_{Photo: Andres Orozco}

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 29, 2024

Last night at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, defending champions Port Layola FC from Belize City survived a scare from Dangriga’s Wagiya SC, who jumped to an early 1-nil lead on a goal by their new captain Mailson Moura (21’) in a Week 2 backmatch of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2024-2025 Opening Season. Port Layola eventually pulled out a 3-2 victory, but Wagiya has served notice that they are not to be taken lightly this season. Andres Orozco (28’ & 33’) gave Port Layola the 2-1 lead before halftime, and Mathias Bandini (65’) pushed the lead to 3-1; but Nigel Elijio (80’) closed the gap to 3-2 with time winding down, as Port Layola managed to hang on for the 3-2 win.

The victory pushed Port Layola past San Pedro and up to 3rd place in the standings. (See standings below.)

Upcoming Week 5 games:

Saturday, August 31
7:30 p.m. – Progresso FC vs San Pedro Pirates FC – People’s Stadium
7:30 p.m. – Bandits Sports vs Wagiya SC – Isidoro Beaton Stadium

Sunday, September 1
4:00 p.m. – Port Layola FC vs Verdes FC – FFB Stadium

Reports are that the Marion Jones Stadium is booked out for a September event, and with the MCC still in a state of disrepair, our Belize City team, Port Layola FC had to take their home game against Verdes FC to FFB Stadium. What about that?