Matías Arce looks back on his historic Boca Juniors goal
Matías Arce secured a title for Boca Juniors with a decisive goal against Estudiantes in 2000, helping the club win an unforgettable triple crown.
Infobae reported that the former midfielder now works as a youth coach at the club’s training facility, passing on lessons from his playing days under Carlos Bianchi.
Born in the interior of Santa Fe, Arce initially caught the eye of River Plate through former player Hernán Díaz. After spending a week on trial in Buenos Aires, Arce declined to join River because he felt uncomfortable and isolated during the sessions. Shortly afterward, he joined the youth ranks of Boca Juniors, the club he and his family supported.
Early professional breakthrough under Carlos Bianchi
Arce made his official first-team debut for Boca Juniors on May 21, 2000, in a victory against Rosario Central. He entered the senior squad during a golden era defined by manager Carlos Bianchi and star players like Juan Román Riquelme, Martín Palermo, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
The defining moment of his career arrived on December 17, 2000, during the final match of the Torneo Apertura. Boca hosted Estudiantes at La Bombonera needing a victory to secure the domestic championship without relying on other results. Bianchi sent Arce off the bench at halftime, and the substitute scored the game’s only goal in the 19th minute to capture the title.
Por lo que valió, obviamente fue el gol más importante de mi carrera,
Arce told Infobae. Hacer un gol que define un campeonato y quedar en la historia de Boca fue lo mejor de mi carrera.
Arce regrets leaving Boca Juniors prematurely
Following his success with Boca, Arce embarked on an extensive journeyman career that included spells with Belgrano, Gimnasia La Plata, Argentinos Juniors, Godoy Cruz, and Platense. His international career took him to Venezuela, Costa Rica with Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, Peru, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, and Italy. He retired from professional football in 2015 after a career that began at Boca.
Reflecting on his transitions, Arce admitted that leaving Boca Juniors prematurely remains his biggest regret. He transferred to Belgrano seeking regular minutes, and later joined Gimnasia La Plata under Oscar Tabárez, only for Tabárez to be dismissed shortly after in favor of Bianchi’s return.
Me arrepiento de haberme ido de Boca,
Arce stated.
Guiding the next generation at the Boca Predio
Today, Arce works inside the Boca Predio as a coach for the Pre-Novena division, handling players born in 2013. He emphasizes discipline, personal care, and mental toughness to youngsters who face the pressures of the professional academy system.
Arce noted that financial rewards during his era differed significantly from modern player salaries, though prudent investments with his wife allowed them to purchase two apartments. Despite owning his home, he continues working in football development. Through his ongoing relationship with Juan Román Riquelme, Arce remains integrated within the institution where he achieved his greatest professional milestone.
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