Redlands FC heads to Ventura for high-stakes match vs. Fusion

Redlands FC will take a midweek trip to Ventura County to take on the two-time national champion Fusion. The importance of this match cannot be stressed enough, as by the end of Wednesday night Redlands could be eliminated from playoff contention, move into first place, or end up anywhere in between.

Here’s what fans need to know. 

The Opponent 

This is Redlands' second matchup against the Fusion this season after the first matchup resulted in a 2-2 draw after both teams went down to 10 men. Redlands FC coach Cody Carlson called his team's effort “remarkable” in the match, but said it reinforced to him that his team “needs to do a better job of staying in control of our game and our emotions,” especially against a team like Ventura. 

The last time Redlands played on the road against Ventura was in the final game of the 2024 season, where Redlands was shut out. 

Ventura currently sits tied for first in the Southwest Division, but do not own the tiebreaker over the other first place side, FC Tucson. They also currently don’t own the tiebreaker over Redlands, meaning another draw would force them to rely on both teams dropping points on the final match day for a chance at a playoff spot. 

The Wild West 

Wednesday is likely the biggest regular season matchday the Southwest Division has ever seen. All four teams currently in the playoff race and all separated by two points or less are in action. The wildest part? The other two top four teams, Tucson and Capo, are playing each other as well. This means the table literally could flip minute by minute.

To simplify things, here’s what each result Wednesday would mean from Redlands POV, and how it would set up their final matchday of the season July 12th. 

Scenario 1: Redlands win + Tucson win = Redlands in 2nd and would need a draw/win OR a Ventura loss/draw to clinch a playoff spot on the final matchday. 

Scenario 2: Redlands win + Capo win = Redlands in 2nd and would need a win OR Tucson loss/draw to clinch a playoff berth on the final matchday. 

Scenario 3: Redlands win + Tucson/Capo draw = Redlands tied for first and can clinch a playoff berth with a draw on the final matchday. Redlands could also win the division with a win on the final matchday.

Scenario 4: Redlands draw = Redlands in 4th regardless of Capo/Tucson result and would need a win + Tucson loss AND Fusion draw/loss to clinch a playoff berth on the final matchday.  

Scenario 5: Redlands loss + Tucson/Capo win = Redlands eliminated from playoff contention. 

A reminder that the top 2 teams in the division make the playoffs. In addition, Redlands would also have a pathway to first in the division and an increased chance at hosting a playoff game if scenario 1 or 2 happen, but it would require Tucson and the Fusion losing out. 

Player to Watch: Everyone 

The biggest match of the season will require the biggest group effort for Redlands, making everyone a player to watch. RFC has gotten numerous players to step up all season, and they will need it again Wednesday night. 

Coach Carlson acknowledged his teams depth, saying “We’ve got a next man up mentality with our team and we’ve got guys ready to step up and make it happen”, citing players Wyatt Ponting, Sam Addo, and Javier Hernandez who have stepped up in the absence of striker Luka Lukic, who has returned to college to begin preseason training. 

Final Notes: 

When asked about the high stakes match, Carlson said “I want our players to feel that pressure, but thrive under that pressure, and try to do something really special: win the Southwest Division for the second time in 3 years.” 

Kickoff on Wednesday in Ventura is set for 7 PM. The match will be live streamed on Sports Engine for fans to watch. 

Redlands will follow this match by concluding the regular season against City SC at Dodge Stadium on July 12th.