Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast artwork

Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

339 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 83 ratings

Christian "Filly" Filimon and "The Scarf" J.R. Lebert talk all things LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club), Los Angeles' MLS soccer club. Hear original content, player, personnel, and fan interviews, team news, game breakdowns, supporters group chats, and so much more about LAFC. This podcast is BLACK and GOLD!

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Episodes

One More Sleep Preview - SKC Preview

March 09, 2024 04:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MB

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

March 03, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 53 MB

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

March 02, 2024 06:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

Preview of LAFC's upcoming trip to Sandy, Utah

Episode 289 - LAFC Makes It 7 for 7!

February 25, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 53.5 MB

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!

February 23, 2024 21:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

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!

February 17, 2024 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

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

December 12, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

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

December 08, 2023 21:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

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!

December 03, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MB

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

December 02, 2023 07:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

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!

November 27, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MB

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.

November 26, 2023 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

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

November 06, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 53.6 MB

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

October 29, 2023 06:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MB

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

October 28, 2023 04:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

Filly and The Scarf talk playoffs.

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

October 22, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MB

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!

October 21, 2023 06:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

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

October 08, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MB

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

October 07, 2023 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MB

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

Episode 280 - When Loons Cry!

October 05, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MB

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

October 04, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

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

October 02, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 49.2 MB

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

October 01, 2023 01:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

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

Episode 278 - Three Chances. No Cup. Tigres Wins Campeones Cup on Penalties

September 28, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 60.9 MB

The season started with such optimism: Trophies to play for, history to make, and records to break. Yet here we sit, nearing the end of September and the end of trophy-winning opportunities, and we have absolutely nothing to show for it. In what has been a frustratingly familiar refrain in 2023, LAFC loses to another Liga MX club with a trophy on the line. This time, it's the Campeones Cup at the hands of Tigres, and in the worst way possible: on penalties.  LAFC was pummeled out of the gat...

Getting To Know Tigres

September 27, 2023 04:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MB

LAFC takes on Tigres in the Campeones Cup, a one-off match pitting last year's MLS Cup winner against last year's Campeon de Campeones in Liga MX. We know all about Andre-Pierre Gignac and Nahuel Guzman, but who else is going to be a factor on Tigres? What are the matchups to watch? And how do the Defenders think LAFC will fare in yet another chance to hoist hardware in 2023? Check out this very special Getting to Know Tigres: Campeones Cup Edition podcast!

Episode 277 - The Draw In Chester

September 24, 2023 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

LAFC finds themselves drenched in rains of Ophelia as they squared off against the Philadelphia Union in their fortress at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. A hard fought stalemate secures LAFC another point on the road which has been a challenge all season.  Follow Filly as he takes you along his quick and to the point recap of this match. 

One More Sleep Filly's Philly Preview

September 23, 2023 00:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MB

Step right up and you'll hear a preview of LAFC's upcoming match vs the Union of Philly from our very own Filly!

Episode 276 - 0 Goals, 1 Point in St. Louis

September 21, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MB

LAFC traveled to St. Louis for the very first time in club history, poised for a showdown against current West #1 St. Louis City SC. While Scarf (and Apple TV) hoped for a high-scoring affair, it turned out to be a defensive struggle in the Show Me State. It's a pod about a 0-0 game! Woo! Tested early, Maxime Crepeau made four big saves to preserve the shutout. Several LAFC players had solid chances, but the highlight of the night was the bicycle kick by Giorgio Chiellini that wasn't just o...

One More Sleep - STL Preview

September 20, 2023 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

Filly and Scarf preview LAFC’s upcoming match w/ Western Conference Leaders, St Louis. 

Episode 275 - Bouanga & Crepeau Double Up Galaxy & Penso, 4-2

September 17, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 53.1 MB

The LA Derby never disappoints. Sure, the result might not always fall in our favor, but the excitement, the buildup, the anticipation, and the energy of the matchup with Carson is usually exceeded only by the football played on the pitch. It's very safe to say that, for Episode 275, this version of the derby definitely didn't disappoint.  LAFC took the lead twice, first on a Bouanga banger from Chiqui, and then after Ryan Hollingshead poached a pass for Denis and turned it into a goal of h...

One More Sleep - LAG Preview (for the 4th time)

September 16, 2023 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

Filly and Scarf preview LAFC's upcoming home match vs their bitter rivals, LA Galaxy

Episode 274 - Portland Puts LAFC in the Woodchipper

September 10, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 45.5 MB

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 mos...

Episode 273 - Mistakes and Messi Magic Mean More Misery

September 04, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MB

The stage was set for a good ol'-fashioned Hollywood showdown: Messi, Busquets, Alba, and Martino against Vela, Bouanga, and the chorus of the Black and Gold Faithful. Which set of star power would show up on Apple TV's biggest night since Messi's debut? It wasn't LAFC. Jordi Alba opened his Inter Miami account, Lionel Messi dished out two assists, and his bodyguard made perhaps the biggest save of the night. A goal by Ryan Hollingshead was simply far too little, far too late.  Also on thi...

One More Sleep - Inter Miami Preview!

September 02, 2023 22:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

For the 1st time OMS is available via your favorite podcast platforms because this game is important. As per usual, Filly and The Scarf preview LAFC's upcoming match vs Inter Miami.

Episode 272 - A Pauper's Effort in the Queen City

August 27, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

It's Episode 272 of Defenders of the Banc, now heard in Fiji! You know what they don't have much of in Fiji? TURF! LAFC falls to yet another inferior club on turf, this time in Charlotte. Listen as we recap and rant about the road loss.  LAFC played a dismal first half, falling behind 1-0 after a series of turnovers and not doing a whole lot on the offensive end. When was the last time you heard of an LAFC club completing 90 passes in a half? Just after the hour mark, Dolo would make his f...

Episode 271 - Even The New Guy Scores Against Colorado!

August 24, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 53 MB

Finally... MLS has come back... to BMO Stadium! It had been quite a while since LAFC had played an MLS regular season match at BMO, and boy did it feel good to be back! Olly's flying, Carlos is scoring, smoke is popping in the North End... the good times are back! LAFC hammers Colorado 4-0.  Though it may have been a somber day in LA as we remember Kobe Bryant on his birthday, LAFC did all they could to raise the spirits of Angelinos with their performance. It was a barrage early, as Matty ...

Episode 270 - LAFC Spills League Cup With Awful Second Half

August 12, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MB

This was not how it was supposed to go. A match at the Rose Bowl? Blowing a 2-goal lead with less than 25 minutes to go? No Vela AND no Chiqui? However you slice it, it's an unceremonious exit for LAFC as they fall to Monterrey, 3-2.  LAFC raced out to a 2-goal lead behind the skillful PK of Denis Bouanga and the banger of a golazo by Mati Boguesz. But the entire second half belonged to Monterrey, as they roared back with 2 goals of their own and a little help from Sergi Palencia en route t...

Episode 269 - Denis and the Kids Down Chicho and Moose

August 09, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 58.6 MB

In what was a homecoming of two of our beloved former sons of the Black and Gold, LAFC was anything but hospitable in taking out RSL, 4-0, to move on to the Round of 8 of the 2023 Leagues Cup. LAFC dodged a few bullets from RSL in the first half before unloading a barrage on the visitors in the second half. Mati sprung Denis en route to our first goal, and just five minutes later, Justen Glad decided to bring us all a party favor! He absolutely gets his pocket picked by Denis, who easily sl...

Episode 268 - TOUCHDOWN LAFC!

August 03, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.8 MB

On this episode of Defenders, we experience a lot of firsts! First Leagues Cup match, first pitch pigeon, first pod with Panda, and  we got our first Touchdown in our 7-1 sin against FC Juarez. But more importantly than that we send out many thoughts and prayers for Papa Scarf and employ the millions…..to join us in helping rally behind JR “The Scarf” and his family during this difficult time. We love you buddy! 

Episode 267 - Vela Nets Another; LAFC Still Winless in Minnesota

July 16, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MB

As the All-Star Break looms, LAFC heads north to take on the Loons. Playing their 33rd match of the season (that's a record), the Black and Gold's affair with Minnesota is our focal point for Episode 267.  The first half belonged to Emmanuel Reynoso, Minnesota's talented talisman. Despite plenty of opportunities, the home side was still scoreless after 20 minutes. Carlos Vela's beautiful run, freed by a great ball from Stipe Biuk, put LAFC up for a whole three minutes before exquisite passi...

Episode 266 - LAFC is Top Dog in 3-0 Win Over St. Louis

July 13, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MB

LAFC headed back to BMO to take on St. Louis City SC for the very first time in club history. Would LAFC continue their dominance over expansion clubs, or would the top club in the West come into our house and take all three points? The first half happened. We promise. In order for the second half to be played, there has to be one half before, and there was. However, very, very little happened.  About an hour in, Stipe Biuk came on to replace Mati Bogusz, and that's where the fireworks beg...

Episode 265 - Fall Returns, The Offense Doesn't In Draw to SJ

July 09, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MB

For just about everywhere else in the US, July 8 is smack in the middle of summer. At BMO Stadium, however, July 8 marked the return of Fall, as "Air Senegal" himself, Mamadou Fall, made his return to the Black and Gold after a loan spell in Spain with Villareal. Needing depth at CB, Steve thrust him into the XI for our match against San Jose.  Both superstars, Cristian Espinoza and Denis Bouanga, traded first-half goals en route to a 1-1 scoreline after 45, but the fireworks were just begi...

Episode 264 - Mahala Appreciation Pod

July 06, 2023 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

Here on an impromptu but necessary Episode 264, we celebrate the Black and Gold tenure of Kwadwo "Mahala" Opoku. The striker from Accra, Ghana with an electric smile gave LAFC four fantastic seasons, appearing in 79 total matches, scoring some absolute bangers, and making lifelong fans of us all. We break down Mahala by the numbers, show some of his game-winning goals, chat with many of you about his impact, and, as best we can, also try to explain what in the heck GAM is.  Mahala, we appr...

Episode 263 - Rose Bowl Rivalry Ends in 2-1 Loss

July 05, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

It was a banner day for MLS, putting two of the marquee franchises in the league on display in front of over 82,000 in Pasadena. It was a banner day for Carson, as they dredged up the ghosts of seasons past to revel in what once was at their old stomping grounds. It was a banner day for The 3252, as their performance amongst an MLS-record attendance crowd was something every single supporter of LAFC should be proud of.  But as you will hear here on Episode 263, unfortunately, it was not a b...

Episode 262 - No Ferreira, No Problem As Dallas Wins 2-0

July 02, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 48.9 MB

Episode 262 - No Ferreira, No Problem As Dallas Wins 2-0 LAFC looked to get back on the right side of things as they head to take on a Dallas club decimated by injuries and international duty. After a perplexing loss to Vancouver, this couldn't have been a better time to take on Dallas... right? Wrong. Despite missing Jesus Ferreira, Paul Arriola, Obrian, and others, Dallas took over the second half (after Chiellini and Tillman came off), kept LAFC at bay, and walked out of the sweltering ...

Episode 261 - One Step Back in Loss To Vancouver, 3-2

June 25, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 56.7 MB

On Episode 261, we break down the breakdowns in LAFC's upset loss at home to the Whitecaps, 3-2.  For the second time this season, a club has come into BMO and wrestled away their first road win of the season. This trend needs to stop. Vancouver struck early, as a third-minute goal off a set piece put the bad guys up 1-0. They would double their lead about 20 minutes later off a Brian White header, and it was clear the defending champs were reeling They needed something to get them off the ...

Episode 260 - Some Mati Magic Spells Seattle

June 22, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 54.3 MB

Back at BMO, a weary but dangerous LAFC squad looks for their second win in a row as the Seattle Sounders make their way down the coast. It's Episode 260, and on this one, you better be in your seats early! Just 54 seconds into the match, Mateusz Bogusz sneaks one past Stefan Frei from distance, and, surprisingly, that would be all LAFC would need in this midweek match with Seattle. LAFC, up 1-0 early, would make it stick, behind a couple of saves from John, a masterclass from Giorgio and t...

Episode 259 - LAFC Fastest to 300 With 2-1 Win in KC

June 18, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 60 MB

LAFC is (finally) back on the winning side of things, and (finally) back atop the Western Conference standings after our 2-1 comeback win in Kansas City! After going down early from yet another PK, this time at the foot of Alan Pulido, Dolo pushed all the right buttons at the half, bringing on Vela, Murillo, and Hollingshead. A quick score to start the second half from Denil Maldonado allowed him to atone for his earlier blunder. A late score from the captain completed the comeback and for ...

Episode 258 - More Houston, More Problems

June 15, 2023 08:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

Tired and weary from road trips, injuries, international breaks, and the most impacted schedule this side of Europe, our boys return home to face a familiar foe, the Houston Dynamo, who blew us out of Texas with their 4-0 win. Would tonight be different? Only a little.  We give up another goal within the first 30', as Micael is able to absolutely hammer one home off a rebound from a magnificent save from J-Mac. LAFC looks to answer for the remainder of the half, but nothing comes of it. In ...

Episode 257 - In Houston, We Had A Problem

June 12, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 60.7 MB

Well... that was rough. LAFC went deep into the heart of Texas and came back far worse for wear. The Houston Dynamo, behind Corey Baird and Franco Escobar (ugh), take LAFC behind the woodshed in a 4-0 drubbing in what might be the worst loss of the Dolo Era. Filly and Scarf are there for you, however, going LIVE on YouTube to walk through the fire. It's Episode 257, and in Houston, we had a problem! Down 1-0 at the half, the Hollingshead House of Horrors continued in the second frame as he ...

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