América de Cali
Encyclopedia
Corporación Deportiva América, commonly known as América de Cali or simply América is a Colombia
n football club based in Cali
. They currently play in the Categoría Primera A, the top-flight professional league in the country.
América de Cali has success at both the domestic and international level. With thirteen national championships, they are tied with Millonarios as the most successful team in Colombia. Internationally, they were the runner-up of the Copa Libertadores for three consecutive years from 1985–1987. They finally won an international trophy after winning the 1999 Copa Merconorte
. Despite a lack of international silverware, IFFHS named América de Cali one of the top-ten clubs in South America in the 20th century.
The club was officially founded in 1927, but traces it origins to the América Football Club founded in 1918. América has rivalries with a number of teams in Colombia, most notabily with crosstown rivals Deportivo Cali
. Matches between them are known as the "Clásico vallecaucano". Other rival clubs include Atlético Nacional
and Millonarios. . The club plays their home matches at Estadio Pascual Guerrero.
.
América got off to a slow start in the Colombian tournament, not achieving even the runner-up
position until 1960 and not playing its first Copa Libertadores until 1969. However, the team went through a radical change in 1979, hiring Gabriel Ochoa Uribe
as its coach. During the 12 years Gabriel Ochoa Uribe worked as coach of the team, América obtained its first seven National Cups and rapidly created an immense diversity of fans that cheered it around the country. During these years, América finished second place in the Copa Libertadores consecutively from 1985–1987.
1979 "Aquel 19" The First Star
Every achievement América de Cali had made throughout its history would be surpassed on 19 December 1979, better known as "Aquel 19" like the popular song by Alberto Beltran. Among these achievements were the 5–0 victory over Deportivo Cali, the undefeated season of 1967, the Second Place finish in 1960 and 1969, and their impressive journey in the 1970 Copa Libertadores. On "Aquel 19" ("That 19"), the entire city of Cali celebrated the team's first national title. Gabriel Ochoa Uribe
said, "We are going to be champions. We deserve it. This night we will write history." That night, América de Cali overcame a difficult adversary Unión Magdalena
, in order to be recognized as the 1979 Colombian Soccer Champion. This unforgettable night, the entire city was painted red with the fans who celebrated until the next day.
1982 A Title in the Cold
After just three years of winning their first title, "La Mecha" was heading towards their second one. It was a cold and grey morning that day in Bogotá
, where the team faced Millonarios
. With noise and an old bus, América de Cali arrived to the stadium Nemesio Camacho (El Campín)
. Caleños that lived in the city came to support the team as well as many fans arriving from Cali. Millonarios came out with their full attack, but América de Cali played with tranquility and soon enough the first goal came As they kept a close watch on the other games being played that day, América de Cali withstood the constant attack of Millonarios. Time took an important role and as it ran down, it only benefited América de Cali. Deportes Tolima
had won their match, Pereira
were tying their match, and Nacional had scored their second goal. Everything was going their way and the only thing left to do was win the game against Millonarios. The final minutes were very tense, but once the referee blew the whistle, the fans were able to chant once more, "América Campeon".
1983 Third Star
América de Cali began the season with some changes to create a stronger team for the Copa Libertadores. It included the arrivals of Daniel Teglia, Claudio Casares, Willington Ortiz
, Rafael "Vallenato" Agudelo, Henry Alape, Jorge Porras
, and Luis Antonio Marcollata. They also brought reinforcement with Brazilians Ademir Praticio and Coccota. With a good participation in the Copa Libertadores "Los Diablos Rojos" were eliminated in the semifinal round. Gabriel Ochoa Uribe used his experience to prevent the players from losing their head, in order to accomplish one of the two titles. Willington Ortiz and Juan Manuel Battaglia
shone for the team and the dynamic duo combined, scored 40 goals that season. Once the second round began only one team was considered favorite, América de Cali. With the spirit and hard work, América de Cali were back to back champions.
1984 "Champions for a While"
With the same tactics and strength, América de Cali went for their fourth star. With minor changes in the team, it looked to head for their third consecutive title. Under the management of Gabriel Ochoa Uribe, it seemed that the next star would once again be red. Ochoa, showing the country that he was one of the best coaches at the time, proved it by leading the team to various accomplishments. With the fourth star in his pocket, Ochoa showed that América de Cali was here to stay for good.
1985 Fifth Star; Champions once Again
With a great team and head coach, the "Red Devil" fans felt the star at hand. Everyone remembering their first star just 6 years before. These last few years had been great for the team and its history. With a quick season, América de Cali was awaiting once again the last match to become champions once again. They faced an Junior team, who did not want to get humiliated in their last game. América de Cali came out with everything, putting in two creative midfielders, and . With a quick goal it seemed to be an easy game for the Devils, but Junior
pulled together and played it safe, to at least leave with a decent result. América de Cali continued to attack, but the opponent's defense stood well and did not let anything else happen. With a few plays dangerous plays from both sides, in the end, America won with a minimum difference 1–0, obtaining the fifth star for the "Red Devils".
1986 Five consecutive titles
The "Red Devils" made history this year by obtaining five national titles in a row; the highest number of consecutive titles previously was four, by Millonarios. The star was won against their rivals Deportivo Cali, which made the achievement even more special for both the fans and the players.
as head coach and Diego Edison Umaña as assistant, América obtained its eighth star and appeared to continue its winning streak from the prior decade. Five years later, América de Cali was able to taste another championship; this was the longest tournament in the history of Colombian Professional Soccer, lasting a year and a half. During this year, America held the first position during the entire tournament and they were crowned champions of the 1996–1997 season after the final match against Atlético Bucaramanga
.
Also in 1996, América was recognized by the IFFHS official world club ranking as the second best team in the world, preceded by Juventus of Italy. The team has been ranked 35th in the All-Time Club World Ranking of the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) In 1999, America disputed the national title with Atlético Nacional, in the end losing by way of penalty kicks. After playing two finals in less than three days, America finished the year off with excellent achievements: runner-up of Copa Mustang and winner of the 1999 edition of Copa Merconorte, the team's first international title, against Santa Fe
.
The fourth Libertadores final "Garabato strikes again"
Despite having won the Colombian League three more times from 2000–2002, América has entered the millennium in economic hardship, and unable to match the successful team of the 1980s. In 1995, Corporación Deportiva América was placed under watch by Executive Order 12978, commonly known in Colombia as the Clinton List. Because of its past connections with drug cartels, the United States froze the team's assets in the U.S. (valued around $1 million), and ordered other companies not to conduct direct business with América. Also,
according to the club's president, Carlos Puente, the club never received the prize money of
$200,000 from the Copa Merconorte championship. Since then, América's economic crisis has been severe. Currently immersed in nearly $2 million dollars worth of debt, América has survived four years without a direct sponsor and only receiving money through minimum attendance at the Pascual Guerrero
and the selling of soccer jerseys. The monthly salaries of its players do not exceed $3000 dollars, and América has seen itself forced to make money by selling its most recognized players.
However, despite its troubling economic situation, América has maintained a respectable level of play. In 2003, America again faced River Plate in the quarterfinal round of the Copa Libertadores, and got their revenge by winning 4–1 (see video).
After three tournaments without reaching the final round, in 2007 América was finally able to do so with Diego Edinson Umaña as head coach and the assistance of Alex Escobar
. The team had an excellent season and was a firm candidate to win the tournament, in the end falling short by only one goal. Despite this, the team was not left empty-handed, since they obtained a berth to the Copa Sudamericana 2008
, after 3 years of not participating in an international event. For the 2008 season, Diego Umaña extended his contract and is currently in the process of preparing the team for both the Copa Mustang and the Copa Sudamericana
.
In 2008 América de Cali began efforts to get off the hated Clinton List. The club and the Mayor of Cali held discussions to change the team name and management, but keep all the trophies they have obtained. In the 2008-II Season, America defeated Independiente Medellín 4–1 on aggregate to win its thirteenth title and qualify for the 2009 Copa Libertadores. However, during the last 2 years they have been unable to return to the playoffs mainly due to financial problems.
from Avellaneda
; then América switched to red and blue. From 1927 to 1931, it alternated between a red shirt and white shorts to a white shirt and red shorts. The first goal keeper of America and one of the founders of the club, said in a chance that the first red uniforms were purchased in the only sports store, Mr. Anzola property, that had in the city, at street 13 between 8th and 9th avenues.
In 1931, after a basketball game in Barranquilla, witnessed by the secretary of the delegation, Hernando Lenis, between the Union of Colombia and the "Red Devils" uniform of that color, América adopted the new color, that matched with the name that had been granted. Since then, América kept the red.
, in honor of the first uniform of América.
The devil first appeared on the crest in 1940 because of the popular belief that the players "played like devils" on the field. During Gabriel Ochoa Uribe
's twelve years with the institution, the devil was always an inconvenience for him so it was removed due to religious reasons. For this reason, the crest only carried the number of stars or titles obtained by the club.
In 1992, the devil was completely removed and was only used for the administrative aspects of the institution. As a celebration of the club's 70 years, the devil was put back on the uniforms. From this date forward, any malignant beliefs regarding the devil have been completely removed. In 2007, in order to conmemorate the club's 80 years of existence, the devil was temporarily replaced with a logo that reads "80 años" (80 years) and underneath "1927–2007"; above the crest are the 13 stars obtained by the club. In 2010 the devil returns to the crest, in the Saeta
shirts, which is the new sponsor.
This game is called "el clasico vallecaucano", which translated into English means "the Cauca valley derby." There is a long standing rivalry between these two teams and they have 21 titles combined (one more than Millonarios vs Santa Fe combined), making Cali one of the most important cities in this sport. The first trace of this derby match was in the final of a local tournament in 1931, where América was defeated by The Cali Football Club 0–1; the referee did not count two of América's goals because of supposed offsides plays. Due to the referee's poor performance, América published a series of articles as a protest, leading to the team's suspension from local tournaments for a period of one year.
Cali and America have played 266 "clasicos": with 101 wins for Cali, 86 wins for América and 81 draws.
In 1969, Deportivo Cali defeated America and won the championship.
In 1986, América obtained its fifth consecutive title in the final match against Deportivo Cali and also another title in 1992. This match currently brings 30 to 35 thousand spectators to the stadium.
This is one of the most followed games in Fútbol Profesional Colombiano
. Since 1979, América and Nacional have seen each other in 15 finals (previously, finals were between more than 2 teams). The most recent final between the two was in 2002, where América was able to defeat Nacional in both matches and as a result obtained the 12th title in its history. Statistics from matches between these two teams show that this is the most even "clasico", with 79 wins for América, 74 for Nacional, and 75 draws. The first time they faced each other in Copa Libertadores was in 1991, and up to this date América has 6 victories, Nacional has 4, and there was one draw.
. The rivalry began in the late 70s when América obtained its first title and it grew throughout the 80s, a decade dominated by these two teams. Out of the 10 titles from this decade América won 5 of them and Millonarios won 2. In the 1982 final, América de Cali defeated Millonarios in El Campín, reaching the second title in the club's history. This game was known to paralize the entire country and they fought the 1989 title shoulder to shoulder, until it was cancelled.
and won 1–0. The game was decided by penalty shootouts, where América obtained its first international title.
On 11 May 2005, in a game played at El Campín, a fight broke out between the teams' barras bravas
leaving one person dead. The game' score was América 5 – Santa Fe 2 when the game was suspended, América was later declared the winner. This unfortunate event made the rivalry grow even more, although this only occurs in the city of Bogotá; in Cali it is just another game.
National
International
Friendly
(1976–77) Juan Manuel Battaglia
(1979–89) Gerardo Gonzalez Aquino (1979–85) Aurelio Pascuttini (1979–82) Ladislao Mazurkiewicz
(1980) Julio César Falcioni
(1981–89) César Cueto (1982–83) Willington Ortiz
(1982–88) Roque Raul Alfaro (1983) Roberto Cabañas (1984–89) Guillermo La Rosa
(1984–85) Ricardo Gareca
(1985–88) Antony de Ávila
(1985–97), (2009) Carlos Ischia
(1986) Sergio Santin
(1987–89) Julio César Uribe
(1989) Jorge Raul Balbis (1989–92) Jorge da Silva (1991–93) Wilmer Cabrera
(1990–97) Eduardo Niño
(1990–98) Albeiro Usuriaga
(1990–93) Jorge Bermúdez
(1991–96)
Nestor Fabbri
(1992) Ángel David Comizzo (1993) Óscar Córdoba
(1993–97) Jersson González
(1993-02, 2004–06, 2008–09) Giovanny Hernández
(1994–96) Marco Etcheverry
(1995) Eber Moas (1995–96) Adolfo Valencia
(1997) Javier Ferreira (1997–98) Fabián Vargas (1998-02) David Ferreira (2000–05) Luis Barbat
(2000–02) Manuel Neira (2001–02) Pablo Armero (2004–08) Fabián Estay (2005) Leonel Gancedo (2006) Pablo Galdames (2006) Gustavo Adrián Ramos
(2006–09)
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
n football club based in Cali
Calì
Calì, also written in English as Cali, is an Italian surname, widespread mainly in the Ionian side of Sicily.For the surname Calì is assumed the origin of the Greek word kalos , or from its Sanskrit root kali, "time."The surname refers to:...
. They currently play in the Categoría Primera A, the top-flight professional league in the country.
América de Cali has success at both the domestic and international level. With thirteen national championships, they are tied with Millonarios as the most successful team in Colombia. Internationally, they were the runner-up of the Copa Libertadores for three consecutive years from 1985–1987. They finally won an international trophy after winning the 1999 Copa Merconorte
Copa Merconorte
The Copa Merconorte was an international football competition played from 1998 to 2001 by clubs from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and later the United States, Costa Rica and Mexico...
. Despite a lack of international silverware, IFFHS named América de Cali one of the top-ten clubs in South America in the 20th century.
The club was officially founded in 1927, but traces it origins to the América Football Club founded in 1918. América has rivalries with a number of teams in Colombia, most notabily with crosstown rivals Deportivo Cali
Deportivo Cali
Asociación Deportivo Cali is a Colombian sports club based in Cali, Colombia. Mostly known for its football team, it also sponsors basketball, volleyball and swimming...
. Matches between them are known as the "Clásico vallecaucano". Other rival clubs include Atlético Nacional
Atlético Nacional
Corporación Deportiva Atlético Nacional is a Colombian football team based in Medellín. They play their home games at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot stadium which also serves as home to Deportivo Independiente Medellín...
and Millonarios. . The club plays their home matches at Estadio Pascual Guerrero.
The beginning
The team's roots trace all the way back to 1918, when some students from Colegio Santa Librada formed their own team, called "América F.C.", to compete with other schools. The team won the Copa Centenario Batalla de Boyacá in 1919. The team's uniform was light blue with white vertical stripes, light blue shorts, and socks with horizontal stripes in white and light blue.The curse of "Garabato"
Benjamin Urrea, better known as "Garabato", was a dentist and one of the most faithful fans of "la mechita". He was very strongly opposed to the professionalization of the club, and when he learned of this process being carried out by Humberto Salcedo Fernández, he placed a curse on the institution. He is quoted as saying "que lo vuelvan profesional, que hagan con el equipo lo que quieran... que, por mi Dios, América nunca sera campeón", which means "if the team is professionalized, I swear to God that it will never be champion". Although it is said that this curse was broken in 1979 when the team obtained its first national title, there are many people who believe the curse still holds true in the Copa Libertadores since America has reached 4 finals and never been able to win the cup. The popular "Garabato" died on 5 January 2008 in CaliSantiago de Cali
Santiago de Cali , simply referred to as Cali, is a city in western Colombia and the capital of the Valle del Cauca Department. With a population of 2.5 million, Cali is the third largest city in the country. It has one of the fastest growing economies and infrastructure in the country because...
.
The first championships
Runner-up
Runner-up is a term used to denote a participant which finishes in second place in any of a variety of competitive endeavors, most notably sporting events and beauty pageants; in the latter instance, the term is applied to more than one of the highest-ranked non-winning contestants, the...
position until 1960 and not playing its first Copa Libertadores until 1969. However, the team went through a radical change in 1979, hiring Gabriel Ochoa Uribe
Gabriel Ochoa Uribe
Gabriel Ochoa Uribe is a former Colombian football player and manager. He won four league titles and the Copa Colombia with Millonarios as a player and a remarkable 14 league titles as a manager making him the most successful Colombian coach of all time.-Playing career:Ochoa Uribe started his...
as its coach. During the 12 years Gabriel Ochoa Uribe worked as coach of the team, América obtained its first seven National Cups and rapidly created an immense diversity of fans that cheered it around the country. During these years, América finished second place in the Copa Libertadores consecutively from 1985–1987.
1979 "Aquel 19" The First Star
Every achievement América de Cali had made throughout its history would be surpassed on 19 December 1979, better known as "Aquel 19" like the popular song by Alberto Beltran. Among these achievements were the 5–0 victory over Deportivo Cali, the undefeated season of 1967, the Second Place finish in 1960 and 1969, and their impressive journey in the 1970 Copa Libertadores. On "Aquel 19" ("That 19"), the entire city of Cali celebrated the team's first national title. Gabriel Ochoa Uribe
Gabriel Ochoa Uribe
Gabriel Ochoa Uribe is a former Colombian football player and manager. He won four league titles and the Copa Colombia with Millonarios as a player and a remarkable 14 league titles as a manager making him the most successful Colombian coach of all time.-Playing career:Ochoa Uribe started his...
said, "We are going to be champions. We deserve it. This night we will write history." That night, América de Cali overcame a difficult adversary Unión Magdalena
Unión Magdalena
The Asociación Deportiva Unión Magdalena is a Colombian soccer team founded in the year 1950 as "Los Samarios" and based in Santa Marta. It has only won one championship, in the year 1968 against Deportivo Cali in the final. Red and blue stripes compose its shirt...
, in order to be recognized as the 1979 Colombian Soccer Champion. This unforgettable night, the entire city was painted red with the fans who celebrated until the next day.
1982 A Title in the Cold
After just three years of winning their first title, "La Mecha" was heading towards their second one. It was a cold and grey morning that day in Bogotá
Bogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
, where the team faced Millonarios
Millonarios
Millonarios Fútbol Club is a Colombian football club based in Bogotá. As of 2011, Millonarios shares with rivals América de Cali the most Fútbol Profesional Colombiano championships, 13 in total, although Millonarios haven't won this tournament since 1988. They are also the third Colombian team to...
. With noise and an old bus, América de Cali arrived to the stadium Nemesio Camacho (El Campín)
Estadio El Campín
The Nemesio Camacho Stadium, commonly known as El Campín, is the main stadium of Bogotá, Colombia. It is the home ground of the Independiente Santa Fe and Millonarios association football teams....
. Caleños that lived in the city came to support the team as well as many fans arriving from Cali. Millonarios came out with their full attack, but América de Cali played with tranquility and soon enough the first goal came As they kept a close watch on the other games being played that day, América de Cali withstood the constant attack of Millonarios. Time took an important role and as it ran down, it only benefited América de Cali. Deportes Tolima
Deportes Tolima
Deportes Tolima, is a Colombian football club based in the city of Ibagué. The club was founded December 18, 1954 and play their home games at the Manuel Murillo Toro stadium, which has a capacity of 30,000.-Foundation:...
had won their match, Pereira
Deportivo Pereira
Deportivo Pereira is a professional soccer team of the Colombian city of Pereira. Founded in 1944, its traditional colors are red and yellow. It plays in the Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas.-History:...
were tying their match, and Nacional had scored their second goal. Everything was going their way and the only thing left to do was win the game against Millonarios. The final minutes were very tense, but once the referee blew the whistle, the fans were able to chant once more, "América Campeon".
1983 Third Star
América de Cali began the season with some changes to create a stronger team for the Copa Libertadores. It included the arrivals of Daniel Teglia, Claudio Casares, Willington Ortiz
Willington Ortiz
Willington Ortiz is a retired Colombian football player. He and Carlos Valderrama are two of Colombia's most recognized football players...
, Rafael "Vallenato" Agudelo, Henry Alape, Jorge Porras
Jorge Porras
Jorge Armando Porras is a former Colombian football player.-Club career:He played for Atlético Nacional and América de Cali during his professional career.-International career:...
, and Luis Antonio Marcollata. They also brought reinforcement with Brazilians Ademir Praticio and Coccota. With a good participation in the Copa Libertadores "Los Diablos Rojos" were eliminated in the semifinal round. Gabriel Ochoa Uribe used his experience to prevent the players from losing their head, in order to accomplish one of the two titles. Willington Ortiz and Juan Manuel Battaglia
Juan Manuel Battaglia
Juan Manuel Battaglia is a former football midfielder and forward.Battaglia started his career in 1977, in Paraguayan side Nacional before moving to Cerro Porteño...
shone for the team and the dynamic duo combined, scored 40 goals that season. Once the second round began only one team was considered favorite, América de Cali. With the spirit and hard work, América de Cali were back to back champions.
1984 "Champions for a While"
With the same tactics and strength, América de Cali went for their fourth star. With minor changes in the team, it looked to head for their third consecutive title. Under the management of Gabriel Ochoa Uribe, it seemed that the next star would once again be red. Ochoa, showing the country that he was one of the best coaches at the time, proved it by leading the team to various accomplishments. With the fourth star in his pocket, Ochoa showed that América de Cali was here to stay for good.
1985 Fifth Star; Champions once Again
With a great team and head coach, the "Red Devil" fans felt the star at hand. Everyone remembering their first star just 6 years before. These last few years had been great for the team and its history. With a quick season, América de Cali was awaiting once again the last match to become champions once again. They faced an Junior team, who did not want to get humiliated in their last game. América de Cali came out with everything, putting in two creative midfielders, and . With a quick goal it seemed to be an easy game for the Devils, but Junior
Atlético Junior
Corporación Popular Deportiva Junior, known simply as Junior or by its former name Atlético Junior, is a Colombian football team based in Barranquilla. The club was founded in 1924 Known as "Los Tiburones" , or "El Equipo Tiburón" have won the Colombian professional football championship six times...
pulled together and played it safe, to at least leave with a decent result. América de Cali continued to attack, but the opponent's defense stood well and did not let anything else happen. With a few plays dangerous plays from both sides, in the end, America won with a minimum difference 1–0, obtaining the fifth star for the "Red Devils".
1986 Five consecutive titles
The "Red Devils" made history this year by obtaining five national titles in a row; the highest number of consecutive titles previously was four, by Millonarios. The star was won against their rivals Deportivo Cali, which made the achievement even more special for both the fans and the players.
1990s
The 1989 tournament was suspended due to the assassination of the referee, Álvaro Ortega. The following year in 1990, América de Cali was once again champion and the following year marked the departure of Gabriel Ochoa Uribe. With his departure, many feared that the winning streak for the "Red Devils" was over. Despite this belief, in 1992, with Francisco MaturanaFrancisco Maturana
Francisco Maturana, also known as Pacho is a Colombian ex-football player and later a successful football manager.-Player:...
as head coach and Diego Edison Umaña as assistant, América obtained its eighth star and appeared to continue its winning streak from the prior decade. Five years later, América de Cali was able to taste another championship; this was the longest tournament in the history of Colombian Professional Soccer, lasting a year and a half. During this year, America held the first position during the entire tournament and they were crowned champions of the 1996–1997 season after the final match against Atlético Bucaramanga
Atlético Bucaramanga
Club Atlético Bucaramanga Corporacion Deportiva, known simply as Atlético Bucaramanga, is a Colombian football club based in the city of Bucaramanga. The club was founded in 1949...
.
Independiente Santa Fe
Independiente Santafe is a professional Colombian First Division football club based in Bogotá. It has won six First Division titles and two Copa Colombia titles....
.
The fourth Libertadores final "Garabato strikes again"
- 1996 América de Cali once again reached the final of the Copa Libertadores, again with River PlateClub Atlético River PlateClub Atlético River Plate is an Argentine sports club based in the Nuñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently competes in Nacional B, the second tier of Argentine football....
. America won the first game in Cali 1–0 with an excellent goal by Antony de ÁvilaAntony de ÁvilaÁntony Wílliam de Ávila Charris is a former Colombian soccer striker, who last played for América de Cali.- Career :...
from a very closed angle. This was América's chance for revenge after the loss in the 1986 final against the same rival, but in the end América lost famously on an Óscar CórdobaÓscar CórdobaÓscar Eduardo Córdoba Arce is a retired Colombian football goalkeeper who has played more than 70 games for the Colombia national team...
error. The first goal was scored by Hernan CrespoHernán CrespoHernán Jorge Crespo is an Argentine footballer who plays for Parma in the Italian Serie A. Crespo has scored over 300 goals in a career spanning 18 years. His honors include an Olympic Games silver medal, a Copa Libertadores, an English Premier League title and three Scudettos. He was topscorer in...
and in an incredible play by Óscar Córdoba, where he left the box and did not clear the ball correctly, Hernan Crespo scored the second goal.
The new millennium and the "Clinton List"
according to the club's president, Carlos Puente, the club never received the prize money of
$200,000 from the Copa Merconorte championship. Since then, América's economic crisis has been severe. Currently immersed in nearly $2 million dollars worth of debt, América has survived four years without a direct sponsor and only receiving money through minimum attendance at the Pascual Guerrero
Pascual Guerrero
The Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero is a stadium in Santiago de Cali, Colombia which is named to honour the poet Pascual Guerrero. The stadium and the sports complex that surrounds it were, from the 1950s to the 1970s, one of the finest and most modern sports complexes in Latin America, and lead...
and the selling of soccer jerseys. The monthly salaries of its players do not exceed $3000 dollars, and América has seen itself forced to make money by selling its most recognized players.
However, despite its troubling economic situation, América has maintained a respectable level of play. In 2003, America again faced River Plate in the quarterfinal round of the Copa Libertadores, and got their revenge by winning 4–1 (see video).
After three tournaments without reaching the final round, in 2007 América was finally able to do so with Diego Edinson Umaña as head coach and the assistance of Alex Escobar
Alex Escobar
Alexander José Escobar [ess-COE-bar] is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Colorado Rockies organization....
. The team had an excellent season and was a firm candidate to win the tournament, in the end falling short by only one goal. Despite this, the team was not left empty-handed, since they obtained a berth to the Copa Sudamericana 2008
Copa Sudamericana 2008
The 2008 Copa Sudamericana de Clubes was the seventh edition of the Copa Sudamericana football tournament. The draw for the tournament took place on June 10, 2008 in Buenos Aires and the competition was played between July 30 and December 3. Arsenal de Sarandí were the defending champions, having...
, after 3 years of not participating in an international event. For the 2008 season, Diego Umaña extended his contract and is currently in the process of preparing the team for both the Copa Mustang and the Copa Sudamericana
Copa Sudamericana
The Copa Bridgestone Sudamericana de Clubes , known simply as the Copa Sudamericana , is an annual international club football competition organized by the CONMEBOL since 2002. It is the second most prestigious club competition in South American football. CONCACAF clubs were invited between 2004...
.
In 2008 América de Cali began efforts to get off the hated Clinton List. The club and the Mayor of Cali held discussions to change the team name and management, but keep all the trophies they have obtained. In the 2008-II Season, America defeated Independiente Medellín 4–1 on aggregate to win its thirteenth title and qualify for the 2009 Copa Libertadores. However, during the last 2 years they have been unable to return to the playoffs mainly due to financial problems.
Home
As for the red color, is important to note, that according to historical versions recovered, America first started out using the colors blue and white, which belonged to Racing ClubRacing Club de Avellaneda
Racing Club is an Argentine professional football club from Avellaneda, a suburb of Greater Buenos Aires. Founded in 1903, Racing has been historically considered one of the "big five" clubs of Argentine football...
from Avellaneda
Avellaneda
Avellaneda is a port city in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the seat of the Avellaneda Partido, whose population was 328,980 as per the ....
; then América switched to red and blue. From 1927 to 1931, it alternated between a red shirt and white shorts to a white shirt and red shorts. The first goal keeper of America and one of the founders of the club, said in a chance that the first red uniforms were purchased in the only sports store, Mr. Anzola property, that had in the city, at street 13 between 8th and 9th avenues.
In 1931, after a basketball game in Barranquilla, witnessed by the secretary of the delegation, Hernando Lenis, between the Union of Colombia and the "Red Devils" uniform of that color, América adopted the new color, that matched with the name that had been granted. Since then, América kept the red.
Away
Throughout history, América de Cali has had several uniforms alternative, mostly white with red; although it has come to use other colors like black or blue. The first alternative uniform that is remembered is red shorts and white shirt. In some tournaments in the 40's and 50's it used some commemorative models, including an alternative similar to the uniform of Valle selection (white shirt with a red stripe that go down left to right and red shorts). In 1958 the team used a similar uniform to Racing Club de AvellanedaRacing Club de Avellaneda
Racing Club is an Argentine professional football club from Avellaneda, a suburb of Greater Buenos Aires. Founded in 1903, Racing has been historically considered one of the "big five" clubs of Argentine football...
, in honor of the first uniform of América.
Third
In mid 2006 América used a black color uniform with the emblems of some sponsors recognized as Playboy, although it was used only in some games tournament, now this uniform is the second alternative.Crest
Gabriel Ochoa Uribe
Gabriel Ochoa Uribe is a former Colombian football player and manager. He won four league titles and the Copa Colombia with Millonarios as a player and a remarkable 14 league titles as a manager making him the most successful Colombian coach of all time.-Playing career:Ochoa Uribe started his...
's twelve years with the institution, the devil was always an inconvenience for him so it was removed due to religious reasons. For this reason, the crest only carried the number of stars or titles obtained by the club.
In 1992, the devil was completely removed and was only used for the administrative aspects of the institution. As a celebration of the club's 70 years, the devil was put back on the uniforms. From this date forward, any malignant beliefs regarding the devil have been completely removed. In 2007, in order to conmemorate the club's 80 years of existence, the devil was temporarily replaced with a logo that reads "80 años" (80 years) and underneath "1927–2007"; above the crest are the 13 stars obtained by the club. In 2010 the devil returns to the crest, in the Saeta
Saeta (brand)
Saeta International Sport Wear is a Colombian company that operates its business in the textile sector, in the manufacture, import and export of sportswear and accessories.-History:...
shirts, which is the new sponsor.
América de Cali vs Deportivo Cali
Cali and America have played 266 "clasicos": with 101 wins for Cali, 86 wins for América and 81 draws.
In 1969, Deportivo Cali defeated America and won the championship.
In 1986, América obtained its fifth consecutive title in the final match against Deportivo Cali and also another title in 1992. This match currently brings 30 to 35 thousand spectators to the stadium.
América de Cali vs Atlético Nacional
Fútbol Profesional Colombiano
The Categoría Primera A is the professional football league of Colombia. It is the country's premier football tournament and sits at the top of the Colombian football league system. Eighteen clubs play in the league. The División Mayor del Fútbol Profesional Colombiano, better known as Dimayor,...
. Since 1979, América and Nacional have seen each other in 15 finals (previously, finals were between more than 2 teams). The most recent final between the two was in 2002, where América was able to defeat Nacional in both matches and as a result obtained the 12th title in its history. Statistics from matches between these two teams show that this is the most even "clasico", with 79 wins for América, 74 for Nacional, and 75 draws. The first time they faced each other in Copa Libertadores was in 1991, and up to this date América has 6 victories, Nacional has 4, and there was one draw.
América de Cali vs Millonarios: The "clásico" with the most stars
These two teams combined have 26 titles and also count with numerous supporter groups known as barras bravasBarra Brava
Barra brava is a name for organized supporter groups of football teams in Latin America. This style of supporting is very similar to European ultras. It includes standing throughout the match, singing and other enthusiastic behavior. Some barras bravas have developed reputations for hooliganism...
. The rivalry began in the late 70s when América obtained its first title and it grew throughout the 80s, a decade dominated by these two teams. Out of the 10 titles from this decade América won 5 of them and Millonarios won 2. In the 1982 final, América de Cali defeated Millonarios in El Campín, reaching the second title in the club's history. This game was known to paralize the entire country and they fought the 1989 title shoulder to shoulder, until it was cancelled.
América de Cali vs Santa Fe: the dispute over the color red
This is a much more recent rivalry which does not have an exact date of origin, and it is mostly expressed by Santa Fe's followers. This reaction against the team was originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s when many of Santa Fe's best players were transferred to América de Cali with little economic compensation, and in the end favored América with obtaining various titles. In the 1999 edition of Copa Merconorte, these two teams faced each other in the final; América lost 2–1 in Cali and then went to BogotáBogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
and won 1–0. The game was decided by penalty shootouts, where América obtained its first international title.
On 11 May 2005, in a game played at El Campín, a fight broke out between the teams' barras bravas
Barra Brava
Barra brava is a name for organized supporter groups of football teams in Latin America. This style of supporting is very similar to European ultras. It includes standing throughout the match, singing and other enthusiastic behavior. Some barras bravas have developed reputations for hooliganism...
leaving one person dead. The game' score was América 5 – Santa Fe 2 when the game was suspended, América was later declared the winner. This unfortunate event made the rivalry grow even more, although this only occurs in the city of Bogotá; in Cali it is just another game.
Current squad
- As of 20 February 2011.
Coaching staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach |  Wilson Piedrahita |
| Assistant Coach | Carlos Fernando Asprilla |
| Trainer | Mauricio Ortiz García |
| Medic | Carlos Muñoz Galarza |
Honors
Regional- Copa Centenario Batalla de Boyacá (1): 1919
- Campeonato Departamental Amateur (4): 1923, 1927, 1930, 1932.
National
- Primera A (13): 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1997, 2000, 2001, Apertura 2002, Finalizacion 2008.
International
- Copa MerconorteCopa MerconorteThe Copa Merconorte was an international football competition played from 1998 to 2001 by clubs from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and later the United States, Costa Rica and Mexico...
(1): 1999
Friendly
- Copa CafamCopa CafamThe Copa Internacional Cafam is a Football tournament that serves as a pre-season for Colombian teams. The whole tournament is played in Bogotá on late January. The tournament is organized by Millonarios and La Caja de Compensacion familiar ...
: 2008, 2011 - Copa Sky: 2001
- Copa Ciudad Viña del Mar: 2000
- Copa Osvaldo ZubeldíaOsvaldo ZubeldíaOsvaldo Juan Zubeldía, was a football player and an influential Argentine coach.-Playing career:...
: 1982 - Copa Ciudad de Cali: 1979
- Copa Simón Bolívar: 1976
Presidents
- Humberto Salcedo Fernández (1948)
- Manuel Correa Valencia (1949)
- Luís Carlos Cárdenas (1950)
- Manuel Correa Valencia (1951–55)
- Pedro Sellares (1956–64)
- Gustavo Valdés (1961)
- Jorge Rengifo (1965)
- Gonzalo Zambrano (1966)
- Alberto Anzola (1966–73)
- Juan De Dios Guerrero (1974–75)
- Ricardo León Ocampo (1976–78)
- José Sanguiovanni (1979–86)
- Juan José Bellini (1987–91)
- Pedro Chang (1993–94)
- Álvaro Muñoz Castro (1994–96)
- Carlos Puente (1996-09)
- Álvaro Guerrero Yanci (2009)
- Juan Ramón Lopez Tejera (2011)
Most goals scored
| Rank | Name | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antony de Ávila Antony de Ávila Ántony Wílliam de Ávila Charris is a former Colombian soccer striker, who last played for América de Cali.- Career :... |
203 |
| 2 |  Jorge Ramón Cáceres |
135 |
| 3 |  Juan Manuel BattagliaJuan Manuel Battaglia Juan Manuel Battaglia is a former football midfielder and forward.Battaglia started his career in 1977, in Paraguayan side Nacional before moving to Cerro Porteño... |
93 |
| 4 | Armando Torres |
90 |
| 5 | Orlando Maturana |
74 |
| 6 | Jairo Castillo Jairo Castillo Jairo Fernando "el Tigre" Castillo Cortés is a Colombian football player who plays for América de Cali... |
73 |
| Alex Escobar |
73 | |
| 8 | Camilo Cervino |
65 |
| Jorge da Silva |
65 | |
| 10 | Leonardo Fabio Moreno |
64 |
Most appearances
| Rank | Name | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Escobar |
505 |
| 2 | Antony de Ávila Antony de Ávila Ántony Wílliam de Ávila Charris is a former Colombian soccer striker, who last played for América de Cali.- Career :... |
488 |
| 3 | Luis Eduardo Reyes |
396 |
| 4 | Gilberto Cuero |
389 |
| 5 | Julio César Falcioni Julio César Falcioni Julio César Falcioni is an Argentine football manager and former goalkeeper. He currently works as the manager of Boca Juniors in Argentina.-Club career:... |
376 |
| 6 | Hugo Valencia |
357 |
| 7 | Juan Manuel Battaglia Juan Manuel Battaglia Juan Manuel Battaglia is a former football midfielder and forward.Battaglia started his career in 1977, in Paraguayan side Nacional before moving to Cerro Porteño... |
353 |
| 8 | Gabriel Chaparro |
340 |
| 9 | Víctor Lugo |
325 |
| 10 | Gerardo González Aquino |
312 |
| Foad Maziri |
312 |
Notable players
Hugo TocalliHugo Tocalli
Hugo Daniel Tocalli is a former Argentine football goalkeeper and coach. He played over 400 games in Argentine football and went on to coach a number of clubs and the Argentina U-20 side.-Playing career:...
(1976–77) Juan Manuel Battaglia
Juan Manuel Battaglia
Juan Manuel Battaglia is a former football midfielder and forward.Battaglia started his career in 1977, in Paraguayan side Nacional before moving to Cerro Porteño...
(1979–89) Gerardo Gonzalez Aquino (1979–85) Aurelio Pascuttini (1979–82) Ladislao Mazurkiewicz
Ladislao Mazurkiewicz
Ladislao Mazurkiewicz Iglesias is an Uruguayan former football goalkeeper of the 1960s and 1970s. He helped the Uruguay national team to qualify to the semifinals of the 1970 World Cup, where the charrúas were stopped by the eventual champions, Brazil. He was elected the best goalkeeper of that...
(1980) Julio César Falcioni
Julio César Falcioni
Julio César Falcioni is an Argentine football manager and former goalkeeper. He currently works as the manager of Boca Juniors in Argentina.-Club career:...
(1981–89) César Cueto (1982–83) Willington Ortiz
Willington Ortiz
Willington Ortiz is a retired Colombian football player. He and Carlos Valderrama are two of Colombia's most recognized football players...
(1982–88) Roque Raul Alfaro (1983) Roberto Cabañas (1984–89) Guillermo La Rosa
Guillermo La Rosa
Guillermo La Rosa Laguna is a retired football forward from Peru. He competed for the Peru national football team at the 1978 and 1982 FIFA World Cup, wearing the number nineteen jersey...
(1984–85) Ricardo Gareca
Ricardo Gareca
Ricardo Alberto Gareca, nicknamed el Tigre , is an Argentine football manager and former player. He currently manages Vélez Sársfield in the Argentine Primera División....
(1985–88) Antony de Ávila
Antony de Ávila
Ántony Wílliam de Ávila Charris is a former Colombian soccer striker, who last played for América de Cali.- Career :...
(1985–97), (2009) Carlos Ischia
Carlos Ischia
Carlos Ischia is a former Argentine footballer. He is currently the head coach of Deportivo Quito.-Playing career:...
(1986) Sergio Santin
Sergio Santín
Sergio Rodolfo Santín Spinelli is a retired football striker from Uruguay, who was nicknamed "Bocha" during his professional career.-Career:...
(1987–89) Julio César Uribe
Julio César Uribe
Julio César Uribe Flores is a Peruvian football manager and former player. Uribe is currently the manager of Peruvian First Division club Unión Comercio since the second half of the 2011 Descentraliazado season....
(1989) Jorge Raul Balbis (1989–92) Jorge da Silva (1991–93) Wilmer Cabrera
Wilmer Cabrera
Wílmer Cabrera Linares is a retired football defender, he works currently as the head coach of the United States Under-17 national team.-Career:...
(1990–97) Eduardo Niño
Eduardo Niño
Eduardo Niño García is a retired Colombian football goalkeeper. He started his career playing for Independiente Santa Fe, and was then transferred to América de Cali where he remained for the rest of his career as a footballer. He later became goalkeeping coach at Millonarios. He is currently the...
(1990–98) Albeiro Usuriaga
Albeiro Usuriaga
Albeiro Usuriaga López was a Colombian footballer who played as a striker.Nicknamed El Palomo, he played professionally in Colombia, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela, before being murdered at the age of 37.-Club career:Usuriaga first came to prominence with...
(1990–93) Jorge Bermúdez
Jorge Bermúdez
Jorge Hernán Bermúdez Morales is a retired Colombian football defender. He played 56 times for the Colombia national team between 1995 and 2001.-Playing career:...
(1991–96)
Nestor Fabbri
Néstor Fabbri
Néstor Ariel Fabbri is a former football defender from Argentina.Fabbri started playing at the young division of All Boys in 1984, he made his debut for the first team during the 1984-85 season in the Argentine 2nd division. In 1986 he joined first division Racing Club...
(1992) Ángel David Comizzo (1993) Óscar Córdoba
Óscar Córdoba
Óscar Eduardo Córdoba Arce is a retired Colombian football goalkeeper who has played more than 70 games for the Colombia national team...
(1993–97) Jersson González
Jersson González
Jersson González is a Colombian football defender and defensive midfielder. He possesses great ball control and an experienced free-kick taker. He currently plays for América de Cali-Career:...
(1993-02, 2004–06, 2008–09) Giovanny Hernández
Giovanny Hernández
Giovanni Hernández is a Colombian football midfielder. He played for América de Cali, Independiente Medellín, Deportivo Cali, Colón de Santa Fe, Colo-Colo and now is player of Atlético Junior. He is famous for his technical ability to create plays, pace, and ability to create goals out of free...
(1994–96) Marco Etcheverry
Marco Etcheverry
Marco Antonio Etcheverry Vargas is a retired Bolivian footballer, considered one of the greatest Bolivian players of all time.-Career:...
(1995) Eber Moas (1995–96) Adolfo Valencia
Adolfo Valencia
Adolfo José Valencia Mosquera is a retired Colombian footballer who played as a striker....
(1997) Javier Ferreira (1997–98) Fabián Vargas (1998-02) David Ferreira (2000–05) Luis Barbat
Luis Barbat
Luis Alberto Barbat Hudema is an Uruguayan football goalkeeper.-Club career:1997 - Barbat arrives to Deportes Tolima. His team classifies to Conmebol Cup...
(2000–02) Manuel Neira (2001–02) Pablo Armero (2004–08) Fabián Estay (2005) Leonel Gancedo (2006) Pablo Galdames (2006) Gustavo Adrián Ramos
Gustavo Adrian Ramos
Gustavo Adrián Ramos Vásquez , commonly known as Adrián Ramos, is a Colombian footballer who plays for German Bundesliga club Hertha BSC and the Colombian national team.-Club career:...
(2006–09)