Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

Send us a text

In what was billed as the “Marquee Matchup in MLS” this week, East meets West at the Banc, with NYCFC taking on LAFC at the Cathedral of the Black and Gold. Here on Episode 148, Filly and Scarf recap the frustrating 2-1, complete with a breakdown of the breakdowns, thoughts on what could be next, and more than a few hot takes. 

 Before they get into the match recap, the Defenders recount a fun weekend in Solvang spent celebrating Nina’s birthday. Wineries, confetti balloons, and a few aebelskivers made for a very fun weekend, which even included running into a very good friend of the pod. They run through a few LAFC-related news and notes, including successful surgery for Mahala and potential international matches for a few of our boys in Black and Gold, and a few moments in LAFC history involving Carlos Vela off the pitch. And of course, no recent pod would be complete without an update on Brian Rodriguez and Almeria. Next week is a huge week for Almeria!

 The elephant in the room, however, is our loss, at home, against NYCFC. The two clubs had battled to consecutive 2-2 draws in their previous meetings, but only New York would get to two goals in this match. A somewhat humdrum first half ended scoreless, but that proved to be the calm before the storm. LAFC would draw first blood as Corey Baird slotted home a deflected Mark-Anthony Kaye pass to put the home side up a goal. After an awful turnover by Kaye, however, Jesus Medina would level the match at 1 goal apiece. After a frustrating series of missed opportunities and substitutions, NYCFC scores the winner off a corner in the 90th minute, as an offside-looking Ismael Tajouri-Shradi taps one home on the back post to grab 3 points for the away side. Despite dominating large stretches of the match, LAFC loses and the frustration continues. 

 Who does Scarf think LAFC could bring in to help right the ship? (It’s a real hot take) When does Filly think the decline of LAFC actually began? And what do the Defenders have in store for the international break? Tune in to Episode 148 to find out! Here’s to hoping better times are in store for LAFC!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

Episode 147 - Bracing For 3 Points

LAFC is back at home, back in the friendly confines of Banc of California Stadium, and looking to right the ship amidst their worst stretch in our club’s short history. Waiting for us at home are the Colorado Rapids, just in time for an LAFC rebirth. 

The fireworks began before the match, as Olly flew high above the beautiful pitch for the first time in over a year. After welcoming back Steven Beitashour, currently out injured for the Rapids, the stadium came to life during the player announcements, as Carlos Vela was announced as starter and captain.

LAFC wasted no time in applying pressure to the Rapids’ back line. Just 14 minutes in, LAFC would strike first, as Corey Baird sprung Diego Rossi for his first of the match. 20 minutes later, Tristan Blackmon would find Vela with a beautiful ball, who threaded it to Rossi once more and the rout was on. 

Though Colorado would get one back, LAFC closes out the match, and three sorely needed points. It’s our second of four straight home matches for the boys in Black and Gold, and the timing is right for an LAFC surge. 

On This Date in LAFC History, we welcome a German powerhouse to the Banc, while our news and notes segment sends out the best of wishes for a speedy recovery to Phillip Ejimadu. We spend a little time chatting to 110 Football, Scarf brings up the Patriots, and Filly keeps singing all about his apparent man-crush, Brian. 

See you next month for Episode 148!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

Episode 146 – Listless in Seattle

 13th Place. Last in the Conference. LAFC officially wades into uncharted waters in the MLS table, escorted there by a listless, punchless 2-0 loss courtesy of the Seattle Sounders. 

 LAFC is left looking for answers on the offensive side of the ball yet again, and a few key defensive miscues plague the back line. The biggest question heading into the match was whether or not we would see Carlos Vela. After the match, however, there were far more questions than answers. 

 The two sides played a largely unremarkable scoreless first half of play, though Seattle clearly had the better chances. Brad Smith and Will Bruin both missed fantastic opportunities, while LAFC struggled to get anything going besides a few shots from outside the box from Eduard Atuesta. That’s not going to cut it against the defending Western Conference champs. 

 Twelve minutes into the second half, Xavier Arreaga’s header towards the back post finds the back of the net, and Seattle was off to the races. A Brad Smith header after 5-6 passes on a string put the home side up 2-0, and that was all she wrote in Seattle. 

 There were certainly a few silver linings amongst the gloom in the Pacific Northwest. Carlos Vela made his return to the pitch, checking in at the 70-minute mark. For the first time all season, Rossi and Vela shared the pitch, though neither generated any chances. Kim Moon-Hwan gave LAFC a much-needed punch after he came on in the 77th minute, and Pablo Sisniega continues to be solid in net. Neither goal could be attributed solely to him. 

 Let’s be clear, LAFC supporters: This is a test. A test unlike any we have endured before in our club’s short history. But everything is set up well for LAFC to rebound and rise like a phoenix from the still-smoldering ashes. Our next four matches are all at home, and LAFC gets a 3-week break in-between the first two and the last two. We need to get healthy, we need to score, and we need at least 10 points from those four matches. 

 Also on this episode, we open some Topps soccer cards, we get an email from LAFC, and we give the Angel City Chicks some much-needed love. Why is Brian Rodriguez throwing a temper-tantrum during a match? Who scored the first goal in LAFC/Las Vegas Lights history? And which one of the Defenders was described as both “eye candy” and a fruit roll-up? You’ll have to listen to find out! See you for 147, and hopefully, for a big LAFC win at home against Colorado! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

Derby Day is upon us for the first time in 2021, and even though it’s down in Carson, and even though only 8,000 fans would be allowed in the park, there truly isn’t anything like the Battle for Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the Black and Gold faithful would be treated to a frustrating evening in Carson, as the boys fell 2-1. It’s Episode 145, and it’s this season’s biggest match so far in the new campaign. 

 On this episode, we discuss the potential LAFC selloff on the horizon, the debut of Kim Moon-Hwan, the lingering injury of the king, Carlos Vela, and the atmosphere in Carson on match day. Eduard Atuesta signs for another year, Kenneth Vermeer makes it officially official in Cincy, and the “Former LAFC Player Round-up” sees Walker with another assist. 

 Also on 145, Scarf actually hops back on the Team Brian train for a minute, and he even brings Filly with him while our “Wait, What?!” moment of the podcast sees three Black and Gold players in a phone booth. (Hint: none of them changed into Superman.) LAFC doesn’t have a ton of time to lick their wounds, as the club heads to Seattle to take on the Sounders next Sunday. 

 To all the moms out there, we here at Defenders wish you the very best Mother’s Day you could ask for. We love you all, and we cannot wait to wash this one away with a big win in Seattle for Episode 146.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

Episode 144 – One Point. Too Few Shots

 LAFC heads out on the road for the first time in 2021, taking on the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Stadium. With Carlos Vela still sidelined, the Black and Gold Faithful were able to take solace in the return of last year’s Golden Boot winner, Diego Rossi. Unfortunately, LAFC was only able to take a point from Houston. 

 It was a bit of a snoozer in the first half, as Pablo Sisniega was seldom tested before the half. LAFC didn’t muster much of an attack on offense either, and the half ended scoreless. LAFC took an early second-half lead off of an excellent bit of passing, as the combination went Rossi-Atuesta-Kaye-Latif-Baird for our only tally of the match. LAFC gave up the equalizer off the ensuing kickoff, however, and the match would end in lackluster fashion, 1-1. LAFC remains undefeated, both against Houston in MLS matches and on the 2021 season, but it’s a dull point to be had in Houston. 

 Also on the episode, we reminisce about Dio, Lee, and BWP, Brian Rodriguez plays 9 minutes for Almeria, Party Beer Co. defeats Panda, LMU can’t hold up their end of the bargain in the NCAA Soccer Tournament, and we enjoy the Kentucky Derby despite the result of Rock Your World.

 Filly makes up a new word, Scarf reserves judgment, and we struggle to find our “Wait, What?!” moment. Next week, however, should provide plenty of fireworks, as it’s L.A. Derby Week for the first time in 2021! We can’t wait for episode 145, and we definitely can’t wait to take on Carson!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

Episode 143 – A Point-ed Effort Against Seattle

 It’s Episode 143, and we love you, too! LAFC welcomes a team into the Cathedral of the Black and Gold that has earned no love in our club’s history, the Seattle Sounders. In what has become the second most important set of matches on LAFC’s schedule every year, LAFC’s depth would come into play for the second week in a row, as the Black and Gold took a well-earned point at home. 

 In a packed News and Notes segment, we recount Scarf’s love for Adama Diomande, Carlos Vela’s health at Dodger Stadium, and revel in the fact that LAFC was part of the most-watched soccer match in the US last week! LAFC and Farmer John remain BFF’s, an Anteater signs with the first team, and the club continues to set the standard as they debut a fully-vaccinated supporters section. 

 LAFC earns a wonderful draw at home, behind another golazo for Eduard Atuesta on a set-piece and another good effort by Pablo Sisniega. LAFC sees the debut of both Marco Farfan (as a starter) and Cal Jennings (as Filly’s new hair inspiration and LAFC forward). The Colombian center-backs star again while we wait for a new Moon to rise in Los Angeles. 

 We’ve had a wonderful time with our new friends at FLEX and Party Beer Co., and we’ve been lucky enough to have had an even better time at the Banc! With LAFC on the road, we’ll be live tweeting the match against Houston on May 1. The game may not matter anymore for the U.S. Open Cup, but every point matters to us, and to LAFC on our way to the MLS Cup this season! See you for 144.  

For the SOCIALS:

LAFC's depth nets them a well-earned point against Seattle at home. Dio scores, Max Bretos brings bacon back to LAFC, and Eduard Atuesta is simply world class. It's Episode 143, and we love you, too!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

The 2021 season has started, and, in typical LAFC fashion, the boys in Black and Gold open with a win at home! Austin FC kicks off their professional lives with a match at the Banc, and the lads from Texas would leave the match green with envy over the 3 points won by LAFC. 

 The match started with an incredible tribute to Mo Fascio, both from the club and the 3252. A moment of silence was followed by a moving video tribute to Mo, and the 3252 produced a heartfelt tifo. On the national TV broadcast, Stu Holden and the rest of the broadcast had wonderful things to say in Mo’s memory, and both MLS and Commissioner Don Garber again tweeted about the tributes. Mo, we will continue to honor your memory, your energy and passion, and your mission to unite people through the world’s game. 

In a bit of a surprise, the first of many over the course of about 30 hours, LAFC cut ties with oft-starting keeper Kenneth Vermeer, thus finally ending the year-long saga of which goalie will start between the pipes. (Hint: Pablo looked GREAT tonight!) Andy Najar apparently isn’t injured anymore, but he’s also in the nation’s capital, taking the pitch with former LAFC’er Adrien Perez.

More importantly, however, was our chance to socially-distance ourselves at the Banc with 4,400 of our closest friends. Austin FC, or as we affectionately refer to them as, FC Broccoli, begins their life as an MLS franchise by entering the Cathedral of the Black and Gold, Banc of California Stadium, to pick up their first loss in club history. 

It didn’t start out well for LAFC. A hamstring issue kept last year’s Golden Boot winner, Diego Rossi, off the pitch, while a miscommunication between Carlos Vela and the coaches led to Vela being subbed in just the 22’. No Vela, no Rossi, and no Rayito? All right, all right, all right! LAFC got to work, and stellar back line play coupled with goals from Corey Baird and Mahala helped the Black and Gold to open the season right for a 2-0 win. 

Also on the podcast, our “Wait, What?!” moment makes its triumphant return! What leads Maurice Edu’s birthday shoutout to become a good, old-fashioned “Rants with Filly”? Which player made their LAFC debut, almost four years since being traded away from LAFC? Where was Matthew McConaughey? And which member of the pod had no idea about pager code or the significance of the numbers “143?” You’ll have to listen to Episode 142 to find out! 

It’s a win to kick off the season, and another fun episode of “The Most LAFC Podcast on Earth!”

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

 The preseason is over, for LAFC at least, so that must mean it’s time for another episode of “The Most LAFC Podcast on Earth”, Defenders of the Banc! Welcome to Episode 142.

 There’s a bit of banter at the beginning of the episode, complete with Filly’s thoughts on Wrestlemania, Scarf heading back into the classroom for the first time in over 13 months, and a shoutout to the LA Tourism Board for helping us catch the match at the Banc. This Day In LAFC History has a ton of LAFC-relevant birthdays, along with a kit that Filly actually doesn’t have in his closet!

 Pepsi and the LAFC Foundation are up to some really good things in the community, and Scarf finds out he might be a Pepsi guy after all. LAFC surprises the millions (and millions!) with two new trialists, Mamadou Fall and Julian Gaines, both of whom actually make the 18 this weekend! The Lights get a goal from the Moose while Scarf does several deep dives to find LAFC connections! 

 The crux of the episode centers around yet another preseason tie, this time a 3-3 draw with the Revs. LAFC finds itself in yet another 2-0 hole, only to dig itself out and salvage a point at home once more. Corey Baird looked solid, the keeper position is still up for grabs, and Eddie Segura scores a goal!

 Filly Wonka (you’ll get it) runs down all the ins, outs, do’s, and don’ts about our opening match against Austin FC. When will we hear about tickets? Where do we park? What can we bring inside? Check out this episode for all the details on that, a pretty solid rundown of their roster, and a trip down memory lane of when the USMNT used to qualify for World Cups and Olympic Games!

 Enjoy Episode 142, and, in just 4 more sleeps, our first One More Sleep of 2021 will be live on IG AND up on YouTube!  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

Aaaaaaand… we’re back! It may only be for a pre-season tilt against the Revolution, but wow, does it feel good to be back at the Banc! If we’re at the Banc, then it must be time for Episode 140! Season 4 is underway, and we’ve even got some bonus soccer!

 On this episode, we catch up with a ton of news and notes from the past 2 weeks. Player news? Oh, we’ve got your player news! Brian Rodriguez, Adama Diomande, Mohamed El-Munir, Phillip Ejimadu, CC Uche, and Jorge Gonzalez all make the cut, and none of them are even on the team! 

 We also bring you a full recap of the pre-season match against New England. Want something more? OK, how about a recap of the first 30 minutes of the unannounced pre-season match against our new USL affiliate, Las Vegas Lights? We’ve got that, too! And be careful, llamas, because the Moose was loose!

 How did the Canadian Glory Machine, Mark-Anthony Kaye, fare against the Cayman Islands? Why was Tomas Romero one of the few bright spots for El Salvador? And how did Jordan Harvey move up a few MLS Leaders lists without even playing in a match? You’ll just have to listen to this episode to find out!

 Also on this episode, we cover MLS’s new concussion substitution rule while Scarf attempts to break down the US Open Cup’s 2021 qualification process. (Get your notebooks ready) In unsurprising news, Larry Freedman and John Thorrington make it official. And it wouldn’t be an episode without Filly finding a way to work in his Indiana Hoosiers. 

 We’re back and in full stride here in 2021. Episode 140 gets the ball rolling on what we hope will finally be the season we bring home MLS Cup. Stay with the Defenders for all your Black and Gold news for season four! See you next week for Episode 141!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a text

It's Episode 139 of Defenders, and this one is special! On this episode, we have a REAL Defender of the Banc, everyone's favorite center-back, Eddie Segura! 

Eddie sits down with Filly, Scarf, and our newest member of the Defenders squad, Lalo! We ask the questions, Eddie answers them, and Lalo does a wonderful job of translating everything. It's our first bi-lingual episode, and we couldn't be happier to bring it to you!

Eddie is fantastic, and we delve into all kinds of fun stuff with #4. What crazy circumstances led to Eddie making his senior team debut at 16? How did it feel representing his country? What's it like playing in front of the 3252? Or no fans at all during the pandemic? And how adorable is his son, Martin?! 

Also on the episode, Filly shows off the one Spanish word he knows, Scarf makes a shameless plug for Italian soccer, and Lalo becomes our favorite Flores twin. (We still love you, Gaston. Just not as much.) 

A big thank you to Diego (formerly of LAFC PR) and Vic (from Athletes in the Making) for helping us put this interview together, and of course to Eddie and his son Martin for giving us their time! 

Finally, the episode opens with a moment for Mo. The entire LAFC community mourns the passing of Mauricio "Mo" Fascio, a wonderful father and a friend to so many. Rest well, Mo.  

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.