Aggregate winner to host Verdes in the Finals
Port Layola’s semifinal goalscorer Gilroy “Leng” Thurton (C), with Argentine Fernando Aguirres (L) and Jarrel Young (R). Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
The Premier League of Belize (PLB) confirmed that the postponed semifinal second leg of the 2025-2026 Opening Championship between Port Layola FC (#2) and Progresso FC (#3) will now be played on Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 pm at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City.
The match was originally scheduled for Sunday, November 30, but the PLB announced its postponement on Saturday, November 29, citing concerns that the pitch would still be waterlogged after heavy rains. Lighting issues also raised doubts, particularly behind one of the goals where several bulbs were not functioning, leading to speculation that the game might have to be moved to Belmopan.
Port Layola, however, acted proactively to keep the match in Belize City. An electrician discovered corroded wires but confirmed the lights themselves were in good condition. After repairs, the stadium was fully illuminated, and on Tuesday night the FFB Match Commissioner approved the lights. This marks the first time Port Layola will play a night game at Marion Jones this season.
Port Layola – Photo Credit: Port Layola FC/Malik Leslie
Attention now turns to the pitch, which has seen additional wear after several youth tournament matches were played following the rains. Port Layola are working to roll the field to ensure it is playable for Thursday’s crucial clash.
Progresso FC enter the second leg with a 2–1 aggregate lead, thanks to goals by Latrell Middleton (37’) and Rene Leslie (80’ penalty) in their upset win at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk. Port Layola’s response came from Gilroy “Leng” Thurton (52’), but the visitors held on for the victory. Port Layola must rally at home to overturn the deficit.
The aggregate winner of the semifinal series will advance to the PLB Final and host defending champions Verdes FC this weekend. Verdes already secured their place in the championship match after defeating Belmopan FC 2–1 in Benque, winning the series 3–1 on aggregate.
Three of Port Layola’s foreign players (L-R): Argentine Fernando Aguirres and Colombians Ernesto Caicedo and Juan Luquez. Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
Semifinal Results So Far
- Verdes FC vs Belmopan FC
- First Leg: Verdes 1–0 Belmopan – Isidoro Beaton Stadium, Belmopan
- Second Leg: Verdes 2–1 Belmopan – Edmund Marshalleck Stadium, Benque Viejo del Carmen
- Aggregate: Verdes win 3–1 (advance to Final)
- Progresso FC vs Port Layola FC
- First Leg: Progresso 2–1 Port Layola – People’s Stadium, Orange Walk
- Goals: Middleton 37’, Thurton 52’, Leslie 80’ (pen)
- Second Leg: Thursday, Dec 4 – Marion Jones Sports Complex, Belize City – 7:30 pm
- Aggregate: Progresso lead 2–1
The post Premier League of Belize Semifinals: Port Layola vs Progresso rescheduled for Thursday night at Marion Jones appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Aggregate winner to host Verdes in the Finals Port Layola’s semifinal goalscorer Gilroy “Leng” Thurton (C), with Argentine Fernando Aguirres (L) and Jarrel Young (R). Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre By Rubén Morales Iglesias: ⚽🇧🇿 The Premier League of Belize (PLB) confirmed that the postponed semifinal second leg of the 2025-2026 Opening Championship between Port
The post Premier League of Belize Semifinals: Port Layola vs Progresso rescheduled for Thursday night at Marion Jones appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
