_{Andir Chi scored the first goal for Progresso FC}

by William Ysaguirre

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Jan. 27, 2025

Progresso FC moved up to 3rd place in Premier League of Belize standings in the 2nd week of the Closing Season tournament, after they enjoyed their first victory with a 5-0 blast of Belmopan FC at the People’s Stadium on Sunday evening, January 26.

Andir Chi (3’) opened the scoreboard, and PLB rookie Miguel Yco (18’) soon made it 2-0. Colombian import Luis Gelipe Parra Garcia (26’) added a 3rd goal.

Wilfredo “Buddy” Galvez and Yrider Olivares led the visitors’ counterattack, supported by Danny Jimenez, Diego Bartolota and Luis Ruiz at midfield. But Harlan Casanova anchored the Progresso defence with Dayro Gomez, John Sebastian Vergara, Anderson Palacio Cordova and Raymond Ramos to help goalkeeper Charles Tillett secure their 3-0 lead up to the half.

Trimayne “Peppa” Harris and Colombian import Yubeiquer Arenas pressed for more goals, and Harris’ persistence would not be denied (65’) as he slotted the ball past goalkeeper Brandon Anderson into the right corner of the net. Coach Jorge Nunes introduced Wilmer Chacon to relieve Gomez, and Alden Castillo, Kyle Budna and Izon Gill replaced Yco and Arenas.

Jonard Castillo came off the visitors’ bench to replace Galvez, and Jalen Budna, Fredy Bazalar, Kerdell Diaz and Kenroy Wagner joined the fray, but to no avail. The match was in injury time when Kyle Budna (90+3’) added a 5th goal.

Meanwhile, the 2-time defending champions, Port Layola FC continue to lead the PLB standings as they enjoyed their 2nd win, 3-1, over Wagiya SC at the Carl Ramos Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with goals by Mikey Palacio (14’), Shawn Young (67’) and Andres Orozco (84’). Only Raheem Thomas (31’) scored a consolation goal for Wagiya.

Verdes FC remained in 2nd place as they also posted their 2nd win, 2-1, over the San Pedro Pirates at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo on Saturday night, as Bryan Lozano (64’) scored a penalty, and Alex Asencio (82’) added a 2nd goal. Sensational rookie Keydenshay Bowen (84’) drilled a low scorcher from the top of the eighteen past national team goalie Woodrow West to score a late goal for the Pirates.

Upcoming match on Sunday, February 2:
Progresso FC vs Port Layola FC at Marion Jones Sports Complex.