Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

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While the team may be on a bit of a break before the Open Cup and the Gold Cup, the Defenders have been hard at work! On this episode, Filly and The Scarf head to the LAFC offices in DTLA to interview LAFC midfielder Javi Perez! 

Hailing from the legendary Valencia academy in Spain, Javi's journey from Valencia, to Pittsburgh, and then to LAFC is fascinating. On the interview, you'll hear about his time spent at David Villa's DV7 Academy, captaining the Pitt Panthers under coach Jay Vidovich, the experience of the Draft and Combine, and playing on the pitch against Vissel Kobe his idol and mentor, David Villa. 

We sat down with Javi on May 22. Unfortunately, just before the end of the month, Javi tore his ACL for a second time. We wish Javi a speedy and smooth recovery, and we can't wait to see him back out there for the Black and Gold next year! 

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Here on Episode 28 of Defenders of the Banc, Filly and the Scarf are in beautiful Portland, Oregon to help the Timbers open newly renovated Providence Park! 

The boys in Black and Gold christened the new surroundings nicely, leaving with all three points in a fantastic 3-2 win. The Defenders recap the great game and a great city, including the incredible food and beer scene, the soccer culture of Portland, and a few of the tourist attractions that make Portland so much fun, and weird. 

The episode has all the classics, including This Day in LAFC History and their "Wait, What?" moment of the match. We recount another amazing Vela goal, a bicycle kick, our first beer showers, and watching the Champions League final with about 200 other Black and Gold supporters. 

Portland, it's been fun! Thanks for being such great hosts, and for the three points! A big thank you to all of our Defenders out there who listen to our pod each episode. Our next episode will feature an interview with Javi Perez, recorded about 10 days before his unfortunate ACL injury, so stay tuned! 

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It's time for the final episode in May, and what a May it was! Carlitos vaults to the top of the MVP race, LAFC stays at the top of the table, and we end the month with a wonderful early celebration of pride, inclusion, and Soccer For All. LAFC played their last MLS regular season home game for over a month against Montreal. In what turned out to be just as exciting as last year's eight goal thriller, the boys in Black and Gold handle their business at the Banc yet again, taking all 3 points in a 4-2 victory. 

It was the best atmosphere all season at the Banc! In what will be known as the "Tifo Seen 'Round the World", The 3252 did it again with an incredible "We Will Rock You" Freddie Mercury themed creation that brought everyone to their feet! Pride was everywhere at the Banc, with rainbow armbands, rainbow warm-up jerseys, and our LAFC letters painted rainbow in honor of Pride Month. 

Roaring out to a 4-0 lead, LAFC's offense put on a show! Christian Ramirez with a wonderful hustle goal after a howler of an effort by Montreal's Evan Bush, the Left Foot of God striking once again, Latif blessing the Banc with a goal, and just as Scarf-strodamus predicted last episode, Tristan Blackmon got the start for the injured Steven Beitashour. After putting in a great first half on defense, Vela found an unmarked Blackmon in the box, who headed it home and the rout was on! 

Hear all about the 4-2 win, including the boys' "Wait, Whaaaaat?!" moment with Will Ferrell, Matthew McConaughey, and Tom Penn, Montreal fans join in the "Jump For LA Football Club" cheer, the debut of Silly and The Barf, and not one but TWO great giveaways! Enjoy Episode 27 of Defenders of the Banc!

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It's almost Pride Night at Banc of California Stadium, so it's time for Episode 26 of Defenders of the Banc! This one is a special one for us, as we spent time at the Brack Shop Tavern with the founder of Pride Republic, Dexter Quinn. Sit down with us and learn all about the ups, downs, trials, and successes of starting a social group dedicated to representing the LGBTQ+ community of LAFC. 

Chatting with Dexter was a real treat for Filly and The Scarf. He's an incredible artist, loving father and husband, and a passionate fan of the Black and Gold. Find out how and why this straight, married, father of two made it his mission to give the LGBTQ+ community a voice at The Banc and beyond! 

Whether on your way to work or from the gym, on the Metro or in a Lyft (the official rideshare sponsor of LAFC!), or you're headed to Banc of California Stadium to watch LAFC take on Montreal Impact on Pride Night, give this very special episode of Defenders of the Banc a listen! Pride Republic, the Defenders of the Banc stand with you!

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Welcome to Episode 25 here at Defenders of the Banc! Our boys in Black and Gold travel to Frisco, TX, home of our familiar foe as of late, FC Dallas. On this episode, you'll hear a full breakdown of the 1-1 tie to the team formerly known as the Dallas Burn. 

Also on Episode 25, Filly and The Scarf run down This Day in LAFC History, we check in on Phillip Ejimadu over at FC Tucson, and we discuss the phenomenal weekend the LAFC Academy teams had against Carson's academy and the equally phenomenal egg that their big brother laid at home against the doormat of the MLS, the Colorado Rapids. 

The Defenders explore some Texas ties on the current LAFC roster, Filly does his best Hulk Hogan impersonation (our apologies to the real Hulkster) and gives us a Pee Wee Herman, and an alliteration-happy Scarf brings back the birthdays (kinda) with Walker Zimmerman, Baggio Husidic, and our pal Bob Stephenson (it's not that small!). All this, and so much more, can be found within Episode 25 of Defenders of the Banc! Enjoy!

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Oh yes, it’s Ladies Night!

The Defenders of the Banc turn the episode over to Panda (@amandabrooke32 ) and Scarfette (@lafcnina) in celebration of Ladies Night. 

The girls cover highlights of the female-focused match centering on the amazing career of Mia Hamm, one of LAFC’s owners, and the recent USWNT game, looking towards the start of the Women’s World Cup.

Of course, we discuss game stats and highlights (some record breaking) and bring on the tornado in heels, Alina Beruff, Executive Director of the LAFC Foundation, for a special interview. Alina talks about her history with the club, the sauce for success, and how you can get involved with the LAFC Foundation.

We hope you enjoy this special takeover episode. Please visit the LAFC Foundation behind section 135 at the next home game!

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Welcome to Episode 23, fellow Defenders! Happy days are here again! Happy Mother's Day! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Happy Nurses Week! Aaaaaaand... Happy 3-0 victory over Columbus on the road!

As LAFC get back to their winning ways, Filly and The Scarf break down the beat down at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus. A dominant performance by the back line complemented the offense getting back on track in the best way, with scoring coming from players NOT named Rossi or Vela... and then also Vela! Hear all about the big victory on this episode!

Also on this episode, plenty of LAFC news and notes: Laurent Ciman goes down injured for Toronto, former GK Charlie Lyon gets picked up by Philadelphia while Scarf learns all about the free agent GK pool in MLS, the August home match against Carson has its kickoff time moved back a half hour, and so much more!

Finally, The Defenders want YOU to join them in Carson to watch Phoenix Rising FC take on Galaxy II in August! We'll be giving away 20 tickets to the match, so stay tuned to our Instagram for more details! Free tickets? $2 tacos and $2 beers? Let's go!

It's another jam-packed episode of Defenders of the Banc, complete with a slightly-less-than-sober Filly, a soon-to-be-sleep deprived Scarf, and lots of love shown to both Mama Filly and Mama Scarf. Enjoy this special Mother's Day edition of Defenders of the Banc! 

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Episode 22 is already here! Hot on the heels of Episode 21, this episode is a fantastic FIRST for the boys of Defenders of the Banc! Filly and The Scarf sit down at the amazing LAFC Performance Center on the campus of Cal State LA for their first player interview, goalkeeper Phillip Ejimadu! 

Hear all about Phillip's incredible journey to LAFC from Minnesota by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Phillip talks about what it's like learning from Tyler Miller and GK Coach Zak Abdel, playing in front of The 3252 against Vissel Kobe, Shaft Brewer's swag game, his love for MMA and American Football (He's a Raiders fan!), and his search for good Brazilian food in Los Angeles. Want to know who some of the best Fortnite players are on LAFC or who his favorite NFL player is? (Sorry, Rams fans.) Give a listen to our first player interview to find out!

There's also a very quick intro segment (of course there is...) with a little LAFC news as the transfer window closes, and a short This Day in LAFC History segment. Enjoy our interview with Phillip Ejimadu on Episode 22 of Defenders of the Banc!

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Welcome to Episode 21 of Defenders of the Banc with Christian "Filly" Filimon and "The Scarf" J.R. Lebert. As we hit our 21st episode, LAFC seems to have hit a little bump in the road with their scoreless home draw against the uninspiring Chicago Fire. 

The boys dissect the draw, including their thoughts on pushing more defenders forward, Lee Nguyen's crisp passing and its effect on the entire team, the return of Dio, and another clean sheet by Tyler Miller. 

Of course, no episode is complete without a trip in the way-back machine in This Day in LAFC History! Find out what major moment in our club's early history occurred this week. In addition to the usual banter, the Defenders talk about the newest scarf to sell out at LAFC HQ, they run through a brief history of the reasons behind celebrating Cinco de Mayo (it's NOT Mexican Independence Day!), they highlight another successful tailgate, and they hint at a fun event coming up in August in... Carson, of all places. 

Where else can you listen to Filly fan-boy hard over Bastian Schweinsteiger or Scarf wish a very happy birthday to the beautiful Danielle Fishel (Topanga!)? Who will be the Defenders' first player interview? (We've already recorded it!) All this and more is yours to hear on Episode 21 of Defenders of the Banc! 

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Welcome to Episode 20, our second episode in as many weeks about a game between your Los Angeles Football Club and Seattle. A different week yields a different result, and the boys recap the frustrating 1-1 tie played in Seattle at CenturyLink Field.

While the game takes up the bulk of our episode, there's always so much more to every episode of Defenders of the Banc! Our episode kicks off with a fond farewell: After wishing Oscar Schindler and Harper Lee a very happy birthday, Filly and The Scarf ceremoniously say goodbye to the "Birthdays" segment. You had a good run, kid, but all good things must come to an end. In addition, Filly and The Scarf recount the amazing time they had at Iron Triangle Brewing, the location for the official watch party for Black Army 1850 and The Krew. Hank, Jimmy, and everyone in both SG's were wonderful hosts, and the day even included an appearance from the Falconer himself, Ken Miknuk, who brought along Mel. Finally, the boys unveil plans for their next tailgate, before the upcoming game against Chicago on May 4th (Star Wars Day!).

What will Filly and Panda's matching Star Wars-themed LAFC costumes be? Will "Scarf" Vader make an appearance? What was their "Wait... What?" moment of this episode? Tune in to find out all that and more on Episode 20 of Defenders of the Banc!

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