Yesterday afternoon at the Estadio Miguel Lito Perez in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Belize’s national champions, FC Belize, played their hearts out, whistle to whistle, but nevertheless fell to a better team, Puntarenas FC of Costa Rica, by a 3-nil score in their first encounter in the 2007 UNCAF inter-club tournament.
The Belize team was certainly not intimidated, having on our roster a number of players with considerable international experience, and tried to make up with desire and determination for what they lacked in finesse and technique, but it wasn’t enough. Puntarenas moved the ball with more purpose, control and direction and commanded the middle of the field, despite the tenacious individual efforts of “Kelo” Leslie and “Jarro” James.
The first goal for Puntarenas came from the penalty spot at the 26th minute of play, after defensive midfielder Mark “Kelo” Leslie went too hard against the Puntarenas left wing just inside the eighteen. Striker K. Bernard faked and waited for Charlie to lean one way, then expertly placed the ball on the other side to put his team ahead 1-nil.
FC Belize made two big offensive changes at the 12th minute of the second half, as Paul Nunez and Tyrone “T-Bully” Muschamp replaced Emory Nunez and Dean Flowers. But the Puntarenas attacking pressure continued, and paid off at the 27th minute, when a center from the left side resulted in a well placed header from around the penalty spot to the left pigeon hole that didn’t give Charlie any chance in goal. 2-nil Puntarenas.
Trying to keep the score down, at the 30th minute FC brought in the veteran Ian Henry to try and add some muscle in defence, but Puntarenas would not be denied, getting their third goal at the 36th minute from their Brazilian import.
FC Belize’s best opportunity came from a Deon McCaulay shot that had Puntarenas Belizean goalkeeper Shane Orio diving near the right post of the Puntarenas goal, but the ball went just wide.
A few yellow cards were issued in the game, but thankfully no reds, so both teams will be at full strength for the return match which takes place next week Thursday night, August 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the MCC in Belize City. Belizean teams traditionally do better at home, but 3-nil will be a mighty tall order for FC Belize to match against the defending UNCAF champions, Puntarenas FC.