Latrell Middleton – left – and Rene Leslie found the net to give Progresso FC the lead in Orange Walk. Photo Credit: Progresso FC
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Progresso FC pulled off a crucial upset, defeating Port Layola FC 2–1 in the first leg of their Premier League of Belize 2025–2026 Opening Championship semifinal at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk.
The #3 seed struck first in the 37th minute when league top scorer Latrell Middleton (#7) fired home to give Progresso the lead. They carried the advantage into halftime, frustrating Port Layola’s attack.
Port Layola equalized in the 52nd minute through standout striker Gilroy ‘Leng’ Thurton (#9), but Progresso regained control late. In the 80th minute, veteran forward Rene Leslie (#77) converted a penalty to seal the win for the home side.
Gilroy “Leng” Thurton delivered for Port Layola, scoring the tying goal, but his team was unable to repeat their slight regular season dominance. Photo Credit: Port Layola FC
The result highlights Progresso’s reliance on their deadly trio — Middleton, Keydenshaay Bowen, and Leslie — while Port Layola, the league’s top-scoring team with 32 goals, found only one breakthrough despite their depth in Thurton, Tyrone “Peppa” Harris, Moises Hernandez, Fernando Aguirres, and Michael Palacio.
With the 2–1 victory, Progresso take a slim but valuable advantage into the return leg in Belize City, where Port Layola must win to keep their championship hopes alive.
PLB Semifinal Fixtures:
- Progresso FC (#3) 2–1 Port Layola FC (#2) – Saturday, November 22 – People’s Stadium, Orange Walk
- Port Layola FC (#2) vs Progresso FC (#3) – Sunday, November 30 – Marion Jones Sports Complex, Belize City – 4:00pm
The post Premier League of Belize Semifinal: Progresso shock Port Layola 2–1 in Orange Walk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Latrell Middleton – left – and Rene Leslie found the net to give Progresso FC the lead in Orange Walk. Photo Credit: Progresso FC By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Progresso FC pulled off a crucial upset, defeating Port Layola FC 2–1 in the first leg of their Premier League of Belize 2025–2026 Opening Championship semifinal at
The post Premier League of Belize Semifinal: Progresso shock Port Layola 2–1 in Orange Walk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
