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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