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It might be hard to keep track of the days of the week, but at least the boys at Defenders of the Banc are keeping track of their episode numbers. It’s time for 93!

 Since the quarantine, it’s been the RemiMartinn show, and he has provided us with plenty of entertainment. This weekend marks the kickoff of the eMLS Tournament Special, a new 32-player tournament featuring one active MLS player and their eMLS teammate from 16 MLS squads. The tournament has a fair amount of star power from the league: USMNT players Sean Johnson (NYCFC), Paul Arriola (DC), and Aaron Long (NYRB), former Manchester United stars Nani (Orlando City) and Chicharito (Carson), and the newest starting keeper for Minnesota, Tyler Miller. 

 LAFC has a duo in the tournament as well, led by 5th ranked eMLS gamer RemiMartinn and rounded out by our Great One himself, #99, Adama Diomande. Our first-round matchup in the tournament? Of course. Bring on “e-Trafico”! The first match pitted Dio vs. Chicha, and it was a close, tight affair. Dio came away the victor, 1-0, handing Remi a one goal aggregate advantage. Remi fell down 1-0 early off a bad giveaway but stormed back with three unanswered goals to close out Carson, 4-1 on aggregate. 

 Next up were the owners of the worst crest in MLS history, the Chicago Fire, architects of the upset win over FC Cincinnati (is any win against Cincy really an upset?) and current #1 ranked eMLS player “Fiddle”. Dio absolutely dominated his matchup, 4-0, while Remi took his game going away, 2-1, for a 6-1 aggregate win and a spot in the semi-finals. We’ll have to wait four weeks to see Remi in action again in the tournament. 

 Also on this episode, the Defenders discuss the disappearance of promotion/relegation in Liga MX, the disappearance of the US Soccer Development Academy, and the disappearance of Schmitty McMittens’ litter box from Filimonster Studios! Filly rants on the Berhalter family again while Scarf runs down This Day in LAFC History. We’ve absolutely loved all the Black and Gold (and white, and yellow, and navy, and camo) kits in our #ShowUsYourKits weekend, and can’t wait until next weekend, where every day is #Haturday!

 While we work through this strange journey, thanks so much for taking the time to listen to Defenders of the Banc. Stay healthy, everyone!