_{Belize Jaguars starting eleven at FFB Stadium before 7-0 loss to Costa Rica}

by William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Mar. 26, 2025

Central American powerhouse Costa Rica punched their ticket to their 15th consecutive appearance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup USA by a 13-1 aggregate score over the Belize Jaguars after their 6-1 win at the National Stadium in San Jose on Tuesday night, March 25. Costa Rica had shut out the Belize team,7-0, in the first leg of their qualifier series at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, Belize, on Friday, March 21.

With an insurmountable 7-0 deficit going into the return match, the Belize Jaguars harbored no illusions, but were still motivated and intense in their efforts to have a better showing against their obviously more skilled opponents. But it was a tough start, as young Belize defender Donell Arzu gave the Ticos’ a 1-0 lead when he inadvertently headed the ball into the net for an own goal in the very first minute of play while defending a high ball inside the penalty area. Costa Rica’s Alejandro Bran (6’), Alonzo Martinez (8’) and Manfred Ugalde’s header (36′) increased the score to 4-0 at the half.

A miscue by the Costa Rican midfield early in second half allowed Carlos Bernardez (47’) to pounce upon an open goal for the Jaguars’ sole tally in the rematch.

Alejandro Bran’s long-range missile (67’) and Andy Rojas (72’) completed the 6-1 rout, for the aggregate 13-1 score.

The Belize Jaguars’ 7-0 loss at home to Costa Rica in the first leg of the Gold Cup qualifiers had incited a hue and cry from Belizean fans clamoring for an explanation from the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), as to why the Belize selection featured a number of young novices, and the glaring absence of more experienced local and international players who might have obtained a better result.

The visitors’ Mexican coach Miguel “Piojo” Herrera Aguirre’s starting eleven featured mostly players who have been playing professionally in Europe or in the Major League Soccer in the United States. They demolished the Jaguars defense with practiced efficiency led by Manfred Ugalde’s brace (17’ & 36’), with an assist from Alonso Martinez. Ugalde sent rookie Belizean goalkeeper Isaac Castillo the wrong way, as he converted a penalty (36’) after Kenneth Vargas was brought down inside the box. Vargas (38’) made it 3-0 before the half.

After the break, the Jaguars’ technical director Charles Slusher refreshed his defensive line, with Shamar Flowers replacing Donnel Arzu (at 31’), Jaylen Lennan took over from Norman Anderson (at 64’), and 15-year-old Marlon Meza, Jr. relieved Naim “Nemo” Wilson (at 75’). In a double change, Daijon Daniels relieved Krisean Lopez (at 76’), and 17-year-old Jaheem Mena replaced Angelo Cappello (76’), but to no avail.

Herrera Aguirre also mixed it up after the break, introducing domestic players who have been playing in Costa Rica, as Alvaro Zamora, Josimar Alcocer, Andy Rojas, Alejandro Bran and Alexis Gamboa took the field. The Costa Rican juggernaut trundled over the Jaguars’ defense, as Jeyland Mitchell (65’) and Alvaro Zamora (70’) scored headers to finish corner kicks. Josimar Alcocer (81’) scored with Rojas’ assist, and Zamora recovered the rebound after Isaac Castillo rejected Rojas’ shot, to complete his brace (88’) for the 7-0 final score.

In the post-game post mortem, Coach Slusher explained the many rookies on the selection, saying he had to cut usual starting goalkeeper Charles Tillett, striker Moises Hernandez and others who missed several team practices. The team was also missing Belizean international players Michael Salazar and Nana Mensah, who had walked away from the Jaguars during the last round of CONCACAF matches in June 2024, citing financial misunderstandings with the FFB management.

The latest complaint from the dissident players who failed to show up to practice, was also reportedly concerning some financial issues.

The FFB reports that the fans numbered 2,486 in a stadium with seating for 4,500 fans last Friday night, March 21; and the tickets were $25.00 each.

The Jaguars travelled on Sunday to San Jose for the rematch with the Costa Rican side on Tuesday, March 25.

Photo above: Front Row (l to r): Donnel Arzu, Angelo Cappello, Krisean Lopez, Jovaunn Ramos, Naim Wilson. Back Row (l to r): Carlos Bernardez, Darrel Myvett, Norman Anderson, Isaac Castillo, Eugene Martinez, Deshawon Nembhard. NOT PICTURED: (Substitute List: Daijon Daniels, Shamar Flowers, Stephen Gentle, Jaylen Lennan, Marlon Meza, Jr., Jaheim Mena, Freybin Pagoada, Eric Rodriguez, Kenroy Wagner, Eric Williams, Shawn Young.)