C.D. Luis Ángel Firpo

Club Deportivo Luis Ángel Firpo (often abbreviated to Firpo) is an El Salvador professional association football club based in Usulután.

The club is the second-oldest in El Salvador and was founded as Tecún Umán on September 17, 1923, by a group of local citizens in Usulután. It was soon renamed in honor of Argentine boxer Luis Ángel Firpo, who became the first Latin American to fight for the heavyweight championship, knocking Jack Dempsey out of the ring on September 14, 1923.

Firpo has played at their home ground, Estadio Sergio Torres, since 1930. The team's mascot is the bull, a reference to Firpo, who was known as the Wild Bull of the Pampas. The club's traditional kit colours are white and red, blue is also used but it is less predominant. The colours were adopted from the Argentine side San Lorenzo de Almagro, of which Luis Ángel Firpo was a supporter.

Some of the most prominent players from El Salvador, including Mauricio Cienfuegos and Raúl Díaz Arce, have played for L.A. Firpo. The team has won a total of ten Primera Division Champions championships, the first coming in 1988–89 and the most recent in the 2013 Clausura. The club's most successful period was between 1988 and 2000, when they won the league title seven times. Firpo has the fourth highest total of major honours won by a Salvadoran club, and their historical rival is Aguila.

History

Early history and first golden era

On September 17, 1923, a group of Usulután citizens, mostly of European descent, decided to form a team that represented their community's passion for football. The club elected Gustavo Denys as their first club chairman. They decided to choose red and blue as their team's colours. Originally named ''Tecún Umán'', the club was soon renamed in honor of Luis Ángel Firpo, a famous Argentine boxer.

On November 9, 1923, Club Deportivo Sandino, also based in Usulutan, wanted to merge with Firpo, and it almost came to fruition. However, the main sticking point was that Sandino wanted to appoint the majority of the 41 club directors (36 to Sandino and only five Firpo directors). Following the impasse, Firpo rejected the offer.

The members of CD Luis Ángel Firpo acquired land near Sergio Torres creek to develop and build a stadium.

At the end of 1930s, Former player Miguel ''el Zancudo'' Segurado was named football manager, He centred the team around potent players such as Luis ''Chispo'' Morataya, ''Queco'' Bolanos, Napoleon Flores Huezo, the Zamora brothers (Ricardo and Miguel), the Quinteros brothers (Leonidas and Lázaro), and the Aguila brothers (Ramón and Mario). the most influential player was midfielder Luis Antonio Regalado, who in 1942 become the first player from LA Firpo to represent El Salvador's national team.

On 22 March 1942, Firpo won their first state title for the Zona Oriental (Eastern State), defeating America de Chinameca 2–1. This allowed them to compete in a round robin competition for the national title against Quequeisque (Central State champion), Ferroccarril (Zona Occidente) and Juventud Olímpica.
Firpo lost their first match against Quequeisque 6–1, this was followed by 2–1 win against Ferrocarrill, however Quequeisque won the title due to winning two games and drawing one. Firpo finished in third place.

On 25 April 1943, Firpo won their second Zona Oriental title by defeating Corona (San Miguel) 5–3. Once again Firpo competed in a round robin competition for the national title. In the first game Firpo played against reigning champion Quequeisque were the game was tied for the majority of the game 1-1 thanks to goal from Leonidas Quinteros, Sadly Firpo were not able to hold back the tide and lost the game 8–1. This was followed by 2–2 draw against Ferrocarill, another heavy loss against Quequeisque 7–1, and their only victory in the tournament 2–1 against Ferrocarrill. Firpo once again finished in third place.

Due to World War 2, no state competition or final competition were played, Firpo played a series of friendlies which included 3–2 loss against Quequeisque, 5–0 loss against Espana, Loss against Mecca (Santa Ana) 2–1, and 1–0 win against Juventud Olímpica.

In 1946, Firpo played their first ever international against Honduran Federal tying 3-3, with all three goals scored by Rafael Galvez.

In 1946, Firpo once again represented eastern zone, against Libertad and Once Municipal, Firpo lost both matches against Libertad 2–0, managed to draw 1–1 against Once Municipal and lost 3–1 in their final game.

In 1948, Firpo participated in the first national championship. Firpo played 22 out of 24 games, winning 16 games, drawing 7 games, and losing 6 games with a fifth-place finish. . Firpo didn't play the final two games as Once Municipal were crowned national champion with two games to spare.

Difficult years, moderate success and downfall

The following years were plagued with financial instability, players from the first golden era started retiring or leaving. This culminated with the disastrous 1951-52 Campaign, which included 5–0 loss against Leones, 5–4 loss against Independiente, a stripped 2–1 victory Santa Anita due to players being ineligible, their first victory coming after more than half the season played against Juventud Olímpica; this would be their only victory as they only gained five points and finished last in the league.

After signing Honduran Armando Enamorado and Costa Rican Jacobo Godoy ahead of the 1955–56 season, the club finished runner up by one point to Atletico Marte. In the 1957–58 season Firpo was relegated to the second division after only grabbing 13 points from 20 games.

Firpo hired Former player Narciso Romagoza to coach the team in the second division, Firpo first won the privilege to represent Zona oriental in the final round robin tournament against El Renacimiento de Santa Ana and Platense. Firpo finished the tournament as champion after winning two games, 1 draw and one loss. This allowed Firpo to be promoted after one season, but the same issues arose with economic problems and players departing, which culminated in Firpo being relegated to second division just two years later.

"Yo-yo club": consecutive promotion and relegations

After being relegated in 1962, The club was stuck in the second division for four years, but in 1967 - thanks to the players such as Raul Corcio Zavaleta, and foreign players Andres Paretti & Julio Escobar, Firpo were able to finish in the top spot over historic clubs Dragon, Santa Anita and Rey Y Negro. However the success was short lived as they were relegated just two years later in 1969.

In 1972, Firpo decided to hire more experienced players including world cup player Sergio Méndez, Alfredo Erado, Fausto Vasquez and Miguel ''Miche'' Cornejo, they once again were able to reach promotion. Although Firpo were technically relegated in 1982, however Firpo purchased Agave's first division spot for 25,000 colones. During this period Firpo were struggling financially off the field and on the field, being midtable or bottom.

Minor success and rebuild

Following this, Firpo president Gustavo Torres Cerna and nephew Sergio Torres Rivera made a collective, ambitious effort to rebuild the team; he brought quality foreign players such as Argentinian Guillermo Fisher, Brazilians Sebastian Pio da Silva, Carlos Lopez Neves and Nelson de Moraes. The latter, along with Francisco Jovel made Firpo a solid team that was able to consistently qualify for the playoffs during the next five seasons; however, the club's decline in rhythm combined with poor goalscoring in the playoffs prevented them from any real success.

In 1988 nephew Sergio Torres Rivera took over the previous president position, which would begin Firpo's true glory years. Sergio Torres would establish a strong financial sponsorship which included renewal El Salvador conglomerate La Tapachulteca and William Handal. The club would scout promising young players throughout the league such as future captain and national player Leonel Carcamo, Miguel Estrada, Juan Agustin Gamez, and Jose Maria Batres. This was combined with established experienced players such as Giovanni Trigueros, Nelson Rivera, Miguel Arevalo, Mauricio Cienfuegos, and Marlon Menjívar.

Finally they would send scouts down to South America, convincing Peruvian national team players Martín Duffó and Miguel Seminario to sign for the club, later stopping in Brazil to pick up Brazilian pairings Toninho dos Santos and Fernando Da Moura.

Golden generation

In the 1988–89 season, the team hoisted the league title for the first time. The team finished third in the regular season, but the club nonetheless dismissed Argentinian coach Juan Quarterone before the playoffs. In his place, they hired former player Chilean Julio Escobar. Escobar justified the club's faith by leading the team through the championship round and into the finals. Their match against Cojutepeque was drawn 2–2 after extra time, setting up a penalty shootout. Firpo prevailed 4–3, with Leonel Carcamo scoring the winning penalty.

The very next season ( 1989-90), the club reached their second consecutive final thanks to the effort of Brazilian Toninho dos Santos who was Firpo and the league topscorer with 25 goals, however the club lost 3-1 Alianza.

The following season ( 1990-91), The team were able to bolster their attack with the addition of Brazilian youngster Nildeson, who would later be loaned out to Atletico Marte and the hiring of Uruguayan coach Juan Carlos Masnik. The club went on a 31 match unbeaten streak beginning with 1-1 draw with FAS on the August, 1990 and concluding on April, 1991 after a 1-0 loss to Tiburones. Salvadoran Keeper Carlos Rivera and Brazilian defender Fernando de Moura had the distinction of participating in every game in 31 game unbeaten streak. The club also made their biggest transfer in the club history when they sold Brazilian Toninho dos Santos, who was the club top-scorer at the time with 11 goals, to Mexican powerhouse team Club America for 100,000 dollars. Despite the loss of such a powerhouse player, the club went on to reach the final, thanks the club leading scorer Edgar Henriquez with 12 goals. Firpo went on defeat Aguila 1–0 in the final with Marlon Menjívar scored the sole goal.

After a successful campaign, Juan Carlos Masnik resigned as coach to return to Uruguay, The club will hire Yugoslavian (later Macedonian) Kiril Dojčinovski who had experience as player in red Star Belgrade and participated for Yugoslavia 1974 world cup. The club will regain Brazilian Nildeson from loan, will purchase Chilean Raúl Toro and the league top scorer Raúl Díaz Arce from Alianza and Dragon respectively, and lastly they promoted Fernando Lazo and Pedro Vasquez from the club youth Squad. The club will lose experience players such as Uruguayans Luis Guelmo and Washington Olivera, and Mauricio Cienfuegos who moved to Mexican club Atlético Morelia. Under the reins of Kiril Dojčinovski the club will win back-to-back championships ( 1991-92 and 1992-93).

In the 1991-92 season, The club would finish first in the regular season and Quadrangular round, the club continued dominance was thanks to having multiple goal scorers, with Brazilian Fernando de Moura topping the list with 14 goals, followed by compatriot Nildeson with 12 goals, Raúl Díaz Arce with 8 goals, rounding out with Edgar Henriquez and Marlon Menjivar with 7 goals. The club will show their complete dominance in final, defeating Alianza 3-0 thanks to a double from Nildeson and Fernando de Moura.

In the following season 1992-93 season, The club was shocked by the departure of Kiril Dojčinovski during the pre-season, and was replaced by Chilean Hernan Carrasco. With the same squad, the club fell off the pace and were behind Alianza and FAS during the final half of rounds, The club decided to part way with Hernan Carrasco and rehire Kiril Dojčinovski, who would steady the ship allowing the club to finish second in the regular standing and win the Quadrangular round, which allowed the club to qualify to the final against Alianza. Once again the club would defeat Alianza thanks to goals from Brazilian Celio Rodriguez and Raul Diaz Arce. The club would win their first tri-Championship in their history and first time since Atletico Marte who did it previously between the 1955 to 1957 seasons.

In the midst of Domestic success, the cub would also prove themselves at the international first defeating Italian powerhourse Juventus and Armenia powerhouse Shirak SC in a friendly matches, they finished runners up and third place in the 1995 CONCACAF Cup Winners Cup, The club would finish quarter finalist in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

Soon after, Leonel Carcamo donned the captain's armband and the club continued to play at a high level. They reached either the semi-finals or finals every year from 1994 to 1997, then won the championship again in 1998. That win came over FAS 2–0, with the goals being scored by Raúl Toro and Abraham Monterrosa.

Firpo won another championship in Primera División de Fútbol Profesional – Clausura 1999, beating FAS 5–4 on penalty kicks after the game ended 1-1 after extra time. In 2000, Club president and owner Sergio Torres died the week before the final match against ADET, and the players dedicated the match to his memory. They went on to win, bringing home their seventh title.

Modern era

After 2000, Firpo's success began to decline. With players retiring, moving abroad, or being sold onto other clubs, the death of Sergio Torres cost the team their primary sponsor and led the club into financial instability. As a result, Firpo reached the grand final repeatedly, but could not win another title for seven years.

In the 2007 Apertura, Argentinian coach Horacio Cordero guided the team to another final, and they defeated FAS 5–3 in a penalty shootout.

The next season saw the club hoist the crown again, winning the Clausura 2008. They beat FAS again, 1–0, and celebrated their third repeat championship.

The team won their tenth title in the 2013 Clausura under the direction of Argentinian coach Roberto Gamarra with another win over their rivals FAS.

On May 5, 2014, after 32 years of top-flight football, Firpo were relegated to the second division after a 1–1 draw with Dragón. However, the relegation didn't stay, as Firpo purchased Juventud Independiente's license. On May 27, 2019, the club achieved a record sixth relegation from the Primera Division, after the team lost 3–1 against Alianza.

At the end of the 2020 season, Pablo Herrera (owner of the franchise license of Independiente) announced that Independiente will lose their license and he will be giving the license to Luis Angel Firpo for the Clausura 2020.

In September 2023 the club celebrated a centenary of existence with a friendly against Guatemalan giant Municipal, which they lost 1–0.

Honours

Luis Angel Firpo is historically the fourth most successful team in El Salvador football, as they have won ten championships. The club's most recent trophy came in June 2013, with the Clausura 2013.

Domestic honours

League

* Primera División and predecessors
** Champions (10): 1988–89, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1997–98, 1999 Clausura, 2000 Clausura, Apertura 2007, Clausura 2008, Clausura 2013
* Segunda División Salvadorean and predecessors
** Champions (3): 1959, 1966–67, 1972
* Tercera División Salvadorean and predecessors
** Champions: 2001-2002

Cups

* Copa President and predecessors
** ''Runners-up'' (2) : 1990–1991, 2000

State Title

* Primera División and predecessors
** Champions (3): 1942, 1943, 1946

CONCACAF

* CONCACAF Cup Winners Cup
** ''Runners-up'' : 1995 CONCACAF Cup Winners Cup
* Torneo de la Fraternidad de Centroamérica
** ''Champion'' : 1942

Friendly tournament

* Copa de las Americas
** ''Runners-up (1):'' : 1989

Club statistics and records

The salvadoran midfielder TBD holds the club's overall appearance record having played in matches over the course of 14 seasons from 19 to 19. Following him is former goalkeeper TBD who contested 000 matches over the course of 11 seasons from 1997 to 2008.

The club's all-time leading scorer is Raúl Díaz Arce, who scored 119 goals while at the club from 1991 to 1996. Despite Diaz Arce's impressive goalscoring record, he doesn't hold the record for most goals scored during a league season. That distinction is held by Brazilian Toninho dos Santos who notched 28 goals, which he attained in the 1989-90 season.

Firpo's biggest league victory is 11–0 which occurred during the 1995 season against Cojutepeque. The club's biggest victory on the CONCACAF stage occurred during the 1995 season, where Firpo hammered Curaçao-based club CRKSV Jong Colombia 8–0.

TBD had the longest reign as Firpo coach, with nine years (eight consecutive) in charge, and is the most successful coach in Firpo history with three Primera division wins.

Stadium

Luis Ángel Firpo plays most of its home games at Estadio Sergio Torres in Usulután, better known throughout Central America as the Devil's Cauldron. Located in the Barrio La Parroquia, the stadium is an exception in El Salvador's professional football, because Firpo is the only team in the First Division that plays in its own stadium. Firpo's first president, Mr. Gustavo Demis, bought two thirds of the stadium and, in 1950, the then-president Mr. Juan Boillat bought the other third. In 1987, the stadium was renamed after the former owner and president of the team. The stadium known as Usulután Stadium became known as Sergio Torres Rivera Stadium. However, the club has moved games to Estadio Cuscatlán.

Home stadium

* Estadio Sergio Torres (1950–present)
* Estadio Cuscatlán (2002-''Current'') (big game venue)
* Estadio Jorge "El Mágico" González, San Salvador (2024-''Current'') games in the CONCACAF Central American Cup.

Fan culture

Club badge and colours

Luis Angel Firpo's home colours are white, blue and red. Traditional away kit colours have been either red or white and blue; however, in recent years several different colours have been used.

Their first logo contained a figure of a bull in honor of the "toro de las pampas" of the boxer Luis Ángel Firpo. However, later the board of Luis Ángel Firpo decided to replace the bull with the official coat of arms which consisted of a triangle with two half circles which contained the blue and white letters of the club. On top of the coat of arms contains stars which indicate the number of titles the team has won..

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

Luis Angel Firpo's shirts have been sponsored by Pilsener since 2017. Previous sponsors have been Tapachulteca (1988–1999), TACA (1992), Pepsi (1999), Diana (2007–2013), Pilsener (2007–2013), Burger King (2013) and Tigo (2009). Their kits have been manufactured by Salguero Sports (since 2025) . Prior manufacturers have been Galaxia (1999–2007, 2018, 2022-2024), Kelme (2017) and Joma (2009–2013), Aviva (2018-TBD)

''As of January 2025''

Rivalries

*Luis Ángel Firpo v. Alianza. The match is known as ''(Clásico Joven)'' (Young classic) Although Alianza has one more title than Firpo.
*Luis Ángel Firpo v. Águila. The match is known as ''(Clásico de Oriente)'' (Eastern Classic). They are from the same Zone.
*One smallest but stronger and old rivalry could be Luis Ángel Firpo v. FAS.

Supporters

Despite having a growing fan base across the country, there were no official fan groups until 1990 when Manuel Viagra founded the "Furia Pampera" in Usulután.
They are currently the second largest fan base in San Salvador and the fourth largest nationwide.

Famous supporters

* Politics: Tony Saca (Former President of El Salvador)
* Politics: Roberto D'Aubuisson (Former Mayor of Santa Tecla)

Presidents

Luis Ángel Firpo has had numerous presidents over the course of their history, some of which have been the owners of the club while others have been honorary presidents. Here is a complete list of them.

Players

Current squad

'':''

Players with dual citizenship

* TBD

Out on loan

In

Out

Current technical staff

''As of June 2025''

Reserve League squad

CD Luis Ángel Firpo reserve squad plays in the twelve-team Primera División Reserves (El Salvador).

Corporate structure

Notable players

Note: this list includes players that have appeared in at least 50 league games and/or have reached international status.

Captains

All-time XI

In 1998, as part of celebration of 75 years old 'El Equipo Ideal de L.A. Firpo de Todos Tiempos', a vote was carried out to decide on the club's official All Time XI.

All-time XI

In 2023, as part of celebration of 100 years old 'El Equipo Ideal de L.A. Firpo de Todos Tiempos', the newspaper El Grafico released their top 11 players of all time

Managers

Costa Rican Marvin Solano Abarca has been the club's manager since 2025. Costa Rican Ramón Rodríguez Soto was Firpo's first manager from outside El Salvador. Chilean Julio Escobar is the club's most successful coach, having won four Primera División titles; following closely is Macedonian Kiril Dojčinovski, who won two Primera División titles (back to back championships).

References

External links

* (archived)

{{DEFAULTSORT:C.D. Luis Angel Firpo

Association football clubs established in 1923
Firpo
1923 establishments in El Salvador