After a strong regular season that saw Head Coach Matt Taylor guide Ventura County FC (VCFC) to a third-place finish in the Western Conference, the club opened its MLS NEXT Pro Playoff campaign with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Minnesota United FC 2 in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Daniel Ittycheria and Riley Dalgado scored in the first half before substitute Arnau Vilamitjana delivered the game-winning goal in extra time to send VCFC into the Western Conference Semifinals.
While the Galaxy take on LAFC in LA, VCFC will face No. 2-seeded Portland Timbers II in the Western Conference Semifinals on Sunday, October 25 at 7 p.m. PT at Providence Park. The clubs matched up evenly throughout the regular season, with all three meetings ending in draws (0-0, 3-3, 2-2), while VCFC earned the extra point in two of the three matches through penalty shootout victories. The matchup was finalized following Tuesday's MLS NEXT Pro Pick-Your-Opponent process after top-seeded Austin FC II selected LAFC II as its semifinal opponent.
VCFC earned its playoff berth behind one of the conference's most balanced performances, finishing with the most goals scored in the Western Conference while conceding the fourth-fewest goals. The club also posted the second-best goal differential in the conference, pairing a high-powered attack with a disciplined defensive unit. Led by standout campaigns from Julian Placias (12 goals, 8 assists), Eric Preston (9 goals), and goalkeeper Sebastian Conlon, VCFC paired one of the Western Conference's most potent attacks with a strong defensive foundation throughout the season. The club was particularly strong during the heart of the campaign, compiling a 9-2-3 record from June through September. With momentum, attacking firepower, and a strong defensive record, VCFC enters the postseason looking to make a deep playoff run.
