| Full name | Esporte Clube Noroeste | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Norusca | ||
| Founded | September 1, 1910 | ||
| Stadium | Alfredo de Castilho, Bauru (Capacity: 18,840) |
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Esporte Clube Noroeste, usually known simply as Noroeste, is a Brazilian football (soccer) club based in Bauru. Named after a now-defunct railway, Noroeste is a very traditional team within São Paulo state. Their home ground is "Alfredo de Castilho" stadium (supports approximately 18,840 people).
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Noroeste was founded at the same day as Corinthians, the second most popular club in Brazil. It was founded on September 1, 1910, the club became professional only in 1948. Before that year, it won the Campeonato do Interior, then-most prestigious tournament among São Paulo countryside teams, in 1943.
Ten years later (1953), Noroeste were promoted to Campeonato Paulista (state championship) first division. Until 1966, they played against many of the best teams of country, including legendary Pelé's Santos. After that year, Noroeste has built a history of promotions and relegations to the 1980s. The club reached Campeonato Brasileiro (national first division) once, in 1978.
The 1990s marked the worst period of Noroeste history. They were relegated to Campeonato Paulista Série A-3 (state third division) twice (1994 and 1999) and come back to Série A-1 (state first division) only in 2005.
At 2006 season, Noroeste finished Campeonato Paulista in fifth position, the best in whole club history. They were in Copa do Brasil (Brazil Cup) for first time, but lost to 15 de Novembro (Campo Bom) yet on early stages. On Série C (national third division), Noroeste reached third phase, but failed to promote.
2007 season ended with a good general performance for the club, despite first round disqualification in Série C. Noroeste finished 7th on Campeonato Paulista, their third best effort ever. The club was second to Guaratinguetá in Campeonato do Interior and advanced to second round in Copa do Brasil, where runners-up Figueirense defeated them.
Noroeste plays their home matches on "Alfredo de Castilho" stadium. Today's maximum attendance is of 18,840. Public record was 22,863 in a Campeonato Paulista match against Palmeiras.
Listed according to when they debuted for Esporte Clube Noroeste (year in parentheses):
Pelé's first club was Bauru Atlético Clube, a now-defunct amateur club in the same city Noroeste is based. He never played for the city's only professional club because his father considered the Noroeste play-style too strong for a then 15 year-old boy.
Noroeste main rivals are Marília and XV de Jaú.