It wasn't supposed to go like this. A loss to Charlotte on the heels of Messi coming to town? Messi Magic overwhelming LAFC at home? Portland punishing LAFC at Providence Park? No, no, and NO. Here on Episode 274, we try to figure out what's rotten in the state of the Black and Gold as LAFC falls in Portland, 2-0. 

Yes, LAFC came into the match without five players due to international duty, including talisman Denis Bouanga and the sizzling Cristian Olivera. And yes, LAFC was down their most important player (according to Scarf) Giorgio Chiellini, and his backline mate, Ryan Hollingshead, both due to injury. But surely the remainder of players in Black and Gold, or in this case, Smokescreen Green, would be enough to handle a Portland side well under the playoff line. Right? No. Not even close.

Goals from defenders Larrys Mabiala and Claudio Bravo on either side of halftime punctuated a spirited and collective effort from Portland as LAFC failed to record a shot on target for the first hour. Mateusz Bogusz did all he could to keep us afloat, but there wasn't nearly enough offensively time and time again. LAFC are now mired in a three-match losing streak as Carson heads to BMO. 

Also on this episode, please note: THIS ONE IS A SOLO SCARF ENDEAVOR! Filly is getting ready to call matches in Ontario, so it's just a man who likes to be alone with his thoughts. So much so that Scarf FORGOT the intro and outro! Oops. 

Also on this episode, Scarf poses the question: Have you ever seen Evander and The Weeknd in the same room at the same time? Are they not doppelgangers? 

Enjoy this one before the semi-milestone effort of 275 episodes!