LAFC2 fell 2-1 to Ventura County FC on Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in a tightly contested MLS NEXT Pro showdown.
VCFC wasted little time getting on the board, as Jeorgio Kocevski unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box to give the home side a 1-0 lead in just the 9th minute.
The Black & Gold found an equalizer before halftime, capitalizing on a dangerous cross from Sebastian Nava that deflected off VCFC defender Jose Magaña for an own goal in the 38th minute.
The turning point came in the second half when LAFC2 was reduced to 10 men after Adam Saldaña was shown a straight red card in the 73rd minute.
Dylan Vanney stepped up and buried a free kick in the 84th minute to put Ventura County back in front and seal the win for the hosts.
The Black & Gold is now 3W-3L-2D (12 points), and next takes on the Portland Timbers 2 at Providence Park on Wednesday, May 14. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
