Photo: Progresso FC comes to town this Sunday against Port Layola FC at the Marion Jones Stadium
by William Ysaguirre
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Nov. 14, 2024
Defending champion Port Layola FC began the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2024-2025 Opening Season football semifinals with a commanding 4-2 win over Progresso FC at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town on Saturday night, November 9; meanwhile, in the other semifinal, the regular season standings leader, Verdes FC struggled to a 1-1 draw with the San Pedro Pirates at the Ambergris Stadium.
Photo: (l-r) Sean Young, Akeem Sutherland and Latrell Middleton of Port Layola FC
Sean Young’s brace (33’ and 49’) led Port’s 4-2 win, with other goals by Latrell Middleton (32’) from the penalty spot and Akeem “Bib” Sutherland (89’). Trimayne “Pepper” Harris’ brace (6’ penalty and 71’) kept the Sugar City squad in the game.
Desmond Wade’s spectacular 67th minute header salvaged a 1-1 draw for the Green Machine, after Aldin Forman (27’) had given the San Pedro Pirates a 1-0 lead at the Ambergris Stadium.
In a Week 10 back match last Thursday night, November 7, Wagiya SC dropped Bandits Sports, 3-1, to climb up to 5th place in the final regular season standings, pushing the Bandits into the cellar. Lucky for the Bandits, there is yet no relegation system in place. (See the updated Week 10 regular season standings below.) Shaking the net for Wagiya were Clay Flores (37’), Arlen Mendoza (57’) and Levi Pixabaj (78’); while Humberto Valenzuela (45’) avoided the shutout for Bandits.
Upcoming semifinals 2nd leg schedule:
Saturday night, November 16
Verdes FC vs San Pedro Pirates at Marshalleck Stadium.
Sunday afternoon, November 17
Port Layola FC vs Progresso FC at Marion Jones Stadium.