_{Photo: Port Layola’s #80 Orlando Velasquez rises above everyone to score a header off a corner by Rene Leslie.}

by William Ysaguirre

DANGRIGA, Stann Creek District, Sun. Sept. 22, 2024

Verdes FC upset the hitherto undefeated Progresso FC, 3-0, on Friday night, September 20, at the Marshalleck Stadium, to take over the lead in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2024-2025 Opening Season; while defending champions Port Layola FC marched over Wagiya SC to their 4th win, 4-0, at the Carl Ramos Stadium on Sunday afternoon, September 15. (See standings below.)

At the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo on Independence eve, September 20, the Green Machine’s Colombian import Yubeiquer Arenas (11’) opened the scoreboard to lead 1-0 up to intermission. Nahjib Guerra’s brace (47’ and 90+2’) completed the 3-0 rout.

At the Ambergris Stadium on la Isla Bonita also on Friday night, Delone Torres came off the bench to score the winning goal (57’) for the San Pedro Pirates’ 1-0 victory over the Belmopan Bandits.

On Sunday afternoon at the Carl Ramos Stadium, Orlando Velasquez and Latrell Middleton led Port Layola’s offensive, supported by Rene Leslie and Colombian import Andres Orozco on the wings, and by Naim “Nemo” Wilson and Jarrel Young at midfield. Brazilian import Mailson Moura led the Wagiya defense with Wilson Morales, Darren Villafranco and Colombian import Jaider Ledesma to help goalkeeper Pelayo keep the visitors scoreless up to the half.

Down at the other end, Richard Mendoza and Arlen Mendoza tried to get an attack going with Oziel Martinez, Haider Landazuri, and Anderson and Levi Pixabaj at midfield. But Juan Ocampo led the visitors’ defense with Jarret Davis, Enfield “Bolo” Nuñez and Norman Anderson to help goalkeeper Oscar Palomino shut out Wagiya’s every try.

Orlando Velasquez’s header (53’) found Pelayo’s weakness after the break, and Rene Leslie’s brace (57’ and 60’) extended the lead. Port Layola’s coach Julius Allen introduced veteran Ian Gaynair to relieve an injured Ocampo, and Shawn Young came off the bench to relieve Norman Anderson. Akeem “Bib” Sutherland and Justin Trapp replaced Leslie and Orozco, while rookie goalie Carlos Palacio got some playing time by relieving Palomino in the web. Latrell Middleton’s (78’) strike from the corner of the 18-yard box sealed the 4-0 Port Layola win.

Upcoming Week 8 matches:

Saturday, September 28
7:30 p.m. – Bandits Sports vs Port Layola FC at Isidoro Beaton Stadium
7:30 p.m. – Progresso FC vs Wagiya SC at People’s Stadium

Sunday, September 29
4:00 p.m. – Verdes FC vs San Pedro Pirates at Norman Broaster Stadium