BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Apr. 4, 2024
Cross Country rules on Holy Saturday, but nevertheless, when the race was over and some hearts broken, diehard football fans had some football action to lift their spirits. Week 11 games in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2023-2024 Closing Season did not exactly follow the published schedule, as teams rearranged some dates to suit their particular. Nevertheless, the four Week 11 games were played, 1 on Wednesday night, and 3 on Holy Saturday night; and when it was over, 4 teams are in a very strong position to clinch their spot in the Top-4 playoffs with only 3 weeks of games remaining. 3 teams are definitely out of playoff contention, playing only a spoiler role, since there is yet no relegation race to worry about. But one team, Progresso FC still has a chance to usurp a spot from among the current top 4. (See standings below.)
On Wednesday night, March 27, at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium, visiting Police United FC took a first half lead through Brayan Sanchez (25’), but home standing Bandits Sports got the late equalizer through Jonard Castillo (87’) to secure the 1-1 draw.
Holy Saturday night at the Norman Broaster Stadium saw league leading Verdes FC pulling out a 2-0 win over Port Layola FC, courtesy of late goals from Jordy Polanco (79’) and Ronald Gallego (88’).
Meanwhile, up north at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk, Progresso FC kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over Dangriga’s Wagiya SC. Progresso got a goal in each half, from Horace Avila (17’) and Kyle Budna (90+3’).
And at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo, it was previews of a very competitive playoffs, as defending champion Altitude FC just managed to come away with a 1-1 draw against Benque United FC. A former Altitude defender, Colin Westby (48’) put Benque in front; but Altitude captain, Delone Torres (73’) got the equalizer for his team.
Upcoming Week 12 schedule:
Saturday, April 6
7:30 p.m. – Police United FC vs Verdes FC – Marshalleck Stadium
7:30 p.m. – Altitude FC vs Bandits Sports – M.A. Stadium in Independence
Sunday, April 7
4:00 p.m. – Port Layola FC vs Progresso FC – Marion Jones Sports Complex
4:00 p.m. – Wagiya SC vs Benque United FC – Carl Ramos Stadium
Leading goal scorers at Week 11 remain, Latrell Middleton – 13 goals (Port Layola); Matias Vernon – 11 goals (Verdes FC); Harrison “Cafu” Roches – 6 goals (Wagiya SC); Andres Orozco – 6 goals (Altitude FC).