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This matchup had all the makings. Number 1 vs. Number 2 in the West. The two highest scoring clubs in the league. A club looking to strengthen its grip on the shield vs. a club on the rise. Black and Gold vs. Verde and Black. But in the end, the team that was #1 played like number two, and Austin nips further at LAFC's heels after a 4-1 drubbing. Let's get through this together, Black and Gold faithful, here on Episode 212. 

With Filly in LA and Scarf in Colorado, LAFC looked to avenge their only home loss of the year by beating Austin in their friendly confines. Physical from the start, Austin defended their home turf with authority. Just 8 minutes in, the match's first dust up, featuring Gareth Bale, who made his first start for LAFC, Muri, Jon Gallagher, and others would be a harbinger of things to come. After a nasty foul by Eddie Segura at the half-hour mark, Diego Fagundez's stunning effort on the ensuing free kick put the home side up 1-0. Somehow, it only made #8 on SportsCenter's Top 10. Another big dustup in the 38' would feature three yellows and a whole lot more shoving. The half would end 1-0, but the fireworks had just begun.  

As the second half kicked off,  Austin would waste no time putting their stamp on this one. Two minutes, Maxi Urruti gets on the end of a great cross by Nick Lima to put the home side up two. Three minutes later, Austin would strike again off an LAFC turnover. Urruti with the steal, Fagundez splits the defense right through the middle, and it's Urruti on the other end of it yet again for a brace. If there was a roof on Q2 Stadium, it would have been obliterated. As the wound gushed for LAFC, Diego Fagundez would call time of death at about the 59'. A beautiful pass from Diego to the probable MVP and Golden Boot winner, Sebastian Driussi, for his 19th, would put the home side up four, yes, four goals. 

LAFC would muster a bit of life during the final half hour. Subbing on Escobar, Chiellini, and Mahala, and later Danny Trejo, Cherundolo found some energy for his club. LAFC would answer just a minute into the final half hour, with Chicho slotting home a rebound. He had numerous other solid attempts, including a possible-penalty-turned-post ringing, and got plenty of help from Mahala, Trejo, and a revitalized midfield, but it was far too little, far too late. LAFC would fall and fall hard, 4-1. 

Also on 212, we bid farewell to Brian (with his song coming in 213!), good luck and see you soon to Mamadou Fall, and hello to Tello! Scarf checks in from Colorado, Filly heads off to Motley Crue, Oka Nikolov visits with Max and Vince, Vegas plucks another from the Academy, the USYNTs are covered in Black and Gold, and there's a blood drive coming up at the Banc! Check out all this and more on Episode 212, sponsored by FLEX Power Tools! We'll see you in a few short days for 213.