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Episode 210 is upon us, and before we talk about the match against the Quakes, we have an announcement! Defenders of the Banc is proud to announce the podcast’s first official sponsor: FLEX Power Tools. Yes, FLEX, the very same front-of-kit sponsor of our beloved Black and Gold! A huge thank you to everyone in the FLEX family: Joe, Katie, Brady, Vince, Taylor, Shane, and everyone involved in making this dream a reality.

Meanwhile in San Jose, the Black and Gold take an… interesting lineup into PayPal Park to take on the Quakes. While Max and the back line were relatively normal, the midfield trio of Mendez-Acosta-Blessing and seeing Ryan Hollingshead’s name next to Chicho and Mahala on the front line left both Filly and Scarf saying “Wait… what?!” (It’s back!)

LAFC would go down early on a Benji Kikanovic goal, set up by the theme for the match, an attack from the right by San Jose. After a couple of near misses by Jeremy Ebobisse and Chicho Arango, we head to half down, but not out, 1-0. 

Surprisingly, no halftime changes were made, but that wouldn’t stop LAFC from leveling the match. After some much-needed heroics by Crepeau, it was time for more Mahala magic! A cheeky chip of Marcinkowski in the 54’ was all LAFC needed to grab a point back on the road. Or at least we thought.

After subbing in Carlos Vela, Jose Cifuentes, Ilie Sanchez, and Gareth Bale, the momentum immediately swung our way, but double yellows on Ilie and Kellyn, coupled with the wunderkind, Cade Cowell, entering the match, spelled trouble for the Black and Gold. In the 77’, Cade Cowell fired a one-timer with authority to put the home side on top for good and send PayPal Park into a frenzy. San Jose had just won their MLS Cup. 

Ilie Sanchez all but sealed the victory for SJ, picking up his second yellow in just 15 minutes, assuring he will miss the match in Austin, but a game LAFC squad wouldn’t relent. The front line of Bale, Chicho, and Vela were clicking as LAFC had a few chances to pull one back, but it was too little, too late, and just like that, the win streak was over. 

This episode definitely meanders through the first few bits! Will Cifu, Mamadou Fall, and/or Brian Rodriguez be on their way out? Are more players coming in? Why is Filly calling out Tony Robbins (again)? Did we really just talk about the return of Shaft Brewer, Jr. to American soccer? And did the boys really get to bring back “Name That Perez”?! What an episode!