_{Caesar Ridge FC}

by William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 28, 2025

Tut Bay FC and Caesar Ridge FC have qualified to the Belize District Football Association (BDFA) First Division 2024-2025 Closing Season championship finals by victories in the semifinals at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City on Sunday evening, May 25.

_{Tut Bay FC}

In Game 1, undefeated Tut Bay secured their berth in the Finals by a 1-0 win over the Kelly Street Bombers, when goalkeeper Kenneth Ciego fumbled a shot from Esmond “Bagga” Sanker (10’) – the winning goal.

High drama in 2nd semifinal

In Game 2, Caesar Ridge FC (CRFC) also punched their ticket to the Finals by a 1-0 win in sudden death penalties in an epic battle over the Reggae Boyz, the only team they had not played in the regular season.

Veteran player-coach Ryan Simpson (10’) struck first for Reggae Boyz, but CRFC’s Francis Arana (22’) equalized, 1-1, before the half. The Reggae Boyz won a penalty (30’), but CRFC goalkeeper Brian Leslie, Jr. stopped Dion Cacho’s try to secure the 1-1 draw to the end of regulation.

In overtime, Arana (94’) gave Caesar Ridge the go-ahead goal, but Keiffer “Beefy” Perteau (111’) equalized, sending the match into penalties. And there the drama unfolded!

CRFC’s Devin McCaulay scored, but so did Reggae Boyz’ Ryan Simpson. Things looked dark for CRFC when their 2nd try hit the crossbar, and Reggae Boyz’ Albert Davis converted: 2-1, Reggae Boyz lead.

CRFC’s Barack Morey converted, but so did Reggae Boyz’ Jaheem “Hammer” Thomas: 3-2, Reggae.

CRFC’s Kenyon Pratt scored; then CRFC’s goalkeeper Brian Leslie stopped Reggae’s Dejean “Minnie” Thompson, which would equalize the score at 3-3; but the linesman flagged Leslie that he had moved off his line before the whistle, and the referee allowed Minnie to convert on his 2nd attempt. Leslie vehemently protested the linesman’s call, which only earned him a red ticket to the showers; and the score became 4-3 in favor of Reggae Boyz.

During the match, CRFC’s Lawnie Leslie had come off the bench after the break to join the fray, along with Dion David, Kenyon Pratt and Pachalito Uyamadu; and Lawnie now donned the goalkeeper’s mitts in the net.

Jacob Joseph then converted CRFC’s 5th penalty to tie the score at 4-4; and Lawnie became the Man of the Match, when he stopped Reggae Boyz’ 5th try, keeping the score tied at 4-4, and sending the penalty shootout into sudden death!

It was high drama at the Marion Jones when Kenan Zuniga converted CRFC’s 6th try, and Reggae Boyz’ 6th kicker, Isani Napata hit the left upright, as Caesar Ridge players and fans erupted in celebration with the 1-0 win.

Upcoming 1st Division final matches:

Sunday, June 1

3rd Place match – Reggae Boyz vs Kelly St. Bombers

1st Place Final – Tut Bay FC vs Caesar Ridge FC.