FC Montfermeil takes on Venice Beach FC AT OAKWOOD PARK
On February 8, 2020, FC Montfermeil — a Paris amateur club that has produced over 250 pro players — came to Los Angeles with filmmaker Ladj Ly to support his Oscar‑nominated Les Misérables. Ladj Ly grew up in Montfermeil and is close to the club. FC Montfermeil is a true community team, helping low‑income and immigrant families with top football training, education, and civic support. They partner with Ligue 1 side Saint‑Étienne, which signs their best players. On their first visit to L.A., we played a friendly against them at Oakwood Rec Center in Venice.
The story begins nearly one year ago, when one of the sauciest French players stumbled upon the Sunday Pickup game and quickly became a VBFC regular and standout personality. Moises Fadiga who you’ll see rocking Yeezy’s while doing step-overs , who was raised in the Montfermeil district and had connections back to the club. Early in 2020, Moises mentioned the film and that the team would be coming over to support around the Oscars. However, no logistics or anything definite was set in stone prior to the club’s arrival on Oscar weekend. The night prior to their arrival, Moises texted and said “you will be at Oakwood tomorrow at 12? The club will come by.” We didn’t know what to expect at all, and assumed maybe a few players would come by for an informal meet and greet. At 12pm that Saturday, a greyhound bus pulled up, filled with a full 18-man squad, trainers, media, the club president, DOC, and traveling supporters. VBFC’s Oakwood Soccer League had just finished, and we had dozens of our youth players and families there already. We quickly set up a large 7 v 7 field, and put together a squad between the Venice High varsity team, VBFC coaching staff and some of our Sunday’s best players to compete against a group of U-18 professional prospects. These boys were full-grown men, some of whom already had French Youth National Team experience.
Venice Beach FC scored two quick goals. Montfermeil then grew physical, kept possession, and the game tightened with chances for both sides. Ryan Arambula and Alex Lalor pressured well; Michael Rosario anchored the back. Each French goal brought loud celebrations from subs and fans—dancing and selfies. Venice High varsity players noticed a higher standard of play. Nick Santhiago returned from injury and showed strong passing and technique. Twelve-year-old Gera Flores debuted fearless and aggressive, sliding into tackles, winning 50-50s, and finding good passes. VBFC staff, players, and families were thrilled and surprised as they set up a park field. Across the street, a bus of French players arrived blaring French hip-hop and stepped into the park.
The sun shone, the air was crisp, and you could feel something special was coming. Everyone greeted each other, mingled, and the players dressed for the game. A formal walk-out featured the French and American anthems, then the Champions League tune, marking the first game of its kind at Oakwood Rec Center. It felt like soccer history in Venice. French internationals and VBFC’s best played a full 90 minutes for the neighborhood. The match began with both teams rising to the moment. Montfermeil’s quality showed right away, inspired by a nation fresh off a World Cup. Music played the whole match — a lively French afro-beats set run by the traveling fans.
At the end of 90 minutes, the game was all square and both teams were forced into golden-goal extra-time. True to his spirit, Antonio de Rossi - reserve team captain - arrived on his bike trailer seconds before the extra-time whistle blew, and immediately subbed himself into the game. No one questioned it. Both teams came out firing and wanted to be crowned champs of the first friendly of its kind on US soil. Montfermeil shots zipped wide and high, threatening to break the dead-lock, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Right on cue, Antonio began to show the Santos Laguna quality in his blood, as he demanded the ball from his VBFC teammates. With minutes remaining in extra time, Ryan Arambula picked out a through ball to Antonio, who calmly megged the FC Montfermeil keeper to claim the golden-goal winner for VBFC. The VBFC kids rushed the field, and both sides celebrated this very special moment. You couldn’t have scripted it.
VBFC and Montfermeil forged a meaningful bond that day—one we believe will endure for a lifetime. For most of the French visitors it was their first time in the United States, and for Venice it marked the club’s first international friendly at Oakwood Rec. Center. Players, fans, and staff from both sides shared an experience rich with camaraderie and unforgettable moments that will linger for years to come. VBFC will remain closely connected with Montfermeil and awaits the chance to announce further exciting collaborations in the months ahead. And who knows—perhaps a VBFC youth player will one day travel to France to begin a new chapter in the beautiful game. We are eternally grateful to Moises Fadiga, the French consulate, and the FC Montfermeil family for their graciousness and class during their visit. We cannot wait to be with them again.
