The team compete in Campeonato Paulista Série A2, the second tier of the São Paulo state football league.[citation needed] In December, 1976, due to a financial crisis, the club changed its name to São José Esporte Clube, with the purpose of not paying its debts.[citation needed] In 1989, the club was runner-up of Campeonato Paulista, after beating Corinthians in the semifinals, and losing to São Paulo in the final,[2] and runner-up of Campeonato Brasileiro Second Division, losing to Bragantino in the final, but being promoted to the following year's first division.[citation needed] In 1996, São José won the Copa Vale after defeating Aparecida in the final.[5] On March 22, 1970, São José Esporte Clube played its first match in Estádio Martins Pereira.