When FC Goa reached the semi-finals of this edition of ISL, it was the seventh semi-final appearance for the Gaurs in 10 seasons, a record for any team in ISL history. Barring 2016, 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, FC Goa has reached the semi-finals of every single edition of ISL.
While the Gaurs did manage to reach the semi-finals on seven occasions, an ISL title has eluded them so far. The closet FC Goa came to winning an ISL trophy was during 2015 and 2018-19 seasons. But, on both the occasions, the Gaurs finished as runners-up. Six different teams have won the ISL Trophy so far, but FC Goa is not among them.
During 2015 and 2018-19 seasons, FC Goa could have won the ISL Trophy. But, faltered at the final hurdle.
In 2015, FC Goa had reached the ISL finals for the first time. Playing in front of a packed home crowd at Fatorda, the Gaurs were strong favourites to lift their maiden ISL title. After all, FC Goa were league toppers during that season. They had defeated Delhi Dynamos 3-1 on aggregate in semi-final to reach the final.
During the finals played on 20 December 2015, the first half went goalless. Chennaiyin FC went into the lead in the 54th minute with a goal by Pellisari. But, FC Goa reacted quickly by a goal through Haokip in the 58th minute. Then, in the dying minutes, Jofre scored on the free kick in the 87th minute to give FC Goa 2-1 lead. It seemed as if FC Goa had won the game with only three minutes remaining. But, a self-goal by a FC Goa player in the 90th minute followed by another goal by Chennaiyin FC’s Stiven Mendoza in stoppage-time helped Chennaiyin FC to score a stunning 3-2 victory over the Gaurs.
The final ended in a fracas with FC Goa skipping the prize distribution ceremony, its owner Dattaraj Salgaocar accusing Chennaiyin FC marquee player Elano Blumer of hitting him and lodging a complaint with the police which saw the former Brazil international spend time in a police station on his team’s biggest night.
During 2018-19 season, FC Goa reached the ISL finals once again. The Gaurs had finished at second position during league stage and had defeated Mumbai City FC 5-2 on aggregate in semi-final to reach the final.
The final played at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on 17 March 2019 was a goalless draw after 90 minutes. The match went into extra-time. Rahul Bheke of Bengaluru FC then scored the solitary goal in the 117th minute to give their team maiden ISL title. It was Bengaluru FC's second consecutive ISL final after making their debut at the 2017–18 season.
But, during the same season, even though FC Goa could not win their maiden ISL Trophy, the Gaurs went on to win the Super Cup, their first major trophy.
During next season in 2019-20, FC Goa finished at first position during league stage. But, could not go beyond the semi-final stage.
Similarly, FC Goa had reached the semi-finals during 2014, 2017-18, 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons as well. But, did not progress beyond that.
