_{Bze #10 Krisean Lopez attacks vs CD Aragon}

by William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELMOPAN, Mon. May 26, 2025

The Belize Jaguars drew, 1-1, in a practice friendly against the aging stars of the Club Deportivo Aragon of Oaxaca, Mexico, at the Football Federation of Belize Stadium in Belmopan last Thursday night, May 22, in preparation for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

Krisean Lopez and Desmond Wade led the Jaguars’ attacks, supported by Nahjib Guerra and Alence Ayala on the wings, and Izon Gill and Jordi Polanco at midfield. The Mexican defenders helped their goalkeeper Yosgart Gutierrez shut out the Jaguars attacks until Lopez penetrated to the touchline and sent back a pass across the front of the goal area, where Izon Gill (6’) booted it into the net for a 1-0 lead up to half time.

The Jaguars’ new Mexican coaching staff introduced Warren Moss after the break, and Moises Hernandez, Horace Avila, Jaheim Mena and 15-year-old Marlon Meza, Jr. also came off the bench, as the Jaguars pressed for more goals. Darrel Myvett anchored the Jaguars’ defense with Deshawon Nembhard, Eldon “Tuncy” Reneau and Freybin Pagoada to help goalkeeper Woodrow West keep the visitors at bay, but they could not stop Aragon’s star striker, Luis Angel Landin (71’) from delivering the equalizer.

The 2nd half had hardly got underway when, 2 minutes in, the Jaguars brought down Landin just outside the penalty area, conceding a free kick at the top of the box. The Jaguars’ wall of defenders deflected Adan Zaragoza’s try, but it seemed there was a hand ball infraction inside the area, which Zaragoza protested; but the referee said, “play on,” and awarded no penalty!

The Jaguars may expect no such mercy when they take on Montserrat in their first FIFA World Cup qualifier, an away match in Trinidad on June 4; and they host Panama for their 2nd World Cup qualifier at the FFB Stadium on June 7.