defenders of the banc

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

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 2024! And oh by the way, Hugo Lloris will be between the pipes. Yes, the same keeper who won World Cup in 2018 and almost did it again in 2022. 

The season starts in 8 days, our kit drops in 24 hours, and this episode is out NOW! Enjoy Episode 288, and look for our kit rankings episode coming soon!

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 Timothy Tillman and Cristian Olivera scored on either side of a Bouanga brace. WIth 15 minutes to go, LAFC got sloppy, allowing a goal from a set piece before a stoppage time header from... Giorgio Chiellini, of all people, to give Austin their second goal of the match and final goal at home for the year. A 4-2 win that Steve still has plenty to talk about? Perfect. 

Also on this episode, Filly eats an entire head of broccoli. Not cooked, not covered in cheese, not even salted or peppered... just... raw. Scarf almost chokes, we read our tweets live on air, and we bid farewell to Messi, Carson, and Wayne Rooney. It's Episode 281, and it's a good one!

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

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 left, and it's up to LAFC to make the best of it. It just doesn't look very likely right now. 

Also on 279, we quote Wayne's World, Lee Corso, and Jeff Goldblum, bid farewell to baseball, and give our respect and props to Chicho. Enjoy Episode 279.

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. 

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 began! After several good opportunities from Biuk, Jose Cifuentes dropped a perfect dime to Carlos Vela and that sweet, goal-scoring left foot of his put the home side up 1-0. The goal would prove historic, as that would be LAFC's 350th MLS regular season goal in just 180 games, eclipsing the record held by DC United with 4 matches to spare. Ten minutes later, a perfect buildup involving no less than a half-dozen LAFC players culminates with Stipe's third goal of the year. As if the rout wasn't already on, Nathan Ordaz found a streaking Cifu for the third goal of the match, and for the first time in a while, it's FREE Baskin Robbins for all!

Also on this episode, Filly impersonates Isaac Hayes, Scarf falls in love with a scarf, and Olly goes on flyabout. Happy birthday, Chiqui Palacios, and we hope you enjoy Episode 266!

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 beginning. With over 30 minutes left, SJ keeper Daniel was assessed a straight red for a handball well outside of the box, giving LAFC an advantage for the remainder of the match. But despite our (best?) attempts, we couldn't muster much against their second keeper, J.T. Marcinkowski, and LAFC is forced to swallow a bitter point at home. 

Also on this episode, we get stats with both Filly and Scarf, we wish happy birthday to a founding member of our club, and we keep one eye on Sandy, Utah and the beginning of the Chicho Era at RSL. Enjoy Episode 265, and we will see you in just a few days for the tussle against St. Louis!

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 mat, and right before halftime, they would find that something!

Denis Bouanga pounces on a rebound to net his 11th of the MLS campaign, and the lead was halved. Unfortunately, the Whitecaps would score a third about 20 minutes into the second half, putting the home side down a pair. A Carlos Vela goal, off a beautiful steal and pass by Mati, would again cut the deficit to one, but it was too little, too late for the Black and Gold. Vancouver would take all three points, 3-2. 

Also on this episode, we are reminded that love is love as our friends Taylor and Max tie the knot on Christmas Tree Lane. We get back to our "Wait, What?!" moment, we get set to potentially welcome back a back-line weapon, and we can breathe easier as we watch Olly soar. Enjoy Episode 261!

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 the rest of the back line, and the best overall effort we have seen from Danny Crisostomo. LAFC take three points and the spot at the top of the Western Conference. 

Also on this episode, Filly is tired, Scarf rants on Twitter bums, and our good buddy Jonathan Reimer joins us on the fourth floor! Don't worry, we'll do this again in just about 72 hours, but for now, enjoy Episode 260!

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 fact, our only shot on target occurred in Stoppage time right before the halftime whistle. 

With little to show offensively, Mahaa's back-breaking red just before the 80' all but put the match out of reach. The slide continues, and LAFC falls, 1-0.

Also on this episode: The boys put their faces near three prestigious trophies at once and take pictures next to the Bayern bear, Bernie! Hopefully you enjoy this episode more than the match...

It'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 Araceli Villanueva (Heart of LAFC), Jonathan Reimer (Shoulder 2 Shoulder), Erik Hultstrom (Voices of the Black and Gold), Luke Klipp (LGBT FC), Travis Helwig (Happy Foot Sad Foot), and Christian "Filly" Filimon (Defenders of the Banc) form a round table not seen since the days of King Arthur!

Watch and listen as the panel dreams of a date with Manchester City (or Inter Milan), breaks down Leon's performance over the last calendar year, and regales the tales of Away Days spent in exotic locales like Costa Rica or... Vancouver. We even go around the panel debating who should play in our new game: Start or Sit! 

Which player outside the XI will have the most impact in the final? How many goals will Denis Bouanga have? Will either Jesus Murillo or Giorgio Chiellini be healthy enough to play? And how many Hello Kittys will make an appearance on the Superpod?!? 

You'll have your answers to all these questions and more as we await the two-legged final vs. Leon! Enjoy the Superpod!

It'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 right back. From there on out, the game vacillated between boring, frustrating, and the occasional exciting moment for the Black and Gold. LAFC had a late goal by Ryan Hollingshead called back on a questionable offside while Eldin Jakupovic saves our bacon in stoppage time. All in all, a frustrating draw, 1-1, but... still not a loss. 

Also on this episode, we take a moment to honor and thank Brandon Tsay, Nathan Ordaz makes his MLS debut, and the Defenders take a quick look back on the over 260 hours of content they've created thus far. Enjoy 250, because 251 is coming right around the corner!

Just 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 down hurt and has to come off. Both LAFC's defense and Carlos Vela's ankle bent a bit over the next 30 minutes, but nothing too severe on either side. And in the 35', a rocket from Bouanga off the easiest assist Carlos will ever have doubles the lead and puts the boys up 2-0 at the half, just as Scarf predicted!

The second half was... boring. With LAFC content to possess and RSL doing little to counter or press for the first 15-20 minutes, the match slogged through syrup. A goal-saving clearance by Timothy Tillman on an Olimpico attempt was about all there was to talk about other than the insertion of Anderson Julio. But Julio would make his presence felt, literally and figuratively, colliding cleanly with John McCarthy in the 68'. McCarthy would stay down for a bit, holding his shoulder, but the stalwart keeper would remain in the match. 

LAFC closed things out late, as Denis earned a penalty and allowed Mateusz Bogusz to open his account with a boomer of a kick low and hard to the right and past Zac MacMath. LAFC would lead, 3-0, and, albeit slightly battered, would come away with a comfortable win amidst a dominating second half. 

We'll have to see how Kellyn, McCarthy, Hollingshead, and Carlos are feeling, as a match with lowly-but-finding form SKC looms in just 4 days, but for now, it's three tough points on the road! Episode 250 is also looming, but, for now, enjoy the win, and the new episode!

The 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 ears. We hope you enjoy Episode 248 as much as we enjoyed recording it. Oh, and Filly realized he was wrong about something at the end of this podcast. The Black and Gold DO await their opponent in the round of 16 draw on Thursday, May 11th at 11am pst

LAFC 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 half saw LAFC take that one goal lead into the locker room, but the fireworks had just begun. 

Just before the hour mark, Union defender Olivier Mbaizo earns his second yellow of the match, and the entire tenor of the night changed. LAFC went on the attack, and, gradually, the Union wore down. Mahala's hammer in the 82nd minute preceded another Bouanga banger in the 90th, and that was all she wrote for the Union. LAFC dominate the visitors, 3-0, to set a date with either Leon or Tigres in the CCL Final! 

Also on 245, LAFC is headed to beautiful Seaside, CA, Scarf buys a new license plate, Filly coins the word "ethersphere", and the MLS has a major scheduling problem on their hands! What are we talking about? Give us a listen! In the meantime, we're going to dig out our passports!

LAFC 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 says hi... again. Enjoy 240 as we prep to host Vancouver in the second leg of the CCL.