Real Monarchs defeated Ventura County FC 2-1 in their 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season finale at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah, according to a September 20 report.
Nico Silva opened the scoring for the Monarchs in the first half, followed by an 87th-minute goal from Owen Anderson. Ventura County FC scored a late goal in stoppage time to conclude the match.
In the final match of the campaign, head coach Mark Lowry made three changes to the starting XI, introducing Gio Villa, Ruben Mesalles, and Nico Silva. Mesalles, who played 90 minutes in the win, finished the season as the Monarchs' minutes leader with 2,008 total minutes played across 25 matches.
Silva scored his first professional goal in the waning moments of the first half after receiving a pass from Zach Lifferth. Following the break, Ventura County FC created two significant chances, including one that hit the far post in the 61st minute. However, Monarchs goalkeeper Max Kerkvliet recorded six saves during the match.
In the 87th minute, Owen Anderson secured a lead for the Monarchs by poking a loose ball across the line after the Ventura County defense failed to claim a long cross from Hayden Sargis. Ventura County FC scored their only goal in the 95th minute when Jeremi Djieze tapped in a rebound after an initial attempt struck the post.
Both teams entered the match with their postseason fates already decided. The Real Monarchs' 2026 campaign was already over, while Ventura County FC had already secured a top-four seed for the Western Conference postseason.
