Career
He scored over 40 goals in his career, a relatively high number for a full back. López Oliva, a right back skilled both in defense and attack, and an outstanding free kick taker, made his professional debut in 1963 with Municipal, the only club he would represent. He retired from playing in the late 1970s, later becoming a coach.
López Oliva became a starter for the Guatemala national team by the age of 21, and as such he played at the II CONCACAF Championship in 1965, where Guatemala finished in second place, and at the 1967 edition of the tournament, where they were crowned champions over favorites Mexico, whom they beat 1-0 in a hard-fought match on López Oliva"s 23rd birthday.
He played in four matches during 1970 World Cup qualifying, and after helping Guatemala finish in the top two of the region for the third consecutive tournament at the 1969 CONCACAF Championship, he was called up again for the 1974 World Cup qualifiers, where he played two matches. Among other teams, López Oliva has coached Aurora Football Club and the lower divisions of Universidad.
