Santa Tecla F.C.
Santa Tecla Fútbol Club was a professional association football club based in Santa Tecla, La Libertad Department, El Salvador, that competed in the country's top-tier Primera División from 2012 until its relegation in 2024 and subsequent dissolution in 2025.[1][2][3] Founded on January 15, 2007, the club emerged from the acquisition of Telecom F.C.'s license, aiming to revive local football fervor among "Tecleños" residents after nearly four decades without a prominent hometown team following the demise of earlier clubs like Quequeisque.[1][4] The Periquitos Tecleños, as they were nicknamed for their green kits and parrot emblem, began in the Segunda División, making their debut in the 2007–08 season and reaching the quarterfinals in their inaugural campaign.[1] The club achieved promotion to the Primera División in the Apertura 2012 tournament after defeating Titán 2–1 in the decisive match, marking a rapid ascent that positioned them as a competitive force in Salvadoran football.[1] Over the next several years, Santa Tecla enjoyed a golden era, securing four league championships: the Clausura 2015 title via a 3–1 penalty shootout victory, Apertura 2016 with a 3–2 win over Alianza F.C., Clausura 2017 by a 4–0 margin against the same opponent, and Apertura 2018 after a 2–1 triumph over Alianza on December 16.[1][2] They also lifted the Copa El Salvador twice, in 2017 and 2019, adding to their trophy cabinet and establishing them as one of El Salvador's most successful clubs of the 2010s.[2] Playing their home matches at Estadio Las Delicias, a 10,000-capacity venue in Santa Tecla, the club developed a reputation for nurturing talent and attracting notable players such as Uruguayan striker Sebastián Abreu, Salvadoran international William Maldonado, and midfielder Gerson Mayén.[1] Under various coaches, including the final appointee Francisco Medrano in March 2024, Santa Tecla maintained a focus on disciplined, attacking football that contributed to their domestic successes.[4][1] However, financial and administrative challenges mounted in the early 2020s, culminating in relegation to the Segunda División on April 28, 2024, following a 2–1 defeat to C.D. Luis Angel Firpo.[1] The club's fortunes deteriorated further amid a severe economic crisis, leading to their exclusion from the 2024 Clausura and 2025 Apertura tournaments.[5] On March 25, 2025, the Comisión Disciplinaria of the Federación Salvadoreña de Fútbol (FESFUT) officially disbanded the club, declaring it disaffiliated from all professional and amateur competitions and imposing a 10-year ban on its board members due to violations of federation regulations.[3][1][5] This dissolution ended an 18-year run that had brought significant achievements and community pride to Santa Tecla, leaving a legacy as one of El Salvador's most title-winning sides of the modern era.[2]History
Foundation and early years
Santa Tecla Fútbol Club was established on January 15, 2007, through the initiative of local citizens in Santa Tecla, including Mayor Óscar Ortiz and members of the Pinto family, aimed at reviving community support for football after nearly 40 years without a major local team following the demise of predecessor clubs like Quequeisque. The club acquired the Segunda División spot from Club Deportivo Telecom, allowing it to enter the Liga de Ascenso directly without starting in the Tercera División. This formation was driven by a desire to foster local identity and youth development in La Libertad Department, operating as a non-profit association that reinvested all revenues into the sport.[6][7][4] In its early years, Santa Tecla debuted in the Apertura 2007 tournament of the Segunda División, securing a 5th-place finish and demonstrating immediate competitiveness under president Osvaldo Pinto. The team participated consistently in the league, reaching the semifinals in the Clausura 2008, Apertura 2008, and Apertura 2009 seasons, which highlighted their building momentum despite operating from the modest Estadio Las Delicias. These campaigns involved key matches against established lower-division sides, contributing to a gradual rise through strategic recruitment of local talent.[6][7] The club faced significant initial challenges, including limited financial resources that restricted infrastructure improvements and player acquisitions, as well as the task of cultivating a dedicated fanbase in a region long overshadowed by larger clubs from San Salvador. Efforts to overcome these hurdles focused on community engagement and grassroots programs, emphasizing sustainable growth over rapid spending to avoid the pitfalls seen in other aspiring teams. By prioritizing youth academies, Santa Tecla began establishing a loyal following tied to the city's heritage.[7] Among its first notable achievements in the lower leagues were successes in reserve competitions, where the club captured early titles that bolstered its reputation for developing young players. These reserve wins, alongside consistent main-team semifinal appearances, laid the groundwork for greater accomplishments by 2012, solidifying Santa Tecla's role as a community-driven force in Salvadoran football.[8]Promotion and rise
Santa Tecla F.C. earned promotion to the Primera División de Fútbol Profesional by dominating the 2011–12 Segunda División season, winning both the Apertura and Clausura tournaments. In the Apertura final, they defeated C.D. Brasilia 2–1, securing their first second-division title. A week later, on May 27, 2012, they repeated the feat in the Clausura final against Brasilia de Suchitoto, prevailing 2–1 after extra time with goals from William Maldonado and Roberto González. This double championship positioned them for the decisive promotion playoff against Titán de Texistepeque, the 2011 Apertura champions; Santa Tecla won 2–1 on June 3, 2012, with strikes from Maldonado and González, clinching their ascent to the top flight for the Apertura 2012 tournament.[6][9] Entering the elite level as newcomers, Santa Tecla demonstrated resilience under Argentine coach Osvaldo "El Pichi" Escudero, who took over immediately after promotion. In their debut Apertura 2012 campaign, they finished 7th in the 10-team league with 21 points from 18 matches (5 wins, 6 draws, 7 losses, 24 goals scored and 33 conceded), avoiding relegation and showing promise despite a 7–1 opening loss to Alianza F.C. The following Clausura 2013 saw further adaptation, culminating in a solid 5th-place finish with 29 points from 18 matches (8 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses), establishing mid-table security and playoff contention potential. Escudero's tenure emphasized squad integration and competitive consistency before his departure in October 2012, succeeded briefly by Guillermo Rivera.[10][11][12] To bolster their top-flight roster, Santa Tecla made strategic signings, including midfielder Kevin Santamaría from C.S.D. Municipal and Argentine defender Facundo Simioli on loan, adding creativity and defensive solidity to a young core featuring locals like Jaime Medina and Pedro Reyes. Under Escudero, the team adopted a pragmatic tactical shift toward a compact 4-4-2 formation, prioritizing defensive organization and quick transitions to counter the physicality of Primera División play, which helped mitigate early vulnerabilities exposed in high-scoring defeats. These changes, combined with the leadership of captain Pedro Reyes, facilitated smoother adaptation and laid foundations for future contention.[13][14] The promotion and subsequent stability fostered emerging rivalries with established clubs like Alianza F.C. and Isidro Metapán, intensified by competitive league encounters and geographic proximity to San Salvador sides. Fan support surged during this era, with growing attendance at Las Delicias Stadium and the emergence of organized ultras groups, reflecting community pride in the club's rapid rise from second-division obscurity to top-tier viability between 2012 and 2014.[5][6]Championship era
The championship era of Santa Tecla F.C. marked the club's most successful period, characterized by four consecutive Primera División titles between 2015 and 2018, establishing it as a dominant force in Salvadoran football. Santa Tecla secured its first league title in the Clausura 2015 under coach Osvaldo Escudero. The team advanced through the playoffs by defeating Juventud Independiente 3-1 in the second leg of the semifinal on May 17, 2015 (6-4 aggregate).[15] In the final against Isidro Metapán on May 24, 2015, the match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Santa Tecla winning 3-1 on penalties to claim the championship. This victory qualified the club for the 2015–16 CONCACAF Champions League, where it reached the quarterfinals before elimination by Vancouver Whitecaps FC.[16] The following seasons saw continued success under Argentine coach Ernesto Corti, who joined in 2016. In the Apertura 2016, Santa Tecla defeated Alianza F.C. in the final over two legs, drawing 2-2 in the first leg on December 11, 2016, and winning 3-2 in the second leg on December 18, 2016, for a 5-4 aggregate victory. Key contributor Herbert Sosa played a pivotal role in the midfield, helping secure the bicampeonato the next season. In the Clausura 2017 final against Alianza F.C., Santa Tecla delivered a dominant 4-0 win on May 21, 2017, with goals from Marlón Cornejo, Oris Zelaya, and a brace by Nicolás Muñoz. This title completed back-to-back league wins and was complemented by the 2016–17 Copa El Salvador, where Santa Tecla triumphed 2-0 over Municipal Limeño in the final on July 2, 2017.[17] Capping the era, Santa Tecla won the Apertura 2018 under coach Cristian Díaz, defeating Alianza F.C. 2-1 in the second leg of the final on December 16, 2018, after a 1-2 loss in the first leg on November 2, 2018, securing a 3-3 aggregate victory on away goals.[18] Wilmer Torres scored both goals in the decisive match. During this period, the club achieved notable domestic dominance, including a 20-match unbeaten streak across 2016 and 2017.[19] These successes elevated Santa Tecla's prestige, earning consistent CONCACAF Champions League berths, including a group stage appearance in 2018–19 where it faced Seattle Sounders F.C.Decline and financial challenges
Following their championship successes, Santa Tecla F.C. experienced a marked decline starting in 2019, primarily due to the departure of key players such as Orlin Quirónez, Ricardo Padilla, and Eder Tamacas, who were not adequately replaced, contributing to mid-table inconsistency in subsequent seasons.[8][20] This talent exodus was exacerbated by significant budget reductions; in early 2020, the club announced plans to cut its annual operating budget by nearly 50% amid economic pressures, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which imposed a salary cap on players and limited recruitment.[21][22] Administrative challenges further compounded the issues, with ownership transitions and internal disputes disrupting stability; in January 2020, José Eduardo Amaya from Auditaxes was appointed as the new president, succeeding the previous leadership under José Vidal Hernández, in an effort to streamline operations and address mounting pressures.[23][24] These changes highlighted ongoing boardroom tensions, including disputes over financial management that spilled into public scrutiny.[25] Financial woes intensified through accumulating debts and labor disputes, notably a 2020 FIFA ruling ordering the club to pay $89,400 to former coach Marco Sánchez Yacuta for breach of his contract, which ran until December 2020 but was terminated after a playoff loss.[26] Additional sanctions followed, including a July 2020 FIFA directive for compensation to Yacuta's assistant coach and a 2021 TAS decision requiring over $100,000 in total payments for contract violations involving Yacuta and another staff member, straining the club's resources and leading to broader payment delays.[27][28] On the field, the decline manifested in poor performances, such as finishing 10th in the 2020 Clausura without qualifying for playoffs and struggling in mid-table positions through the 2021–2023 seasons, marked by frequent coaching turnovers including the dismissals of Sánchez Yacuta in late 2019, Guillermo Asprilla in 2020, and later coaches through the 2023–24 season under Francisco Medrano.[29][30][31] Recovery efforts centered on Amaya's leadership, who in 2021 publicly addressed the club's economic demands and sought to stabilize finances through sponsorships and cost controls, though these measures could not fully reverse the trajectory of instability.[32][33]Relegation and disbandment
In the 2023–24 Primera División de El Salvador season, Santa Tecla F.C. struggled significantly, accumulating only 30 points from 6 wins, 13 draws, and 25 losses across 44 matches.[8] This poor performance placed the club at the bottom of the standings, culminating in relegation after a 2–1 defeat to C.D. Luis Angel Firpo on April 28, 2024, at Estadio Sergio Torres in Usulután.[34] The loss, with goals from Luis Angel Firpo's Gonzalo Tarifa in the 28th minute, Styven Vásquez from the penalty spot in the 75th minute, and Enrique Rivas in the 90th minute, and Santa Tecla's response via Kevin Santamaría in the 45th+2 minute, confirmed their drop to the Segunda División.[35] Following relegation, the club's situation worsened due to ongoing financial difficulties that had persisted since 2019. On March 24, 2025, the Federación Salvadoreña de Fútbol (FESFUT) Disciplinary Commission issued a resolution under Article 90 of the Disciplinary Code, disaffiliating Santa Tecla F.C. for regulatory non-compliance, including failure to meet financial and administrative obligations.[3] This decision permanently excluded the club from all professional and amateur FESFUT-affiliated competitions. On March 25, 2025, FESFUT announced a 10-year ban on the club's board members from any football-related activities in El Salvador, further solidifying the disbandment.[8] Santa Tecla F.C.'s legacy is a tale of remarkable highs and eventual decline, marked by four Primera División titles between 2015 and 2018, two Copa El Salvador wins in 2017, and success in reserve and women's categories, which established the club as a model of local pride and competitive excellence in its early years.[8] However, missteps such as key player departures without adequate replacements, mounting debts, legal fines, and a critical lack of institutional support eroded stability, transforming a era-defining team into a cautionary example of administrative fragility in Salvadoran football.[8] As of November 2025, no plans for revival or re-entry into competitive football have been announced, leaving the club's future uncertain amid the broader economic challenges facing Salvadoran leagues.[36]Club infrastructure
Stadium
Estadio Municipal Las Delicias served as the primary home venue for Santa Tecla F.C. from the club's founding in 2007 until its disbandment. Situated in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, the stadium is a multi-use facility originally constructed in 1951.[37][38] Upon Santa Tecla F.C.'s promotion to the Primera División in 2012, the stadium received major renovations over 2012–2013 to comply with league and FIFA standards, including a further update in 2023. Key improvements included replacing the natural grass with artificial turf, expanding the seating capacity to 10,000, and installing floodlights for evening matches.[39][40] The venue hosted the bulk of Santa Tecla F.C.'s home fixtures in the top flight, including pivotal games during their championship-winning seasons in 2015 and 2017, as well as international contests such as CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers against teams like Real Salt Lake in 2015.[41][42] Following the club's relegation on April 28, 2024, and its exit from professional football in March 2025 due to financial and administrative issues, the municipally owned stadium disaffiliated from Santa Tecla F.C. and now functions as the home ground for Primera División side Inter FA.[8][43]Sponsorship and kits
Santa Tecla F.C. has traditionally used green and navy blue as its primary colors, reflecting the local identity of Santa Tecla in El Salvador. These colors have been featured prominently on home kits since the club's early years in the Primera División. The club's crest, depicting a stylized parrot (perico) emblematic of the team's nickname "Periquitos," has evolved over time with minor retouches. Kit suppliers for Santa Tecla F.C. have changed throughout the club's history, transitioning from local and generic providers to international brands during its competitive peak. In the mid-2010s, the club used Reto Sports for the 2014 season and Milán for 2015-2016.[44][45] During the championship era (2016-2019), Spanish brand Kelme served as the official kit supplier, outfitting the team for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons when it secured multiple titles.[46][47] More recently, Maca became the kit provider from the 2021-22 season through 2023-24, which featured a plain yellow and navy design for the 2023-24 home kit.[48][49] The club's primary sponsors have included local financial and beverage companies, with Sistema Fedecrédito emerging as a key partner since 2016 for integral sponsorship of national youth tournaments involving Santa Tecla F.C. teams.[50] Other sponsors during the peak years encompassed regional brands supporting cup competitions and league play, contributing to branding visibility on kits and stadium banners. Sponsorship revenue peaked during the championship era, bolstering the club's operations amid title successes, but declined sharply post-2019 due to financial instability, with delayed payments and reduced partnerships exacerbating the path to relegation and temporary disbandment.Honours
League titles
Santa Tecla F.C. secured four Primera División de Fútbol Profesional titles between 2015 and 2018, marking a dominant period for the club shortly after its promotion to the top flight in 2012.[51] These victories established Santa Tecla as one of El Salvador's leading teams, with a focus on strong playoff performances that propelled them to international competition.[52] The club's first league championship came in the Clausura 2015 tournament, achieved through a dramatic playoff run culminating in the final against Isidro Metapán. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Estadio Cuscatlán—where William Maldonado scored for Santa Tecla in the 21st minute and Ricardo Ulloa equalized for Metapán in the 82nd—Santa Tecla prevailed 3-1 in the penalty shootout, with successful conversions from Gerson Mayén, Marlon Cornejo, and Juan Barahona.[53][51] This triumph represented the club's inaugural major honor in Salvadoran professional football, highlighting their rapid ascent under strategic playoff execution.[53] Building on this success, Santa Tecla claimed consecutive titles in the Apertura 2016 and Clausura 2017 under Argentine coach Ernesto Corti, who guided the team from July 2016 to December 2017.[54] In the Apertura 2016 final, they defeated Alianza F.C. 3-2 in a high-stakes match that showcased offensive resilience and tactical discipline.[51] The following Clausura 2017 saw another victory over Alianza, this time a decisive 4-0 win in the final on May 21, 2017, at Estadio Cuscatlán, solidifying Corti's influence during this championship era.[55][51] The Apertura 2018 provided Santa Tecla's fourth and final league title to date, again against Alianza F.C. in the final on December 16, 2018, where they secured a 2-1 away victory under coach Cristian Díaz.[56][51] This achievement set a record for the most Primera División titles among clubs founded after 2000, underscoring Santa Tecla's efficiency as a relatively new entrant in the league.[51] These league successes directly qualified Santa Tecla for the CONCACAF Champions League on multiple occasions, including the 2018 edition where they advanced to the Round of 16 after their 2016 and 2017 triumphs, competing against teams like Seattle Sounders F.C. and enhancing the club's regional profile.[52]| Season | Tournament | Final Opponent | Result | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014/15 | Clausura | Isidro Metapán | 1–1 (3–1 pens.) | Osvaldo Escudero[57] |
| 2016/17 | Apertura | Alianza F.C. | 3–2 | Ernesto Corti |
| 2016/17 | Clausura | Alianza F.C. | 4–0 | Ernesto Corti |
| 2018/19 | Apertura | Alianza F.C. | 2–1 | Cristian Díaz |
Domestic cups
Santa Tecla F.C. participated in the Copa El Salvador, the premier domestic knockout competition in El Salvador, achieving notable success during their peak years in the Primera División. The club secured two titles in this tournament, both through narrow 1–0 victories in the finals, highlighting their defensive solidity and efficiency in high-stakes matches.[58] The first triumph came in the 2016–17 edition, where Santa Tecla defeated C.D. F.A.S. in the final on November 22, 2017, at Estadio Oscar Quiteño in Santa Tecla. Juan Barahona scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute, securing the club's inaugural Copa El Salvador crown after a closely contested match that saw limited scoring opportunities. This victory completed a domestic double alongside their Clausura 2017 league title, marking a pinnacle in the club's championship era.[59] Santa Tecla repeated as champions in the 2018–19 Copa El Salvador, edging out C.D. Audaz 1–0 in the final on April 30, 2019, at Estadio Jorge "Mágico" González in San Salvador. Giovanni Ávila netted the lone goal, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to clinch the bicampeonato and further cement the club's dominance in domestic competitions. This success paired with their Apertura 2018 league win to form another domestic double, underscoring their sustained excellence before financial difficulties set in.[58][60]Players and staff
Notable players
Gerson Mayen served as captain of Santa Tecla F.C. during their competitive campaigns in the late 2010s, including the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals where he led the team to a 2-1 upset victory over the Seattle Sounders FC.[61][62] A Los Angeles native with dual citizenship, Mayen earned 28 caps for the El Salvador national team, often featuring as a central midfielder during his time at the club.[63] Juan Barahona emerged as a reliable defender and leader for Santa Tecla from 2014 to 2019, contributing to four Primera División titles and representing El Salvador at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[64] During his tenure, Barahona scored his first international goal against Belize in the 2017 Copa Centroamericana while affiliated with the club.[65][66] His defensive solidity and versatility made him a cornerstone of the team's championship defenses. Herbert Sosa, an experienced attacking midfielder and El Salvador international with over 50 caps, joined Santa Tecla in 2019, bringing creativity and goal-scoring threat to the squad during the 2019/2020 season.[67] Sosa's technical skills and international pedigree helped bolster the team's midfield in key matches.[68] In the club's final season leading to relegation in April 2024, emerging talents such as Joaquín Montoya and Fernando Sánchez featured prominently in the squad amid the fight to avoid demotion.[69][70]Coaching history
Santa Tecla F.C. has had numerous head coaches since its founding in 2007, with a total of over 20 managers across its time in the Segunda División and Primera División de Fútbol Profesional de El Salvador. The club's coaching staff evolved from local Salvadoran figures in its formative years to international hires, particularly from Argentina and Uruguay, during its peak competitive period. Early tenures focused on stabilization and promotion to the top flight, while later coaches oversaw the club's title wins and subsequent decline amid financial difficulties.[30] In the promotion era, the club relied on Salvadoran coaches to build a foundation in the second division. William Renderos guided the team during the 2012–13 season, contributing to their successful promotion to Primera División after winning the 2012 Apertura in Segunda División, marking Santa Tecla's entry into professional elite football. Subsequent early coaches like Edgardo Henríquez (2013–14) helped with initial adaptation in the top tier, achieving modest results with a points per game (PPG) of 0.00 in limited appearances as the team focused on survival.[30] The most successful coaching period began with the arrival of Argentine Osvaldo Escudero in 2014, who led Santa Tecla to its first Primera División title in the 2015 Clausura, defeating Isidro Metapán on penalties in the final and securing qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League. Escudero's tenure from 2014 to 2016 yielded a PPG of 1.35 over 37 matches, establishing a defensive solidity that propelled the club forward. He returned briefly in 2020 but with less impact (PPG 1.00). Argentine Ernesto Corti took over in 2016 and delivered back-to-back titles: the 2016 Apertura and 2017 Clausura, achieving the bicampeonato and a PPG of 1.71 across 59 games, during which the team emphasized balanced play and key playoff performances. Uruguayan Rubén da Silva followed in late 2017, securing the 2018 Apertura title with a strong PPG of 2.00 in 29 matches, capping a golden era of four championships in four years.[57][71][72][73] As financial challenges mounted in the late 2010s and early 2020s, coaching stability waned, with frequent changes reflecting poor results and relegation pressures. Argentine Cristian Díaz (2018–19) posted a solid PPG of 1.82 but couldn't sustain success, followed by short stints like Sebastián Abreu's interim role (PPG 0.33). Later coaches, including Rodolfo Góchez (multiple spells, PPG around 1.00–1.18) and a returning Corti (2022–23, PPG 1.13), struggled amid declining performance. In the 2023–24 season, during the club's final year before disbandment, Salvadoran Francisco Medrano managed twice (PPG 0.47 and 0.33), overseeing relegation from Primera División after a winless streak, while Juan Ramón Sánchez briefly held the role (PPG 1.06). These tenures highlighted tactical inconsistencies and resource limitations that contributed to the club's demise.[30]| Coach | Nationality | Tenure | Games | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armando Contreras | El Salvador | 2006–2007 | 0 | N/A |
| Armando Contreras | El Salvador | 2009–2010 | 0 | N/A |
| Rubén Alonso | Uruguay/El Salvador | 2010–2011 | 0 | N/A |
| Edgardo Henríquez | El Salvador | 2011–2012 | 0 | N/A |
| Osvaldo Escudero | Argentina | 2012 | 0 | N/A |
| Guillermo Rivera | El Salvador | 2012 | 0 | N/A |
| William Renderos | El Salvador | 2012–2013 | 0 | N/A |
| Edgardo Henríquez | El Salvador | 2013–2014 | 1 | 0.00 |
| Osvaldo Escudero | Argentina | 2014–2016 | 37 | 1.35 |
| Ernesto Corti | Argentina | 2016–2017 | 59 | 1.71 |
| Rubén da Silva | Uruguay | 2018 | 29 | 2.00 |
| Cristian Díaz | Argentina/Italy | 2018–2019 | 44 | 1.82 |
| Sebastián Abreu | Uruguay | 2019 | 3 | 0.33 |
| Rodolfo Góchez | El Salvador | 2019 | 11 | 1.00 |
| Leonel Cárcamo | El Salvador | 2019 | 4 | 2.00 |
| Marco Sánchez | Mexico | 2019 | 14 | 1.29 |
| Osvaldo Escudero | Argentina | 2020 | 11 | 1.00 |
| Juan Sarulyte | Argentina | 2020 | 3 | 0.67 |
| Jaime Medina | El Salvador | 2020–2021 | 13 | 1.00 |
| Rubén da Silva | Uruguay | 2021 | 31 | 1.13 |
| Rodolfo Góchez | El Salvador | 2021 | 11 | 1.18 |
| Daniel Bartolotta | Uruguay/Spain | 2022 | 12 | 0.92 |
| Leonel Cárcamo | El Salvador | 2022 | 10 | 0.80 |
| Ernesto Corti | Argentina | 2022–2023 | 32 | 1.13 |
| Francisco Medrano | El Salvador | 2023 | 15 | 0.47 |
| Juan Ramón Sánchez | El Salvador | 2023–2024 | 16 | 1.06 |
| Francisco Medrano | El Salvador | 2024 | 9 | 0.33 |
Managerial personnel
Santa Tecla F.C. has been governed by a series of presidents and key executives since its founding in 2007, with the directiva focusing on administrative stability, sponsorship acquisition, and financial management to support the club's ascent and sustained presence in El Salvador's top flight. The presidency has typically involved oversight of budget allocation, infrastructure development, and federation relations, often in collaboration with vice presidents and directors handling operational and legal matters.[8] The club's presidential history reflects periods of growth and eventual decline, marked by leadership transitions due to deaths, resignations, and escalating financial pressures. Founding president Osvaldo Pinto established the administrative foundation, securing initial funding and navigating the Second Division challenges that culminated in promotion to Primera División in 2012. José Vidal Hernández succeeded him, steering the club through its most successful era with strategic investments in talent and facilities that yielded four league titles between 2015 and 2018. Following Hernández's death in November 2018, Guillermo Figueroa assumed the role, maintaining competitive momentum while also serving as Primera División president to influence league-wide policies. In January 2020, José Eduardo Amaya took over, emphasizing fiscal prudence amid emerging debts, but his tenure saw mounting labor disputes and budget cuts. Amaya resigned in April 2023, leading to interim leadership by vice president Boris Romero before Max Miguel Ayala Revelo became president later that year, presiding over the club's relegation in 2024 and ultimate disbandment in March 2025 due to insurmountable financial non-compliance.[74][23][25]| President | Term | Major Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Osvaldo Pinto | 2007–c. 2014 | Founded the club; secured municipal support and promotion to Primera División in 2012 through targeted budgeting for youth development and infrastructure.[75] |
| José Vidal Hernández | c. 2014–November 2018 | Oversaw golden era with four titles; expanded sponsorships and invested in stadium upgrades to enhance revenue stability.[74] |
| Guillermo Figueroa | December 2018–January 2020 | Stabilized operations post-Hernández; negotiated federation roles to protect club interests while managing early debt signals.[76] |
| José Eduardo Amaya | January 2020–April 2023 | Focused on cost-cutting and player sales to address rising debts; handled legal settlements like the $89,400 payment to former coach Marco Sánchez in 2020.[23][25] |
| Max Miguel Ayala Revelo | c. 2023–March 2025 | Attempted survival amid crisis; oversaw relegation but faced sanctions for unresolved financial obligations leading to disbandment.[8][3] |
Records and statistics
League performance
Santa Tecla F.C. was promoted to the Primera División de Fútbol de El Salvador for the Apertura 2012 after winning the Segunda División Apertura title that year by defeating Brasilia 2–1 in the league final, and then defeating Titán 2–1 in the promotion playoff. The club spent 12 seasons in the top flight, from the 2012 Apertura to the 2024 Clausura, before relegation was confirmed on 28 April 2024 following a 2–1 defeat to C.D. Luis Angel Firpo, which placed them last in the aggregate relegation table.[9] In their inaugural season, Santa Tecla finished mid-table, placing 7th in the Apertura with 21 points from 5 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses (goals 24–33).[78] They improved in the Clausura, ending 5th with 29 points from 8 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses (goals 24–17).[79] The 2013 Apertura saw a dip to 8th place with 19 points from 4 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses (goals 24–30).[80] Performance in the 2014 Clausura was stronger, with a 3rd-place finish that qualified them for playoffs.[81] The Apertura 2014 marked a breakthrough, as they topped the regular season standings.[82] The period from 2015 to 2018 represented Santa Tecla's peak, characterized by consistent top-three finishes and multiple runner-up positions, establishing them as a dominant force alongside Alianza F.C. This era included strong defensive and offensive showings, such as the 2018 Clausura where they amassed 47 points—the highest in the tournament. Post-2019, the team entered a decline, with frequent bottom-half finishes and failure to qualify for playoffs, reflecting internal challenges and inconsistent form leading to relegation. The following table summarizes their league performance across all seasons, focusing on regular season results in the Apertura and Clausura tournaments (18–22 matches each, depending on format changes).| Season | Tournament | Position | Points | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals (For–Against) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Apertura | 7th | 21 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 24–33 |
| 2013 | Clausura | 5th | 29 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 24–17 |
| 2013 | Apertura | 8th | 19 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 24–30 |
| 2014 | Clausura | 3rd | 30 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 25–18 |
| 2014 | Apertura | 1st | 35 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 28–15 |
| 2015 | Clausura | 2nd | 38 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 32–20 |
| 2015 | Apertura | 4th | 32 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 30–25 |
| 2016 | Clausura | 3rd | 34 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 36–27 |
| 2016 | Apertura | 3rd | 38 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 35–24 |
| 2017 | Clausura | 4th | 32 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 28–26 |
| 2017 | Apertura | 2nd | 39 | 10 | 9 | 3 | 41–23 |
| 2018 | Clausura | 2nd | 47 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 40–12 |
| 2018 | Apertura | 2nd | 43 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 33–18 |
| 2019 | Clausura | 6th | 30 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 29–30 |
| 2019 | Apertura | 2nd | 43 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 33–18 |
| 2020 | Apertura | 6th | 31 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 33–26 |
| 2021 | Clausura | 8th | 25 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 22–28 |
| 2021 | Apertura | 11th | 19 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 19–32 |
| 2022 | Clausura | 12th | 19 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 19–32 |
| 2022 | Apertura | 10th | 22 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 21–33 |
| 2023 | Clausura | 9th | 25 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 26–29 |
| 2023 | Apertura | 10th | 22 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 21–33 |
| 2024 | Clausura | 10th | 20 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 26–39 |
| 2024 | Apertura | 12th | 11 | 1 | 8 | 13 | 20–42 |