Concacaf Nations League: Belize whip Turks and Caicos Islands 4-0, lead Group B

Posted: Saturday, September 7, 2024. 3:11 pm CST.

Belize start strong in quest for Concacaf League B promotion

Belize Men’s National Football Team (BMNT) – Photo Credit: FFB

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize have started on a good footing in their quest to regain entry into Concacaf League B with a 4-0 trouncing of the homestanding Turks and Caicos Islands in the Belize Men’s National Football Team (BMNT) opening game of the Concacaf League C group play at the TCI Football Association Stadium in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Jordy Polanco scored a brace to lead the BMNT in their convincing victory, which puts them at the top of Group B ahead of Anguilla, who on Wednesday defeated TCI 2-0.

Jordy Polanco of Verdes FC scored Belize’s second goal against Turks and Caicos Islands – Photo Credit: Verdes FC

In the 73^rd minute, Polanco scored his second goal of the match with a left-foot shot within the penalty box to seal the 4-0 victory for Belize. Polanco collected a cross from the left side with his right foot and switched to his left to send the ball into the net.

Two minutes later, Belize goalkeeper Charles Tillett denied Turks and Caicos Islands by smothering a penalty kick taken by captain Billy Forbes to maintain the 4-0 lead.

Belize had gone ahead 3-0 in the 66^th minute when Michael Palacio converted a penalty kick after being fouled by TCI goalkeeper Samuel Harvey as he took a shot within the penalty box. The foul sent the Belizean striker to the ground. In executing the penalty kick, Palacio sent the ball into the lower left corner beyond Harvey’s outstretched arms. This was Palacio’s first international goal.

Michael Palacio (right) on Monday at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan before travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands – Photo Credit: FFB

Earlier, in the 43^rd minute, Polanco scored from a 25-foot free kick into the net above Harvey.

Orlando Velasquez had opened the scoring with a stupendous header for the BMNT in the 12^th minute. Velasquez was substituted in the 44^th minute by Gabriel Ramos following an injury. Like Palacio’s, the strike was Velasquez’s first international goal.

Belize is looking to top League C’s Group B to regain promotion to the Concacaf League B.

After Saturday’s game, the BMNT will face Anguilla on Tuesday, September 10 at the 1:00 pm (3:00 pm TCI time) at the same venue to complete the first round of the double round robin.

Orlando Velasquez playing for Port Layola against Guatemala’s Antigua GFC in Concacaf Central American League on July 30 – Photo Credit: Port Layola FC

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.