this far is a surprise. “It is an incredible honor for Bristol Rhythm AFC to host the 2026 NPSL National Championship,” Bristol Rhythm AFC Owner and General Manager Diane Smith said. “In just our third season, this opportunity reflects the hard work of our players, coaches, staff, volunteers, supporters, and community.” If you’re a local or driving, gates open at Gene Malcom Stadium at 5:30pm ET and it’s only $12 to get in. If you’re looking for a link, Check out NPSL’s Homepage at 2:30pm PT / 5:30pm ET.

by Joshua Duder