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Home teams prevail, Bandits over FC Belize, and BDF over Police in PLB Semifinals

SportsHome teams prevail, Bandits over FC Belize, and BDF over Police in PLB Semifinals

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Dec. 19, 2016 — The fabled home-court advantage played a big role in both games over the weekend to determine which two teams would make it to the finals of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Opening Season 2016-2017. The first leg of the semifinals had been played the previous weekend, when #3 seed Police United dropped #2 seed BDF, 3-1, at the Norman Broaster Stadium; and #1 seed Belmopan Bandits came from behind jairo-rochez-img_0389to secure a 1-1 draw against #4 seed FC Belize at the MCC Grounds. This past Saturday night, the Bandits were at home for the decisive game 2 at their Isidoro Beaton Stadium; while BDF returned to their home base at the MCC Garden to attempt the herculean task of surmounting the 3-1 advantage held by visiting Police United. And there was celebration for the home fans at both venues.

On Saturday night in Belmopan, a 22nd minute strike by top regular season goal scorer, Honduran Jairo Rochez, was enough to give home standing Belmopan Bandits the 1-nil win over FC Belize, and a spot in the finals. The victory kept the Bandits’ undefeated streak alive, but in the finals they will be without key veteran striker Elroy Kuylen, who received a red card shortly after entering the ball game on Saturday. As #1 seed in regular season, the Bandits will again get to play their home game last in the championship home-and-away series.

Their opponents in the finals was expected to be 3rd seed Police United, who sported a commanding 3-1 lead going into the start of their game yesterday at the MCC Grounds against BDF. Indeed, a loyal Bandits custodian had reminded us on Saturday night, that they were 3 for 3 against Police in finals series; so they saw history repeating itself.

But, somebody forgot to inform the BDF squad, who had other ideas about the finals. And they gave Belize City fans a sensational treat on Sunday afternoon at the MCC, with a spectacular 2-nil victory over Police United, to claim a spot in the finals with the away goal tie-breaker after the 3-3 aggregate tie. Orland Trapp’s drive inside the eighteen led to the penalty which Vallan Symms converted at the 51st minute; and second half substitute Kyle Budna struck for the series clincher with time winding down at the 87th minute. And just like that, a shocking defeat for Police United, and a joyous celebration for the indomitable spirit of a BDF squad that, with all home-grown players, are now eager to lock horns with the star studded and internationally enhanced Belmopan Bandits SC.

The league has a meeting with the teams planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, to decide the scheduled dates for the championship series. BDF has the first home game at the MCC; and the Bandits will host the final game at their Isidoro Beaton. Some folks are suggesting Christmas Day for game 1; others say that is for family get together, and Boxing Day is better for the outing. We should know sometime tomorrow. What a season!

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