Match Preview: VCFC vs Tacoma Defiance | March 7th 2025

VCFC will kick off its second MLS NEXT Pro season in front of its home fans Friday night under the lights at William Rolland Stadium. The match kicks off at 7pm PST and will be available to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

A New Challenge

Ventura County FC will take to the pitch looking for redemption after falling to Tacoma in the playoffs last season. 2025 MLS Super Draft pick Jason Bucknor and Nader Jindaoui from Hertha BSC II join 10 other new signings ready to impress a sold out crowd on Friday night. Head Coach Matt Taylor is ready for the challenge –

“The league continues to grow in strength with quality players and teams, and we are looking forward to the challenge. All the players and staff are focused on improving our on field product for the fans to enjoy, along with our goal of pushing players into the LA Galaxy first team.”

About the Opponent

Tacoma Defiance added key players to their roster from last year. After standout seasons in college, the Seattle Sounders drafted defender Demian Alvarez and midfielder Ryan Baer and signed them to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. Midfielder Joonmo Kang joins the club following stops in Germany and South Korea while midfielder Jackson Khoury joins from Tormenta FC in USL League One. Hervé Diese returns for his second season as Head Coach after leading the team to a 13-5-10 record and a 4th place finish.

Ventura County FC will be on the road in Week 2 to take on SoCal rivals LAFC II at Titan Stadium on March 14th. Tickets are available on TicketMaster here or stream on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV at 7pm PST.