Photo: Port Layola FC goalkeeper, Kenroy Tillett (center)
BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 20, 2023
Nearing the 7-game halfway point of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2022-2023 Closing Season, the Top-4 playoff race is beginning to take shape. Belize City’s Port Layola FC took over the standings lead with their 1-nil win over San Pedro Pirates FC on Saturday night to remain the only undefeated team in the tournament so far. (See standings below.)
Two games each were played on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in Week 6 of the PLB Closing Season.
The big undefeateds match-up between league leading San Pedro Pirates FC and Port Layola FC at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday night was scoreless at the half; but rookie phenomenon Michael Palacio proved that lightning does strike twice, as he burned San Pedro’s goalie from the same spot and in the same corner that he had scorched Verdes’ national team goalie Woodrow West three weeks ago at the Norman Broaster Stadium. Palacio’s right footed rocket from the top of the eighteen on the right side at a forty-five degree angle found its way into the top right corner of the net past a diving Selvin Sagastume in goal for San Pedro; 1-nil, Port Layola at the 67th minute, and it stayed that way until referee Amir Castilla blew the long whistle. The goal and the victory pushed Port Layola to the top of the standings ahead of the Pirates, and also made Michael Palacio the current goal scoring leader with 6 goals from 6 games played.
Meanwhile, down south at the M.A. Stadium in Independence, slow-starting defending champions Altitude FC served notice of their repeat intentions with a 3-0 win over the struggling Bandits Sports. The Opening Season goal scoring champion Andres Orozco struck twice (33’ & 34’) to join the goal scoring race with 3 goals, with Ashton Torres (4’) netting the opening goal for Altitude who have now moved up to fourth place in the standings.
On Sunday afternoon at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk, home standing Progresso FC got an early 1-nil lead through Zamir Bonilla (2’) and it held till the intermission; but visiting Verdes FC came roaring back with goals from Jerome “Jarro” James (46’) and Trimayne “Peppa” Harris (79’) to take the 2-1 lead. The home fans were not too heartbroken, though, as Leocadio “Peely” Briceno (90’) got the late equalizer for Progresso to secure the 2-2 draw.
Also on Sunday, at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga, the nightmare continued for still winless Wagiya SC, who took an early 1-nil lead over visiting Police/Benque United FC on a goal by Aidan Nunez (7’); but Benque replied with a goal each from Jaider Aragon (37’) and Cesar Infran (60’) to come away with the 2-1 road victory. The win has pushed Police/Benque right up into third place in the standings.
Upcoming Week 7 games to end First Round:
Saturday, February 25
7:00 p.m. – San Pedro Pirates FC vs Police/Benque United – Ambergris Stadium
7:30 p.m. – Bandits Sports vs Wagiya SC – Isidoro Beaton Stadium
Sunday, February 26
4:00 p.m. – Port Layola FC vs Progresso FC – Marion Jones Stadium
4:00 p.m. – Verdes FC vs Altitude FC – Norman Broaster Stadium