_{Photo: Desmond Wade scored the game winner for Verdes FC}

by William Ysaguirre

BELMOPAN, Wed. Nov. 6, 2024

Verdes FC is leading the Premier League of Belize (PLB) standings at the end of regular season, and have qualified to the PLB 2024-2025 Opening Season semifinals, following a 1-0 win over the defending champions, Port Layola FC, at the Football Federation of Belize Stadium in Belmopan on Sunday evening, November 3.

Desmond Wade’s 47th minute strike was enough to clinch the Green Machine’s 1-0 win, and usher Verdes into the playoffs as the No.1 seed.

_{Photo: Rookie Keydenshay Bowen struck twice for San Pedro Pirates}

At the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday night, the San Pedro Pirates settled for the 4th berth in the playoffs with 16 pts, after rookie Keydenshay Bowen’s brace (2’ and 71’) salvaged a 2-2 draw with Progresso FC. Kyle Budna (41’) and Trimayne “Pepper” Harris (43’) had given the Sugar City squad a 2-1 lead up to the half.

The Belmopan Bandits’ final match with Wagiya SC was rained out on Sunday, due to the wet condition of the pitch, and will be played on Thursday night, November 7; but the outcome will not affect the final standings for the playoffs, which are home-and-away series involving the top 4 seeded teams. (See standings below.)

Upcoming semifinals 1st leg schedule:

Saturday night, November 9
San Pedro Pirates FC vs Verdes FC at Ambergris Stadium.
Progresso FC vs Port Layola FC at People’s Stadium