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LAFC 2.0 is on and poppin’, and for the first time in our club’s history, the Black and Gold took the pitch without Bob Bradley. The Steve Cherundolo Era begins in earnest, and it’s against a familiar preseason foe, the New England Revolution.

Forgoing much of the usual News and Notes of most Defenders episodes (to be covered in Episode 180!), Filly and the Scarf get right in to all the action in our first preseason match of Season 5! (Right after a little This Date In LAFC History, of course…)

Many of the new faces would have to wait to make their LAFC debuts. Maxime Crepeau and Kellyn Acosta were both in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada waiting to face each ther in a World Cup Quaifier, while Ilie Sanchez and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi were unavailable as well. LAFC mainstay Eddie Segura is still working himself back to 100%, while Latif Blessing, Chiqui Palacios, and Jose Cifuentes all were held back as well. However, some of the “new new” was at the Banc, including Franco Escobar, our new #2 on the back line. Also starting was future backup keeper John McCarthy. 

It was a back and forth first half, with most of the excitement centered around a rather silly red card earned by Jesus Murillo in the 25’. Scoreless until just before the half time whistle, Adam Buksa put a rebound past McCarthy, and LAFC entered the half down 1-0. And, oh by the way, you can replace a player who gets a red, as long as it’s preseason!

The second half saw a ton of changes for LAFC. Trialists, fringe roster players, and Mamadou Fall all took the pitch in the second half. Tomas Romero took over in goal, Cal Jennings, Mahala, Danny Musovski, and Danny Trejo all played up top, but it was late super-sub Bruce El-Mesmari who created the big chance for LAFC. Taken down in the box in the 85’, the PK was converted by Fall, and the match ended 1-1. 

All in all, it was an entertaining start to the new era at LAFC. 25 different players took the pitch, our new coach coached, and we loved every minute of it. And we are looking forward to covering EVERY single minute of it here on Defenders of the Banc! Join us for Season 5!