Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast

Episode 366 might not be the most chipper of episodes, as LAFC crashes out of the 2025 Club World Cup after losing to Esperance, 1-0. A missed penalty by Denis Bouanga sealed LAFC's fate, and now, all that's left is to hope we score a goal against Flamengo.Also on this episode, Filly and Scarf defend Denis, applaud Hugo, and marvel at the Tunisian support in Nashville. Oh, and Javairo Dilrosun played for the first time. Enjoy 366! 

LAFC takes on North African giant Esperance Sportive de Tunis in our second group stage match at the 2025 Club World Cup. 

LAFC took on English powerhouse Chelsea in the 2025 Club World Cup. That's the headline. A match so important that Filly & Scarf brought on two special guests, Laff and lifelong Chelsea AND all-time Black and Gold supporter Slippy on the pod to talk about it. LAFC would fall, 2-0, but the effort, the heart, and the support were absolutely there for all 90'. Not the result we wanted, but the boys did us proud. It's Episode 365, which means you can listen to a new episode every day for a year!

LAFC takes on English Premier League giant Chelsea in a match that actually matters, our first match of Group D play at the 2025 Club World Cup!

Amidst the backdrop of protests and ICE raids across Los Angeles, LAFC defeated Sporting Kansas City, 3-1, behind a goal and 2 assists from Denis Bouanga. But it was the 90' of silence, and then the deafening roar, from The 3252 that made the most impact.

Defenders of the Banc stands with ALL Angelinos during these difficult and unprecedented times. 

It's Episode 363, and LAFC has just won the most important match in club history! LAFC slays LIGA MX giant Club America, 2-1, after 120'!The atmosphere was unlike any other in the history of BMO Stadium, as Club America brought incredible support and a high-powered roster into Los Angeles for the winner-take-all showdown. After a tense, scoreless first half, Las Aquilas would get on the board first, with a little help from VAR. A soft penalty was awarded, which, of all people, Brian Rodriguez buries to put the visitors on top. Just before the 90', a perfect corner from Denis Bouanga finds the well-placed head of Igor Jesus, and we are level! What a time for Igor to score his first goal, and we are headed to Extra Time. In the second 15' half, Denis Bouanga pays off wonderful buildup from Olivier Giroud and Frankie Amaya, as his shot deflects off a defender's leg and in for the winner! LAFC is headed to the Club World Cup!Also on this episode, we take a peek at our opponents, Chelsea, Flamengo, and ES Tunis. Scarf loses his voice, Filly gets it right, Maxime Chanot is amazing without playing a minute, and apologies all around to Olivier Giroud! 

LAFC gets ready to battle Club America for a shot at 9.5 million dollars and a trip to its 1st ever FIFA Club World Cup, where they would be in a group w/ clubs like Flamengo, ES Tunis and Chelsea. Lots to think about, but Filly and The Scarf do all the prep work to get you ready. 

It's Episode 362, the second game recap episode in a row where we discuss a disappointing 2-2 draw to a Wooden Spoon contender. Our location shifts to Quebec, where LAFC was only able to take a point from lowly CF Montreal. Montreal, the club that had scored just 8 goals all season, raced out to a 2-0 lead after 22', thanks to Prince Owusu's penalty and a couple of lucky bounces. LAFC would respond right before the half through Mark Delgado as the half would end 2-1.The subs made all the difference for LAFC. Ryan Hollingshead improved the offense, Cengiz Ünder brought a calm on the ball, and Olivier Giroud delivered the tying goal, making the run and putting away a deflection. Not the story we wanted in Montreal, but LAFC's takes a point. Next up is Club America, and a spot in the Club World Cup. But until then, enjoy 362!   

LAFC heads into Quebec to take on CF Montreal, the worst team in the East. Will it be three easy points for the Black and Gold, or will a wooden spoon contender give them trouble two weeks in a row?