Match 2 of the Steve Cherundolo era is upon us, and a familiar yet unfriendly foe comes knock, knock, knocking on Black and Gold Heaven’s door, the Portland Timbers. The Pesky Pine Trees, as Filly likes to call them, have dominated LAFC as of late, with our last win against the Rose City coming in September of 2020. 

It was a star-studded affair at the Banc, with Owen Wilson, Weston McKennie, owner Will Farrell, B-Real, and even Head of Security Paul all in attendance. The 22,000 in attendance would be treated to a classic Portland/LAFC match. Franco Escobar came off with an injury in the 13th minute, and just 5 minutes later, Portland would find the back of the net first. Yimmi Chara’s second bicycle kick in as many weeks put Portland on top and into their patented defensive shell. 

After the half, LAFC provided our first Wait, What? Moment of the regular season: Carlos Vela coming off after half-time with a potential small knock.

It would take 80 full minutes for LAFC to answer, but now without some help from the visitors first: Portland’s Claudio Bravo would pick up his second yellow card in the 62nd minute, and from then on, LAFC was on the front foot. Brian Rodriguez would find a streaking Mamadou Fall in the box after yet another successful run by Rayito up the left flank. Brian made the pass, Fall slotted home the equalizer, and, after Crepeau swatted away another Chara attempt, LAFC claws back a point at home.

News and Notes tracks a player we loved to watch in the preseason while This Day In LAFC History says both happy birthday and so long to a former Defender of the Banc. Why are the boys waking up extra early for an away match? How is Scarf celebrating his birthday? And what will Filly program next on the new toys in studio? Make sure you tune in to Defenders of the Banc all season to find out answers to these questions and many more on Episode 183.