Real Monarchs fell to Ventura County FC with a score of 3-1 during their match in Thousand Oaks, California, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The loss brings the Real Monarchs' record to 5-8-3 with 21 points, placing them 9th in the West.
The match began with both teams creating offensive opportunities. In the 18th minute, Monarchs goalkeeper Trace Alphin made a goal-line save to keep the game scoreless. Shortly after, Owen Anderson set up Jesús Barea, though the shot went over the crossbar.
Real Monarchs took the lead in the 45th minute when Luis Rivera passed to Alphin, who launched a long ball across the field. Barea outpaced two defenders and scored with a one-touch shot, marking his second goal of the 2026 campaign.
Ventura County FC equalized five minutes into the second half via Vicente Garcia, following passes from Julian Placias and Riley Delgado. The home side then took a 2-1 lead in the 71st minute when Julian Placias scored on a one-touch volley from a Sebastian Hernandez cross.
After Alphin left the game due to injury, goalkeeper Max Kerkvliet entered the match and made two consecutive saves. However, Ventura County extended their lead to 3-1 in the 83rd minute when Enrique Martinez poked in a ball following a Gabriel Arnold free kick.
The Real Monarchs return to the Wasatch front after failing to secure points for two consecutive weeks. The team remains on the road for their final of three consecutive away matches, scheduled to play LAFC 2 in Los Angeles on Sunday, July 5.
