BELIZE CITY, Mon. Nov. 14, 2016–On Saturday night at the MCC Grounds, the National U-17 team played its last practice match before leaving on Tuesday of this week for World Cup 2018 qualifiers in Costa Rica. They played a U-17 team comprised of players from the two top teams in the recently completed Belize District U-17 tournament, namely Warriors FC and Hattieville Riverside Boys. As expected, the National U-17 prevailed, 4-1; but the game was very competitive, as there are still a number of talented City players that did not make the selection. Golden Boot winner in the Belize District U-17 competition, Kenroy Linares (82’) scored the only goal for the City selection; while the National U-17 got goals from #4 Jesse August (12’), #19 Rayjan Jones (49’), #9 Gabriel Ramos (70’) and #18 Christian Bush (85’).
Coach Charlie Slusher said the team is short of their two best midfielders, Zerrick Cabral and Joseph Ramirez, who were not given permission by their high schools to make the 10-day trip.
Belize plays hosts Costa Rica on November 17, Honduras on November 19, El Salvador on November 21, and Nicaragua on November 24. The team returns on November 25.
Stand strong, Belizean youths!!