Defending champions chase another crown against Orange Walk’s rising force
Game 1 – Nahjib Guerra, Jordy Polanco and Desmond Wade will be key for Verdes’ aspirations – Photo Credit: Verdes FC
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Verdes FC enter Sunday’s Opening Championship Final first leg against Progresso as favourites, defending their crown and chasing an eighth national title. The match kicks off at 3:30 pm at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk, with the return leg set for Saturday, December 13, at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen.
Verdes’ Road to the Final
Verdes advanced with a 3–1 aggregate win over Belmopan FC. Captain Jordy Polanco (#10) struck late in the first leg, while Jaylen Lennan scored both goals in the 2–1 second‑leg victory in Benque.
Firepower and Depth
Verdes will count on league top scorer Desmond Wade, supported by Krisean Lopez, Paraguayan forward Luis Ibarra, and playmaker Nahjib Guerra. Defensively, they are anchored by Mexican Christian Ramírez and Darrel Myvett, whose constant forays into the opponents’ half add an extra dimension. In goal, it’s a toss‑up: veteran Woodrow West, Belize’s most decorated shot‑stopper, or Argentine Nahuel Paz, who started the second semifinal. Everald Trapp now provides depth and leadership off the bench.
Verdes Starting XI in 1st semifinal against Belmopan FC – Photo Credit: Verdes FC/Wilton Ixtecoc
Rivalry with Orange Walk
Verdes have always had a great rivalry with Orange Walk clubs, from the Juventus era to today’s Progresso. That history adds spice to this Final, as Verdes look to extend their dominance while Orange Walk dreams of revival.
Mission
For Verdes, the mission is clear: defend their crown, claim championship number eight, and reaffirm their status as Belize’s most current decorated club.
Finals Schedule
- First Leg: Sunday, Dec 7 – 3:30 pm, People’s Stadium, Orange Walk
Entrance fee: $25
- Second Leg: Saturday, Dec 13 – Edmund Marshalleck Stadium, Benque Viejo del Carmen
Game 2 – Photo Credit: Verdes FC
The post Premier League of Belize: Verdes in hunt for Title Number Eight appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Defending champions chase another crown against Orange Walk’s rising force Game 1 – Nahjib Guerra, Jordy Polanco and Desmond Wade will be key for Verdes’ aspirations – Photo Credit: Verdes FC By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Verdes FC enter Sunday’s Opening Championship Final first leg against Progresso as favourites, defending their crown and chasing an eighth
The post Premier League of Belize: Verdes in hunt for Title Number Eight appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
