José Buruca

Although Buruca was short height to play as goalkeeper, his intuition made him to be just in time under the goal. His playing style (usually getting away from the goal area) made Alumni's captain Jorge Brown told him off several times. He is considered a predecessor of other goalkeepers such as Ubaldo Fillol or Hugo Gatti. Buruca started his career playing for Central Athletic Club, then moving to Barracas A.C. where he stayed until 1904. That same year he was the goalkeeper in the first international match played by an Argentine side v. a British team, Southampton in Buenos Aires. In 1905 he moved to Alumni, along with forward Carlos Lett. Buruca won 3 Primera División championships among other titles. In 1909 Buruca moved to Independiente where he played until 1911, then playing for Argentino de Quilmes and Racing Club de Avellaneda. After his father died, Buruca decided to quit from football.

...Because of his short stature, it was difficult (to Laforia) to touch the goal crossbar. He was happy when he could do it, saying that it was because of his knees. He was like a rubber or a spring. He stretched beyond the limits and was really fearless. He and Jorge Brown usually bet on who of them could touch the crossbar most times: Jorge, with the tips of his toes and Laforia with his hands. It was a very unequal challenge so Jorge could do it everytime he wanted while the Vasco fought for every attempt: he sometimes touched the goal, and barely... Buruca was the first…

Alumni Primera División (3): 1905, 1906, 1907 Copa de Honor Municipalidad de Buenos Aires (2): 1905, 1906 Copa de Competencia Jockey Club (2): 1907, 1908 Tie Cup (6): 1906, 1907 Copa de Honor Cousenier (1): 1906