New Signings Shine to Claim Point on the Road Against Tacoma

Thousand Oaks, California (August 19, 2024) – Head Coach Matt Taylor and the VCFC coaching staff knew getting a positive result against Tacoma would take something special in the second half. Despite trailing 2-0 in the 55th minute, two set-piece goals from our new signings ensured the team would come back with much needed point against a potential playoff competitor.

Ilijah Paul and Ifu Achara both marked their full debuts with a goal each and they couldn’t had picked a better time to do it. Midfielder Gabi Arnold exposed the Tacoma high line with his perfectly whipped deliveries, setting up both goals in the second half.

Goal-Scoring Summary

Tacoma Defiance – Dylan Teves, 18th minute: Danny Leyva picked up the loose ball to slot Teves in for the finish across the face of the goal.

Tacoma Defiance – Dylan Teves, 44th minute: After a tidy buildup, Sota Kitahara cut the ball back for Teves’ second of the match.

VCFC – Ifu Achara, 55th minute: A set piece from Gabi Arnold found Jose Magana in the box as his header set up an open Achara to tap in.

VCFC – Ilijah Paul, 68th minute: Another perfectly set-up cross from Arnold found the diving Paul for his first in blue and white.

Lineups

Ventura County FC – GK Brady Scott; D Harbor Miller, D Jose “Pepe” Magana, D Ascel Essengue, D Riley Dalgado; M Tucker Lepley, M Gabi Arnold, M Sean Karani, M Ruben Ramos Jr., M Ifu Achara; F Ilijah Paul

Subs – GK Owen Pratt; D Victor Casillas, D Enrique Martinez, M Christian Coreas, M Nicolas Barros Schelotto; M Dylan Vanney, F Erik Hernandez

Tacoma Defiance – GK Castro; D Baker-Whiting, D Nathan, D Bell, D Sousa; M Kitahara, M Leyva, M Aquino; F Teves, F Minoungou, F De Rosario

Subs – Rienzi, Lopez, Hawkins, Bowen, Tsukanome, Miglietti, Gomez, Helleren, Brunell

Next Game

Ventura County FC plays Real Monarchs on Sunday, August 25th at William Rolland Stadium. The match kicks off at 7 PM PST with a live stream available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.