Unión Lara

Union Lara FC made its debut in the Copa República Bolivariana de Venezuela in 2000, facing Caracas Fútbol Club. The club competed in the Venezuelan Second Division 2003/04 season, clinching the 'Apertura Tournament' championship, and reaching the final against Union Deportivo Marítimo. Although they lost in regular time after a penalty shootout (4–1), the global result ended in a 2–2 draw, allowing them to stay in the silver category of Venezuelan football for another season. In the 2004–2005 season, the team earned 35 points in 20 games in the 'Apertura Tournament' and secured a 2nd-place finish with 42 points in the ‘Closing Tournament.’ They were just 5 points behind the season's champion, Aragua Fútbol Club. This performance meant another season in the Second Division of Venezuela. The 2005/06 season in the Second Venezuelan Division commenced with the '2005 Apertura Tournament,' where Unión Lara competed in the Central-Eastern Group. The club finished 4th with 25 points, comprising 6 wins, 7 draws, and a single defeat during the semester. Their performance enabled them to advance to the 'Closing Tournament 2006,' where they contended for promotion to the First Division of Venezuela. In the 'Closing Tournament 2006,' "The Neighborhood Team" came close to promotion, securing a third-place finish with 37 points, only one point behind the promoted Portuguesa Fútbol Club and Zamora Fútbol Club. Before the beginning of the Copa América 2007, the FVF decided to expand both…