Asociación Deportiva Guanacasteca is a Costa Rican football team based in Nicoya, Guanacaste. They currently play in the Costa Rican First Division. Their home stadium is Estadio Chorotega.
History
Origins
The club was founded on 1973 after amateur team Carrillo FC, that won the 1972 third division amateur championship, the team relocated to Nicoya in order to sign local players to be ready for the Second Division promotional round, also renaming the team as Selección de Nicoya, and winning the promotional round.
First Era
After three years the club wins the 1976 Second Division and the First Division promotion, returning in 1978 to second division; In 1986 returned to First Division led by Benigno Guido and finishing top 5. By late 90s the team was sold to Italian club Perugia owners for a short time and resold to other Italian businessmen, under this management the team crowned two more Second Division titles (1995 and 2002); By 2004 the team was sold to local businessmen and relocated to Escazú, renaming as Brujas de Escazú Witches, looking for a higher fan support.
Re-establishment
Months later, the club was re-established after buying Ciudad Colón second division franchise and relocated to Nicoya for the 2005 season; After 17 years, on May 27, 2021, they clinched their fifth Second Division title by defeating Puntarenas F.C.
Crest and colors
Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors
Stadium
The stadium is located in the Chorotega neighborhood of Nicoya, it has a capacity for 4,500 fans comfortably seated, additional has two bleachers and a large space for standing fans. It has a natural grass in good condition.
Major renovations planned for the 2021 season to meet First Division requirements includes: roof, lighting, new dressing rooms, gym, press room and commercial stands. In addition, the stadium is shared with the Asociación Deportiva Nicoya, women's soccer team of the Women's First Division.
Current squad
As of July 19, 2023
World Cup players
The following players were chosen to represent their country at the FIFA World Cup while contracted to A.D. Guanacasteca. Brandon Aguilera Zamora (2022)
Honours
National
Costa Rica Second Division
Champions (5): 1975, 1985, 1995, 2002, 2021
Costa Rica Third Division
Champions (1): 1972
See also
Brujas F.C. Municipal Liberia