The history of our next CCL opponent: Antigua GFC

A few months ago I made a article breaking down our upcoming CONCACAF Champions League Antigua GFC and their current squad comparing to the Sounders and measuring how we'll do against them. So today I thought it'd be super fun to go over the Guatemalan club's history and their recent rise and success to figure out why and how they got here.

Founded all the way back in 1958 Dr. Miguel Ángel Soto Bustamante and Mr. Antonio Martínez Barrios with the colonial city as its home. Their rise was quick earning promotion to the maximum division (Liga Mayor "A") in their 1st season ever and their quick success didn't stop there as in 1959-60 they finished 3rd in the table, not bad for their 1st time in the top flight league. As you guessed that was hard to maintain but they faced extra difficulty as in 1964 only a few years later they were regulated back to the 2nd division. After a extremely poor season that saw them get only one win, five draws, and suffering sixteen losses out of 22 matches. This resulted in a total of seven points, placing them at the bottom of the league standings.

They club labored there for more than a decade as well because of the low amount of money which the team was not used to due to the nature of being in the 2nd tier of Guatemalan soccer but also due organizational instability after their regulation. With frequent changes in management and administrative structures can disrupt a club's strategic direction and long-term planning, hindering efforts to build a cohesive and competitive team. The club found the right ownership again however when the administration of the club was transferred to the Antigua Guatemala Municipality. This shift brought renewed focus and resources and they returned to the top flight in 1976. It was short lived though as in 1978 for some reason the Guatemala FA made the bizarre decision to reduce the number of teams in the league was reduced from 18 to 12. This caused another change in ownership but this didn't disrupt things as they were promoted again the next season.

In 1983 Antigua GFC were again regulated this time starting a 16 year dark period in the Guatemalan lower leagues. This ended again when in 1998 the Municipality took over the club again and immediately they were promoted back to the top flight in 1999. Under the leadership of Mayor Víctor Hugo del Pozo (1996-2004), the club received renewed support and resources that kept them in the top flight until 2006 2 years after the government sold them again. In 2014 they returned to the Liga Nacional and this time were willing to splash the cash as they bought a spot in the Liga Nacional from Heredia Jaguares from Izabal after they offered it to them. They didn't stop there though as they brought in Italian sports company Diadora to make their kits. The money came from new club president Rafael Arreaga who not only finally gave them a good owner that wasn't their local government for once but won that brought a lot of money with it and he knew how to use it and the results were immediate.

In 2015 after Antigua GFC finished 2nd for 2015–16 Guatemalan Liga Nacional regular season in the playoffs they beat Comunicaciones 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals to make the finals. In 2 legs against Guastatoya Antigua GFC came back from a 2-1 loss in the 1st leg to beat Guastatoya 2-0 which helped them to clench a 3-2 on aggregate to clench their 1st ever title. The main culprit for their sudden was to the top was shrewd recruiting. In Guatemala's 2015 Gold Cup squad 3 of the national team's squad were on Antigua GFC and all 3 players, Víctor Ayala, Édgar Chinchilla and Alejandro Galindo (who was on the Provisional List) of which had been bought in the last season or two. Guatemala would not compete in the 2017 or 2019 Gold Cup's because FIFA had banned them, must've sucked.



This began a 4 year run of dominating the Guatemalan game. Again in 2016-17 they finished in the regular season standings but made it to the final of the playoffs where after finishing 2–2 to Municipal on aggregate they beat the 28 time champions (at the time) on penalties to win the clubs 2nd ever title. In 2017-18 they finished the regular season 1st in points for the first ever time with both Petapa and Antigua GFC though Antigua GFC getting the edge on goal difference with Antigua GFC having +19 and Petapa having only +16. Petapa were beaten by the inventible Municipal but Antigua GFC beat the historical elite club 3-2 on aggregate to clench a 3rd straight title. In 2018-19 Antigua GFC finished 1st in the Clausura titles and made the final of the playoffs again beating Malacateco 2-0 to clench a 4th straight title.

Fortunes would change quickly however not helped by the fact the club had been barred from the Concacaf Champions League because of Guatemala's ban from international competitions. The club being punished for no wrong doing of their own. Here's a year by year recap of their 2020-2025. Antigua Guatemala Fútbol Club (Antigua GFC) has experienced a dynamic period from 2020 to 2025, marked by competitive performances, managerial changes, and notable participation in international tournaments. Here's an in-depth look at the club's journey during these years:

2020-2021: Maintaining Competitive Form

Following their Clausura 2019 championship, Antigua GFC aimed to sustain their dominance in the Liga Nacional. The 2020 and 2021 seasons saw the team consistently finishing in the upper echelons of the league standings, though they did not secure additional titles during this period. The club focused on strengthening its squad and infrastructure to remain competitive.

2022-2023: Managerial Changes and Squad Development

In the 2022 season, Antigua GFC underwent significant managerial changes, appointing Mauricio Tapia as head coach. Tapia, born on August 20, 1970, brought a wealth of experience to the team. Under his guidance, the club emphasized developing young talents and integrating them into the first team. This strategy aimed to build a sustainable model for long-term success.

2024: International Ventures and Domestic Challenges

The 2024 season was notable for Antigua GFC's participation in the CONCACAF Central American Cup. The team showcased commendable performances, including a 4-1 victory against Port Layola on July 31, 2024. They also secured a 2-1 win over Independiente Chorrera on August 14, 2024, and a remarkable 3-0 triumph against Deportivo Saprissa on October 2, 2024. Despite these successes, the club faced challenges in the domestic league, with mixed results throughout the Apertura season. Notable matches included a 3-3 draw with Cobán Imperial on August 18, 2024, and a 4-1 defeat to Xelajú on September 22, 2024. The team's performance in the league was inconsistent, leading to a focus on rebuilding and strategizing for future competitions.

2025: Strengthening the Squad and Future Aspirations

In early 2025, Antigua GFC made strategic moves in the transfer market to bolster their squad. The club signed forward O. Santis from Dinamo Tbilisi and midfielder J. Rosales from Municipal, both on free transfers. These acquisitions aimed to enhance the team's attacking options and midfield stability. Additionally, the club secured striker J. Apaolaza from Carabobo, anticipating that his experience would add depth to the forward line. Departures included goalkeeper B. Linares, who joined Municipal, and midfielder D. Ramirez, loaned to Achuapa. These changes reflect the club's strategy to refresh the squad and address key areas for improvement.

As of February 2025, Antigua GFC is preparing for their upcoming match in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against the Seattle Sounders, scheduled for February 20, 2025. This fixture represents an opportunity for the club to assert its presence on the international stage and test its mettle against formidable opponents.

In summary, the period from 2020 to 2025 has been one of transition and ambition for Antigua GFC. The club has navigated managerial shifts, invested in player development, and embraced both domestic and international challenges. With strategic signings and a focus on cohesive team dynamics, Antigua GFC aims to reclaim its status as a dominant force in Guatemalan football and make significant strides in international competitions. So know you know this upcoming CCL match against the Seattle Sounders is so important to them and how the club suddenly improved to get to this point. Thanks a bunch for reading!