Real Monarchs Fall to VCFC on the Road

May 19, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Real Monarchs News Release

THOUSAND OAKS, California – Real Monarchs (2-6-1, 8pts, 12th in West) fall 2-0 to Ventura County FC (5-2-2, 19pts,1st in West) conceding two own goals on the night.

To start the game, the Monarchs came out strong and looked to get a head start on the night. They built out the back and put a high pressure on the Ventura County FC midfield to create plays in and around the center circle.

The Monarchs’ first opportunity began by building from their back line to find Tommy Silva on the touchline. Silva drove the ball up the side field and beat his defender in the final third. He managed to get a cross off that landed perfectly on the penalty spot. Ilijah Paul intended to meet the ball there but was tripped up by Ascel Essengue inside the box before he could get a touch on it. While no foul was called on the play, Essengue got a touch before the ball went out over the goal line. This resulted in a corner kick for the Monarchs’ but they couldn’t find their target in the end.

The Monarchs’ high intensity did not last long as VCFC rallied their energy to match the Monarchs’. The Monarchs’ initial energy was lost as VCFC bombarded their defensive line with pressure and dangerous situations. They managed to get off seven shots through just the first 28 minutes of play. These shots came from corners, fouls just outside the box, and an occasional miscommunication from the Monarchs’ defense. The Monarchs’ couldn’t quite keep up with the VCFC advances and struggled to keep themselves in the game.

After so many chances, VCFC put their first goal away in the 28th minute off of a corner kick. Gino Vivi placed his kick right in front of the near post. Omar Alba got to the ball first to get a head on it while trying to defend his net, Alba was put on high pressure and directed it in the wrong direction. This goal was recorded as an own goal for Alba after coming off the foot of Vivi.

To end the half, the Monarchs’ brought the pressure again in their final third. They had more shots and more dangerous opportunities in their offending box. Paul had quite a few chances but just couldn’t find the target as his shots went wide or were intercepted by the VCFC back line.

Coming onto the pitch for the second half, both teams put on the pressure and built up the intensity, The Monarchs’ were looking for an equalizer and VCFC hoping for an insurance goal. Chances came on both sides with Monarchs goalkeeper…