Here on Episode 355, two streaks come to an end as, hopefully, one starts. It's a solo Scarf endeavor here on Defenders of the Banc, as he breaks down LAFC's 2-1 victory over the Earthquakes. 

A scoreless but entertaining first half gave way to fireworks in the second, with LAFC getting on the board just past the hour mark. The rebound from Denis Bouanga's shot found the foot of Sergi Palencia, who teed one up perfectly from the top of the box to score his first goal in 2,888 days! That's even before Defenders of the Banc started! Yikes!

About 20 minutes later, Denis Bouanga would end a streak of his own, getting his first MLS regular season goal since last October, giving LAFC a 2-0 lead, and it's a good thing he did! Cristian Espinoza went ahead and did Cristian Espinoza things for SJ, scoring in stoppage to give SJ life, but LAFC saw out the final minutes without issue for the 2-1 win.

Also on this episode, we compliment Olivier Giroud's effort, several times, while hoping that all goes well with Maxime Chanot. It's a relatively quick one, and definitely a fun one here on Episode 355. Enjoy!

LAFC gets set for a bit of a respite, with just 5 matches in their next 30 days, beginning with a home match against the Earthquakes. Scarf and Laff break down the Players to Watch, explore their Keys to the Match, and look into their crystal balls (giggity) for their Score Predictions!

It's Episode 354, and it's a collapse of epic proportions, as LAFC goes to Miami, takes a 2-0 aggregate lead WITH the tiebreaker, only to squander it all away, losing 3-1 to Messi and Inter Miami and crashing out of the 2025 CCC. Ugh.

Things looked great for the Black and Gold early, as captain Aaron Long reported for duty, scoring a chaotic 9' goal to give the boys an early lead, and the tiebreaker. That's about where the good news ends. 

Miami scores three unanswered, including two from Lionel Messi. Denis Bouanga missed or squandered a series of great chances, including one in second-half stoppage, and that proved to be the undoing for LAFC in the CCC. SEVEN, yes, seven big chances missed for LAFC. Miami wins the match, 3-1, and wins the aggregate, 3-2, to advance to the semis. 

Also on this match, Scarf is back from Costa Rica, Filly suffers no fools lightly when it comes to Dolo out, and Laff harkens back to his LAFC debut as part of This Date In LAFC History. Enjoy 354!

Filly and Lafferty preview LAFC's upcoming fixture in the CCC QF, while also battling trolls in the chat. 

Solo Filly episode tonight as Lafferty and The Scarf attended LAFC 2's US Open cup game against AV Alta FC. 

LAFC headed down to San Diego for the first time, set to take on San Diego FC in Matchday 6 of the 2025 MLS season. A disaster start was only compounded by a fatal mistake after halftime, and the boys lost 3-2. 

Spotting a club a 3-0 lead is never something you want to do, but it's exactly what LAFC did in just 40' in San Diego. Anders Dreyer's passing, Christopher McVey's defense (and head), and a huge flub by Hugo Lloris saw the home side race out to the 3-goal lead. LAFC clawed two back before halftime, including a brilliant strike from Artem Smoliakov, but a second yellow to Igor Jesus killed the momentum. 

LAFC loses to an expansion club in our first meeting for the first time, Nathan Ordaz looks great in limited action, Scarf rants about resigning Kei Kamara, and Chris Lafferty finds a new favorite player! All that and more can be yours on Episode 351! Enjoy!

LAFC heads down the freeway to take on San Diego for the very first time! Who are the players to watch? What will the score be? Take a listen and find out!

LAFC traveled to Children's Mercy Park and showed no mercy to Sporting, taking out the home side, 2-0. Goals from David Martinez and Aaron Long, excellent defending, and two big saves by Hugo Lloris punctuated the win. 

Also on Episode 350, Odin Holm and Adrian Wibowo make their LAFC debuts, LAFF needs to be reminded it's an LA podcast, and apparently, Scarf was a member of the Open Cup broadcast team for LAFC2's win over FC Arizona. Enjoy 350, and here's to 350 more!

After playing 8 matches in 26 days, LAFC gets a much needed week of training before heading to Kansas City to take on Sporting, and their new striker Dejan Joveljic! Join Scarf as he breaks down the Players to Watch, Keys to the Match, and his Score Prediction!

LAFC2, not LAFC, begin the defense of our 2024 USOC title with a First Round match against NPSL-side FC Arizona! Get all the details on LAFC2 and as many details as Scarf could find about FC Arizona!