Celso Oliveira and Eric Hultstrom break down LAFC’s flat draw in Austin, the small traveling supporters’ presence, and the online fallout after the match.

We analyze Sonny and Denis Bouanga’s recent struggles, MDS substitution choices and bench management, plus the club’s outstanding defensive run and Lloris clean sheets.

Looking ahead, the episode previews a tough stretch — Orlando, Cruz Azul (CCL), Portland, San Jose and Colorado — and asks whether LAFC can regroup over the break and prove what kind of team they are.

LAFC extended its perfect start to the 2026 MLS season with another win at BMO Stadium, defeating St. Louis City SC and moving to 4-0-0 in league play without conceding a goal under new head coach Marc Dos Santos.

The Black & Gold continue to collect points, but the performances raise questions. In this episode, we break down:

• Why LAFC is winning despite quiet stretches from Denis Bouanga and Son Heung‑min

• Bouanga’s missed sitter and Sonny’s evolving role as a No.10

• The breakout night from Mathieu Choinière, who scored twice against St. Louis

• The potential impact of Stephen Eustáquio not playing in the Costa Rica match due to an injury

• Whether LAFC’s attacking output should be a concern despite the results

We also preview the decisive second leg against Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in the Concacaf Champions Cup. After a 1-1 first leg in Los Angeles, LAFC must score at least once on the road to stay alive in the tournament.

Finally, we look ahead to the weekend MLS trip to Austin FC and discuss whether LAFC’s unbeaten run is sustainable against stronger opposition.

LAFC kept its perfect start to the 2026 MLS season alive with a 1–0 win over FC Dallas at BMO Stadium.

A GOLAZO from David Martínez, while Hugo Lloris delivered a five-save performance to secure another clean sheet. The result moves LAFC to 3-0-0 in MLS play and 5-0-0 across all competitions under new head coach Marc Dos Santos.

In this episode we break down: • Why LAFC’s defensive structure looks stronger early in 2026 • The continued emergence of David Martínez as a match-winner, even when Son and Denis Bouanga are not at their best • Stephen Eustáquio x Igor Jesus analysis - midfield dynamic • What yet another clean-sheet streak tells us about Marc Dos Santos’ system • Can LAFC can maintain this momentum heading into Concacaf Champions Cup?

We also preview the upcoming Round of 16 matchup against Liga Deportiva Alajuelense and discuss how LAFC should manage rotation with a congested schedule.

LAFC return to BMO Stadium Tuesday night for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 before facing St. Louis CITY in MLS play next weekend.

Crazy 2 weeks and a loaded show!

Our pregame show with Erik, straight from the Minnesota woods, talking about this weekend's game. Also... what's up with USL?

JP Márquez (@jp_marquez20) sits in for Erik as we break down the early tactical evolution of LAFC under Marc Dos Santos compared to the structure built by Steve Cherundolo.

Using heatmaps and production data from key players, we isolate the structural shift:

Tillman → redistribution

Delgado → lighter anchor

Martínez → interior compression

Sonny → role recalibration

LAFC opened the season with a statement: 3-0 over Inter Miami in front of nearly 76,000 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In this episode of Section 128, Celso Oliveira is joined by Eric Holstrom to break down what stood out from the match, why the night felt bigger than a typical opener, and what Mark Dos Santos’ early ideas are starting to look like on the field.

We cover:

Why LAFC controlled Miami (mid-block, transitions, and game management)

Son Heung-min + Denis Bouanga and how the front line is clicking

Steven Eustáquio’s impact and why the midfield looks different

Standout performances: David Martínez, Tim Tillman, and the defensive structure

The second goal breakdown (what happened, why it mattered)

What the Coliseum crowd says about LAFC’s reach and LA as a soccer city

Quick look ahead: Real España (CCC), rotation options, and score predictions

Closing topic: Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City and why LAFC passed

We are back for our Season 2 debut, as usual LIVE on Mondays.

Erik and Celso review LAFC's participation at the Coachella Valley Invitational, with a 1-1 tie vs. NYCFC.

We also will premiere our interview with newly appointed coach Marc dos Santos, who spoke with Section 128 days before leaving for the Indio training camp.

Finally, Erik and Celso project the team's success in 2026 with a new coach but still with the best attacking duo MLS has seen.

LAFC’s 2025 season is over — and our final live episode breaks down everything from the 4–3 extra-time thriller in Vancouver to the seismic changes arriving this offseason.

In this episode of Section 128, we cover:

• LAFC 2–2 Vancouver (AET): Full Breakdown of yet another PK loss.

— First-half collapse

— Son Heung-min’s incredible comeback (2 goals, insane free kick)

— 11 vs 9: How LAFC failed to finish it

— Penalty heartbreak: Son & Mark Delgado miss

• Steve Cherundolo Departs LAFC

We play his farewell clips, react live, and discuss his legacy.

• Hugo Lloris vs Turf Debate

His postgame comments criticizing BC Place’s artificial pitch went viral — was he right?

• Fan Reaction: Galaxy fans mock Delgado We show the posts and react.

• What this loss means for LAFC: — No trophies — No Champions Cup spot — No coach — Major 2026 roster questions

• Our 2026 Wishlist: 

We discuss all! 

The Western Conference Semifinal is here — and it’s the matchup MLS fans circled the moment Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller arrived.

🎙 Hosts: Celso Oliveira & Erik Hultstrom

🎙 Guests: Josh Gross & Samuel Rowan

#LAFC #VWFC #SonHeungMin #ThomasMüller #MLSCupPlayoffs #Section128 #TheThirdSub 

LAFC opened the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 win over Austin FC at BMO Stadium!

Nathan Ordaz scored his first-ever postseason goal, Son Heung-min set it up, and Denis Bouanga drove the attack as the Black & Gold took a 1-0 lead in the Round One Best-of-3 series.

In this episode of Section 128, Celso & Erik break down:

• Son Heung-min’s creative spark in his MLS playoff debut

• Ordaz’s moment and what it means for LAFC’s homegrowns

• Cherundolo’s tactical control and what Austin can adjust for Game 2

• How the Black & Gold can close the series next Sunday in Austin

🎙 New episodes weekly — deep dives into LAFC, MLS playoffs, and the culture behind the Black & Gold.

📺 Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@section128lafc

🐦 Twitter/X → https://x.com/section128lafc

 🎧 Podcast → https://section128lafc.podbean.com/

#LAFC #MLSPlayoffs #SonHeungMin #Ordaz #Cherundolo #Section128 #AustinFC #손흥민