_{Port Layola FC’s outstanding Argentinian goalkeeper, Leonardo Paz}

by William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Mar. 17, 2025

The Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2024-2025 Closing Season is winding down to a dramatic regular season finish, as two teams are in contention for the 4th playoff spot. With their injury time win over Wagiya SC yesterday in Dangriga, Belmopan FC has jumped up to 4th place in the standings, pushing San Pedro Pirates FC into 5th position with one week remaining in regular season. (See standings below.)

The previous top 4 teams at Week 8 – Port Layola, Verdes, Progresso and Pirates – all had draw games over the weekend; but Belmopan’s victory altered the standings significantly, and suddenly the 4thh playoff spot is up in the air. All 3 Week-9 games were played yesterday, Sunday.

At the Marion Jones Sports Complex, Verdes FC and Port Layola FC struggled to a scoreless draw as Port remained No.1 with 23 pts and Verdes remained stuck at 2nd place with 16 pts. Gilroy “Bredda” Thurton, Andres Orozco and Latrell Middleton tried to get a goal, with the help of midfield support by Shawn Young, Jarrel Young and Colombian import Miguel Garcia. But the Verdes defenders Everal Trapp, Jahron Myvett, Zion Frazer and Mexican import Christian Sanchez Ramirez were having none of it!

Down at the other end, Desmond Wade, Krisean Lopez and Mexican import Bryan Lozano led the Green Machine’s attack, supported by Jordy Polanco, Eldon “Tuncy” Reneau and Alence Ayala at midfield. But they could not get by Port’s team captain Jarret Davis, Enfield “Bolo” Nuñez, Naim “Nemo” Wilson and veteran defender Ian “Yellow” Gaynair.

Verdes coach Jose Hernandez Perez refreshed his attack with Darren Myvett, Steven Gentle, Nahjib Guerra and Jahryl Smith, but to no avail. Port’s Argentine goalkeeper Leonardo Paz kept a clean slate throughout.

Port’s technical director, Marvin Ottley introduced Rene Leslie, Norman Anderson, Justin Trapp and Mikey Palacio to replace Shawn, Orozco and Thurton, but the visitors’ goalkeeper Woodrow West shut them out. The match was in the 2nd minute of stoppage time when Verdes’ Steven Gentle found the back of the net, but the goal was annulled as offside.

At People’s Stadium, Jaheim Mena’s 59th minute penalty conversion salvaged a 1-1 draw for the San Pedro Pirates, after Yubequier Arenas (25’) had given Progresso FC a 1-0 lead up to the half.

_{Wilfredo “Buddy” Galvez struck twice for Belmopan FC}

At the Carl Ramos Stadium, Wilfredo Galvez’s brace (73’ & 90+3’) for the Belmopan FC denied Wagiya Sporting Club their first win, after Jhon Valencia (72’) and Eddy Perez (87’) gave Wagiya a 2-1 lead. Morvin Budna (90’) equalized 2-2 for the Bandits, before Galvez delivered the coup de grâce in injury time: 3-2 final.

The league takes a week’s break, while the Belize national men’s team hosts Costa Rica for a CONCACAF World Cup qualifier at the Football Federation of Belize Stadium on March 21.

When the action resumes with the final regular season Week 10 games, one point separates San Pedro Pirates and Belmopan FC, and they both face tough competition in league leading undefeated Port Layola FC and second place Verdes FC, to decide who gets the 4th playoff spot.  

Week 10 schedule:

Saturday, March 29:

7:30 p.m. – San Pedro Pirates vs Port Layola FC at Ambergris Stadium

7:30 p.m. – Belmopan FC vs Verdes FC at Isidoro Beaton Stadium

Sunday, March 30

4:00 p.m. – Progresso FC vs Wagiya SC at Carl Ramos Stadium