LA Galaxy announces name and crest change for its MLS NEXT Pro club

The LA Galaxy revealed today a significant rebranding move for their MLS NEXT Pro club, which will now operate under the name "Ventura County FC" (VCFC) in collaboration with Oak Sports Holding.

Formerly known as LA Galaxy II, this professional soccer team will call California Lutheran University home for their home matches. While AEG, the ownership group of the LA Galaxy, will maintain ownership of the MLS NEXT Pro club, VCFC's soccer operations will be overseen by the LA Galaxy, led by General Manager Will Kuntz, while certain commercial operations will be managed by Mark Noorzai of Oak Sports Holding.

This transformation represents a joint effort between the LA Galaxy and Oak Sports Holding to enrich soccer involvement in the Central Coast communities of southern California, encompassing areas like Oxnard, Camarillo, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and other surrounding cities.

Ventura County FC’s debut matches

Ventura County FC is set to compete in the First Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, securing a spot among 11 MLS NEXT Pro clubs. Their inaugural match will be against Irvine Zeta FC II at Dignity Health Sports Park's Track & Field Stadium on Thursday, March 21. Moreover, VCFC will host their first two MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season matches at Dignity Health Sports Park's Track & Field Stadium, with subsequent games taking place at California Lutheran University.

LA Galaxy's focus remains on player development and providing a pathway to the first team, and this partnership with Oak Sports Holding aims to bolster these efforts. The Galaxy will oversee all soccer operations for VCFC, ensuring continuity and quality across all aspects of the club's performance.

Mark Noorzai, founder of Oak Sports Holding, expressed excitement about bringing professional soccer to Ventura County, catering to both avid fans and aspiring young players. Additionally, Cobi Jones, an LA Galaxy legend and member of the Oak Sports Holding ownership group, emphasized the significance of this venture in his hometown and its potential to nurture local talent while offering top-tier entertainment.