Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

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LAFC traveled to St. Louis for the very first time in club history, poised for a showdown against current West #1 St. Louis City SC. While Scarf (and Apple TV) hoped for a high-scoring affair, it turned out to be a defensive struggle in the Show Me State. It's a pod about a 0-0 game! Woo!

Tested early, Maxime Crepeau made four big saves to preserve the shutout. Several LAFC players had solid chances, but the highlight of the night was the bicycle kick by Giorgio Chiellini that wasn't just on frame but forced a solid effort by Roman Burki. The match might have been 0-0, but it was certainly entertaining. 

Also on this episode, Scarf brings up Hello Kitty, regrettably so. We explore all the lineup options moving forward, we wish a very happy birthday to our friend Liz, we look ahead to a "Getting to Know You" pod about Tigres, and we brace ourselves for what me a Filly and all the voices in his head pod after our next match, a weekend tilt in Philadelphia. Enjoy 276!

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Filly and Scarf preview LAFC’s upcoming match w/ Western Conference Leaders, St Louis. 

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The LA Derby never disappoints. Sure, the result might not always fall in our favor, but the excitement, the buildup, the anticipation, and the energy of the matchup with Carson is usually exceeded only by the football played on the pitch. It's very safe to say that, for Episode 275, this version of the derby definitely didn't disappoint. 

LAFC took the lead twice, first on a Bouanga banger from Chiqui, and then after Ryan Hollingshead poached a pass for Denis and turned it into a goal of his own. But just as many times as we took the lead, Carson would score soon after to bring it level. 

But just when we thought the match couldn't get any more intense, LAFC goes and totally redeems themselves. A Bouanga brace followed by Tillman's first in forever gave the home side a lead, a win, and all three points. 

Also on this episode, Olly meets a Heisman winner, Filly leaves the show for a few minutes, and Scarf is still waiting for his paper airplane show. Enjoy Episode 275 as we begin out final gauntlet of matches before MLS Cup Playoffs.

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Filly and Scarf preview LAFC's upcoming home match vs their bitter rivals, LA Galaxy

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It wasn't supposed to go like this. A loss to Charlotte on the heels of Messi coming to town? Messi Magic overwhelming LAFC at home? Portland punishing LAFC at Providence Park? No, no, and NO. Here on Episode 274, we try to figure out what's rotten in the state of the Black and Gold as LAFC falls in Portland, 2-0. 

Yes, LAFC came into the match without five players due to international duty, including talisman Denis Bouanga and the sizzling Cristian Olivera. And yes, LAFC was down their most important player (according to Scarf) Giorgio Chiellini, and his backline mate, Ryan Hollingshead, both due to injury. But surely the remainder of players in Black and Gold, or in this case, Smokescreen Green, would be enough to handle a Portland side well under the playoff line. Right? No. Not even close.

Goals from defenders Larrys Mabiala and Claudio Bravo on either side of halftime punctuated a spirited and collective effort from Portland as LAFC failed to record a shot on target for the first hour. Mateusz Bogusz did all he could to keep us afloat, but there wasn't nearly enough offensively time and time again. LAFC are now mired in a three-match losing streak as Carson heads to BMO. 

Also on this episode, please note: THIS ONE IS A SOLO SCARF ENDEAVOR! Filly is getting ready to call matches in Ontario, so it's just a man who likes to be alone with his thoughts. So much so that Scarf FORGOT the intro and outro! Oops. 

Also on this episode, Scarf poses the question: Have you ever seen Evander and The Weeknd in the same room at the same time? Are they not doppelgangers? 

Enjoy this one before the semi-milestone effort of 275 episodes! 

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The stage was set for a good ol'-fashioned Hollywood showdown: Messi, Busquets, Alba, and Martino against Vela, Bouanga, and the chorus of the Black and Gold Faithful. Which set of star power would show up on Apple TV's biggest night since Messi's debut?

It wasn't LAFC. Jordi Alba opened his Inter Miami account, Lionel Messi dished out two assists, and his bodyguard made perhaps the biggest save of the night. A goal by Ryan Hollingshead was simply far too little, far too late. 

Also on this episode, we spotlight all involved with the Kick Childhood Cancer campaign. Which iconic fast food spot does Scarf think of as just meh? Why is Filly so salty? And when can we have that national anthem singer back again? 

See you soon for Episode 274!

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For the 1st time OMS is available via your favorite podcast platforms because this game is important. As per usual, Filly and The Scarf preview LAFC's upcoming match vs Inter Miami.

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It's Episode 272 of Defenders of the Banc, now heard in Fiji! You know what they don't have much of in Fiji? TURF! LAFC falls to yet another inferior club on turf, this time in Charlotte. Listen as we recap and rant about the road loss. 

LAFC played a dismal first half, falling behind 1-0 after a series of turnovers and not doing a whole lot on the offensive end. When was the last time you heard of an LAFC club completing 90 passes in a half?

Just after the hour mark, Dolo would make his first move, and it was a good one. Subbing on Olivera, Fufu, and Acosta seemed to get the ball moving, and soon after, Super Mario Gonzalez would open his account after a great pass from Denis. The lead was short-lived, however, as a set of Charlotte subs had their desired effect. The Rangers legend, Scott Arfield, pounced on a rebound after a solid save by J-Mac, and LAFC found themselves down a goal yet again. 

Despite a series of solid efforts by Denis and Olivera, it was too little, too late, as LAFC falls in Charlotte. 

Also on this episode, Filly takes us on a trip through Fiji, Scarf rants about our upcoming gauntlet in September, and the boys are waking up very early for eggs tomorrow. Good luck, El Segundo, and enjoy Episode 272!

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Finally... MLS has come back... to BMO Stadium! It had been quite a while since LAFC had played an MLS regular season match at BMO, and boy did it feel good to be back! Olly's flying, Carlos is scoring, smoke is popping in the North End... the good times are back! LAFC hammers Colorado 4-0. 

Though it may have been a somber day in LA as we remember Kobe Bryant on his birthday, LAFC did all they could to raise the spirits of Angelinos with their performance. It was a barrage early, as Matty Bogusz, Carlos Vela, and Ryan Hollingshead gave the home side plenty to cheer about in the first half. 

After halftime, Colorado came out swinging, just not scoring. Despite dominating the first 12-15 minutes of the second half, they couldn't pull one back. Cristian Olivera subbed on in the 64th minute, and, wow, what a debut. Quickly establishing himself as a threat, he put one away in the 83', the Scarf Minute, to salt away the comfortable 4-0 result. It's the 8th clean sheet for J-Mac. 

Also on this episode, Filly apologizes for a fight song, Scarf rants about undercutting, and the boys can't wait for their date with Olly on the 31st! Who did Scarf use to trick or treat with? How did Filly stump the Scarf? And how were the burgers, tacos, and pizza? Find out the answers to all these and more on Episode 271! 

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This was not how it was supposed to go. A match at the Rose Bowl? Blowing a 2-goal lead with less than 25 minutes to go? No Vela AND no Chiqui? However you slice it, it's an unceremonious exit for LAFC as they fall to Monterrey, 3-2. 

LAFC raced out to a 2-goal lead behind the skillful PK of Denis Bouanga and the banger of a golazo by Mati Boguesz. But the entire second half belonged to Monterrey, as they roared back with 2 goals of their own and a little help from Sergi Palencia en route to a comeback win.

The story of the match was substitutions. All three of Monterrey's subs directly affected the game's outcome and were, in some way, responsible for a goal being scored. The same could not be said for LAFC. Either way, our Leagues Cup run is done.  

Also on this episode, Cifu debuts in Scotland, LAFC2 gets set to host a derby, and we wish a very happy birthday to friend-of-the-pod Team Security Paul! Enjoy, or at least get through, Episode 270. 

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