Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

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Welcome to Episode 58 of Defenders of the Banc, where hopefully we sound better than YouTube TV's coverage of the second half of our first visit to Orlando looked. LAFC sent a depleted roster into the House of the Mouse, down 7 players on international duty while MVP Carlos Vela sat out to rest his hamstring. Despite this, LAFC salvage a tie, 2-2, behind the 15th for Diego Rossi and the very first for LMU-product Adrien Perez. 

In the 11th minute, Adrien Perez gave us every reason to celebrate, tallying his maiden MLS goal, but off the very next kickoff, a horror show of defending and a lucky deflection off of Latif Blessing meant the score was knotted at one. Orlando quickly took the lead just minutes later, and it was looking bleak well into the second half. Luckily, Diego Rossi waited until after YouTube TV figured out their extensive technical difficulties to log his 15th of the year, the equalizer! This game saw a little bit of everything: Both Josh and Adrien Perez started up front flanking Dio, Diego Rossi started at center-mid, a position that Eddie Segura would finish the match in, Mohamed El-Munir was providing pressure on the FRONT line, not the back, to end the game, and the final whistle blew seeing no fewer than six defenders on the pitch for LAFC: Blackmon, Harvey, Beitashour, Segura, Silva, and El-Munir. Wow. What a night in Orlando. 

This episode also marks the return of the Filimonster from Columbia! The duo of Filly and the Scarf are back together, which means the return of "Rants with Filly" (there may be more than one). Make sure to listen for all the great details about the two different ways to contribute to the #KickChildhoodCancer fundraiser on the 21st. 

Also on this episode, both boys try to exercise the demons for two very different reasons, Scarf is forced to watch the game from a bridal shower, and Filly name-drops all the cool people he hung out with at Barney's. There's also a Supporters Shield update, Chasing LAFC History, and breaking news concerning a certain Carson team and their playoff positioning. Until the game at Philly on the 14th, we wish all of our Defenders family wonderful tidings of Black and Gold! 

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After a bit of a delay and a small Instagram campaign to wake Filly, Episode 57 is finally here! On this episode, while Filly is in Cartagena at a friend's wedding, Scarf is joined in the second chair by Center Mid Chicks' very own Nina! 

This game marked the first game in September, which also kicks off MLS's Kick Childhood Cancer fundraiser. By simply using the hashtag #KickChildhoodCancer, MLS will donate $1 towards cancer research for every post containing that tag. Please use it every time you post on social media this month!

Minnesota makes their trip to the Banc, and, in doing so, puts an end to the Black and Gold's 20-game home unbeaten streak in regular season MLS matches. LAFC falls to the Loons, 2-0.

Things were different from the start, as Bob Bradley made four lineup changes to the usual suspects in the 4-3-3. With Carlos Vela out due to a hamstring issue, Brian Rodriguez made his first start for LAFC. Fellow starters Mark-Anthony Kaye, Steven Beitashour, and Tyler Miller all began this one on the bench as Lee Nguyen, Tristan Blackmon, and Pablo Sisniega made the starting 11. 

Two wonder strikes from Mason Toye in the first half hour put LAFC at a decided disadvantage, and from then on, it was bus parking time for the Loons. As Nina points out in the episode, Minnesota played an incredibly disciplined game, opting for five, six, sometimes even 8 players back defending in lieu of creating offensive chances. LAFC couldn't crack the code, and MNUFC may have just shown the rest of MLS a blueprint to success against the offensive juggernaut. 

Also in this episode, This Day In LAFC History looks back on a win north of the border. In Name that Perez, does LAFC actually have FOUR Perez's? Scarf quotes Soundgarden lyrics before updating everyone on standings in the West, LAFC Chasing History, and the Supporters Shield. Nina gives props to USMNT great Tim Howard while reminiscing about LAFC's crest reveal at Union Station and an upcoming 4-year anniversary. 

While the game was tough to stomach, we hope you enjoy our latest episode of Defenders of the Banc! Don't forget to post using #KickChildhoodCancer!

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It's Derby Days at Banc of California Stadium, and all eyes of the MLS world descend on downtown Los Angeles for the showdown between LAFC and Carson. The most anticipated game of the year is finally upon us, and you can hear all about it here on Episode 56 of Defenders of the Banc!

Vela vs. Zlatan. Bob vs. Schelotto. Olly vs. Gizmo. This isn't the undercard to Wrestlemania; this is the Battle for Los Angeles, the ultimate test for the Black and Gold. 

Unfortunately, a mere 2 minutes in, LAFC already finds itself down a goal off the foot of the hated Lion of Carson. In what would be his best performance of the season, Latif would score his first goal of the night just 10 minutes later to knot it at 1. Two stunning goals by Carson just 4 minutes later would throw the Banc into disarray, but instead of folding, staying down, and calling it quits, LAFC responded in a huge way. A brace for Latif right before the half would be just the bit of fresh air that we would need, and right after the halftime speech from Bob, the future MVP, Carlitos Vela, found the equalizer! 

Though the game would end in a tie, Filly and the Scarf choose to look at the many positives that can be taken both from this match and from the history to soon be made. We inch a little closer to our first Western Conference crown, to the Supporters Shield, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. 

We also move ever closer to our match against Minnesota on September 1, kicking off Kick Childhood Cancer Month in the MLS. Hear all about the Defenders' plans to help raise as much money as possible in the fight against this awful disease. 

Filly quotes John Lennon while Scarf quotes Shakespeare! There is a Natalie Portman sighting in Founders Club! And both The Captain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Guns 'N Roses make appearances before the match! It was a long and winding road that led us through this episode, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it for all of you. Until September, Defend the Banc!

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As the season winds down, the excitement at the Banc is heating up! It's time for Episode 55 of Defenders of the Banc!

LAFC hosted in-state "rivals" San Jose, and things did NOT go well for the Smurfs. The Black and Gold emerged victorious, to the tune of a 4-0 home beatdown, behind two goals from the future MVP, Carlos Vela, including one that will certainly be up for Goal of the Year awards at the end of the season. 

It wasn't just Carlitos, however, as Diego Rossi continued his climb up the MLS scoring charts. Jordan Harvey and Tristan Blackmon both saved goals with clearances from the back line to preserve Tyler Miller's clean sheet. In a game full of "Wait, What?!" moments, two from the second half stole the show. The first was the return of Mohamed El-Munir, taking the pitch about 6 weeks after the horrific injury suffered at the hands of Zlatan. The Banc was electric when El-Mo checked in. And the redemption story is complete, as Josh Perez, after a series of near misses and heartbreaks, finally finds the back of the net for the first time in his MLS career. 

Also on this episode, joining us for an impromptu visit in the third chair is Black Army's own "Apple Juice", Vincent Ford. This Day in LAFC History recalls the first bit of hardware won by the Academy. Finally, the Supporters Shield update gets a whole lot shorter, as there seems to be just one other team (NYCFC) worth tracking. LAFC is poised for history this season, but before we can claim shields or titles, there is that little matter awaiting the Black and Gold on Sunday: the clash with Carson at the Banc.

A special thank you to our military servicemen and women, as LAFC held Military Appreciation Night during this game, and another shoutout to the incomparable Alina Beruff of the LAFC Foundation. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did putting it together for you, and we look forward to recapping our first W against Carson in just 4 days. Defend the Banc!

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LAFC takes it's talents to sunny Sandy, Utah, and you'll hear all about it on Episode 54 of Defenders of the Banc! 

If you weren't able to attend the game, The 3252 did it's best to make you feel right at home while watching the TV broadcast. As always, from the opening kick, all you could hear was the Black and Gold faithful for the full 90'. LAFC had it's chances in the first half, especially off the foot of Adama Diomande, but it was scoreless as the teams went to their locker rooms. 

Walker Zimmerman wasted no time injecting drama into the second half, picking up his second yellow just 3 minutes into the frame. LAFC would go down a man, but, seemingly inspired by the odds, they would also respond in kind. A PK by the MVP, Charlie Candle, would knot the score at 1 and the men on the pitch at 10. That goal would also solidify Vela's place in the MLS record books as having amassed more points in one season than any player in league history. (He still has 9 games to play!) Dio finally broke through about 10 minutes later with a goal of his own, and the party was on!

LAFC, behind a largely untested back line, clinches a berth in the playoffs (it's only August 17th!) and moves ever closer to the Supporters Shield with the win. Great games were had by Vela, Dio, Nguyen, Blessing, and many others as LAFC put together another signature win on the road. LAFC also moved ahead of the all time goal differential mark with a video game-esque +42 on the season. Who knows how high they can push that number by season's end! 

It will be a tough week ahead for LAFC, and a quick turnaround. The Black and Gold have a home match in just 4 days, against in-state rival San Jose, followed up by another match 4 days later at the Banc against hated Carson. The boys passed their first of three tests, and look to all-but-wrap-up the shield, and taste victory for the first time against the Galaxy, by the end of next week.

Enjoy our look at This Day in LAFC History and our "Wait, What?!" moment of the podcast, and we hope to have all of you back for our next episode recapping the home tussle against San Jose. 

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LAFC was back at the Banc, so it's time for another game recap episode from your boys at Defenders of the Banc! Here on Episode 53, re-live the highs, lows, and highs again of the thrilling 4-2 victory over the Jersey Boys.

A Carlos Vela continued to prove that he is the MVP of the league this season, notching two assists and a PK goal on the night. It was a night of set-piece success from the Black and Gold, as passes from Vela led to goals by steady Eddie Segura and Jordan Harvey, the 19th and 20th players to score a goal for LAFC. 
 
 In what seems to be a recurring theme this season, two goals surrendered right before the half time whistle made the game much closer than it ever felt. No Walker Zimmerman, due to yellow card accumulation, certainly didn't help, either. While there were a great number of positives to take away from the match, Bob Bradley certainly can get back in the lab and continue to tinker with the team that is, undoubtedly, the "Best in the West and the Best in the MLS!" 
 
 This Day in LAFC History and huge news in the Supporters Shield Update round out the pod. LAFC runs the gauntlet coming up, with a road game at Salt Lake on the 17th and home matches on the 21st against the Smurfs and the Battle for Los Angeles at the Banc on the 25th. 
 
 Thanks for listening to another fun episode of Defenders of the Banc! You'll hear from us next after our third win in as many tries this season against RSL. Defend the Banc!

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Have you ever heard of a midfielder in the center? Or is it center mid?

You asked for it, and it's here! The Defenderettes are launching their very own podcast! In this pilot episode, Panda, Scarfette, and Sweet Home Amy reunite after their incredibly successful Women's World Cup recap episodes on Defenders of the Banc (check out the episodes!). They join forces on their new podcast, cleverly titled Center Mid Chicks, to talk about the resurgence of women's soccer in the US and get into the details of the NWSL. 

Will they bring a team to LA? Who's the team on top? (Hint - it's not Sky Blue FC.) Who's the player of the month? They even debate bacon (again). There's a lot to enjoy as the Defenderettes take you through not only the upcoming games but the journey to picking their favorite teams (did someone say bandwagon?).

Join us for this pilot episode of the Center Mid Chicks, and look for their podcast to launch soon! Cheers to THAT!

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No game recap? No interview with a special guest? No problem. The boys at Defenders of the Banc tackle their first transfer window episode! 

We focus on moves that either directly effect the roster of the Black and Gold or the teams chasing us for the Supporters Shield. LAFC takes a loss on local product Christian Ramirez as he gets shipped to Houston, the much-talked-about signing of Brian Rodriguez FINALLY becomes official, and, just when things had started to settle down, LAFC does make a move involving Diego! But... not that Diego! John Thorrington and friends pull off a last minute move inking Ecuadorian youth Diego Palacios to strengthen the back line even further. What a deadline day for the Black and Gold!  

We run through significant moves made by Minnesota, Seattle, DC, Montreal, and, of course, the Cristian Pavon deal in Carson. In addition to transfer window info, Filly and The Scarf bring us up-to-the-minute standings in the race for the Shield and the 2019 U.S. Open Cup. We also preview the upcoming game at the Banc against the Jersey Boys, the New York Red Bulls. 

While there is no This Day in LAFC History on this episode, the segment now has its own Instagram and Twitter accounts, @ThisDayInLAFC. There's the usual (and unusual) ridiculousness, as both The Madness of "Filly Savage" and The Mania of "Scarf Hogan" make their return. Filly calls a 34-year-old a kid while using "tee hee" and quiver to describe him. Scarf mispronounces not one, but two German Bundesliga teams while his voice goes in and out for the entire episode.

Finally, the creative team at Defenders of the Banc is proud to announce a new podcast on the scene: Center Mid Chicks. Amy, Panda, and Nina combine forces to tackle all things in the world of women's soccer, especially the NWSL. Their first episode will be up shortly, but until then, please follow them on IG and Twitter @centermidchicks!

While you gear up for our game on Sunday at the Banc, take a listen and enjoy Episode 51 of Defenders of the Banc! 

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The boys of the Black and Gold made the cross-country trek to the home of the Patriots, Gillette Stadium, to take on the Revolution. We hit the half-century mark on this episode, recapping the 2-0 win in The House That Tom Brady Built. 

It was a solid-but-not-spectacular performance by LAFC, holding the home team off the scoring sheet while establishing our defensive dominance at times. Sporting our home black jerseys, Jordan Harvey dished out two assists while Latif Blessing looked every bit of the part of "The Game Changer" in the middle. Tyler Miller looked assertive and comfortable, needing just one save to record the shutout. The win wasn't without some cost, however. Dio may have picked up a slight knock while Walker Zimmerman definitely picked up his 5th red card of the season, meaning he will miss our next match, a home date with the New Jersey Energy Drinks on August 11th. 

Filly and the Scarf celebrate an amazing day, beginning with breakfast at The Pantry before their live appearance on the Weekend Warrior Show with Dr. Robert Klapper on 710 ESPN Radio. Head over to ESPN's podcast page to check out their on-air interview with Dr. Klapper. All the fun segments are present, including This Day in LAFC History, which now has its own Twitter and Instagram accounts! The boys find time to talk about all THREE Perez's on this episode, including two in our Name That Perez portion of the program. Filly offers free beer as he turns another year older and Scarf keeps the listeners updated on the Supporters Shield race, and the episode ends just as the Red Bull begins to wear off. 

Come hang out with the Defenders of the Banc at our next match, as we will be hosting another tailgate on Christmas Tree Lane before we take on the Red Bulls of Harrison, New Jersey on August 11th. We want to say a huge thank you to all of our listeners and friends in the #LAFCPodFam, as we couldn't have made it to 50 episodes without you. Here's to another successful 50, and much more here on Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast for the People!

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It's All Star Week in the MLS, so the boys at Defenders of the Banc thought it would be a great idea to showcase a few All Stars of our own on this surprise episode! It's Episode 49, and we couldn't think of a better All Star to have with us than Jonathan "Ultra Gringo" Reimer of the Shoulder 2 Shoulder Podcast!

Four LAFC players represented well in the 2019 edition of the MLS All Star Game, as the best players in the league took on La Liga powerhouse Atletico Madrid and their $142M teenager, Joao Felix! Though the team fell to the Atleti 3-0, Diego Rossi, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Walker Zimmerman, and two-time MLS captain Carlos Vela played well for the purple team in defeat. 

On this episode, "Macho" Filly Savage makes another appearance, Scarf lets everyone in on the secret that Joao Felix is really good, Jonathan adds more Spanish to this one episode than the Defenders have used in their previous 48 episodes combined! There's also a bit of news around the MLS and the U.S. soccer world, as the boys talk about everything from Jill Ellis' departure to the next team in MLS (St. Louis?) to the upcoming CBA sticking points in this year's negotiations. 

The boys of the Defenders break down the Homegrown game vs. Chivas' U-20 team, the Skills Competition, and the All Star Game, with a very LAFC-centric perspective, of course.

This episode has it all! Who is Shane Montana? Why was Mark-Anthony Kaye playing left back? Where will NEXT year's All Star Game be held? Find out all this and more on Episode 49! 

Filly and The Scarf also let the Defenders on a bit of HUGE news: On Saturday, August 3rd, the boys will be appearing LIVE on ESPN LA 710's very own Weekend Warrior show, hosted by L.A. legend Dr. Robert Klapper of Cedars Sinai Medical Center!

Is the episode long? Sure it is. Was it a blast recording with Jonathan of Shoulder 2 Shoulder? Of course, it was! We hope you enjoy our first ever All Star episode, and that you'll tune in to our next episode after the game at Gillette Stadium against the Revolution, which also just happens to be Episode 50 of the podcast!

Thank so much to everyone who has helped us to the half-century mark! So much more to come here on Defenders of the Banc, but until next time... bye bye!

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