Redlands FC Draw with Fusion, Fall Short of Playoffs

Win or go home. That was the scenario Redlands FC faced headed into the final matchday of the season against the Ventura County Fusion. A loss would eliminate RFC outright, while a draw would see them fall short due to a head-to-head tiebreaker with FC Tucson. 

Redlands did not start this crucial match the way they wanted. The first 11 minutes featured the Fusion dominating possession and establishing their rhythm early. Redlands had some good fortune though, as two Fusion goals were called back by offside. 

Redlands finally found their initial stride in the 16th minute, when Jose de la Torre took his team's first shot on goal that was saved by Miguel Hernandez. Unfortunately, this would be the best sequence for Redlands in the first half. 

In the 31st minute, the Fusion were threatening. A shot from range ringed off the post, before another strike shortly after found the back of the net to make it 1-0 in favor of the visitors. Redlands now needed at least two goals to keep their season alive. 

Less than two minutes later though, Redlands took another step back. About 30-35 yards out from Redlands net, a reckless challenge led to a straight red card. RFC would go into the halftime break down both a man and a goal. 

What followed in the second half was a theme that has been evident all season. The theme? Redlands turning up the dial for the second half. In the 52nd minute, Redlands goalkeeper Tony Flores launched a ball that eventually found its way into the box, before a poor Fusion challenge led to a penalty. Kevin Meza buried the PK, and Redlands were a goal away from the playoffs again. 

Redlands were buzzing in the moments following the goal, but the Fusion eventually settled things down. Including forcing a huge save by Tony Flores in the 75th minute. The clock continued to tick, and Redlands prepared for their final push. 

In the 84th minute, Redlands whipped in a corner, got a powerful head to it, but Miguel Hernandez reached out and punched it away. Later, in the 90th minute, a long range shot from the left wing came bending in, but did not have enough to sneak into the far post. 

Five minutes of stoppage time was given, but RFC could not manage a shot on net. The final whistle blew, and Redlands 2026 season was over. Kevin Meza was named Man of the Match for his game-tying goal.

In the end, Redlands finish tied for second in the Southwest Division on points. However, due to their 0-1 record vs rival second place side FC Tucson, they fall to third and are eliminated. 

The loss against Tucson was the very first game of the season. Due to scheduling imbalance (12 games, 7 divisional opponents) Redlands did not play them a second time. It’s also worth noting that in USL2, head-to-head is the primary tiebreaker over goal differential. Hence why that category, which Redlands led Tucson in, did not come into play. 

Redlands FC thanks all of its fans and sponsors for their support this season, and congratulates the players on an impressive effort. Redlands have now finished top 3 in the Southwest Division in two of their first four seasons. 

Redlands FC will return for season 5 in the summer of 2027. Follow the club at redlands_fc on Instagram to stay up to date throughout the offseason. Details can also be found at redlandsfootballclub.com.