Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast
352 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 83 ratingsChristian "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
Episode 269 - Denis and the Kids Down Chicho and Moose
August 09, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBIn 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 MBOn 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 MBAs 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 MBLAFC 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 MBFor 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 MBHere 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 MBIt 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 MBEpisode 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 MBOn 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 MBBack 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 MBLAFC 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 MBTired 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 MBWell... 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 ...
Episode 256 - Can A Bounce Back Match End 0-0? Oh, and Messi!
June 08, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 55 MBFresh off their CCL Final defeat at the hands (feet?) of Leon, LAFC found themselves back in the saddle at BMO, taking on Eastern Conference foe Atlanta United. How would LAFC respond? Well... LAFC got off to a bit of a slow start, as Atlanta took it to the defending champs for the first 15-18 minutes of the match. But as the match wore on, it became clear that LAFC was back on the attack and that their formidable offense was clicking once again. There was only one problem: Brad Guzan. A He...
Episode 255 - No Hollywood Ending Here. Leon Wins CCL.
June 05, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBEpisode 255 may be the toughest one yet here on Defenders of the Banc. No match was more important in our club's history than this second leg of the 2023 CCL Final against Leon. We had them at home, at BMO, at a place we've staunchly defended for 6 years. We needed just one goal to level things and take control of the series. And we had Denis Bouanga, Carlos Vela, a healthy Kellyn Acosta, an un-suspended Jesus Murillo, and... wait... is that Giorgio Chiellini?! It is! However, despite the t...
Episode 254 - Denis Provides a Lifeline at the Death!
June 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 47 MBJust when we thought LAFC couldn't possibly play any worse, Denis Bouanga went and did something like that... and TOTALLY REDEEMED THEMSELVES! After an absolute stinker of a performance for the first 95+ minutes of the first leg of the CCL final against Leon, a stunner at the death for Denis Bouanga and LAFC makes the 2-1 loss seem a little less awful, and the patch to CCL victory a whole lot less daunting! It was a beautiful sequence, as Denil Maldonado, Carlos Vela, Sergi Palencia, the h...
Episode 253: CCL SuperPod w/ LAFC PodFam.
May 29, 2023 07:00 - 2 hours - 99.1 MBIt's almost time for the CONCACAF Champions League Final, with a berth in the Club World Cup at stake! With LAFC on the precipice of writing yet another incredible chapter in their short but already storied history, it's time for the LAFC #PodFam to unite and record our CCL Final Preview SUPERPOD! On this very, very special episode, "The Scarf" J.R. Lebert hosts as the voices on many of your favorite LAFC podcasts chat about all things LAFC, Leon, CCL, and much more! Josef Zacher and Aracel...
Episode 252 - The Kids Play An Inspired Half vs. Carson
May 24, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 52.8 MBWelcome to Episode 252 of Defenders of the Banc! Normally, this space is reserved for some witty commentary and a recap of the episode. But today, in its place, we choose to use this as an appreciation post to the young kids who put forth such a valiant effort against Carson in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. Yes, they fell, 2-0. But there would be nothing to hang their heads about! So, instead of a write-up, here are the names and ages of many of the players who took the pitch for LAFC ...
Episode 251 - Revenge SZN: LAFC Downs SJ On A Late Penalty by Carlos Vela
May 21, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBFresh off the milestone of hitting 250 episodes, the boys are right back at it. On Episode 251, we relive recent history, but we switch roles! Two weeks ago, a late penalty doomed LAFC, 2-1, against San Jose. Tonight, a late penalty doomed San Jose, 2-1! It's revenge szn! The match could not have started any better, but Stipe Biuk opening his account with LAFC just 2:17 into the match. That goal would hold up through the first half, as LAFC carried the lead into the locker room. Just 6 minu...
Episode 250 - A Draw. At Least We Didn't Lose to SKC?
May 18, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBIt's a milestone episode here at Defenders, as Filly, Scarf, and the MILLIONS celebrate making it one-quarter of the way to 1000 episodes! So why aren't the boys more jovial for Episode 250? When you play one of the worst clubs in all the league to a draw, at home, after you had the lead... You'll have to excuse us for not breaking out the party hats. All the scoring was done in the first 20 minutes, as Denis Bouanga hits double digits just mere moments before Johnny Russell pulls one righ...
Episode 249 - LAFC Bounces Back With 3-0 Win At RSL
May 14, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBJust one episode away from a nice milestone, Filly and Scarf chat about one of our better performances of the season, a 3-0 pummeling of RSL in Sandy, Utah. It's Episode 249, and on this episode, we break down the match, and touch on all the LAFC news and notes of the past week. LAFC started out hot, with an early goal, as Filly predicted. Mahala's 9th minute banger gave the Black and Gold a lead they would never relinquish. In the 15', however, some consternation for LAFC, as Kellyn goes ...
Episode 248 - US Open Cup Recap (The Kids Are Alright)
May 10, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 50.3 MBThe band "The Who" has a song called “The Kids Are Alright” and they certainly were. With Scarf being shipped off to Boston, this episode of Defenders of The Banc features a different set of hosts. LAFC utilized different players and so did DOTB, well at least one face wasn’t different. The DOTB crew recaps LAFC’s spirited win over USL opponent Monterey Bay FC in the US Open Cup. Hear your usual banter, and passionate recap of another LAFC victory but done with a different set of eyes and ea...
Episode 247 - The Bay Area Still Unkind As LAFC Falls 2-1
May 07, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBIt was bound to happen sometime. LAFC suffers its first loss of the 2023 MLS campaign, falling to San Jose at Levi's Stadium, 2-1, behind a brace from Cristian Espinoza. Hear all about it on Episode 247. With Filly (and Panda) in the stands, LAFC traveled up to Santa Clara, CA to the home of Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers to face the San Jose Earthquakes. LAFC was behind the eight-ball early, as an 8' goal from Espinoza gave the home crowd something to froth over. LAFC would respon...
Episode 246 - Getting to Know: Monterey Bay FC
May 05, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBIt's Episode 246, and this is a special one. This episode kicks off our "Getting to Know" series, where you can learn all about the history, roster, stadium, and more of the opponents we play that are outside the usual 28 other MLS squads. For our maiden "Getting to Know" voyage, take a listen and learn all about Monterey Bay FC, the USL Championship club that is LAFC's 2023 US Open Cup Round of 32 opponent! On this episode, you'll learn everything about the thrilling 2-year (sort of) lif...
Episode 245 - LAFC Punches Ticket to CCL Final With 3-0 Rout of Philly
May 03, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBLAFC has made history. Again. With a 3-0 pummeling of the Union at BMO Stadium on Tuesday, May 2, the Black and Gold punch their ticket to their second CCL final in four years. On Episode 245, relive the historic win as Filly and Scarf take you through all of the heart-pounding moments! It took LAFC a mere 13 minutes to announce their presence with authority, as Timothy Tillman jumped on a rebound from a beautifully executed corner kick to give the home side a 1-0 lead. A very tense first ...
Episode 244 - Kellyn and Tillman Revive LAFC's CCL Hopes
April 27, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBIt's Episode 244, and it's the first half of the rematch everyone has been waiting for: Leg 1 of the Semifinals of the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League tilt between LAFC and the Philadelphia Union. Thanks to a pair of superb saves by John McCarthy, LAFC and Philly left the first half level. A Kellyn Acosta handball gifted a PK to the Union with just 4 minutes left in regulation, and Daniel Gazdag hammered it home to give the hosts a late lead. However, Kellyn would go from goat to hero, gett...
Episode 243 - On Heavy Rotation in Nashville!
April 23, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 69.6 MBHere on Episode 243, the Black and Gold travel to Nash Vegas to take on Walker ZImmerman and Nashville SC. LAFC would start a heavily rotated lineup while leaving Timothy Tillman, Aaron Long, and Giorgio Chiellini off the roster completely, searching for a point in Music City. The home side would strike first, as LAFC struggled to clear the ball out of their own box. Reigning MVP Hany Muhktar pounced on it and slotted it past the defense for a first half lead. With Walker Zimmerman coming ...
Episode 242 - LAFC Annexes Carson!
April 17, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBThe Clasico Angelino, Round 18, and for the first time, LAFC defeats Carson at the DIGS. It may have taken too long, but finally, LAFC gets the monkey off their backs and takes three points from Carson, needing a brace and an assist from Carlos Vela to do it! Despite the lack of home support from Carson, LAFC took the Galaxy's best shot. Going into the half level, 1-1, the Black and Gold responded well with two goals in 4 minutes. A Vela PK, earned by Cifu, and then a birthday goal for Ryan...
Episode 241 - CCL Round 2: LAFC 6, Vancouver 0
April 13, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBHere on Episode 241, the boys recap both legs of their second round CCL matchup with the Whitecaps. Denis Bouanga, Carlos Vela, and the back line of LAFC absolutely have their way with Vancouver, both at home and north of the border. In the first leg, Denis Bouanga's brace and a little dose of Mahala magic overcome the bad carpet of BC Place to sink Vancouver 3-0. Back at home, a brace from Vela with his wife and child pitchside was more than enough in another 3-0 effort, capping off over 1...
Episode 240 - It's 3-0 All Over Again Against Austin
April 09, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 51.2 MBLAFC welcomes FC Broccoli back to BMO for the first time since last year's historic Western Conference Final, and the boys break down another broccoli beatdown here on Episode 240! Denis Bouanga is simply magical, becoming the 5th member of the Black and Gold to record a hat trick, Elden Jakupovic makes his debut and, along with Giorgio, some history, and Coach Steve gets to the 25-win mark fast! Also on this episode, Filly makes his way to every nook and cranny of BMO while Hello Kitty sa...
Episode 239 - A Commerce City Snoozefest Earns A Point!
April 02, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MBIt's Episode 239, and we travel to Commerce City, Colorado, to take on the Rapids in a place where we haven't won since 2018. Spoiler alert: We still haven't, but at least we didn't lose! A 0-0 draw for the Black and Gold starts this next gauntlet of 5 matches in 16 days. Also on this podcast, apparently it was Opposite Day, as Filly gets his research on when discussing 0-0 draws while Scarf rants on the NWSL haters. The boys welcome Bogusz while giving you a recap of how our four internat...
Episode 238 - Denis Does Dallas!
March 26, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBLAFC definitely didn't make it easy against Dallas, but three points is three points, and the Black and Gold collected all three in their 2-1 win against a 10-man Dallas squad. LAFC almost had two goals in the first three minutes, but had to settle for being up 1-0 courtesy of Timothy Tillman in the 3rd minute. After a Dallas goal was ruled offside and Giorgio lost his shin guard for the first time, LAFC gained a man advantage courtesy of an Emmanuel Twumasi blow to the neck of Sergi Palen...
Episode 237 - Tired Legs Earn a Point in Seattle!
March 20, 2023 00:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBIt was hard to tell who was more tired, LAFC after playing their 5th match in 15 days, or the Defenders, fresh from celebrating Scarf's 40th birthday. But the show must go on, both for our beloved Black and Gold, and for THE most LAFC podcast on Earth, Defenders of the Banc! Episode 237 relives the riveting 0-0 draw in Seattle, complete with yellow cards, substitutions, and one nice save from Stefan Frei. We looked tired, but keeping a high-powered Seattle squad off the scoresheet is no sm...
Episode 236 - El Rey Puts Away Alajuelense
March 16, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 74 MBAfter a masterful showing in Costa Rica, and fresh off another master class against New England, the boys in Black and Gold take on Alajuelense yet again for their 4th match in 12 days, this time at the friendly confines of BMO. We cover both CCL matches here on Episode 236! Winning the first leg comfortably, 3-0, and on the road, no less, meant that all LAFC had to do was avoid an epic collapse at home to move on to the quarterfinals of the 2023 CCL tournament. So what does LAFC decide to ...
Episode 235 - LAFC Quiets the Revolution (But Welcomes Back Latif!)
March 13, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBDidn't we just do this? (Yes!) And aren't we doing this again very soon? (Also yes!) It's a gauntlet of 5 matches in 15 days, and LAFC's beatdown of the Revolution means we are over the hump! It's Episode 235, the one where we welcome back club legend Latif Blessing! LAFC, fresh off their international spanking of Costa Rica's Alajuelense, head back to BMO for our third-ever showdown against Bruce Arena and the NE Revolution. Spoiler alert: It did not go well for Bruce's Boys. An early PK c...
Episode 234 - Make It 6 For 6, But Stressful!
March 05, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBIt’s Opening Day for LAFC in 2023, and with that comes rings, banners, an incredible tifo, and, like the previous 5 seasons, 3 points! Here on Episode 234, listen to Filly and Scarf break down the win over Portland. Better yet, for the first time, head on over to YouTube, and you can now WATCH the Defenders do their thing! Before the match, all the pomp and circumstance that comes with winning your first MLS Cup was definitely present. All three pieces of hardware were there, with a matchi...
Episode 233 - New Kits On The Block! (Not an LAFC Episode)
March 02, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MB233 episodes in, and Filly and the Scarf finally deviate from the script! On this episode, which you should most definitely be WATCHING on YouTube as well as listening to on your favorite streaming service, the boys review all 30 new kits unveiled for the 2023 season... objectively. That's right, the Defenders put aside as much of their Black and Gold bias as possible for one episode to objectively review all 30 new kits. No LAFC news and notes. No This Day in LAFC History. No "Wait, What?...
Episode 232 - Previewing the Rose Bowl
February 23, 2023 05:00 - 46 minutes - 31.6 MBSeason Six is almost upon us and, as the Defenders will do before the bigger matches of the season, it's time to know thy enemy! Filly and The Scarf delve into Carson's roster, expected starting lineup, offseason issues, and everything else pertinent to our Opening Night matchup with the Herbalife sashes down the road. Who has Carson brought in to replace the legendary Kevin Cabral? Will the supporters who reside in Victoria's Secret actually show up? How cold will it be in Pasadena on Sat...
Episode 231 - You Want That Smoke?!
February 19, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBt's Episode 231, and it's Kit Launch Day 2023! Like Dobby, the Defenders were very excited to get clothes, as LAFC dropped the "Smokescreen" Kit hours before their final preseason tilt of 2023. USL-side San Diego Loyal makes the trip up the coast to BMO, bringing with them a couple of familiar faces. Before the match, LAFC HQ was packed with Black and Gold faithful buying olive green away kits, a departure from the "linen" kits of 2 years ago. The MLS Cup was there in ALL shapes and sizes,...
Episode 230 - MLS Monday as Tillman Debuts in Indio
February 14, 2023 06:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBThe Super Bowl is over, and with that, comes the close of the NFL season and the day every soccer (football!) loving fan in Los Angeles was waiting for: MLS Monday! That's right, the craze sweeping the sports world is here; MLS is taking over the day after the Super Bowl, and Episode 230 is the Defenders' contribution to #MLSMonday! LAFC beat Bob, Dio, and MAK out in the desert, 2-1, behind a brace from Bouanga. Timothy Tillman shook off jet lag to make his debut, we finally figured out who...
Episode 229 – Without Chicho, We Head to Indio
February 08, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 52.8 MBIn our first episode since the departure of Chicho Arango to Pachuca, the boys have a ton to talk about. The preseason swings into Indio (with no drums or flags allowed!), as LAFC takes on the Wayne Rooney-led, Wooden Spoon-winning D.C. United. Chicho is gone, but we welcome back a familiar face, add another Defender of the Banc (it will ALWAYS be The Banc), and bring on another new(ish) keeper. LAFC announces a new COO, LAFC 2 announces (sort of) a preseason friendly, Kevin Baxter absolu...
Episode 228 - Bale Retires, Dio Re-Joins MLS, and Max Bretos Gets a Bite at the Apple!
January 14, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBIt's Episode 228, and there is PLENTY to talk about! The boys are back in Burbank, and we are beyond excited for the 2023 Preseason to get underway! In this episode, JT and Larry are back, Gareth Bale and Sebas Mendez are gone, and the rumors for Chicho and Mahala are in full effect. Houston has a problem on their backline, LAFC needs a midfielder (or three), and ADAMA DIOMANDE is back in MLS (and with Bob!). Also on this episode, Nathan Ordaz turns 19, Max Bretos gets a bite at the Apple...
Episode 227 - Counting Our Blessing(s) as 2023 Begins
January 08, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 73.6 MBDefenders! The boys are indeed back in town! LAFC has returned to the Performance Center, and Filly and Scarf are BACK in World Famous Filimonster Studios! On this episode, we chat about all the transactions in the 2023 off-season so far. Latif is gone, and Scarf is crushed. Filly may have less representation from the five boroughs at the Banc if the Will Kuntz rumors are true. Ryan Hollingshead and the most Black and Gold mustache of all time are back! Aaron Long has entered the building!...
Episode 226 - A USMNT World Cup Watch Party with LAFC!
November 27, 2022 07:00 - 2 hours - 88.3 MBOn a very special and very different episode of Defenders of the Banc, we partner with LAFC and the good people at Santa Monica Brew Works for an incredibly entertaining watch party for the USMNT's maiden voyage in the 2022 World Cup, their match against Gareth Bale and Wales. Listen along with the Defenders as we watch the 1-1 draw between the United States and Wales. We bring on a TON of guests, including Rich Orosco, Jimmy and Cassie Lopez, Tony from Heart of LAFC, Len Lanzi, Chris Laff...
Episode 225 - LAFC Wins 2022 MLS Cup!
November 07, 2022 03:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBLAFC has won MLS Cup! LAFC has won MLS Cup!!! After a match now considered the best final in MLS history, and the most intense emotional roller coaster in a 5-year history of intense emotional rollercoasters, LAFC has won MLS Cup! The matchup was #1 in the West, LAFC, against #1 in the East, the Philadelphia Union, for the first time in an MLS Final since 2003, and it lived up to every bit of the hype and billing. The two best teams produced an all-time great match, filled with improbable m...
Episode 224 - The MLS Cup Preview Show!
November 03, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 65 MBIt still doesn't seem real, and every time we say it, we have to pinch ourselves, but in just a few short days, LAFC will play for the MLS Cup! Here on Episode 224, Filly and Scarf break down everything related to our tilt against the Union at the Banc! The Defenders do a deep dive on Philly, highlighting their stars, key contributors, and role players, their preferred formation, a look at their head coach, their club history, and how much our 2-2 draw against them on May 7 of this year rea...
Episode 223 - LAFC Will Play for MLS CUP!
October 31, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBAfter 5 years, filled with near misses, heartbreaks, and some major disappointments, LAFC will finally get their first crack at MLS Cup! It's Episode 223, and we have to pinch ourselves on this one. LAFC is on to the FINAL! In a complete and utter decimation at the Banc, LAFC took Austin behind the woodshed for a 3-0 (or was it 4?) beating en route to the Western Conference crown! Goals by Chicho, Mahala, and a lovely gift from Austin's Maxi Urruti provided the offense while a complete tea...
Episode 223 - LAFC Will Play for MLS CUP!
October 31, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBAfter 5 years, filled with near misses, heartbreaks, and some major disappointments, LAFC will finally get their first crack at MLS Cup! It's Episode 223, and we have to pinch ourselves on this one. LAFC is on to the FINAL! In a complete and utter decimation at the Banc, LAFC took Austin behind the woodshed for a 3-0 (or was it 4?) beating en route to the Western Conference crown! Goals by Chicho, Mahala, and a lovely gift from Austin's Maxi Urruti provided the offense while a complete tea...
Episode 222 - Anticipating Austin
October 27, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBIt's Episode 222, and it's our Western Conference Final preview episode. LAFC readies itself to take on Austin FC, and the road to MLS Cup continues to run through the Banc. Learn all about the Verde and Black as they get set to take on the Black and Gold! On this episode, we look at Austin's season: its ups, downs, key players, preferred formation, run of form... you name it, we dissect it here on 222. From Sebastian to Stuver and everyone in-between, this episode is all you need to get re...
Episode 221 - Bouanga's Brace, Chicho's Magic Send Carson Home
October 21, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBLAFC has knocked Carson out of the playoffs (again) behind a spectacular performance by #99 (again), and you can hear all about it here on Episode 221! Though we still have two more wins to go, tonight we celebrate LAFC's 3-2 triumph over the Galaxy! Somehow, after 17 matches in the Clasico Angelino, this rivalry still gives us magic every. single. time! LAFC went up early, something we thought we must do in order to win, behind a beautiful ball from Carlos Vela and an even better box out b...