Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

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It's Episode 239, and we travel to Commerce City, Colorado, to take on the Rapids in a place where we haven't won since 2018. Spoiler alert: We still haven't, but at least we didn't lose! A 0-0 draw for the Black and Gold starts this next gauntlet of 5 matches in 16 days. 

Also on this podcast, apparently it was Opposite Day, as Filly gets his research on when discussing 0-0 draws while Scarf rants on the NWSL haters. The boys welcome Bogusz while giving you a recap of how our four internationals did their duty. 

Oh, and a major announcement from Filly and the Scarf: THEY ARE STARTING ANOTHER PODCAST! That's right, the soon-to-be-recorded first episode of "2 Black and Gold", covering all things LAFC2, will be hitting the airwaves and YouTube shortly after their second match of the season. Get ready, and enjoy episode 239!

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LAFC definitely didn't make it easy against Dallas, but three points is three points, and the Black and Gold collected all three in their 2-1 win against a 10-man Dallas squad. 

LAFC almost had two goals in the first three minutes, but had to settle for being up 1-0 courtesy of Timothy Tillman in the 3rd minute. After a Dallas goal was ruled offside and Giorgio lost his shin guard for the first time, LAFC gained a man advantage courtesy of an Emmanuel Twumasi blow to the neck of Sergi Palencia. 

After a relatively improbable turn of events that led to Denis Bouanga's availability despite beginning the day in Turkey, Bouanga checked into the match just after the hour mark. The Black and Gold couldn't capitalize on their advantages however, and a poorly defended set piece led to a level match in the 73rd.

However, Superman took off his glasses and tie and changed into his Black and Gold kit. Despite attempting a cross through the box from an impossible angle, Bouanga gives LAFC the lead in the 84'. Despite Carlos Vela's attempt to give Dallas one last opportunity, LAFC sees it out for an ugly three points. We'll take it!

Also on this episode, Filly literally wears many hats, Scarf shows off his new shirt, and the boys continue to figure out StreamYard and YouTube. Check it out, give us a watch, and enjoy Episode 238!

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It was hard to tell who was more tired, LAFC after playing their 5th match in 15 days, or the Defenders, fresh from celebrating Scarf's 40th birthday. But the show must go on, both for our beloved Black and Gold, and for THE most LAFC podcast on Earth, Defenders of the Banc! 

Episode 237 relives the riveting 0-0 draw in Seattle, complete with yellow cards, substitutions, and one nice save from Stefan Frei. We looked tired, but keeping a high-powered Seattle squad off the scoresheet is no small feat. The defense looked great, and the offense was almost good enough to steal all 3 at Lumen. 

Also on this episode, Filly apologies to an entire city while Scarf gets some birthday love from Giorgio Chiellini! A huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of Scarf's 40th. It really does feel like millions! 

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After a masterful showing in Costa Rica, and fresh off another master class against New England, the boys in Black and Gold take on Alajuelense yet again for their 4th match in 12 days, this time at the friendly confines of BMO. We cover both CCL matches here on Episode 236!

Winning the first leg comfortably, 3-0, and on the road, no less, meant that all LAFC had to do was avoid an epic collapse at home to move on to the quarterfinals of the 2023 CCL tournament. So what does LAFC decide to do? Make all of the millions (and millions!) sweat, of course. 

After giving up early goals in both halves, LAFC waited until the 83rd minute to put things on ice. Carlos Vela, El Rey himself, found himself 1v1 with the incredibly capable Costa Rican keeper Leonel Moreira. Unlike most of this match, there was nothing Moreira could do to keep the sheet clean, and Carlos's goal propels LAFC to a date (actually, two!) with the Tristan Blackmon and the Vancouver Whitecaps in April. We've got (at least) two more CCL games on the docket this season!

We know this one is a little long, but also on this episode, Filly details his German ancestry as LAFC inks a deal with German giants Bayern Munich, Scarf regales us with tales of his trip down river in Costa Rica, and the boys get set for their 4th podcast in a week and a half! There's nothing like March Madness, in both the NCAA and MLS!

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Didn't we just do this? (Yes!) And aren't we doing this again very soon? (Also yes!) It's a gauntlet of 5 matches in 15 days, and LAFC's beatdown of the Revolution means we are over the hump! It's Episode 235, the one where we welcome back club legend Latif Blessing!

LAFC, fresh off their international spanking of Costa Rica's Alajuelense, head back to BMO for our third-ever showdown against Bruce Arena and the NE Revolution. Spoiler alert: It did not go well for Bruce's Boys. An early PK converted by Denis Bouanga (one of two for him), and goals by Timothy Tillman and Stipe Biuk capped off the 4-0 win for the Black and Gold. 

News wasn't all good, however, as Ryan Hollingshead left the match with a potentially serious upper-body injury in the 83'. We will wait and see what his status is for the coming weeks. 

We will cover both legs of the first round CCL tilt with Alajuelense on the next episode, but, for now, a very tired duo of Filly and Scarf breaking down New England will have to do! Enjoy the episode!

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It’s Opening Day for LAFC in 2023, and with that comes rings, banners, an incredible tifo, and, like the previous 5 seasons, 3 points! Here on Episode 234, listen to Filly and Scarf break down the win over Portland. Better yet, for the first time, head on over to YouTube, and you can now WATCH the Defenders do their thing!

 Before the match, all the pomp and circumstance that comes with winning your first MLS Cup was definitely present. All three pieces of hardware were there, with a matching banner for each. Maxime Crepeau and Gareth Bale brought out the Cup while all the players received their rings. Olly, Will Ferrell, and Aaron Donald were all at newly christened BMO Stadium. It was like the first day of school and graduation day all rolled into one!

 LAFC roared out to a 3-0 lead behind goals from Carlos Vela, Mahala Opoku, and… GIORGIO CHIELLINI?!? Yes, the man who scored his first professional goal before Erik Duenas or Tony Leone was even born opens his LAFC ledger with our first goal of 2023! Scarf nearly died.

 Also on this episode, watch as the boys figure out which way to look as they try to look as natural as they can on video. We’ve got news about Chicho Arango, Mohamed Traore, and Adrien Perez as we look back at the first match in club history. With 4 more matches in 15 days, there’s definitely going to be a lot of content coming in a short amount of time, so enjoy 234 while you can!

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233 episodes in, and Filly and the Scarf finally deviate from the script! On this episode, which you should most definitely be WATCHING on YouTube as well as listening to on your favorite streaming service, the boys review all 30 new kits unveiled for the 2023 season... objectively. That's right, the Defenders put aside as much of their Black and Gold bias as possible for one episode to objectively review all 30 new kits. 

No LAFC news and notes. No This Day in LAFC History. No "Wait, What?!" moment. Just our (mostly) unbiased reviews and opinions on all 30 new kits for 2023. 

Don't worry, we will get right back to our regularly scheduled LAFC banter on 234. But, for just one time, enjoy some non-Black and Gold content from the Defenders here on 233, and tell us what you think in the comments on YouTube!

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Season Six is almost upon us and, as the Defenders will do before the bigger matches of the season, it's time to know thy enemy! Filly and The Scarf delve into Carson's roster, expected starting lineup, offseason issues, and everything else pertinent to our Opening Night matchup with the Herbalife sashes down the road. 

Who has Carson brought in to replace the legendary Kevin Cabral? Will the supporters who reside in Victoria's Secret actually show up? How cold will it be in Pasadena on Saturday? Make sure you check out Episode 232 for the answers to all these questions and more, and we will see you on Saturday!

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t's Episode 231, and it's Kit Launch Day 2023! Like Dobby, the Defenders were very excited to get clothes, as LAFC dropped the "Smokescreen" Kit hours before their final preseason tilt of 2023. USL-side San Diego Loyal makes the trip up the coast to BMO, bringing with them a couple of familiar faces. 

Before the match, LAFC HQ was packed with Black and Gold faithful buying olive green away kits, a departure from the "linen" kits of 2 years ago. The MLS Cup was there in ALL shapes and sizes, with mini cups given out to kit-purchasers, the actual MLS Cup at the FLEX Photo Booth in Pepsi Plaza, and the massive cup just inside the stadium near the North End! Our cup(s) runneth over!

LAFC handled their business on both Murillo and Romero's birthdays. One mistake spoiled the clean sheet in what was otherwise a dominating performance by LAFC. Goals from Vela, Mahala, and Bouanga, off of beautiful assists by Mahala, Chiellini, and Murillo, gave LAFC the 3-1 win and closed out our sixth preseason. 

It's onto the Rose Bowl, where LAFC aims to BLACK OUT Pasadena. While these new green kits are fun, please don't wear them next week as we take on Carson! Enjoy Episode 231, and make sure to wear your BLACK kits next weekend!

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The Super Bowl is over, and with that, comes the close of the NFL season and the day every soccer (football!) loving fan in Los Angeles was waiting for: MLS Monday! That's right, the craze sweeping the sports world is here; MLS is taking over the day after the Super Bowl, and Episode 230 is the Defenders' contribution to #MLSMonday!

LAFC beat Bob, Dio, and MAK out in the desert, 2-1, behind a brace from Bouanga. Timothy Tillman shook off jet lag to make his debut, we finally figured out who #35 is (Emerson Hyndman), and Stipe Biuk makes an impact. 

Also on 230, Filly takes on gout, LAFC will release their away kit, Danny Trejo signs with Phoenix, LAFC 2 meets the Force, and Cowboy Chris helps the Defenders build a scarf wall! And, wait... did the boys keep it under an hour?! Finally! Enjoy Episode 230, and we will see everyone at the Banc on Feb 18th!

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