Photo: Verdes FC
BELIZE CITY, Mon. Oct. 30, 2023
Like cream rises to the top, defending PLB champions, Verdes FC waited until Week 11 to take its first lead in the standings of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2023-2024 Opening Season. Their home victory yesterday against previous standings leader Port Layola FC pushed them into the top spot with 3 weeks of regular season games remaining.
Only 3 of the 4 scheduled Week 11 games were played over the weekend, as the Altitude FC vs Bandits Sports match was postponed to a later date.
On Saturday night at the Marshalleck Stadium, Benque United FC cruised to a 5-1 win over struggling Wagiya SC. Shaking the net for Benque were Moises Hernandez (25’ & 90+3’), Mailson Moura (33’), Norman Anderson (36’) and Kender Arriza (90+4’); while the lone goal for Wagiya was by Felix Martinez (88’). Also on Saturday night (although our schedule had it for Sunday afternoon), it was Progresso FC, 3-1, over Police United FC at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk. Progresso got a goal each from Alwin Zelaya (40’), Dedron Baptist (43’) and Alden Nunez, Jr. (68’); while Christian Tovar (45+4’) scored for Police United. The victory pushed Progresso into 2nd place in the standings, though tied in points with Port Layola, due to goal difference. (See Week 11 standings below.)
In the only game played on Sunday, the much-anticipated clash of the two standings leaders saw Verdes establish their dominance early with a goal from Camilo Fajardo (8’) and sailed to a 3-1 win with goals from Krisean Lopez (42’) and Darrel Myvett (66’); while Latrell Middleton (55’) avoided the shutout for Port Layola, who have now dropped to 3rd place in the standings.
With 3 weeks of regular season remaining, both Altitude FC and Police United FC are still mathematically in the race for a Top-4 playoff spot. (No date has been announced yet for the Altitude vs Bandits Sports back match.)
Upcoming Week 12 schedule
Saturday, November 4
7:30 p.m. – Altitude FC vs Progresso FC – M.A. Stadium in Independence
7:30 p.m. – Police United FC vs Verdes FC – Marshalleck Stadium
Sunday, November 5
4:00 p.m. – Wagiya SC vs Bandits Sports – Carl Ramos Stadium
4:00 p.m. – Port Layola FC vs Benque United FC – Marion Jones Sports Complex