Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

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It's been a few weeks since your boys Christian "Filly" Filimon and "The Scarf" J.R. Lebert were able to sit down and record. There is SO MUCH to catch up on! Now that Filly is back from Australia, it's time to delve into everything that happened since. There's never been a better time for Episode 9!

In this episode, we discuss the MANY new signings to the Black and Gold roster (Including goalies! Finally!), our final two preseason contests, a rumored member of the Azzurri training with the club, an incredible event hosted by Niky's Sports featuring Rich Orosco, the TWO new jerseys launched over the weekend (with a new scarf!), and so much more!

What does The Scarf have planned for the big announcement on Episode 10 of the podcast? Will Filly's new song make it into the 3252's chant list? (No.) Has the team started selling those sweet on-field socks we have been clamoring for? (Also, no.) Listen to Episode 9 to hear about all this and even more, including shoutouts to The Commander, "El Mayor" Julio, The Los Angeles Krew, Expo Monty, Maurice Edu, Poison Johnny, and more of our friends! 

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Episode 8 of Defenders of the Banc is here, and it's a fun one! Before Filly left for Australia, the boys had a chance to sit down with Ken Miknuk, founder of Winged Solutions and the LAFC Falconer! 

In this episode, it's all Ken, all the time! Get to know how Ken got into falconry in the first place, how he started with LAFC, how he found his game day partner Jenna, and so much more! Filly and The Scarf had to ask about Olly, the pre-game ritual, those sweet crests that the falcons land on before every game, and more!

Hear an entire episode without Filly singing or making a WWE reference! Listen to The Scarf almost being "projectile pooped" on by Bond, a Harris's hawk! Feel the energy of Ken Miknuk as he talks about that first flight on Opening Day, April 29, 2018! There's no better way to spend the long weekend than to sit down with the boys and Ken! Enjoy Episode 8!

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Welcome to a special Valentine’s Day episode from Filly and The Scarf! Whether you’re at work or on the road, listening to a quick, fun episode of Defenders of the Banc has to be the best way to spend your Valentine’s Day, right? In this special episode, the Defenders catch you up on all the news and notes of LAFC, including a bit of BREAKING roster news brought to you by Filly and The Scarf!

In Episode 7.5, the boys wish a very happy birthday to Adama Diomande, recap the 2-2 tie against defending Cup champions Atlanta, wish all the best to the newly-retired Aaron Kovar, update our listeners on the changes on the LAFC roster thus far in camp, and, in breaking news, announce the SIGNING of defender Lamar Batista! Welcome to the Black and Gold!

Of course, the boys have their usual fun, including Filly making some of us jealous with his upcoming 2-week trip to Australia to see the Western Sydney Wanderers, The Scarf discussing the Roman feast of Lupercalia, and changes to the “Birthdays” and “This Day in Sports History” segments (we’re listening to your feedback!). Stay tuned next week for a very special episode involving club legend Olly! Happy Valentine’s Day from Filly and The Scarf!   

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Episode 7 is here, and it's another special one! Some might even say it's "Golden!" In this jam packed 70-minute episode, we bring you all the news, notes and updates about LAFC you've come to expect, and... Filly and The Scarf sit down with the icon, the legend, the one and only Gary Gold!

In Episode 7, Filly and The Scarf break down the preseason loss at the hands of the Columbus Crew, the ramifications of Diego Rossi's green card status, the "transition" from SeatGeek to Ticketmaster, the latest player news about Kevin Mendoza and Mexican goalie Pablo Sisniega, and the back and forth trail Amadou Dia is blazing between The Banc and Phoenix. 

After the LAFC talk, it's all about Gary Gold! Follow Gary on his journey from English football icon to the gates of Banc of California Stadium! Hear stories of his exploits with John Terry, Andres Iniesta, and his 90-second cap with the English National Team! Learn his thoughts on Carlos Vela, Bob Bradley, the amazing 3252, and the inside scoop on why Laurent Ciman really left LAFC!

The fun continues as The Scarf learns that hockey assists are very different from soccer assists, Filly educates everyone on the International Player roster spots, the boys harmonize (beautifully!) on the Diego Rossi chant, and apparently everyone loses their long sleeves! Enjoy Episode 7!

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It's time for Episode 6, and this one is a special double-length episode. Yes, we know 90 minutes is a lot, but this time, Filly and The Scarf brought a friend! Edgar "El Catrin Muerto" Contreras joins the boys for their first interview in Defenders of the Banc history. A member of the 3252, Cuervos SG, and a true LAFC super-fan, Filly and The Scarf chat with Edgar about the story behind El Catrin Muerto, his experiences in the 3252 and on game day, and much, much more!

Also part of Episode 6, Filly and the Scarf discuss the great 4-1 win over Vissel Kobe, recap another sparkling performance for the USMNT with more contributions from Walker Zimmerman and Christian Ramirez, and give a quick rundown of the remaining preseason schedule for the Black and Gold!

Of course, no episode would be complete without the usual tangents and fun! The Scarf gives further proof of how big of a nerd he is (Star Trek AND Star Wars?!), Filly goes an entire episode without a wrestling reference (but he does sing!), and El Catrin implores the merch team to make that sweet grey jersey available to us all! Enjoy Episode 6 while you're getting everything ready for that other "football" game today!

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Filly and The Scarf are back for Episode 5! This 40-minute episode is the perfect length to listen to while you are on your way to Banc of California Stadium to catch Vissel Kobe take on your boys in the Black and Gold!

In Episode 5, the Defenders cover a wide range of topics, leading with Rodolfo "Fito" Zelaya signing with LAFC! Hear all about the star from El Salvador. LAFC's season opening (but closed) scrimmage against Toronto FC and Laurent Ciman. The boys give a mini breakdown of the 3-1 victory. The Black and Gold wearing the Red, White, and Blue! Walker Zimmerman and Christian Ramirez show up and show out for the USMNT, with each scoring a goal in the win against Panama! Get a final look at Vissel Kobe before our big friendly, and learn about the incredible LAFC Academy and its three players called in to U15 National Teams!

And, of course, so much more! Find out about the 2019 whereabouts of Marco Urena and Calum Mallace, why a Korean goalie is similar to a Salvadoran striker, and catch all the details from the Gary Gold red carpet world premiere event at Free Play LA! Have some fun with Episode 5 and see you at The Banc!

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Happy 2019 from Filly and The Scarf! It's our first episode of the new year, and boy are we excited to be back talking all things Black and Gold!

In this episode of Defenders of the Banc, the boys cover a wide range of topics. Back in Black and Gold: Jordan Harvey, Walker Zimmerman, Dejan Jakovic, and Danilo Silva all re-sign just in time for 2019! Vissel Kobe is coming: On January 31, the newest Japanese super team, featuring David Villa, Andres Iniesta, and Lukas Podolski come to the Banc to take on LAFC! The 2019 MLS Superdraft: Peter-Lee Vassell, Javi Perez, and Kevin Mendoza added to the ranks of the Black and Gold via the draft. Barcelona and Carlos Vela rumors abound! Will the superstar be leaving LAFC? (Spoiler alert... No. He's staying!) The regular season games we are most looking forward to! (Other than the two against Carson.)

And so much more! Christian "Filly" Filimon gushes about Indiana University Soccer and his love for the German National Team, "The Scarf" J.R. Lebert survives a bit of a holiday health scare, the boys discuss their New Year's resolutions, and we remember the great Sigi Schmid. Enjoy Episode 4!

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In the last episode of 2018, Christian "Filly" Filimon and "The Scarf" J.R. Lebert wrap up the year with more fun, LAFC-fueled banter, including: The U.S. Men's National Team calling in three (!) LAFC teammates to the squad, including the first call-up for GK Tyler Miller. LAFC rumors, news, and notes about current (Eduard Atuesta), former (Laurent Ciman), and possible future (Ryan Laursen) players. MLS news including a brand new playoff format and new stadiums in Austin and Minnesota. Information about two NEW premium spaces at Banc of California Stadium: the North End Terrace and Mid Field Boxes. Our epic battle of Red Bull's Killer Queen with Shaft Brewer and LAFC Rich at Free Play LA... and so much more!

Hear Filly sing (three times!), The Scarf quote Robin Williams on Canada, and learn all about the grass at Banc of California Stadium (Latitude 36 Bermudagrass!), while finding out what's on the hosts' Christmas Wish List! Enjoy our final episode of season, and keep your ears peeled for so much more in 2019! Dale! 

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It’s time for Episode 2 of Defenders of the Banc! In the 40-minute second episode, Christian “Filly” Filimon and “The Scarf” J.R. Lebert start the holiday season off right by getting you caught up on all the latest LAFC news and notes, including recapping the 2018 MLS Audi Cup Final between Portland and Atlanta, the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft and its effect on LAFC’s roster, trades and acquisitions by LAFC in the early offseason, rumored reports of a Barcelona/LAFC partnership, LAFC potentially signing a member of the Selecao… and so much more!

Hear a salty Scarf enter into one of the stages of grief about Joao Moutinho while Filly reminds us all that hockey left Atlanta and belongs in Canada. Learn about Mohamed El-Munir and Ricky Lopez-Espin, our newest members of the Black and Gold, and find out whether the podcast has an official sponsor yet! 

Where else can you hear J. Paul Getty’s personal path to success, happy birthday wishes to the Roman emperor Nero, and a shout out to Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer while discussing Aaron Kovar, Walker Zimmerman and the rest of LAFC? Nowhere, that’s where.

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It's finally here! The first episode of the much-anticipated Defenders of the Banc podcast. In our debut episode, you'll meet Christian "Filly" Filimon and "The Scarf" J.R. Lebert, two LAFC super-fans excited to talk about all things related to the Los Angeles Football Club. 

Though this debut episode is a little less than an hour, expect future episodes to be between 40-60 minutes, perfect for the drive to and from work, home, or the next LAFC match!

In this episode, we discuss LAFC's roster moves and contract renewals after the 2018 season, the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft and its possible effect on LAFC's roster, the MLS Conference Finals, the upcoming Audi Cup final, and our brand new USMNT coach, Gregg Berhalter.

Where else can you hear about Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, Latif Blessing, and more of your Black and Gold favorites while laughing about Britney Spears, The Undertaker, and Nelly Furtado?

Welcome to your new favorite LAFC-themed podcast, Defenders of the Banc! 

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