LAFC faithful, there’s no easy way to say it, but the loss in Portland was awful. A goal at the outset and a goal at the death served to feed LAFC to the woodchipper in Portland, and we recap all of it here on Episode 156. 

 It was an inauspicious start for LAFC, surrendering a goal to Portland’s superstar, Diego Valeri, just two minutes in. The 100thgoal in his brilliant career immediately energized the incredible Portland crowd. LAFC would respond 15 minutes later, as Carlos lit the candle in Portland to equalize 1-1. Despite a number of solid opportunities later in the match, we would enter the 3rd of 3 minutes of second half stoppage knotted at one. Superstar turned super sub, Sebastian Blanco, found Felipe Mora for a beautiful header at the death. Portland wins, 2-1. 

 Also on this episode, it’s Filly who stumps the Scarf, Andy Najar who scores a goal (just not for his team), and Ted Lasso is one day closer. Yes, we address the rumors of Chicho Arango, while also addressing the state of our midfield without Eduard Atuesta. Oh, and Brian Rodriguez played in a match for LAFC for the first time in well over a year. 

 There’s no time to lick our wounds, however, as the boys head back to the Banc to take on Vancouver in just a few days. We will be there, our buddy Vince of 110 Football will be there, Al Raitt will be there, and so should you! Until then, enjoy Episode 156 of Defenders of the Banc.