Photo: Verdes FC
BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 5, 2024
Verdes FC is off to a great start with a perfect (4-0) record, having not yet conceded a goal at Week 4 of the Premier League of Belize 2023-2024 Closing Season. (See standings below.) With another Concacaf berth well within its grasp, all Verdes has to do is win the Closing Season, and that spot is practically guaranteed, because already their lead in aggregate points over Opening Season champs, Altitude FC, is in double digits. Altitude’s only hope at Concacaf would be to make a strong late run and hope that somebody stops Verdes from becoming Closing Season champions. Nevertheless, the Closing Season has a long way to go.
Yesterday, Sunday, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City, Verdes FC rode a first half tap in by Brazilian Arles Balanta (28’) off a corner to secure a 1-nil victory over home standing Port Layola FC. Meanwhile, down south at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga, the veteran Harrison “Cafu” Roches (36’) hit the back of the net for struggling Wagiya SC, but it didn’t stop visiting Progresso FC of Orange Walk from coming away with the 5-1 win on goals by Andir Chi (34’ & 84’), Richard Gillett (43’) and Akeem Daniel (9’ & 90’).
Both Saturday night encounters ended in draws. At the M.A. Stadium in Independence, defending champions Altitude FC played to a 0-0 stalemate with still undefeated Benque United FC. And at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo, the veteran Jeromy “Jarro” James (74’) scored a big goal to salvage a 1-1 tie for Police United FC, after Jonard Castillo (54’) had given visiting Bandits Sports the early second half lead.
Upcoming Week 5 schedule:
Saturday, February 10
7:30 p.m. – Bandits Sports vs Altitude FC – Isidoro Beaton Stadium
7:30 p.m. – Progresso FC vs Port Layola FC – People’s Stadium
7:30 p.m. – Benque United FC vs Wagiya SC – Marshalleck Stadium
Sunday, February 11
4:00 p.m. – Verdes FC vs Police United FC – Norman Broaster Stadium
Outlook to Week 6:
Saturday, February 17
7:30 p.m. – Police United FC vs Altitude FC – Marshalleck Stadium
Sunday, February 18
4:00 p.m. – Verdes FC vs Progresso FC – Norman Broaster Stadium
4:00 p.m. – Port Layola FC vs Benque United FC – Marion Jones Sports Complex
4:00 p.m. – Wagiya SC vs Bandits Sports – Carl Ramos Stadium
