Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

One More Sleep - Minnesota at BMO

Filly and the Scarf get you set for the matchup between LAFC and the high-flying Loons at BMO!

Episode 304 - LAFC Keeps It 100 in Atlanta

Atlanta. Oh, Atlanta. If LAFC had their own Simpsons’ Tree House of Horrors, it would be Mercedes Benz Stadium. The Black and Gold traveled back to the ATL to take on Atlanta United, and, here on Episode 304, let Filly and the Scarf tell you why, for the first time, LAFC didn’t get the Benz in Atlanta! After a chippy first half that saw plenty of yellows and a few missed foul calls, the action really heated up at the hour mark. Brad Guzan sweeps the leg on Mateusz Bogusz, earning an eerily ...

One More Sleep - LAFC Travels to Atlanta

LAFC travels to our personal house of horrors, Mercedes Benz Stadium, to take on Atlanta United. LAFC has never won there. LAFC has never even scored there! So why the heck is Scarf so optimistic? Listen to One More Sleep and find out!

Episode 303 - Loudoun Silenced!

On Episode 303, the boys recap the dominant 3-0 win over USL Championship side Loudoun United in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup!  LAFC raced out to an early lead, with Timothy Tillman's 8th-minute goal equalling the fastest goal LAFC has scored in the Open Cup. A sleepy remainder of the half would give way to a much more action-filled second, as Denis the Distributor found Kike Olivera for his 3rd goal of this year's Open Cup. With the lead doubled, LAFC kept their foot planted squarely on the acce...

One More Sleep - Loudoun United - USOC Round of 16!

LAFC takes on USL Championship side Loudoun United in a Tuesday night affair at BMO! Get to know LAFC's opponent before they put a pasting on DC's affiliate! 

Episode 302 - Bouanga Bangs Brace By Burki

LAFC heads back out on the road, in search of their first MLS road win of 2024. This time, the Black and Gold head to St. Louis, last season's best team in the regular season. No sweat, right? Well, here on Episode 302, find out why the road woes are, indeed, over! After a lackluster first half where LAFC was certainly fortunate to be level, Coach Dolo pulls all the right strings yet again. Denis Bouanga receives a brilliant pass from Matty Bogusz before blasting a rocket past Roman Burki t...

One More Sleep - St. Louis SC Preview

Scarf is in Alabama cheering on the Montgomery Biscuits while Filly and special guest: Chris Lafferty preview LAFC's upcoming road match vs St. Louis SC.

Episode 301 - Vanquishing Vancouver AGAIN!

Its a solo Filly for once as Scarf has departed the West Coast en route to Atlanta with his middle schoolers. Speaking of middle schoolers, thats exactly how LAFC treated and toyed with a team they have dominated for the past year in that of the Vanouver Whitecaps. This will be a short and to the point podcast as it is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there

One More Sleep - Vancouver Whitecaps Preview

Filly and The Scarf preview LAFC's upcoming match vs Vancouver 

Episode 300 - Leaving Las Vegas... With a Win!

300! We made it! 7+ years, hours and hours of content, and here we are, 300 episodes strong. Thank you to all of you out there who have supported us, listened to us, said nice or not-so-nice things about us, fueled us, and otherwise been there throughout any part of this journey. We can't wait to hit 400 with you soon! LAFC took a trip to beautiful Cashman Field to take on the Las Vegas Lights in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup Round of 32. As we have been known to do this season, the boys in Black ...

One More Sleep - LV Lights Preview

Filly and The Scarf chop it up about LAFC's upcoming US Open Cup fixture against their former affiliate, the Las Vegas Lights.

Episode 299 - Smashed by San Jose in Santa Clara

LAFC had an opportunity, at least for a minute, to share the top spot in the West if they could deliver a performance on the road against the worst team in the West. To put it very simply, we could not. This is Episode 299, and it's not pretty.  San Jose jumped out early, scoring on a corner kick just 5 minutes in.  The Black and Gold had a few opportunities in the opening half, but either poor execution in the final third or a solid save by William Yarbrough kept us off the board.  To sta...

One More Sleep - San Jose at Levi's 2024!

LAFC heads up the coast to take on the Earthquakes at the home of the 49ers, Levi's Stadium! It looks like it'll be the debut of San Jose's new DP, Hernan Lopez. Too little, too late for San Jose? We think so!

Episode 298 - St. Denis Brings Us 3 Points Against Portland

On this episode, we again praise the exploits of one Denis Bouanga, or Saint Denis, as he has come to be known around these parts. Just when we thought our old friend, Maxime Crepeau, did enough standing on his head to deliver his new club, the Portland Timbers, a point on the road, St. Denis delivered a stoppage-time miracle and three points to the Black and Gold. Welcome to Episode 298, the one where Diego Chara sets records and sees red.  LAFC played perhaps their best half of the season...

Episode 297 - Bouanga's Brace Bags a Point at BMO

One More Sleep - NYRB Preview

Filly and The Scarf are back in action previewing LAFC's upcoming match vs Aaron Long's former club, NYRB

Episode 296 - Bogusz Brace Bags A Point in Portland

"Keep Portland Weird" is the slogan you'll see plastered on many walls, billboards, and bumper stickers as you make your way across the Rose City. Well, LAFC and Portland did their best to keep Portland weird in their 2-2 draw on Saturday, and you can hear all about it here on Episode 296.  With Filly still in New York, our good buddy Chris Lafferty joined Scarf to break down the match in Portland. The first half belonged to Evander, as The Real Deal gave Portland the lead on a pass to Feli...

One More Sleep - LAFC Heads to Portland to Face Crepeau

LAFC travels up the coast to see an old friend, as the Portland Timbers, with their new keeper, Maxime Crepeau, host the Black and Gold

Episode 295 - LAFC Ends LAG Unbeaten Streak

LAFC beats LAG in their first rivalry match of the season. Filly and Scarf recap the goals, the memories and the good times.

One More Sleep - It's Derby Time!!!

The undefeated (ugh) Carson Galaxy heads to BMO for Round 1 of the LA Derby! Hear the boys' thoughts on the match, players to watch, and score predictions. 

Episode 294 - Mihailovic Meltsdown LAFC In Mile High.

A Mile-Hi and welcome to episode 294 of Defenders of the Banc. Our expectations after last week's win were sky high, but the Rapids brought us back down to earth with a frustrating 3-2 defeat in Commerce City, CO. With Scarf miles away in Puerto Rico, Filly enlists the help of friend of the pod, and member of the @blackandgoldrc , Chris Lafferty ( @lafclaff ) to cover the news from this past week and recap everything from today's match. Take a listen to EPISODE 294!

One More Sleep - Rapids Preview

Filly is flying solo today on this edition of OMS. Well, Filly and Hello Kitty. 

Episode 293 - Bouanga's Brace, Olly’s Return Highlight 5-0 Win

Welcome to Episode 293, and what a match it was for the boys in Black and Gold! LAFC ends our scoreless streak just before it hit 350 minutes, Denis Bouanga bags a brace (though he will tell you it should have been 4!), and Olly takes a circuitous route around BMO for her pre-match flight. Take a listen for all the details of a thrilling night at BMO.  LAFC got on the board early, off a beautiful corner kick by Eduard Atuesta. The ball nicked Aaron Long's head before Nashville's defender de...

One More Sleep - Nashville Comes to BMO

Turns out we forgot to upload this to Buzzsprout before the match! Sorry! Here is Scarf's One More Sleep leading into LAFC's match vs. Nashville at BMO!

Episode 292 - Loons Lengthen LAFC's Goalless Drought to 339 Minutes

LAFC traveled to the Twin Cities to take on Minnesota United and, stop us if you've heard this before, LAFC was held goalless. Again. In fact, it's been 339 minutes of actual live play since out last goal. Cue the Titanic meme, indeed.  A mess of a clearance by Murillo off a set piece given under questionable-at-best circumstances fell to the feet of Robin Lod, who, even with his off-foot, doesn't miss from that close, put the Loons up a goal just after the 15' mark. Flash forward to the 88...

One More Sleep - MUFC Preview

Filly and Scarf preview LAFC's upcoming match vs Minnesota United. 

Episode 291 - Lloris and Melia Keep It Scoreless at BMO

LAFC heads back to the friendly confines of BMO Stadium for a matchup against Peter Vermes-led Sporting Kansas City, the only club to beat LAFC twice at home in the regular season in our club's first 6 years. What we hoped would be a high-scoring match for the Black and GOld quickly turned into a battle of keepers.  Former MLS Pool keeper and longtime SKC player Tim Melia was outstanding, making huge save after huge save over the course of 90 minutes to keep LAFC off the board. Our best cha...

One More Sleep Preview - SKC Preview

Despite Filly's rotten luck with his computer the boys give you a preview of LAFC's upcoming match vs SKC. 

Episode 290 - Snowed Under in Sandy

It's no Lazy Sunday for the Defenders, as they wake up early Sunday morning to give you all the LAFC news, notes, banter, and a recap of the blizzard that hit Sandy, Utah by the name of Andres Gomez. LAFC gets TKO'd by Salt Lake, 3-0, amid a blustery, winter storm.  First, the match was delayed 2 hours because of weather. Then, just 3 minutes in, lightning halted the festivities for nearly another hour. But upon restart, the match was essentially over at the half, as Andres Gomez's brace, C...

One More Sleep - Feeling Saucy Heading To Sandy

Preview of LAFC's upcoming trip to Sandy, Utah

Episode 289 - LAFC Makes It 7 for 7!

Season 7 is upon us, and our first match of the new year sees us staring down a familiar foe, the Seattle Sounders. Hugo Lloris is Black and Gold, Eduard Atuesta is BACK in Black and Gold, and Carlos Vela still isn't in Black and Gold. But one thing remains the same: LAFC does NOT lose season openers! The match began with another banger of a tifo by The 3252, proceeded by Giorgio Chiellini himself as the match's Honorary Falconer. Jordan Morris wasted no time in welcoming Hugo to MLS, as Ll...

ONE MORE SLEEP - OPENING DAY!

LAFC AND THE BOYS ARE BACK with the first edition of One More Sleep for Season 7. Filly, Scarf and Hello Kitty preview LAFC's season and home opener against the Seattle Sounders

Episode 288 - LAFC IN 2024 - Let's Get It Started!

The boys are back! Both LAFC and the Defenders have finally begun things in 2024.  On our maiden 2024 voyage, the boys talk three things: Preseason matches, players we've signed, and players who have left. Yes, Maxime Crepeau is gone. So is John McCarthy, Kellyn Acosta, Diego Palacios, Giorgio Chiellini, and many other depth pieces.  But, oh baby! Eduard Atuesta is back from Palmeiras, David Martinez and Tomas Angel join the attack, and Omar Campos will be playing the role of Chiqui in 202...

Episode 287 - Final Episode of 2023 MLS Season

Ultimately, 2023 did not end with the same Hollywood ending as 2022 did. There was no Gareth Bale miraculous goal, no comeback just in the nick of time, and no major championship trophy hoisted by LAFC this season. Despite chance after chance, the boys in Black and Gold fell just short yet again, losing to the Crew in the MLS Cup Final, 2-1.  Here on Episode 287, re-live all the agony and the glimmers of hope from that final, 53rd match of the season. Our boys gave it their all, but, despit...

One More Sleep - MLS Cup Final Preview

Filly and Scarf give you the final One more Sleep episode of 2023. This is the big one. The MLS Cup Final Preview. Thank you for being with us all season long. We are ALL Defenders.

Episode 286 - Ohio Bound! Back to Back Western Conference Champs!

It's Episode 286, and on this episode, LAFC finally brings home a trophy! It's not quite the one we were hoping for, but don't worry! We play for that in just 7 days! LAFC is on to the MLS Cup Final after defeating Houston in the Western Conference Final, 2-0! A near miss by Carlos Vela and a stunning cross from Hector Herrera punctuated a very entertaining first 10 minutes or so, but then LAFC's defense went to work, stifling Houston for the remainder of the first half. Just before the hal...

One More Sleep - Western Conference Final Preview

Filly, Scarf and The Dr. Jonathan Reimer preview LAFC's upcoming match against the Houston Dynamo for the right to represent the Western Conf. in the MLS Finals.

Episode 285 - LAFC Downs Seattle to Host the Western Conference Final!

The Seattle Sounders: Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Raul Ruidiaz, Nico Lodiero, Nouhou, Yeimar, Joao Paulo, and Brian Schmetzer. Lumen Field. Turf. Ted Unkel. Chris Penso. The deck was stacked with reasons why LAFC shouldn't win. Why LAFC shouldn't advance to their third Western Conference Final in our 6-year history. Why the Black and Gold faithful would be rueing another missed opportunity.  Well, somewhere along the way, nobody in Black and Gold got the memo as LAFC wins an absolute na...

One More Sleep - MLS Western Conference Semi-Final Preview.

Filly and Scarf are back after a 3 week hiatus to preview LAFC's upcoming playoff match versus the always dangerous Seattle Sounders.

Episode 284 - LAFC Vanquishes Vancouver for First Road Playoff Win

It may have taken 6 matches, but LAFC is finally done with the Vancouver portion of their 2023 schedule! LAFC dispatches Vancouver, 1-0, behind a Denis goal and another sparkling performance by Maxime Crepeau. It's on to the Western Conference Semis for the Black and Gold! In a much more tense and nervy affair than we would have wanted, LAFC struck first behind a Denis Bouanga penalty goal. Mario Gonzalez earned the PK for LAFC after being sandwiched in the box by Tristan Blackmon, and Deni...

Episode 283 - LAFC Puts 5 On It In First Playoff Match of 2023

As LAFC embarks on its title defense, it's a familiar foe, as Vancouver returns to BMO for the first match in a ridiculous best-of-three First Round series. It's playoff time, Defenders, and this is Episode 283 of Defenders of the Banc! LAFC started out hot, as Ryan Hollingshead cleaned up the mess after a beautiful set piece to give LAFC the lead 18 minutes in. Vancouver would answer after an awful turnover by Murillo, as Andres Cubas, back from injury, finds Brian White for the equalizer....

One More Sleep - MLS Cup Playoffs vs Vancouver Gm 1

Filly and The Scarf talk playoffs.

Episode 282 - Bouanga Wins the Boot; LAFC Wins More Time in Vancouver

Decision Day! One of the most fun days on the MLS calendar is here, and LAFC can finish anywhere from 2nd to 4th depending on their result. As Filly and Scarf have their eye on games featuring Houston, Seattle, and of course Carson, Denis Bouanga has his sights set on LAFC's third Golden Boot in 5 years.  LAFC started out strong, peppering Takaoka with a few shots and creating solid chances. However, after Ryan Hollingshead goes to ground early on Richie Laryea, Vancouver earns a PK. Ryan G...

One More Sleep - Decision Day In Vancouver!

Filly and Scarf preview LAFC's Decision Day visit to Vancouver, British Columbia as the Black and Gold square off against the Whitecaps. 

Episode 281 - LAFC Eliminates Austin Behind Bouanga's Brace

Just a few short matches ago, we here at Defenders of the Banc were lamenting the lack of scoring, with the number of minutes without a goal reaching into the 400's. Turn the page just one week, and LAFC seemingly can't stop scoring, with 5 in their last match and now 4 today in our win at Austin. Denis Bouanga strengthen's his grip on the Golden Boot while LAFC strengthen's its grip on the #2 spot in the West, and you can hear all about it on Episode 281! LAFC raced out to a 4-0 lead, as T...

One More Sleep - Austin FC Preview

Filly and The Scarf preview LAFC's upcoming matchup w/ Austin FC

Episode 280 - When Loons Cry!

t shouldn't have been this hard, and it shouldn't have taken this long, but finally, LAFC has punched their ticket to the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, and boy does it feel nice! On Episode 280, hear all about how the Black and Gold downed the Loons and booked their spot in the postseason.  Turns out, Denis Bouanga is good. Really good. But even Denis Bouanga would need to pat himself on the back for the history he accomplished on Wednesday, becoming the first player in LAFC history to score a hat...

One More Sleep LAFC vs Minnesota

Filly and Scarf give you the Lowdown on the Loons as LAFC prepares to take on Minnesota United.

Episode 279 - Goalless Drought Passess 400 Minutes as Chicho Sinks LAFC

In the span of 402 minutes, you could drive to Phoenix, Arizona and take an hour nap, or you could watch all three of the original Star Wars movies and have 15 minutes to make popcorn. For LAFC, what they can't do in that timeframe is score goals. LAFC falls, 1-0, to RSL, behind a (of course it was) Chicho Arango header.  On this episode, we breakdown the frustration of being held without a goal for the last 4 games while also trying to keep it relatively light. There's plenty of season lef...

One More Sleep - RSL (Again) Preview

Filly and Scarf talk to the millions..... about RSL once again.