Full name | América Futebol Clube |
---|---|
Founded | 1946 |
Ground | Teixeirão |
Capacity | 36,426 |
League | Paulista Série B |
2014 | Campeonato Paulista Série A3, 18th (relegated) |
América Futebol Clube (SP), usually known simply as América (or as América-SP, or América (SP)), is a Brazilian football club from São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo state. It was named after America from Rio de Janeiro, even copying their team badge.
On January 28, 1946, at Hotel São Paulo, Antônio Tavares Pereira Lima, an Estrada de Ferro Araraquarense (EFA, Araraquara city Railroad) engineer, Vitor Buongermino and 53 local sportsmen and columnists of two local newspapers (A Folha de Rio Preto and A Notícia) founded the club to rival the city's only team at the time, Bancários. The club was named América Futebol Clube. The other suggested names were Dínamo and Flamengo.
On March 17, 1946, América played its first match. América beat Ferroviária of Araraquara 3–1. América's first goal ever was scored by Quirino. América's starting eleven were Bob, Hugo and Edgar, De Lúcia, Quirino and Miguelzinho, Morgero, Dema, Pereira Lima, Fordinho and Birigui. Nelsinho substituted Pereira Lima during the match.
In 1957, the club won its first title, the Campeonato Paulista Second Level, finishing ahead of São Bento. The club was promoted to the following year's first level.
In 1978, América competed in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A for the first time, finishing in 38th position.
In 1980, the club competed in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A for the second time, finishing in the 32nd position.
In 2006, América won the Copa São Paulo de Juniores, beating Comercial of Ribeirão Preto in the final.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.