Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

LAFC heads on the road in hopes of spoiling SKC's home finale. 

Here on Episode 331, a quick one, we recap a fairly boring three points earned at home at the expense of St. Louis City SC. Denis scored, Hugo keeps it clean, and we head to Kansas City!

LAFC had several opportunities throughout the first half, failing to capitalize on quality chance after quality chance. No matter, as Denis Bouanga went 1v3 and found enough space to slot one past backup keeper Ben Lundt. 

The second half was almost as equally frustrating offensively, but the defense sparkled. Zero shots on target allowed, Hugo's 11th clean sheet of the season, and 3 mich needed points in the Western Conference race. 

Also on this episode, we talk Tyler Miller, Wayne's World, and our beloved Metropolitans! Enjoy 331!

Filly and Scarf preview LAFC's midweek match vs the boys from the Lou, St Louis SC

Episode 330 is upon us, and it's a fruitful road trip to Cincinnati! Three points, roster rotation, and another goal for Denis are all we wanted, and LAFC delivered!

LAFC came out inspired, dominating much of the first half hour or so. The only downside would come about a half hour in, as Sergi Palencia would pick up a yellow, meaning he will have to miss our next match, home against STL. Great combination play, from Omar to Lewis to Kei to Lewis and finally to David Martinez, resulted in a magnificent goal from the teenager, and a 1-0 lead for LAFC.

Cincy would answer at about the hour mark, as another patented laser beam from Luca Orellano knotted the contest. Halftime sub Denis Bouanga would provide the winner, and, somewhat unsurprisingly, it would come off another keeper assist from Hugo and the first assist in Black and Gold for Olivier Giroud. LAFC would hold tight and see out the result, moving back to second in the West. 

Also on this episode, Scarf handles the Great Spider Attack of 2024 quite well, at least on camera, while Filly adds to his prop game with a Mertopolitan! The boys remember both Charlie Hustle and Dikembe while celebrating a 38-year old and much more! Enjoy 330! 

The US Open Cup hangover might still be lingering but that doesnt mean the season is over. That also means that OMS sleep is back. The boys return to preview LAFC first match in Cincy since 2022.

LAFC are the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Champions! It's a back-in-time episode, as the boys go nocturnal for the first time in quite a while, and for good reason! LAFC lifts a trophy for just the second time in club history after a 3-1 victory over a very game Sporting Kansas City side. At least a few of the demons have been exercised. 

The first half felt very much like a final: tense, scrappy, and neither side wanting to make the first major move. The best chance of the half came from Olivier Giroud, but both clubs would stay off the scoresheet.

Just 8 minutes into the second half, LAFC would strike first! It wouldn't be a bold strike or a soaring header, but a tap-in from Olivier Giroud counts just the same, and the boys have a 1-0 lead. A lead that would last all of several minutes, as Erik Thommy slots home an easy ball after a turnover from Timmy Tillman in our own half to level it at 1. 

We would play a full 90 deadlocked, which means bonus soccer in the forms of two 15-minute "halves", then PK's if necessary. It would not be necessary. LAFC found a goal in each half of extra time, first off the right foot of Omar Campos and then off the head of the ageless wonder, Kei Kamara. LAFC take home the trophy amid the 3-1 victory!

LAFC has made it to it 7th final in club history, 2nd this yr alone. Filly and Scarf are here to preview.

So much for tuning up and getting in form for the 2024 U.S. Open Cup Final. LAFC drops their road match to Dallas, 3-1, behind another lackluster performance amid roster rotation. LAFC may not have won a match in their last 5, but a chance to win a trophy comes to BMO on Wednesday, in the form of SKC. Let's chat about it on Episode 328.

An awful turnover right to the feet of Dallas' best goal scorer, Petar Musa, sees the home side take a 1-0 lead into the half. LAFC looked to stem the tide at the hour mark, subbing on Bouanga and Giroud, but in the next few minutes that followed, all hell broke loose for the Black and Gold. Two goals in two minutes from Dallas saw the lead balloon to 3, and if not for an Atuesta goal late, LAFC would be shut out by Texas for a third straight match.

LAFC turns its focus to the Open Cup Final on Wednesday, and everyone looked to come out of this one injury-free. It should be an interesting atmosphere at BMO for the mid-week matchup. Also on this episode, Filly is in a fighting mood as Scarf recalls the club's history with Hello Kitty. Enjoy 328!

We are BACK, although we never actually left. Back in action to preview LAFC's upcoming fixture against FC Dallas.

Filly and Scarf are back for Episode 327, as LAFC's winless streak hits 4 with a home draw against Austin. Back at BMO, LAFC misses an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot but definitely doesn't miss a chance to welcome back Carlos Vela!

LAFC played an excellent first half defensively... right up until it didn't. One mistake by Aaron Long, one pass by Bukari, and one shot on target was all Austin needed to take a lead into the locker room. 

An hour in, LAFC brings on Ilie and the teenager, David Martinez, and it pays dividends. Giroud, Atuesta, and Hollingshead combine for a great buildup, finding a streaking Martinez in the box to make it 1-1. Hugo did what he needed to to preserve a point, but LAFC couldn't find the winner and the match ended in a draw. 

Also on this episode, we thank the Miknuk family for being amazing, look ahead at the rest of the MLS regular season, and break down Carlos Vela's contract. Enjoy 327!