The Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen is in good condition for Saturday night’s game.
Photo Credit: PLB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) confirmed this afternoon that the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen is in good condition to play following inspection by the Match Commissioner and an official. Tonight’s semifinal second leg between Verdes FC and Belmopan FC will go ahead as scheduled at 7:30 pm.
Verdes FC (#1) enter the decisive clash with a narrow 1–0 advantage after captain Jordy Polanco (#10) struck in injury time last Saturday at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan. Polanco’s 92nd-minute winner showcased the defending champions’ resilience, giving them the edge as they return home to Benque.
But Verdes’ strength goes far beyond their captain. Desmond Wade, the league’s leading scorer with seven goals, also netted four for Belize in the Concacaf Friendly Series, including a hat trick against St Kitts. Krisean Lopez adds pace and danger in transition, while Paraguayan forward Luis Ibarra has already proven his ability to deliver in big moments, scoring a stoppage‑time equalizer against Belmopan in the regular season.
In midfield, Polanco is joined by Nahjib Guerra, another Belize Men’s National Team standout, whose vision and goalscoring ability make Verdes difficult to contain. At the back, Verdes rely on the experience and composure of defenders like Darrel Myvett, while in goal they boast Belize’s top goalkeeper Woodrow West. West’s résumé is unmatched: 17 national championships from 23 finals, including the last five with Verdes, plus a Honduran league title with Honduras Progreso. Behind him, Argentine keeper Nahuel Paz provides reliable depth.
The Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen is in good condition for Saturday night’s game. Photo Credit: PLB
Belmopan FC (#4), however, remain determined to overturn the deficit. Anchored by veterans Ian Gaynair and Eugene Martinez in defense, and relying on the attacking duo of Adrien Graffin and Dawoda Kamara plus the experience of Miguel Garcia and goalkeeper Oscar Palomino, Belmopan will need to break through against Verdes’ formidable backline and elite goalkeeper West.
Earlier in the semifinal round, Progresso FC shocked Port Layola 2–1 in Orange Walk, but the return leg in Belize City was postponed due to waterlogged conditions at the Marion Jones Sports Complex. The PLB is considering relocating that fixture to Belmopan midweek.
Semifinal First Leg Results (Nov 22)
- Verdes FC 1–0 Belmopan FC – Isidoro Beaton Stadium, Belmopan
- Progresso FC 2–1 Port Layola FC – People’s Stadium, Orange Walk
Upcoming Second Legs
- Verdes FC vs Belmopan FC – Saturday, Nov 29 – Edmund Marshalleck Stadium, Benque Viejo del Carmen – 7:30 pm
- Port Layola FC vs Progresso FC – Postponed (venue/date to be announced)
The post Premier League of Belize Semifinals: Verdes vs Belmopan confirmed for Saturday night in Benque; Verdes lead 1–0 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
The Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen is in good condition for Saturday night’s game.📸 Photo Credit: PLB By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) confirmed this afternoon that the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen is in good condition to play following inspection by the Match Commissioner
The post Premier League of Belize Semifinals: Verdes vs Belmopan confirmed for Saturday night in Benque; Verdes lead 1–0 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
