MLS NEXT Pro: Ten-Man Real Monarchs Fall to Ventura County FC in First Loss of 2026

Staff Writer
4 days ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Real Monarchs (2-1-2, 10 pts) saw their season-opening unbeaten streak come to an end on Sunday, falling 2-0 to Ventura County FC at William Rolland Stadium. A first-half red card proved to be the turning point, forcing the Monarchs to play more than 50 minutes with a numerical disadvantage.

The loss slides the Monarchs into fourth place in the Western Conference, while Ventura County FC (3-1-2, 13 pts) jumps into the third spot following the victory.

Red Card Shifts Momentum

Making his season debut in goal, Trace Alphin was tested early as Ventura County applied consistent pressure. The Monarchs initially weathered the storm and nearly took the lead in the 14th minute when Antonio Riquelme forced a diving save off a corner kick.

However, the complexion of the match changed in the 39th minute. Defender Gio Calderon was issued a straight red card, leaving Head Coach Mark Lowry’s squad with 10 men. Alphin produced a fingertip save on the ensuing free kick to keep the score level at 0-0 heading into the halftime break.

Second Half Breakthroughs

Despite the Monarchs’ history of successful comebacks this season, playing a man down proved a bridge too far. Ventura County capitalized just four minutes into the second half. Following a set piece, José Magaña pounced on a rebound after an initial save by Alphin, firing home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The Monarchs attempted to rally, introducing fresh legs in the 72nd minute. The substitutions marked a significant milestone for the club's academy, as Dylan Kropp and Jack Ottley both made their professional debuts. Ottley nearly provided an instant equalizer, recording a shot on goal within seconds of entering the pitch.

Ventura County put the game out of reach in the 80th minute when Julian Plascencia converted a penalty kick, doubling the advantage after Alphin was whistled for contact in the box.

Match Statistics

Stat	Ventura County FC	Real Monarchs
Score	2	0
Shots	17	11
Shots on Goal	6	4
Saves	4	4
Corner Kicks	4	7

Building for the Future

While the result was disappointing, the match provided a platform for the next generation of Monarchs talent. Along with Kropp and Ottley, Van Parker also made his professional debut as an 86th-minute substitute.

"Playing 50 minutes with ten men is a massive physical toll, especially after three weeks without a match," the club noted. "The resilience shown by the young debutants is a positive we will take back to Utah."

Looking Ahead: Return to Zions Bank Stadium

The Monarchs will look to start a new unbeaten run next week as they return home to the Wasatch Front.

Opponent: Houston Dynamo 2
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. MT
Location: Zions Bank Stadium (Herriman, UT)
Tickets: Available at the door
Broadcast: Stream live via OneFootball.com

Real Monarchs Lineup: Trace Alphin; Gio Villa (Van Parker 86'), Ruben Mesalles, Wes Charpie, Gio Calderon, Felix Ewald; Izzy Amparo, Omar Marquez (Jack Ottley 72'), Antonio Riquelme; Tyler Wolff (Lineker Rodrigues 64'), Owen Anderson (Liam O'Gara 63').