Real Monarchs Fall 1-3 at Ventura County

August 25, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Real Monarchs News Release

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Real Monarchs (6-12-4, 25 Pts, 12th West) fell 1-3 to Ventura County FC (8-6-9, 40pts, 3rd West) in a road MLS NEXT Pro Pacific Division clash under the lights at William Rolland Stadium.

Unbeaten in five of six and on the verge of the team’s first three-match win streak in five years, Real Monarchs threatened with rabid pressure from the opening whistle. Despite Mark Lowry’s Real Monarchs coming out flying, the momentum shifted around the 18′ mark when Ventura compiled a flurry of chances culminating in a 22′ goal. Fans will recognize the scorer for VCFC, Ilijah Paul, the 22-year-old attacker in just his third match since departing the Beehive State for the Southern California club on a six-month loan deal on August 8.

Doubling down on their momentum, Ventura went on to score again just six minutes later in nearly identical tactical fashion to the first. Both sides hit the locker rooms with SLC down a pair but dominating in possession, passing (304-217) and corners (5-2). Coming out for the second 45 on the hunt for a comeback, Real’s hopes were dashed when former UCLA teammate of Monarchs fullback Tommy Silva, Tucker Lepley put the affair out of reach with a 78′ strike. With the game out of reach, Real Monarchs got on the scoresheet with a 90+6′ consolation score, Sebastian Joffre sending the ‘keeper the wrong way on a penalty kick with the final kick of the evening.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Monarchs showed promising ball distribution and chance creation as they finished even with Ventura in shots (15-15) and the advantage in passing (527-487). Zack Farnsworth and Noel Caliskan led the way for Monarchs, each registering 64 passes at 91% and 93% accuracy, respectively. Silva was also impressive as a two-way contributor, completing 58 passes, including a match-high three key passes, to go along with two shots on target and a completed cross.

Real Monarchs next takes the field for a Saturday night showdown against Minnesota United 2 on Saturday, August 31. Streaming is available through Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass subscription.

GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:

VCFC – 22′ – Ilijah Paul (Harbor Miller): With Ventura advancing quickly up the right wing, Ifunyachi came out of the box to receive the ball from Harbor Miller, the Nigerian forward then playing a clever through ball give-and-go back to the overlapping run of Miller. Reaching the ball with barely any space…