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San Pedro Pirates prepare for PLB's first Closing Season game


The Premier League of Belize's (PLB) Closing Season championship starts on Saturday, January 14th, and the island's elite football team San Pedro Pirates is preparing for their first game. The island premier league will face Progresso FC at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday at 7:30PM. The San Pedro Pirates ended PLB's Opening Season last year in third place followed by Progresso FC in fourth. The last time the Progresso team was on the island, the game against Pirates ended in a draw, thus many believe the game on Saturday should be very interesting. The island boys are busy this week working on their last preparations and getting ready to officially introduce their team members.

The islanders came so close to the Opening Season tournament finals, and players are eager to emerge triumphant this season. The Pirates fell short to team Verdes on November 20th, missing the opportunity to advance to the finals, which took place between team Altitude and Verdes. Ultimately, Altitude emerged as champions, while Verdes were crowned sub-champions, placing San Pedro Pirates in third place. The island team looks forward to working differently this time to try to bring a second championship home, similar to their triumph in May, 2019.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Final score: San Pedro 2 Progresso 0

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Photo courtesy Tom Cawthon

San Pedro Pirates start PLB Closing Season with a win

The island's premier football team, the San Pedro Pirates, started the Premier League of Belize's (PLB) Closing Season with a 2-0 win against Progresso Football Club. This is a similar score the island boys netted against Wagiya SC at the beginning of PLB's Opening Season in August 2022. The game occurred at the Ambergris Stadium south of San Pedro Town on Saturday, January 14th. The island fans saw a Pirates team trying to dominate the match from the first minute. The visiting team was no easy feat, but the San Pedro Pirates kept the pressure and tried to be the dominant team at their home game. At minute 23, Mario Chimal netted the first goal for the island team.

The island boys' second goal came before the game's first half ended. At minute 43, Argentinian Facundo Garnier, who was playing with Verdes FC, put the Pirates in a 2-0 lead. Those were the only goals during the 90+ minute game. In the second half, both teams went hard against each other, but the 2-0 score remained unchanged, and at the end of the long whistle, San Pedro Pirates emerged victorious.

The San Pedro Pirates will host another home game at the Ambergris Stadium on Saturday, January 21st. All San Pedro fans are invited to come out and support the island team as they aim for another win.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Highlights from week 1 of the PLB Closing Season games

Final from Ambergris Caye! Pirates 4, Wagiya SC 2



We present to you the goal scorers.
Andir Chi - 1st goal in first half.
Luis Valdez- GK second goal and the last goal
Mario Chimal- the 3rd goal scorer



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Photo courtesy Tom Cawthon

San Pedro Pirates net second home victory

On Saturday, January 21st, islanders flocked to the Ambergris Stadium to support their team, the San Pedro Pirates, as they faced Wagiya SC from Dangriga Town. Pirates' fans cheered on as the island team left body and soul on the pitch before emerging victorious with a 4-2 win in their second game of the Closing Season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB).
The ball started rolling at 7PM with an offensive Wagiya. This burst of energy from the visiting team led to Wagiya's first goal, by Kleron Cacho, five minutes after the ball game. The Pirates' reaction was almost immediate, and at minute 17th, Andir Chi tied the game. The game saw close attempts from each team to widen the score, but the first half ended with a 1-1 game score.

During the second half, both teams made changes in their gameplay. As the second half became more competitive, Wagiya widened the gap with their second goal by Leston Garcia. San Pedro fans, however, continued cheering the home team. The game was again tied at minute 78th, as Pirates' Luis Valdez netted a penalty. At minute 87th, Valdez again saw the opportunity to score and, with a strong shot defeated Wagiya's goalkeeper marking the 3-2 lead.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Week 2 Highlights - PLB Closing Season 2022/23

San Pedro Pirates tops PLB standing after 6-0 victory over Belmopan Bandits

After their third consecutive victory on Saturday, January 28th, the San Pedro Pirates are leading the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Closing Season with nine points. The island men travelled to the Capital City of Belmopan, where they crushed team Belmopan Bandits 6-0 at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium. The first 45 minutes of the match were scoreless as the home team-Bandits, held their ground. During the first minute of the second half, San Pedro's Facundo Garnier netted the opener in the 46th minute. Team Bandits could not even score or stop the San Pedro Pirates from netting more goals. At minutes 50th and 57th, Horace Avila nailed his two goals catapulting the Pirates to a 3-0 lead. Some minutes after, Brayan Vargas found an opportunity at minute 72nd, scoring the fourth goal for the team. The Pirates were not done yet, and Garnier netted his second goal in the 78th minute, while Vargas sealed the game with a second goal and the sixth for the game. At the end of the long whistle, the final score was 6-0 in favour of the island team.

The San Pedro Pirates are now leading in the PLB standings, followed by Port Layola and Opening Season's champions Altitude in third place. On the road to CONCACAF, the Pirates are in second place, while champions Altitude led the standings.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Standing for week 3!



Week 3 Concacaf Standings

San Pedro Pirates draw 2-2 against Altitude

The match held at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence, Stann Creek, started rolling at 7:30PM in front of a packed stadium. Both teams made several attempts to open the score in the first 45 + minutes, but they were fruitless. As the first half of the game was winding down, San Pedro's Mario Chimal almost scored the first goal but missed by a small gap.

The game became more intense in the second half as San Pedro Pirates Andir Chi scored the first goal in the 51st minute. Then ten minutes later, the stadium shook as Altitude fans celebrated the 1-1 draw netted by Miguel Garcia. Altitude took control of the game, pressuring to break the visiting team's barrier that finally broke, and at minute 67th, Oscar Rodas scored for Altitude. Altitude's celebration abruptly ended when the referee granted Pirates a penalty. Louis Valdez took the shot and tied the game 2-2 in the 79th minute. The rest of the game remained scoreless.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Photo courtesy Tom Cawthon

San Pedro Pirates continue as PLB leader after crushing Verdes in home away game

On Sunday, February 12th, the San Pedro Pirates secured another important win after defeating one of the strongest teams in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Verdes, 4-2. This win keeps the island football team on top of the PLB Closing Season's standings with 13 points as the national tournament rolled into its fifth week. The match did not start well for the island boys as Verdes scored first to take the lead. The play intensified as the Pirates tied the game. But then Verdes netted a second goal and sealed the first half to their advantage. During the match's second half, the San Pedro Pirates again made a comeback with goals by Horace Avila and Mario Chimal. The team tied the game and took the lead with a third goal.

The game's last minutes saw Verdes's fierce attempts to close the gap. The Pirates responded with the same energy as they were not satisfied with the 3-2 score. Near injury time, the Pirates saw an opportunity and went in for the kill as they found a gap through Verdes' defense. Horace Avila became the hero of this play as he defeated Verdes' goalkeeper Woodrow West, marking the 4-2 game score.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

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PLB Week 5 Highlights

T'S ON THIS SATURDAY!
We will have DJ DEV and DJ STRIKAH in the house from 6PM- 11PM.
Promo Tickets till Friday at 5PM- $10
After that- $15

It's a game you don't want to miss.
It's going to be in the Ambergris Stadium.

PLB Week 6 Highlights

San Pedro Pirates fall short against Port Layola in home game


After starting the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Closing Season with three wins and one draw, the San Pedro Pirates experience their first defeat against Port Layola on Saturday, February 18th, at the Ambergris Stadium. The island team could not even overcome the 1-0 lead which Port Layola defended until the end of the game. After starting the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Closing Season with three wins and one draw, the San Pedro Pirates experience their first defeat against Port Layola on Saturday, February 18th, at the Ambergris Stadium. The island team could not even overcome the 1-0 lead which Port Layola defended until the end of the game.

As the ball rolled in the match's second half, Pirates started dominating the ball game. But their attempts did not break Port Layola's barrier for a goal. As they continued to pressure, Port Layola's Michael Palacio sneaked through San Pedro's defence in the 67th minute and scored its only goal. The island team tried as best as possible, but by the time the game ended, the score favoured Port Layola, 1-0. This result was expected to see Port Layola taking the top of the PLB standings, a position previously held by the San Pedro Pirates for the past three weeks.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Pirates return home winless after playing against Progresso FC

The island's senior football team, the San Pedro Pirates, travelled to Orange Walk Town on Sunday, March 5th, determined to net at least three points with a victory over Progresso Football Club. But after 90+ minutes on the pitch, the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

The game occurred at the People's Stadium in Orange Walk at 4PM. Even though both teams made close attempts at each other, neither could open the score. It was frustrating for the fans and groups as they gave their best to secure three more points in the Premier League of Belize's (PLB) Closing Championship. At the end of the long whistle, it was a 0-0 game. With this draw, both teams only gained one point. As a result, San Pedro Pirates dropped to second place in the PLB's standings after being in first place for the past weeks. Verdes is now in first place following their 5-0 victory over Internacional Fubol Club (formerly Belmopan Bandits). With 17 points, Verdes is currently leading the PLB's standings. The action continues this weekend. San Pedro is once again travelling off the island. The island team is heading to Dangriga Town in the southern Stann Creek District to play against Wagiya SC on Sunday, March 12th. The game is at 4PM at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Pirates return home with a flawless victory

On Sunday, March 12th, the San Pedro Pirates Football Club crushed Wagiya SC 4-0 at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga Town in southern Belize. Again, this win catapulted the island boys to first place in the Premier League of Belize's (PLB) standings. The match started at 4PM in the ninth week of PLB's closing championship. Coming from two draws, the Pirates needed to win this game to continue leading in the standings and better their chances in their journey to the CONCACAF tournament. With such determination, the island team went on the offensive, and in the 27th minute, Luis Valdez netted the first goal for San Pedro. This was the only goal in the first half of the match.

During the second half of the game, Wagiya SC continued to struggle and tried to get a break to even the score, but it did not happen. In the 46th minute, San Pedro's Moises Hernandez scored the second goal for his team, and in the 65th minute, Mario Chimal broke through Wagiya's defense and scored the second goal for the Pirates. Wagiya could not hold San Pedro's momentum, and a fourth goal in the 84th minute by Trevor Lennon sealed the game. With this win, San Pedro Pirates now sum up 18 points and lead in the PLB standings again.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Pirates' victory by default keeps them in the lead

The scheduled match between San Pedro Pirates and Internacional Futbol Club for Saturday, March 18th, was called after the visiting team could not make it to San Pedro. This gave the island's premier football team a 3-0 default victory and another three points, keeping them on top of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) standings.

The San Pedro Pirates were looking forward to this home game and were disappointed when Internacional Futbol Club could not travel to the island for the anticipated game. PLB issued a release saying that due to unforeseen circumstances, Internacional Futbol Club out of Belmopan City could not field a team to play against San Pedro Pirates. PLB added that the matter would be sent to their disciplinary and organizing committees for review. While in San Pedro, the Pirates noted they would be penning an official complaint to PLB. They pointed out that such practice should not be tolerated. The Pirates apologized to their fans and informed them that tickets purchased will be good for their next home game.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Pirates draw 2-2 against Altitude FC

The San Pedro Pirates had one of their toughest matches on Saturday, April 1st, against Altitude FC. The football game ended in a tight 2-2 draw and marked the 11th week of the Closing Season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB). Held at the Ambergris Stadium, this home game was crucial for the island boys to continue leading in the PLB standings. During the first 45+ minutes of the first half, Altitude took the lead at minute 23rd when Kyle Flowers opened the score. Despite close attempts from Pirates, both teams retreated to the locker room for half-time intermission with a 1-0 score in favor of Altitude.

The ball rolled once again for the next half of the match. Three minutes into the second half, a breach into Altitude's defense allowed Pirates' Andir Chi to tie the game with a powerful shot. The San Pedro team continued the attack; minutes later, almost scoring a second goal. In the 71st minute, an error from Pirates allowed Altitude's Aloisio Teixeira to get close enough to San Pedro's goalkeeper and unleash a powerful left shot scoring a second goal for the visiting team. But four minutes later, San Pedro's Chi again took advantage of an opportunity and tied the game. Both teams continued playing hard and making close attempts to lead, but it was a 2-2 ball game at the end of the long whistle. San Pedro will head to the Cayo District this weekend to face Verdes FC as the PLB Closing Season rolls into its 12th week.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Pirates withdraw from the PLB's closing season

The island's premier football team, the San Pedro Pirates, has decided to no longer participate in the remainder of the closing season of the Premier League of Belize (PLB). They made the crucial decision after the PLB Organizing Committee awarded Verdes F.C. three points based on the cancellation of the April 8th match scheduled at the Ambergris Stadium. The game was called off due to a lack of lodging for the referees. As per PLB, the host teams are responsible for referees' accommodations. April 8th was Easter weekend, and San Pedro Pirates indicated that getting accommodations for the game officials was difficult. They could only secure accommodations for one referee. The island club arranged for some of the referees to return to Belize City with the visiting team Verdes. The PLB considered this move extremely risky and unprofessional. The officials without a hotel room returned to the mainland that same day and the match was called off after 6PM.

The Football Federation of Belize and PLB said they would investigate the incident. At the end of the investigation, the PLB was to decide if San Pedro Pirates and Verdes would play the match later or if it would be considered a forfeiture by the Pirates. The decision was delivered to the island club on Friday, April 14th, via a letter signed by Wilhelm Miguel, where they were informed that the canceled game was considered a forfeit match and that Verdes would be granted three points. The management of the San Pedro Pirates then told its fans that they could not tolerate such a decision and said they were dropping out of the remainder of the PLB's closing season. "We will not participate in any more games," the club said. "We understand about the sanctions this might bring, but we are also working with attorneys to deal with the situation." The island football club thanked their fans for their support and told them they would be missed.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

San Pedro Pirates remain in the PLB closing season

After announcing their withdrawal from the Premier League of Belize (PLB) Closing Season, the San Pedro Pirates decided to travel to Belize City on Sunday, April 16th, to play against Port Layola. The match was no easy feat for the island boys, who returned to San Pedro with a 2-2 draw after an intense play at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. The island football premier team announced on April 14th their withdrawal from the tournament after PLB awarded Verdes F.C. three points for the unplayed match against the Pirates scheduled for Holy Saturday. The game did not occur because the home team failed to secure accommodations for some referees. The Pirates were penalized and lost three points. The island team said this was very unfair, and although they stated their intentions to pull out of the competition, they returned for the love of the sport. However, they say the team will continue fighting what they consider an unfair penalty.

The match on Sunday against the Belize City team saw one goal in the 26th minute of the first half by Gilroy Thurton for Port Layola. In the second half, San Pedro's Facundo Garnier evened the score with a powerful strike impossible for Layola's goalkeeper to stop. Then in the 70th, Garnier scored the second goal for the Pirates via a penalty kick. The island boys did not enjoy the 2-1 lead for too long. Three minutes later, Shawn Young tied the match. At the end of the game, the score remained 2-2. San Pedro Pirates remain in third place in the PLB standings. This weekend's matches will start with the playoffs, and the season winds down. San Pedro Pirates will be traveling to Benque Viejo del Carmen this weekend to play against Benque United on Saturday, April 22nd, at the Marshalleck Stadium. San Pedro has already qualified for the playoffs of the closing season and will aim for a championship.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Photo courtesy Tom Cawthon

PLB semi-finals start this weekend; San Pedro Pirates to face Port Layola

The semi-finals of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) start this weekend with matches involving the last teams remaining in the league's closing season. One of them is San Pedro Pirates, who, after overcoming Benque United over the weekend, will be traveling to Belize City on Saturday, April 29th, to face Port Layola.

The match on Saturday, April 22nd, saw the island's premier football team traveling to Benque Viejo del Carmen, where they faced a strong Benque United at the Mashalleck Stadium. The home team was determined to hold on to the win, and in the 7th minute of the first half, Benque's Jamil Cano opened the score. But three minutes after, San Pedro's Horace Avila evened the score via a penalty kick. Avila would score a second goal for San Pedro Pirates in the 20th. The 2-1 lead rolled into the second half of the game. Benque returned in the second half with slightly new gameplay. This worked, and Owen Sosa tied the match 2-2. However, before the long whistle, the island boys increased their lead with a goal from Mario Chimal in a play that defeated Benque's defense. At the end of the match, San Pedro Pirates emerged victorious 3-2, leaving Benque out of the PLB's semi-finals.

The other teams in the semi-finals include Verdes, Port Layola, and Progresso FC. The first round of matches this weekend in the journey to the closing championship will see San Pedro Pirates trying to seal a win against Port Layola in a home-away match in Belize City. Meanwhile, Progresso FC will travel from Orange Walk Town to San Ignacio Town to face Verdes.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Tomorow the best teams will be competing. Semifinals San Pedro Pirates vs Port Loyola. Pirates heading for the championship.

San Pedro Pirates prepare for first semifinals game

The San Pedro Pirates Football Club finished second place in the Premier League of Belize (PLB) regular season following a 3-0 defeat against Verdes Football Club on Sunday, May 14th. The football tournament is now moving to the semifinals stage in preparation for the championship. The first semifinal match for the San Pedro Pirates will be held on Wednesday, May 17th, in Belize City, where they will face Port Layola FC at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex at 7:30 PM. The San Pedro Pirates will risk it all to advance to the tournament's finals and bring home the first-place trophy for the second year.

The first half of the match remained scoreless for both teams. In the second half at the 59th minute, Verdes' Joel Andres Burgos scored the first goal, with Izon Gill netting the second goal shortly after. Verdes defended their 2-0 lead until the regulated 90 minutes, as the island team could not close the gap. Verdes FC's Jeromy James scored an extra goal during an allotted injury time. With this 3-0 point victory, Verdes finished at the top of the PLB tournament rankings with 30 points, while San Pedro Pirates settled in second place with 26 points. Port Layola FC follows in third place with 25 points, and Progresso FC in fourth with 23 points, making them the four teams advancing to the semifinals.

Following the game on Wednesday, the second match in the semifinals for the San Pedro Pirates is set for Saturday, May 20th, against Port Layola, to be played at the Ambergris Stadium. The island team must win both games to become the PLB closing season champions.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

Photo courtesy Tom Cawthon

San Pedro Pirates to face Verdes in PBL Finals

After crushing Port Layola 4-0 in the second match of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) semi-finals, San Pedro Pirates Football Cub has secured their spot in the tournament's finals for an opportunity to win their second championship. The island boys will face one of the strongest teams in the league, Verdes Football Club. The matches to determine the PBL Champions will occur on Wednesday, May 24th, at the Ambergris Stadium and on Sunday, May 28th, in San Ignacio, Cayo. In a recap of the San Pedro Pirates' semi-final match against Port Loyal, fans packed the Ambergris Stadium on Sunday, May 21st rooting for their home team. The ball started rolling at 6PM, and for most of the first half, the scoreboard remained closed as Port Layola played a defensive match. To the cheers of fans and looking for a win, the Pirates upped their game, and in the 44th minute, San Pedro's Andir Chi hammered in the first goal for San Pedro. During the injury time, a penalty shot was called in favour of San Pedro. Luis Valdez took the shot, and the Pirates ended the first part of the game with a 2-0 lead.

The finals between Verdes and San Pedro Pirates are expected to be action-packed, considering the animosity between both teams in this PLB's closing season. This first of the finals match on Wednesday, May 25th, will kick off at 6:30PM with a pregame show starting at 6PM. Tickets for the match can be purchased in advance at the 3 Brothers Pawn Shop and Stadium Sports Bar and Grill for $25. After defeating the Belmopan Bandits, the San Pedro Pirates won the PLB Closing Season in 2019. They look forward to bringing home the championship trophy victory over Verdes.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun



Semifinals results.

Verdes FC takes the lead in the first round of PLB's finals

The first leg of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) closing championship ended with an upset after Verdes FC defeated San Pedro Pirates FC, 1-0 on their home turf on Wednesday, May 24th. The match's only goal happened during injury time of the second half, and it came as an unexpected hit to the island team and hundreds of fans attending the game at the Ambergris Stadium. The ball started rolling at 6:30PM, and for the first 45+ minutes, both teams made close attempts to open the score without any luck. Every time San Pedro approached Verdes' goal area, the fans on the bleachers would cheer loudly, waiting for a score. The fans would also cheer and applaud when the San Pedro defence and goalkeeper dwarfed any attempts from Verdes. The first half of the game ended with a 0-0 score.

During the match's second half, both teams continued trying to find the opportunity to take the lead. But that anticipated goal by both sides never came in the second 45 minutes. The match then rolled into injury time. The intensity continued as the clock ticked off. During the fourth minute of injury time, a spot kick was called in favor of Verdes. Cristian Ramirez took the responsibility and let go of a powerful shot defeating San Pedro Pirates' goalkeeper. Both San Pedro players and fans were in disbelief. The chances to tie the game and continue trying to win the match disappeared when the long whistle blew.

Verdes has taken the lead in the tournament's finals, and the second and decisive leg of the championship takes place on Sunday, May 28th, at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio Town, Cayo. The win in San Pedro put Verdes at such an advantage that they could win the championship even with a draw. If San Pedro wins, it will tie the finals due to the points of each team. If this happens, there will be over time to decide on this year's PLB's closing season winner. Anyone interested in traveling with the Pirates on Sunday can make arrangements by calling 630-5935.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

PLB's San Pedro Pirates fall short to Verdes; settle for Sub-Championship

After several delays and even withdrawing from the Premier League of Belize (PLB) due to what the club perceived as unfair committee arbitration, The San Pedro Pirates Football Club took to the pitch for the final game of the season on Sunday, May 28th. Facing bitter rivals Verdes FC for the last of two game finales, and down 1 point, The San Pedro Pirates fell short 2-1 and settled for the title of sub-champions. In an exciting final championship match, Verdes proved to be the top team in the country, securing their spot as champions with a 2-1 game point and a 3-1 aggregate score.

In the last faceoff, the island team traveled to San Ignacio Town to play at the Norman Broaster Stadium. A pre-game show opened the match at 3:30PM and shortly after, it was time to get the ball rolling. Early in the first half of the match, Verdes' Marco Antonio Zavala put his team ahead with a header. The San Pedro Pirates tightened their defense, managing to end the first 45+ minutes of the match trailing only 1-0. In the second half, San Pedro led an aggressive offensive. The efforts paid off, as Horace Avila tied the match shortly after. The Pirates saw hope and sought the opportunity to score again, the championship seemingly within reach. However, Verdes' Jeromy James sealed his team's fate with a second goal. At the sound of the long whistle, Verdes emerged victorious, winning the game 2-1. With their title as champions secured, Verdes has the ticket to represent Belize at the upcoming 2023 CONCACAF Central American Cup, scheduled to start in August.

The San Pedro Pirates will now prepare for the next season, aiming to fight for both the PLB championship and a ticket to the CONCACAF tournament. In 2019, The San Pedro Pirates became the youngest club in the country to conquer the tournament's closing season. While they have yet to make it to a CONCACAF tournament, the Pirates continue to chase this dream.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun