Verdes, San Pedro Pirates fight for ticket to the Premier League of Belize Finals on Sunday

On Saturday, November 5, at Ambergris Stadium, Verdes hit first in the 60^th minute via a Desmond Wade goal. However, the Blue Tsunami rallied back and equalized in the 80^th minute on a strike by Andir Chi and went ahead 2-1 on a goal by Mexican Eric Izquierdo Román in the third minute of injury time (90’+3). But the Green Machine’s Krisean Lopez evened the score for a second time in the 90’+5 securing the 2-2 draw.

This was the third draw between both teams this season and their second consecutive 2-2 draw at San Pedro.

Note that today, the winner will be the team that has the greater aggregate score, but in case there is a draw, the winner will be declared by away goals. If not, they’ll have to go to extra time and possibly penalty kicks.

“At the conclusion of 90 minutes of regulation time in the second led the team with the greater aggregate score shall advance to the Finals,” read the Premier League of Belize regulations.

“If both teams have equal aggregate score, the team with greater number of away goals shall advance. If both teams also have equal number of away goals the outcome of the series shall be terminated by extra time and penalties if necessary.”

That means that whichever club wins today’s game qualifies to the Finals. In case that they draw again, if it’s 0-0 or 1-1, Verdes qualify by virtue of away goals. If they draw 2-2, they must go to extra-time and if the draw persists then they go to penalty kicks. If they draw 3-3 or higher, like 4-4 or 5-5, the San Pedro Pirates qualify to the finals.

Makes for an exciting match today in San Ignacio. Both squads intensified their training this week and are ready to battle to the end. If Verdes have an advantage, it’s that they are home while San Pedro have had to travel first by boat and next by land to Cayo today. That’s giving an edge to the home team.