Posted: Saturday, April 26, 2025. 4:37 pm CST.
The last time Verdes, green, and San Pedro Pirates met in Benque Viejo del Carmen at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium on January 25, Verdes won 2-1. Photo Credit: Verdes FC/Wilton Ixtecoc
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: While all eyes will be on Verdes FC and San Pedro Pirates in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Closing Championship Final on Saturday, another team with plenty to lose or gain will be watching closely—Port Layola.
The Opening Season Champions, Port Layola, are not just spectators in this decisive clash; they are rooting for the Pirates with everything they’ve got. A Verdes victory on Saturday would secure the Green Machine a spot in the Concacaf Central American Cup, effectively shutting out Port Layola from returning to international competition. A San Pedro championship victory, however, would send Port to the international tournament instead.
Concacaf qualification rules come into play
A team could qualify for the Concacaf Central American Cup by winning both tournaments. However, once Port Layola failed to reach the Closing Championship Final, they could no longer depend on that path to Concacaf, leaving them reliant on the Cumulative Table standings.
If San Pedro Pirates manage to win the Closing Championship, Port Layola will qualify based on their winning the Opening Championship and having a better record in the Cumulative Table than the Pirates. In that ranking, Verdes finished first over Port by goal difference as both teams finished tied with 43 points. Progresso were third while San Pedro placed fourth.
However, if Verdes clinch the title, their top placement in the Cumulative Table means they will earn Belize’s single Concacaf berth. With the stakes this high, Port Layola is hoping for a Pirates victory to keep their international aspirations alive.
Verdes hold the edge with international experience
Unlike Port Layola, Verdes FC are accustomed to international competition, having represented Belize in Concacaf tournaments since 1986. Their seasoned experience in regional football gives them an advantage in handling pressure-filled matches.
Adding to their confidence, Verdes topped the Cumulative Table after the last regular season match, proving their dominance across both tournaments. Now, playing at home at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium, they have the perfect opportunity to secure their return to Concacaf.
Everything comes down to this
While Pirates focus on their uphill battle, they also carry the hopes of Port Layola, who desperately need Verdes to lose. A Verdes win would ensure the Cayo team’s qualification, leaving Port Layola without another chance until next season.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and while two teams take the field, a third waits anxiously in the wings. Will Verdes book their Concacaf ticket, or can Pirates change the script and keep Port Layola’s hopes alive?
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The post Premier League of Belize: Port Layola’s Concacaf hopes hang on San Pedro Pirates winning Closing Championship appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, April 26, 2025. 4:37 pm CST. The last time Verdes, green, and San Pedro Pirates met in Benque Viejo del Carmen at the Edmund
The post Premier League of Belize: Port Layola’s Concacaf hopes hang on San Pedro Pirates winning Closing Championship appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
