Soccer, or as Costa Ricans call it, fútbol, is the most popular sport in the country. In the province of Puntarenas, the Puntarenas Fútbol Club (PFC) was once a shining star in Costa Rican soccer. The PFC was founded in 2004 by two businessmen from the Buenos Aires area: Eduardo Li and Adrián Castro. Their goal was to illuminate national soccer and give the people of Puntarenas a team they could be proud of.
The team made its debut on Sunday, August 22, 2004, at the Lito Pérez Stadium in Puntarenas, against Belén FC. The oranges triumphed with a final score of 2-1, with scores from Allan Oviedo and Alejandro Alfaro. In that first season, the PFC finished in 10th place in the general table (of 12 teams).
The 2005-06 season was a turning point for the team. The PFC obtained its first national runner-up and won the UNCAF Interclube Cup, beating Olimpia from Honduras with scores of 3-2 at home and 0-1 (3-1 on penalties) on November 28, 2006. The team’s success continued, and they managed to win a field in the 2007 Concacaf Champions Cup, where they faced the MLS champion of the United States, the Houston Dynamo team.
Unfortunately, the PFC’s success was short-lived. On Monday, February 16, 2009, the President of Chuchequero, Adrián Castro, died tragically. Mr. Víctor Herrera took office on an interim basis, and already for the 2009 Winter Tournament, Mrs. Alejandra Ordóñez assumed the Presidency. Under her mandate, the PFC’s achievements returned, and the Lito Pérez Stadium, home of the chuchequeros, inaugurated the best lighting in Central America on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, in the first leg of the 2009 Winter Championship quarterfinals, a game that was won 2-1 against Club Sport Cartaginés.
The PFC managed to reach the semifinals against Club Sport Herediano, but although they lost the return game, the global score of 4-3 allowed them to reach the final against Brujas FC. In that final, the PFC played well, but at home, they could not score, and in the second leg, although they scored first, the draw came in the second half. Getting to the penalty spot was more accurate for Brujas FC, and the Chuchequero team added its second runner-up in its short history in national soccer, this time led by Colombian coach Carlos Restrepo.
For the 2010 Summer season, led by Uruguayan Jorge González, the team managed to reach the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season but fell by the wayside in their series against Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. For the 2011 championship, the PFC started from scratch, renewing its roster by 80%. They achieved fifth place in the general table but were left out of the next round by only one point.
In the 2013-2014 season, the PFC suffered its first relegation after being in last place in the General Table with 42 points. The PFC played the last match in the First Division against Limón FC, in which they tied 1-1. The Caribbean team was also committed to relegation, but had three more points than Puntarenas.
Despite being relegated, Puntarenas FC managed to maintain a loyal fan base who continued to support the team through their highs and lows. The team worked hard to regain their spot in the First Division and made a comeback in the 2018-2019 season. With a new coach, a revamped roster and a determined spirit, Puntarenas FC secured their place in the First Division once again.
The team’s home games at the Lito Pérez Stadium are always filled with enthusiastic fans cheering on their beloved Chuchequeros. The stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years and is now one of the most modern and well-equipped stadiums in the country.
Puntarenas FC is more than just a soccer club – it’s a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Puntarenas. Despite facing numerous challenges over the years, the team has never given up and continues to inspire its fans with their unwavering spirit and determination.
The club has also made significant contributions to the community through its various social responsibility programs. They have organized youth soccer camps, donated equipment to local schools and sponsored community events. Puntarenas FC has become an integral part of the fabric of the city and its people.
Looking towards the future, Puntarenas FC is determined to continue their success both on and off the field. With a new generation of talented players, a passionate fan base and a commitment to their community, the Chuchequeros are poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.
As the sun sets over the beautiful beaches of Puntarenas, the city’s residents can rest easy knowing that their beloved soccer team is always there to bring them together and inspire them with their indomitable spirit. For the people of Puntarenas, Puntarenas FC is more than just a soccer team – it’s a symbol of hope, community and the unbreakable human spirit.