HALF: St Louis City 1 - VCFC 0 For the second half, Max Middleby is being replaced by Pepe Magana, which is interesting. Middleby did give up the own goal, but my guess is Magana is better in the air, something that came up in the first half.
UPDATE: St Louis 2 - VCFC 0 they finally crack Scott on a ball to the far post after the attacker badly beat his defender
3-0 loss. No miracle, and it's the end of the road for VCFC. St Louis was the best team of the regular season but I expected a little bit more from our team with how many first team players were involved. Brady Scott was excellent and kept us alive for 80 minutes, it was by far his best game in a while. Chris Rindov was also solid and maybe he'll prove me wrong and he'll be useful at the MLS level. Gino Vivi was our most dangerous player but also missed our biggest opportunity when it was still 0-1. Ruben Ramos disappointed a little bit, I don't know if he has the tools to be an attacking midfielder. He was dropping soooo deep in this match. Dylan Vanney was fairly invisible. On the defensive side, Riley Dalgado is not ready for MLS and his career is clearly in danger if he doesn't improve next year.
May not have gone our way, but the journey was worth every moment. 💙 #VCFC #siempreadelante #vamos #mlsnextpro pic.twitter.com/va3Ij20znT— Ventura County FC (@vcfcpro) October 20, 2025
Side and a little bit sad note from me : I've been following our reserves for almost ten years now (I started to watch Galaxy II in the summer of 2016, and have missed only a handful of games since) and I realized during the game that I've never seen G2/VCFC win a playoff match. We had success early in our reserves history (almost winning the USL title in our second year in 2015), since we have qualified to postseason a couple of times ('16, '19, '20, '24, '25), but we have always been eliminated in the first round. I also checked and during these five playoff campaigns, we have only scored... One goal ! A Jalen Neal header in 2020. A little bit depressing to be honest.
Didn’t G2 make a final one year and lost? Onalfo was the coach. Maybe just before your time? But yes, it’s been a minute since our reserves have challenged for a league title.
To be fair, VCFC played a ton of teenagers in this game - Miller (18), Ramos (18), Dalgado (19), Middleby (19), and Vanney (17) in the starting lineup and Magana (18) replaced Middleby at halftime. We only had a few true vets/journeyman - Scott (26), Rindov (24), Karani (24), Vivi (24), along with one still young prospect-type in Musto (21) St. Louis City 2 had Tyson Pearce (18) at RB, but that's it for the teenagers. Other players were McSorley (23), Jaaskalainen (24), Kuzain (27), Kidd (27), Antwi (25), Perez (20), Mikina (24), Olivares (23), Orozco (21), and Cilley (24). Completely different philosophy of roster construction. I prefer giving our Academy players time against those older players to develop them. St. Louis City FC is still treating their MSLNP team like a reserve team rather than a developmental team. I'm not really interested in following a team with a couple of 27 year-old career third division vets bossing the midfield. If that's how you get to be #1 seed in MLS Next Pro, no thank you.
https://www.chicagofirefc.com/two/news/chicago-fire-fc-ii-acquires-goalkeeper-owen-pratt I know @Benny Dargle talked about it a few weeks ago but I don't think I saw the official annoucement : GK Owen Pratt has joined the Chicago Fire. The 17-year-old keeper is highly rated, and it seems our former head of scouting Mikey Stephens had a hand on this deal. Also, maybe you recently heard about the awesome story of Mjällby, a Swedish club who just won their national championship a couple of days ago for the first time ever. Their story is awesome, especially when you know they represent a city with around 1,000 inhabitants. I discovered just two weeks ago that last summer Mjällby signed Christian Tchouante, a 19-year-old Cameroonian defender who played for VCFC last year. He hasn't been a regular for them (only 58 minutes played), but I'm very surprised because Tchouante looked lost in MLS Next Pro last season.
As I do every year, I'll make a review of every VCFC player and I'll start with the goalkeeper position : - Brady Scott (1999) : after being my VCFC MVP last year, Scott started the majority of VCFC games this season. This year was the opposite of 2024 for Scott : he often looked undecisive and uncapable of making saves, especially during shootouts where he looked so good last year. He wasn't bad, he was just... Here. Although he looked excellent in the last game of the season (the playoff game), that was a shocking year from Scott if you compare to last season. I don't know what to think about his position of third keeper in the first team depth chart right now... Not sure he will be back next year. - JT Marcinkowski (1997) : well, you probably know him as he played a couple of games with the first team, and he sometimes looked good. I just wanted to point that he also looked extremely solid in the four MLS Next Pro games he had to play this year.
I will add that, as LEM-LAG mentioned in a post above, the one Academy keeper to get any playing time - Owen Pratt - left for the Chicago Fire. I thought that was a little disappointing considering his USYNT status, but if a team decides that a player doesn't have a future with the senior team, I do think it's classy to just let him go for greener pastures rather than trying to hold on to him for some compensation (since he was signed to VCFC on a contract that would have converted to a senior team contract in 2027). The other Academy player who appeared on the bench for VCFC, but did not get playing time this year (and was only on the roster as an Academy contract) is James Rhodes. He's a solid, technical, keeper, but he's always been behind Pratt on both Academy teams and for VCFC, so I'm not sure what it says about him if the Galaxy didn't think Pratt could cut it. Rhodes has signed to play with University of Pittsburgh, but he's a Class of 2026 kid and could still play with VCFC in the spring/summer of next season. The Galaxy are probably moving on from him, but they also could be encouraging him to get playing time in college and he could come back into the mix.
Next review : the right backs. I think this is the review Galaxy fans have to read ! - Harbor Miller (2007) : Galaxy fans start to know him, as he didn’t look out of place in the couple of MLS games he played this year as a winger. He looked excellent in MLS Next Pro, playing both fullback positions and grabbing 5 goals and 3 assists in 16 games, which is impressive for a fullback. For someone of his age Miller is so clever in his decision-making, always putting his body in the good position, always making the good run, and very composed in the final third. He’s very versatile as you know but I think his future is at RB. I don’t see a lot of flaws, maybe he can progress a little bit on the defensive side but it’s not worrying. If everything goes right I could see him having a huge future, possibly a better career than Julian Araujo if we talk about another fullback. - Jason Bucknor (2002) : the number 20 pick in this year’s Draft primary position is also RB, but, like Miller, he ended playing everywhere between RB, LB, RW et LW. Bucknor is fearless going forward with powerful runs, he’s dominant with his speed and very athletic. Bucknor is overall a very offensive fullback, less effective than Miller though. On the defensive side, his athleticism is adequately doing the work. Bucknor is the symbol of VCFC : he looked great in the first half of the season, but clearly faded in the second half. I tend to think he could have a future with the first team (maybe not next year, although his versatility could help) and IMO he should get a shot at the next training camp. - Mason Vanney (2007) : Dylan's twin played in the last six games of the season and looked OK and composed going forward. He'll probably get more minutes next year, with Miller spending way more time with the first team.
Next review : the CB position. - Chris Rindov (2001) : he's a known quantity now, so I'll make it short : big and strong CB, solid in the air, but can be caught behind his back and it's the worrying part to me : I'm not sure he fits Vanney ball where CBs are often exposed. I hope I'm wrong, the guy has fought for his place and I wish him success with the first team. - Jose "Pepe" Magana (2007) : a highly-touted player who had a lot off success in MLS Next this year, Magana had an interesting start to 2025 after some promizing performances last year. Very comfortable with the ball, good in the air, good in duels, it seems all these qualities vanished as the season went on and Magana finished the year as a true liability, and it was getting worse game after game. He still has a lot of time but this was painful to watch, Magana was a true orphan after Rindov's promotion to the first team. - Max Middleby (2005) : a RB by trade, the Aussie never got much chance (and never impressed) at this position for our second team. After Rindov signed a first-team contract, he was the guy called up to replace him as a CB. While he looked a little bit better centrally, he still struggled. After two years I've not seen something exciting with this guy, I'm ready to give him another year but I wouldn't be surprised to see him gone this winter. - Enrique Martinez (2008) : like Magana, here is another name to remember. Didn't impress but made his debut in MLS Next Pro last year and had a couple more games at the end of the season. He's currently with the US at the U17 World Cup, with their first game coming tomorrow.
Unless they feel there's a real gap in the CB pool and they need a cheap bridge or depth piece (the latter necessary because our best young CBs get called up for USYNT duty) who at least understands their system, I don't really see the point of Middleby. He doesn't have the experience to be an effective mentor for the younger CBs or the upside to be a developmental defender. If we plan on keeping Rindov with the senior team regularly, it would make sense to draft a college CB or sign an undrafted one (the Steres/Romney route), sign someone whose career has stalled with another MLS team (the Rindov route), or sign a career MLSNP player (a la Liam Doyle) if they need a steady veteran to pair with one of the younger center backs.
Next review : the LB position. Actually, this spot was shared between Harbor Miller, Jason Bucknor and Riley Dalgado so for the two former, see my review on RBs. Riley Dalgado (2006) : Dalgado has been with the reserves forever, and he got minutes in USL when G2 were still playing in it in late 2022. Dalgado had a successful season last year as a very offensive left back capable of combining in tight spaces and with a strong first touch to get out of pressure. I've already said it but in many ways he looks like Julian Aude. Unfortunately, Dalgado had a down year and sparingly looked competent enough to hold the LB spot (missing the first month through an injury probably didn't help). It's a problem because I don't think anybody in the club expected a stop in his development, as he was believed to sign a first-team contract next year. 2026 has to be a make or break season in MLS Next Pro for him, or I guess the club will move on from him.
Next review : the central (mostly defensive-minded) midfielders. - Tommy Musto (2003, will turn 22 tomorrow) : a reclamation project from LAFC second team, Musto was our iron man this season, starting every VCFC game in all competitions (31 games). Musto is a DM who can recover balls, but his main qualities are offensive : he's a good passer, and an excellent set pieces taker, capable of delivering good corners or scoring on a direct free kick. He reminds me a little bit of Isaiah Parente : somebody who's deployed as a DM but who's more used as a possession player. Overall, Musto had a good season and is among the players close to the first team (he had two emergency call ups this season), and who could have a shot at the January camp. I'm not holding my breath on him though. - Jeorgio Kocevski (2002) : another reclamation project, this time from Orlando. Kocevski was often paired with Musto in central midfield until he missed the last games of the season with an injury. Kocevksi shined with his passing and his very good vision, he was excellent at launching through balls to teammates. He also ended the season as our golden boot (7 goals - tied with Luis Müller, who left midseason), which is a little bit strange for a CM. He was helped a lot by a odd 6-4 win at Seattle 2 where he scored a hat trick. Like Musto, Kocevski had a decent season and could be in the mix in the January camp (he was with the first team last year), but I like his chances less than Musto. - Mateo Tsakiris (2008) : the Galaxy Academy standout is currently with the US U17 at the World Cup (alongside Enrique Martinez) and played 1200 minutes with VCFC this year. He was the Swiss army knife of this team, playing LB, CB and CM, and looked like a 17-years old kid. A name to follow, although I don't know if he will be with our second team next year as he is comitted to Clemson. - Gabriel Arnold (2007) : another former Academy player, Arnold was in his second year with VCFC but played way less than last year because of Musto's availability. That said, I like what I saw in Arnold, another skilled player with good vision but who showed more grit this year on the defensive side. Maybe it won't lead to anything serious but he definitely needs to play more minutes next year.
Next review : the attacking midfielders. - Dylan Vanney (2007) : Vanney was our starting 10 for most of the season and finished the year second in minutes played. He was a true revelation. Vanney is super skilled and does a lot of things : drop deep (mostly on the left side) to organize the attack, has good vision, solid dribbling skills, good soccer IQ, good shooter, excellent on set pieces... His game winning free kick against LAFC 2 was my best memory of this 2025 season. Sometimes he can disappear and he struggled a little bit with MLS Next Pro's speed, but it's totally normal for somebody who has not turned 18 yet. Talent is here, I have no doubt about it. While I can see him getting a couple of minutes with the first team next season, I think he should spend another year in MLS Next Pro. The problem with Vanney will be the same as the other second team attackers from the past : we have DPs here and very little room for young players to grow. That's my main worry here, but you should definitely keep an eye on Greg's son. - Vicente Garcia (2010) : a highly-touted player from our Academy (and I mean Efrain Alvarez/Mathis Albert level), Garcia got his first minutes (221 in total) with the second team this year. He looked very skilled and dangerous for someone of his age, but I'm not sure he'll play much with the Galaxy (see my next post).
EXCLUSIVE: 15-year-old midfielder Vicente Garcia has major interest from English giants Chelsea FC, who are expected to move for the player once he turns 18 🤩The Mexican-American made history as the youngest player ever to sign a pro contract with LA Galaxy, and has already… pic.twitter.com/K0OS7moDv4— Footy Access (@footy_access) November 7, 2025 That's what I was talking about. Could be a Alex Alcala situation, where the player grows through our Academy and second team but will leave for a European club once he'll turn 18.
Next review : the wingers. - Gino Vivi (2000) : the 23rd pick in the 2023 SuperDraft came back midseason and, as we already know, looked too good for MLS Next Pro. Vivi operates on the left side and likes to dribble and come inside to take a shot. He's a decent finisher, good passer, has a good vision... It's just he's not great at anything and I don't see much upside for someone who will turn 25 next month. If he gets a green card he may have a place in our roster next year, but this is not impressive depth. - Nick Sullivan (2002) : signed by LAFC 2 last year, Sullivan probably impressed in MLS Next Pro and was picked by the Galaxy with the last pick of the 2025 SuperDraft. It looked like a good idea, since the moment he's been available he was decisive in almost every game, with 5 goals and 4 assists in his first 12 starts. Like the whole team, he faded then. Sullivan is versatile and can play on both wings and as a forward, because he knows how to be clinical inside the box and when he's in form he sometimes needs just a half opportunity to score. He's also a good dribbler and has a good soccer IQ, but lacks physicality. I don't really know which Sullivan we can expect : the one from the first 14 games was excellent, the one from the last 7 games was non-influential. He's a name to follow this winter, because if you want cheap depth on the wing with a skilled and versatile player, here is a name to consider.
Next and last review : the striker position : - Sean Karani (2000) : actually, Karani's season was split between the striker and the right winger positions. He put some solid numbers, with 4 goals and 7 assists in 1600 minutes, leading the team in assists. Karani has speed and knows how to run into space, but his very inconsistent and headscratching finishing (and overall play) will be a problem at a higher level. IMO he will always look better as a winger, but actually it's time to move on, he's the oldest VCFC field player and looked just OK at the MLS Next Pro level. - Ruben Ramos Jr. (2007) : I appreciate the fact he got some minutes (200) with the first team and that's the most important thing, but his MLS Next Pro season was average. Ramos biggest quality is his finishing, the boy can also dribble but doesn't make a lot of difference here. With the reserves he has often played as a second striker, but never got extended starts up top. This year was no exception despite being the best striker in the roster, and by the end of the year he seemed to player deeper and deeper which doesn't make sense to me. With how the first team plays there is only one solution for him to succeed : play up top. I hope he'll get Berry's minutes next year. - Levon Saribekyan (2005) : signed after open tryouts, Saribekyan got scrubs minutes but did look completely out of place, with the heaviest first touch I've seen from a VCFC player this year. Brutal.
As I do every year, here are my VCFC Awards for the 2025 season : MVP : 1) Harbor Miller 2) Chris Rindov 3) Dylan Vanney Miller is the easy MVP, he was way better than everybody else on this team. Rindov was OK and very consistent, so not much doubt about his second place. Third is more debatable, Vanney was a little bit inconsistent and overall a couple of players could have something to say (I'm thining about Sullivan and Bucknor especially), but a lot guys faded as the season went on so I'll give it to Vanney who had an impressive year for a 17 years old. Defensive player of the year : 1) Harbor Miller 2) Chris Rindov 3) Tommy Musto Third place is between Musto and Bucknor but the later didn't shine because of his defensive abilities, so I'll go with our DM. Biggest improvement since last year : 1) Harbor Miller 2) Sean Karani 3) Gabriel Arnold Enough or Harbor Miller ? Karani and Arnold were far from excellent but were undoubtly better than last season, so credit to them. Biggest disappointment : 1) Jose "Pepe" Magana 2) Riley Dalgado 3) Brady Scott Three players who have regressed a lot this year. Names to remember : - are ready to have an impact with the first team : Harbor Miller and Chris Rindov. - are already with the first team but won't have much of an impact : Gino Vivi and Brady Scott. - wild card : Ruben Ramos Jr. - are close to the first team and could look for a contract this winter (based on first team needs) : Nick Sullivan, Tommy Musto, Jeorgio Kocevski, Jason Bucknor (in that order). - still too young and inexperienced for MLS but remember the names : Dylan Vanney, Jose Magana, Riley Dalgado, Gabriel Arnold, Mateo Tsakiris. As always feel free to ask question. @Benny Dargle don't hesitate to submit your own comments.
A few thoughts: Harbor Miller definitely had a good season for VCFC. He scored 5 goals and 4 assists from the right and left back positions. He only played 17 out of VCFC's 31 games in all competitions, though, and 1508 minutes. Rindov played 23 games and 2070 minutes and Dylan Vanney played 29 games and 2440 minutes. From the perspective of the LA Galaxy, he was the VCFC player who showed the most promise as a prospect, but in terms of value to VCFC, I thought Rindov and Vanney probably were the bigger contributors on a regular basis. To be honest, Muller was the most valuable, as evidenced by how much the team dipped after he departed. The difficulty of this whole exercise is that the age gap among the players is large and meaningful. Rindov, Musto, Koscevski, Sullivan, Vivi, Bucknor and Muller often looked better, but they were also between 5 and 8 years older than player like Miller, Ramos, Vanney, Tsakiris, and Arnold. Miller was also stronger than Dylan Vanney most of the time, but Miller is almost a full year older than Vanney and has already received considerable playing and practice time with the first team. The fact that Vanney was the Academy Player of the Year is an indication that the Galaxy really didn't even think of him as a VCFC player yet. I think the players to watch next season are Ramos, Dalgado, and Magana. The first two missed some games and had stops and starts due to national team duty and injuries. Magana played almost every game. Given that the Galaxy has already invested in all of them and they all play positions where there are spots available if they can provide depth, this year could be key for them to make progress. With Magana the question next season is whether they sign another center vet to mentor him (assuming Rindov is with the Galaxy) or whether they try to give him the CB leader role the way they did with Markus Ferkranus two years ago. Ferkranus was only 19 when they elevated him to that position, which is the same age Magana will be next season.
Sean Karani posted a goodbye to VCFC/LA Galaxy message on his instagram account. No surprise. I understand his appeal given that he had the speed as a winger to fit Vanney's system, but he was too old for this level and was neither a legitimate prospect nor a bench depth player for the Galaxy.