PUNTA GORDA, Sun. Aug. 4, 2016–In a pre-season semi-pro friendly match at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence today, Freedom Fighters FC and FC Belize played to a 1-1 draw.

Mexican import Hector Martinez put FC Belize up 1-nil in the first half with a slicing header off a spot kick that beat veteran goalkeeper Steven “Cranka” Polonio.

The Fighters rebounded in the second half with a brilliant effort from the young, speedy and talented rookie, Richard Arnold, who beat goalkeeper Burgess with a well-placed shot from inside the penalty area.

Both teams looked prepared and ready for the start of the PLB 2016-2017 Opening Tournament, but also recognized weaknesses that require urgent fixes, with the Freedom Fighters promoting several promising young players, while FC Belize was coming strong with several Mexican imports as well as a Brazilian coach, David Lima.

Freedom Fighters FC starts off the regular season on Saturday night against 2015-2016 PLB sub-champs, Placencia Assasins at the Michael Aschroft Stadium in Independence at 7:30 p.m.; while at the same time, FC Belize will be in Belmopan to take on defending PLB champs, Belmopan Bandits FC, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium.