Photo Credit: Verdes FC/Wilton Ixtecoc
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2025-2026 Opening Championship Final second leg at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen was defined by one goal and a storm of cards, substitutions, and controversy. Verdes FC held on to a 1–0 victory over Progresso FC, clinching their eighth national crown in front of jubilant home supporters.
Lineups – PLB Final
Verdes FC – Starting XI
27 Woodrow West (GK) – 25 Krisean Lopez – 17 Daiver Vega – 24 Christian Ramirez – 10 Jordy Polanco (C) – 7 Nahjib Guerra – 20 Eldon Reneau 
(43’) – 14 Darrel Myvett – 23 Luis Ibarra – 42 Richard Monges – 26 John Allesandro Jessiman
Substitutes: Nahuel Paz – Jahron Myvett – Dejion McFadzean – Evral Trapp – Felix Martinez – Zion F – Jahyrl Smith – Desmond Wade – Joel Burgos – Brandon Jones – Jaylen Lennan
Progresso FC – Starting XI
01 Luisito Cunil (GK) – 70 Jarret Davis – 14 Harlan Casanova – 03 Calvin Reid – 30 Naim Wilson – 10 Andir Chi (C) – 15 Raymond Ramos – 06 Marlon Gutierrez – 77 Rene Leslie – 11 Walter Gomez – 07 Latrell Middleton
Substitutes: Selvin Sagastume – Mark Petillo – Keydenshaay Bowen – Alden Nuñez – Alden Castillo – Brandon Rogers – Richard Gillett
First‑Half Breakthrough
Verdes struck in the 43rd minute when Eldon Reneau (#20) finished clinically to give the champions the lead.
Second‑Half Changes
- Reneau was replaced by Desmond Wade (#77) in the 55th minute.
- Felix Martinez (#13) came on for Luis Ibarra (#23) in the 65th.
- Progresso lost Marlon Gutierrez (#06) to injury in the 76th after a clash. He was taken away by ambulance, and Richard Gillett finally entered as his replacement.
- In the 83rd minute, Alden Nuñez came on for Rene Leslie, who had earlier been cautioned.
- Mark Petillo replaced Calvin Reid for Progresso, while Verdes reinforced their backline with Everal Trapp coming on for Daiver Vega and Jaylen Lennan substituting Felix Martinez — clear moves to shore up defenses in the tense finale
Discipline Trouble
- Progresso forward Rene Leslie (#77) had already been booked earlier in the match.
- Verdes coach Manu Can was shown a yellow card in the 69th minute.
- Defender Krisean Lopez (#25) was sent off in the 79th minute for dissent.
- Progresso coach Charlie Slusher entered the field to protest in the 81st minute and was booked.
- In the 84th minute, Progresso striker Latrell Middleton (#07) was shown a red card for violent conduct after an inhumane act (kicking a stray dog), shocking the stadium for a behaviour that is extremely unacceptable and has no place in football or society.
- In the 105th minute of added time, Nahjib Gyerra was cautioned, adding yet another name to the referee’s book.
Missed Chances
- Captain Jordy Polanco (#10) fired over the bar in the 72nd.
- Wade’s header was saved brilliantly by Progresso goalkeeper Luisito Cunil (#01) in the 73rd.
Frustration Boils Over
The second half showed how quickly emotions can spill into costly decisions. Progresso’s inability to break down Verdes’ defense led to mounting protests from the bench and rash challenges on the field. Verdes, too, lost composure — coach Manu Can was booked, defender Krisean Lopez was sent off, and even Progresso’s coach Charlie Slusher was cautioned for storming onto the pitch.
The climax came in the 84th minute when striker Latrell Middleton was dismissed for violent conduct after an inhumane act, a stark reminder that frustration can lead to unacceptable behavior with serious consequences.
Added Time
Referee Victor Caliz signaled 11 minutes of injury time, ensuring a tense and extended finale.
Progresso’s Late Push
Despite being reduced to ten men — like Verdes —, Progresso pressed hard in the dying minutes, forcing Verdes goalkeeper Woodrow West to dig deep with crucial saves and commanding presence. The champions bent but did not break, holding firm under relentless pressure.
Celebration in Benque
At the final whistle, Verdes FC celebrated in Benque Viejo del Carmen, lifting their eighth national crown in front of ecstatic home supporters. The Green Machine’s resilience in a chaotic, card‑filled final ensured the party belonged to Benque once again.
Season Achievement
The triumph was even sweeter for Verdes as they completed the Opening 2025–2026 PLB season undefeated, underlining their dominance and consistency from start to finish.
The post Premier League of Belize: Verdes crowned Champions in Benque after chaotic Final appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Photo Credit: Verdes FC/Wilton Ixtecoc By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) 2025-2026 Opening Championship Final second leg at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen was defined by one goal and a storm of cards, substitutions, and controversy. Verdes FC held on to a 1–0 victory over Progresso FC,
The post Premier League of Belize: Verdes crowned Champions in Benque after chaotic Final appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
