LAFC Season Pass Podcast | It Never Rains LA

The crew does its best to make sense of the LAFC's record six game winless streak, diverting from the normal formula to hypothesize about the effect the All-Star might have and consider what might come next as the Black & Gold look to turn things around.

Los Angeles Football Club dropped points again at home in a 4 - 1 embarrassment against now Western Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City. The starting lineup had to see some big changes at the back with Eddie Segura out for the season, after having a procedure to repair his ACL and Jesus Murillo being sat with a minor injury to his hamstring with no return date in site. SKC came out with a plan to give the black and gold a taste of their own medicine. They pressed the black and gold back line and were successful in disrupting buildup play in the LAFC defensive half. A few times, SKC was able to quickly transition from their high press to their counterattack with a numerical advantage. LAFC gave up three goals in the first half. All of them came from turnovers in possession, two of which SKC went the length of the field to score. The second half saw LAFC take their effort to another level, but it saw more goal scoring chances go unconverted. After LAFC gave up a 4th goal to the visitors, Danny Musovski got a cancellation goal to avoid the shutout. This was a deflating loss for the Black and Gold faithful as it is the third game in a row when LAFC didn't take 3pts at the final whistle. LAFC will look to turn things around away this Sunday with a 4pm kickoff at PayPal Park against the San Jose Earthquakes. This gives them an opportunity to expel this bad taste in their mouth from their home loss. The 3 keys to the match are clear and obvious: 1). no mistakes in possession in the defensive half that lead to counterattacking situations for the opponent, 2). finish the clear cut goal scoring opportunities inside the 18, and 3). when adversity hits during the game, an immediate response of effort, energy and intelligence is mandatory. The pressure is mounting on Bob Bradley to right the ship. If three points is not taken this weekend, the black and gold could drop out of a playoff spot. This game is important to get the second half of the MLS regular season started on the front foot. In this fourteenth episode of the 2021 season, writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer (from Yokohama, Japan), alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, and guest appearances from Ben Bjelajac aka Benny Blanco and Sam Ko aka Slim from our sister podcast the FCFC pod breakdown LAFC's worst loss in recent memory at home to Sporting Kansas City.

Los Angeles Football Club earned two points in their last two matches with two 2-2 draws against Western Conference foes. The fellas in black and gold missed a chance to climb the table and now are tied on points with Minnesota sitting in 5th in the Western Conference. The match with Vancouver had a slow start as LAFC played their 3rd game in 8 days. Their lack of energy in the first half was apparent and was punished. Vancouver took advantage of a poor clearance from Kim Moon-Hwan in the 25th minute, giving Deiber Caicedo an easy tap in. Shortly after, in the 38th minute, Whitecaps top goals scorer, Cristian Dajome doubles the score on a header from a set piece. The response before half time provided hope as Edward Atuesta picked out Carlos Vela to cut the lead in half before the break. With a much improved showing in the second half, LAFC was only able to find the equalizer in the 75th minute. Jose Cifuentes hits a volley from a Diego Palacios cross that demonstrates his continued growth this season as he sits tied with Diego Rossi and Carlos Vela with a team leading 5 goals. LAFC's next match against Minnesota United started with LAFC on the front foot. Carlos Vela was denied by former LAFC Goalkeeper Tyler Miller. The deadlock was broken in the 40th minute when Jose Cifuentes intercepted a pass in his half and played the through ball for the Carlos Vela breakaway goal. Emanuel Reynoso leveled the score at the 49th minute mark with a strike after creating some space away from Marco Farfan. Tristan Blackmon got his first goal of the campaign with a header off a corner from Edward Atuesta. Minnesota would play spoiler with a goal in the 95th minute from Hassanu Dotson which finished the game at 2-2. In this thirteenth episode of the 2021 season, writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer (from Yokohama, Japan) and Ryan Wallerson (from Copenhagen, Denmark), alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, breakdown LAFC's two draws with Vancouver and Minnesota and previews the big Wednesday night game vs Sporting Kansas City.

Los Angeles Football Club earned three points in their last two matches against Western Conference opponents; the boys in black and gold won 2-1 against the Real Salt Lake before losing away to the Portland Timbers. The match with RSL saw our boys in black and gold dominate possession holding the ball 56.7% of the time. This resulted in 29 shots attempted with 9 of them being on goal. The goals came from Diego Rossi and Carlos Vela. As shown in the second goal, it is evident that new comer Kim Moon-Hwan has found good chemistry and understanding with LAFC Captain Carlos Vela. Their understanding is only going to improve from here which will bring more goals. LAFC's next match against Portland was an entertaining game. Unfortunately the two worst moments were the first and last of the game. Both moments resulted in goals off of crosses. The first one to start the game came after a Marco Farfan turnover and the second came off a quick restart off a throw in. Outside of these two moments, LAFC dominated possession and shots, but could not find a way to get enough of their chances in the back of the net. In this twelfth episode of the 2021 season, writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer (from Yokohama, Japan) and Ryan Wallerson (from Copenhagen, Denmark), alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher (one of us has to be in California., right?), breakdown LAFC's win over RSL and loss to Portland and previews the two matches against Vancouver and Minnesota.

With the MLS break, we reflect on the top headlines in football, Messi wins Copa America 2021, being his first international trophy for Argentina and the Italian comeback in the 2020 Euro Cup Final. Penalty kicks resulted in a heartbreaking ending for the bring it home story for England. They took the lead early in a 2nd minute after Kieran Trippier found Luke Shaw on the back post. Shaw's first touch blast found the inside of the front post, before player of the tournament Gianluigi Donnarumma could make the stop. From then on England sat back and invited Italy to break down the British defense. After Italy dominating the run of play, they converted their chance in the 67th minute off a corner-kick. 34 year old Leonardo Bonucci placed a rebound off the back post into the goal, leveling the score at 1. Heroics from Gianluigi Donnarumma making 2 stops as Enland's last three PK takers all missed. In the Copa America Final, Messi finally got help from the supporting cast. Ángel Di María was the loan goal scorer finding the back of the net in the 22nd minute. Rodrigo De Paul found space behind the Brazilian back line where only Di María could get a magician's touch to provide the early lead for Argentina. The game was very physical from the start and continued with lots of tackles in transition. This was the first time Brazil had ever lost in a final hosted in Brazil. In the end it felt like justice had been served as Neymar found time after shedding his tears to congratulate his friend, Messi. In this eleventh episode of the 2021 season, writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, review the Euro Cup 2020 Final, Copa America 2021 Final and preview LAFC's home match-up against Real Salt Lake and away against Portland.

In the tenth match of the 2021 season, Los Angeles Football Club dropped 3 points on the road to Western Conference contender Sporting Kansas City in a 2-1 loss. Kim Moon-Hwan opened the scoresheet with his first goal in MLS for the Black and Gold. In the 24th minute, Kim beat two players after receiving a pass from Jose Cifuentes, slotting the ball inside the front post. LAFC did not dominate possession as they traditionally do. It was partially due to going down a man in the 58th minute off of a Tristan Blackmon foul resulting in a sending off. As the rain began to pour in Austin, Blackmon gave a poor pass intended for Diego Rossi that was cut out by SKC young star, Gianluca Busio. The transition allowed Busio to find Daniel Salloi wide with space. To avoid the goal scoring opportunity, Blackmon stuck his arm out bringing Salloi to the ground. The free kick only resulted in Busio hitting the wood work which only was a sign of what was to come. SKC quickly evened the score with a goal from Mexican international Alan Pulido, in the 61st minute, after a poor clearance from Marco Farfan. LAFC showed defensive grit through the remaining 30 minutes, and pushed the ball forward looking for the winning goal. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to take a point. In the 87th minute, the Hungarian, Daniel Salloi, made his final mark on the match with the winning goal off an Eduard Atuesta turnover. In this seventh episode of the 2021 season, writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, review the last three games against Kansas City, Salt Lake and Austin. LAFC is now on a two game road winning streak which sees LAFC climb the western conference table to 5th.

Los Angeles Football Club earned four points in the final two matches of its four-game homestand at the Banc; the boys in black and gold drew 1-1 against the Houston Dynamo before beating F.C. Dallas 2-0 to bring the club's record through nine league games to 3-3-3. The draw was a bit of a disappointment in terms of results, but LAFC's defensive effort held Houston to only three attempts all game; that was very encouraging to see, as was the club's overall performance against Dallas. The struggling visitors mustered only a single shot on goal against LAFC, in comparison to the 19 shots (8 on target) that LAFC put towards Dallas' net. LAFC's next match against Sporting Kansas City in Kansas City represents a much larger challenge; SKC leads Major League Soccer in goals as well as chances created, and it is third in the league's supporter shield race. A victory on the road against the former Wizards would easily be LAFC's biggest win of the season thus far, and from the look of the last two matches, the club just might be up for the task. In this ninth episode of the 2021 season, writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer (from Yokohama, Japan) and Ryan Wallerson (from Copenhagen, Denmark), alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher (one of us has to be in California., right?), breakdown LAFC's Texas sweep and preview this weekend's matchup against Sporting K.C.

In the seventh fixture of the 2021 campaign, Los Angeles Football Club dropped its first home match of the year to New York City FC in a tough 2-1 loss. The last minute headed goal that LAFC surrendered to NYCFC was a tough way to end things, but that sting has been somewhat lessened by three weeks of international football. Between the Champions League final, USA vs Mexico, the 2020* Euros and the 2021 Copa America, we here at Season Pass sincerely hope your life has not been devoid of the beautiful game. LAFC had some good moments in the match against NYCFC, and if not for a missed sitter by Carlos Vela, the team may well have earned a point out of a third consecutive 2-2 draw, a final scoreline these two teams are very accustomed to. However, LAFC's performance was indicative of a team that is still looking for its top form, and star players who are still working back to match fitness. The three-week intermission was no break for LAFC; Bob had the boys in black and gold working hard in training, and on Saturday, June 19th, the fruit of their labor will be on display in front of the first capacity crowd at Banc of California Stadium since LAFC vs Philadelphia in March 2020, a staggering 15 months ago. In this eighth episode of the 2021 season, writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer (from Yokohama, Japan) and Ryan Wallerson (from New York, New York), alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher (one of us has to be in L.A., right?), breakdown LAFC's loss to NYCFC in the second of this four-match home stand, preview this weekend's matchup against Houston and look ahead to the contest against F.C. Dallas just four days later. Stay cool out there, y'all!

In the sixth match of the season, Los Angeles Football Club (2-2-2) opened a four-game home stand with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids. Carlos Vela played 60 very important minutes for the black and gold, but it was a first half brace from Diego Rossi that lifted LAFC back into the win column. The back line bent at times, no more so than in the transitional sequence that allowed the Rapids goal in the opening stages of the second half, but the LAFC defense was able to ride the game out and maintain the lead through the final whistle in another positive performance. The win marked what LAFC hopes is the beginning of a very successful home stand; Bob Bradley was bullish in this week's media day about the club's desire to capture six points over two matches. However, in order to do so, LAFC will have to defeat a team that it has yet to win against in its short history. LAFC and New York City Football Club have only met in two league matches over LAFC's first three seasons. Both matches ended in 2-2 draws during the 2018 and 2019 campaigns. In 2021, NYCFC marches on Banc of California Stadium as the top offense in the eastern conference by measure of scoring; NYCFC's 11 goals are tied for 3rd in MLS, behind only Seattle (14) and Sporting Kansas City (12). The boys in blue have also surrendered only 6 goals so far this season, so the team represents a legitimate challenge for LAFC on both sides of the pitch. In this seventh episode of the 2021 season, writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, breakdown LAFC's victory over the Colorado Rapids in the first of this four-match home stand, preview this weekend's matchup against NYCFC, and talk a little east coast supporter culture at the end.

In the fifth match of the season, Los Angeles Football Club dropped its second consecutive game to the Seattle Sounders by a final score of 2-0. LAFC opened the match well and played Seattle, the current #1 in the western conference, to a scoreless first half, but a set piece goal gave the Sounders the advantage early in the second half and a defense lapse allowed a second Sounders goal soon after. Since beating Austin F.C. 2-0 on opening day, LAFC has drawn two and now lost two, which leaves the club in unfamiliar territory: through five matches in the 2021 MLS season, Los Angeles Football Club sits in last place in the western conference. However, things are not a dire as they appear. The offense has opened the campaign with a dry spell to the tune of five goals in five matches, but the defense has only allowed six, leaving the team with a goal differential of -1. The front line is struggling, but the back line is not. If LAFC doesn't become the high octane offense we've seen in the past this season, can a stout defense produce a different kind of playoff team? Or is it just a matter of time before the goals begin to pour in? Writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson (Back like he never left), alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, are back on the weekly podcast grind for the 2021 season. In this sixth episode of the year, our trio looks back on LAFC's 2-0 loss to Seattle, as well as the club's difficult start in general, and offer optimism as to why the next eight matches of the season present the perfect opportunity for a much needed turnaround.

During Los Angeles Football Club's short history, there is no question which team in L.A. has been more successful, yet the Los Angeles Galaxy have stubbornly played up to LAFC in their derby matches. LAFC's latest attempt to win its first match in Dignity Health Sports Park ended in another defeat at the feet of its rivals to the south. The Galaxy's 2-1 victory over LAFC over the weekend was the latest example that the team's hot start behind Chicharito is not a fluke, and sends LAFC back to the drawing board in search of answers and results. Season Pass boss Alex Dwyer and in-house tactician Pierce Maher form a two-man attack for this week's episode (Ryan will be back next week). In this fifth episode of the year, our Dweezy and Coach P. look back on LAFC's 2-1 road loss against the Galaxy and forward to this weekend's early season rematch against the Seattle Sounders.

Los Angeles Football Club drew its second consecutive match in its first road game of the season against the Dynamo in Houston. A sequence of excellent passing early in the second half of a scoreless match ended with Corey Baird's second goal of the young season, but LAFC relinquished the lead minutes later and left Houston with only one point in hand. After the match, head coach Bob Bradley said that the team simply wasn't good enough on the day to win. The effort, decision making and intensity will all have to be higher this weekend against the Los Angeles Galaxy, who have started the season well very on offense through a resurgent Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. Carlos Vela is a game time decision for LAFC, but Blackmon could return to the back line this weekend to help beat back the Galaxy's attacks. Overall, LAFC are still looking for the offensive gear that the team is accustomed to playing in; a big performance against the crosstown rivals could be just the thing to kickstart the black and gold attack. Writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, are back on the weekly podcast grind for the 2021 season. In this fourth episode of the year, our trio looks back on LAFC 1-1 road draw against Houston and forward to this weekend's battle for Los Angeles against the Carson, no, crosstown rival Galaxy.

The Seattle Sounders marched on Banc Of California Stadium in week two of the 2021 Major League Soccer season, and while Los Angeles Football Club's 1-1 draw against their rivals to the north was a result that fit the match, Seattle's players showed once again that they are undaunted by LAFC's fortress, a claim few in MLS can make. Ninety seconds into the match, Eduard Atuesta's free kick under the wall gave LAFC the fastest lead in team history, but that was the last time the black and gold would find the back of the net. Seattle recovered to pitch a shutout the rest of the way, and managed to equalize against Pablo Sisniega to take a point on the road. It was a far cry from scoring clinic Seattle put on in the 4-0 beatdown of Minnesota United in their season opener, but even without Jordan Morris and Nicolo Lodiero, the Sounders matched LAFC step for step in a battle of attrition that Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi were also absent for. Writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, have hit the ground running in 2021. In this third episode of the year, our trio looks back on the draw against Seattle and forward to this weekend's first road match of the season in Houston against the Dynamo.

Make it four victories in season four season openers for Los Angeles Football Club. LAFC welcomed an expansion team to the league with a loss for the second consecutive season opener, beating F.C. Austin 2-0 at Banc of California Stadium in the first match of the club's fourth season. LAFC opened the season with a clean sheet, but the day wasn't without its challenges. Carlos Vela left with a phantom injury in the first half and 60 minutes into the match, Austin's defense was proving difficult to break down for LAFC. Corey Baird's first LAFC goal was the highlight of the day, while Jose Cifuentes' strike in added time put the match on ice. Writers-at-Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, have hit the ground running to begin the 2021 season. In this second episode of the year, our trio looks back on the home opener against Austin F.C., and forward to this weekend's early season showdown with the Seattle Sounders.

Off the field, 2020 was a year of trauma, turmoil and unmitigated disaster for most of the human race. On the field for Los Angeles Football Club, season three was a year of growth, development, and a hell of a run through the CONCACAF Champions League. The club had less turnover this offseason than in previous years, so 2021 represents an opportunity to see what the current unit (which does feature some new faces) can do in a more traditional season. First up for LAFC in 2021 is a second consecutive home opener that welcomes a new team to Major League Soccer. LAFC won its own inaugural match in Seattle against the Sounders in 2018, defeated the defending western conference champions in Sporting Kansas City at home in 2019 and won last season's home opener against Inter Miami CF in their first ever league match. Now, LAFC will look to make it 4-4 in season openers as they welcome Austin F.C. to Banc of California Stadium. Alright, alright, alright. Writers at Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside in-house tactician Pierce Maher, have hit the ground running ahead of the 2021 season. Before the home opener against Austin FC ignites the new season, our trio looks back on the good bad and ugly of 2020 and examine the state of the team ahead of the start of 2021 campaign on Saturday, April 17th at the Banc.

2020 is over, and for Los Angeles Football Club, the year ended 20 minutes short of a historic victory in the CONCACAF Champions League Final. After defeating Cruz Azul and Club America in thrilling match ups, a Diego Rossi golazo had LAFC just 20 minutes away from the North American crown. However, Tigres UANL, which had lost three of the last four tournament finals coming into the 2020 edition, took control of the match in its last breaths and pulled off a 2-1 comeback victory. The result was a disappointment, but there is so much good to glean from LAFC's run to the final. The club showed toughness and heart in taking the hardest possible route through the tournament; LAFC became the first club to eliminate three Mexican teams in one Champions League campaign, and very nearly eliminated a fourth. Despite an up and down MLS season that ended in a quick playoff dismissal, LAFC's performance on the international stage shows that it is still one of America's premier clubs. You'd better ask somebody. Writers at Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside Josh Gross, recap and discuss LAFC's tournament run, highlighting all of the brightest moments from the team's Cinderella run in Orlando.

The 2020 Major League Soccer campaign is in the books, and Los Angeles Football Club's season-long roller coster is approaching the part that riders stare at nervously while waiting in line. LAFC's 9-5-8 record in 2020 reflects the ups and downs of a turbulent season, but the club qualified of the playoffs and (since Bob Bradley wholeheartedly rejects the underdog moniker) has assumed the role of the team no one wants to play in the postseason. LAFC won the first two of its final four matches against the Los Angeles Galaxy (2-0) and Houston Dynamo (2-1), but fell to the San Jose Earthquakes (3-2) and drew the Portland Timbers (1-1_ to close out the season. The relative stumble in the final two matches saw LAFC fall to the seventh seed in a tight western conference table, meaning LAFC will travel to Seattle on Tuesday to take on the defending MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders in a rematch of last year's Western Conference Final. It's the fifth match up in 2020 between the clubs; each team has two victories against the other in the four regular season matches. Unfortunately, positive COVID 19 test results to multiple LAFC players leave the club unexpectedly short-handed coming into Tuesday's match. LAFC have an uphill battle to climb in the first round; the black and gold need all of your support from afar! Writers at Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside long lost Josh Gross(!!!), have gotten the original band back together. In this postseason preview episode of the Season Pass podcast, we three look at the end of LAFC's regular season, and examine the upcoming playoff match up against the Sounders.

In the aftermath of the MLS is Back tournament, Los Angeles Football Club has continued its up-and-down season during phase one of the restarted Major League Soccer season. It's a black and gold rollercoaster with only four more games to the regular season, and over the last four matches, LAFC is trending upward. LAFC's last four matches are as good a stretch as the club has had since the restart of the 2020 season. Back-to-back 3-1 victories over Real Salt Lake and the Seattle Sounders, a 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps and a 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers works out to a 2-1-1 record, and there and positives to draw from each match. The youth movement, led by Christian Torres and Erik Dueñas, give the Portland draw and even the loss to Vancouver a silver lining. The consecutive victories by multiple goals speak for themselves, but LAFC's performance against Seattle with a short-handed roster stands out at the brightest moment of the four. Writers at Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside long lost Josh Gross(!!!), have gotten the original band back together. On the latest episode since the restart, the crew recaps LAFC’s encouraging performances over the last four matches and preview the end of the regular season.

In the aftermath of the MLS is Back tournament, Los Angeles Football Club has continued its up-and-down season during phase one of the restarted Major League Soccer season. The LAFC rollercoaster rolls on. The black and gold registered its biggest ever win by margin in a 6-0 thrashing of the Vancouver Whitecaps, but that match was sandwiched in between a 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders and a 2-1 heartbreaker against the San Jose Earthquakes; it was San Jose's first ever win over LAFC. The team continues to struggle to consistently compete as it searches for its 2019 form. Are LAFC underdogs this season? Writers at Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside long lost Josh Gross(!!!), have gotten the original band back together. On the latest episode since the restart, the crew recaps LAFC’s inconsistent performances the Seattle, Vancouver and San Jose, then preview upcoming matches against Real Salt Lake, the Colorado Rapids and the Sounders.

In the aftermath of the MLS is Back tournament, Los Angeles Football Club has continued its up-and-down season during phase one of the restarted Major League Soccer season. After a 5-1 victory against San Jose, LAFC lost two consecutive matches by 3-0 score lines to the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake before finishing the six-game stretch with a 4-2 victory over the Portland Timbers on September 13th. The beginning of phase two for LAFC begins on Friday September 18th against the Seattle Sounders, followed by matches against the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquake. Writers at Large Alex Dwyer and Ryan Wallerson, alongside long lost Josh Gross(!!!), have gotten the original band back together. On the latest episode since the restart, the crew recaps LAFC’s performance in phase one and previews the beginning of phase two.

Halfway through the six-game stretch that is phase one of the Major League Soccer regular reason, Los Angeles Football Club has two ugly losses and one resounding victory. The losses, 2-0 and 3-1 to the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders respectively, marked LAFC's low point of the 2020 season thus far, but the 5-1 victory against San Jose shows that Bob Bradley and company are still capable of contending for the MLS Cup in this disjointed campaign. The second half of phase one for LAFC begins on Sunday September 6th in Carson with a rematch against the Galaxy. LAFC will then face Real Salt Lake before finishing phase one against the Portland Timbers. This year lacks the dominance LAFC spoiled its fans with in 2019, but all the club needs for a chance to fulfill its goal is a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. That effort continues against the Galaxy on Sunday. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News, Writer at Large Alex Dwyer and the long lost Josh Gross(!!!) have gotten the original band back together. On the latest episode since the restart, the crew recaps LAFC’s performance in the first half of phase one and previews the final three games, beginning with the Galaxy.

Los Angeles Football Club were eliminated from the MLS is Back tournament by Orlando City SC in the quarterfinal of the competition. The Lions made a cinderella run to the final match before falling to the Portland Timbers. LAFC’s Floridian adventure didn’t pan out the way Bob Bradley and company wanted, but as the regular season restarts, the seven points that LAFC earned during the tournament’s group stage leave the club in good standing as it returns to play Saturday against the Los Angeles Galaxy. LAFC dismantled the LA Galaxy 6-2 during the group stage of the MLS is Back tournament to earn three of the seven points collected in Orlando, but the Galaxy were without Jonathan Dos Santos and Javier Hernandez for that match. Chicharito won’t play in Saturday’s match either, but Dos Santos will be on the field for the Galaxy when the clubs face off in Banc of California Stadium. Saturday’s match will be LAFC’s first since the club announced the departures of forward Adam Diomande and club president Tom Penn. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News, Writer at Large Alex Dwyer and the long lost Josh Gross(!!!) have gotten the original band back together for the duration of the tournament. On this sixth episode since the restart, the crew recaps LAFC’s performance in the tournament and previews the regular season restart against the Galaxy.

Los Angeles Football Club eliminated the defending MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders from the MLS is Back tournament with its best performance since arriving in Orlando. From the opening whistle of the round-of-sixteen match up against Seattle to the final moments of the game, LAFC dictated the pace of the match with a relentless attack and an admirable effort on the defensive end. If LAFC can maintain that level of play for three more games, the team will be difficult to eliminate for any of the seven remaining clubs. The first to try will be Orlando City SC, the de facto hosts of the competition. The MLS is back tournament has been Orlando's brightest moment since its inaugural season, and the club is trending in the right direction no matter the result of its quarterfinal clash with LAFC, but it will take the Lion's best performance to date to defeat the black and gold. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News, Writer at Large Alex Dwyer and the long lost Josh Gross(!!!) have gotten the original band back together for the duration of the tournament. On this fifth episode since the restart, the crew recaps the first knockout stage matchup against Seattle and previews the quarterfinal showdown with Orlando City! MLS is Back, LAFC is back, Season Pass is back!

Los Angeles Football Club came close to winning group F, but the team's 2-2 draw against the Portland Timbers in the group stage finale left it in the runner up position. Instead of playing FC Cincinnati as group winners, the club now faces a rematch of last year's western conference finals against the defending champion Seattle Sounders. Seattle went winless its first two matches, a scoreless draw with San Jose and a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire, before registering a 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps to earn a place in the knockout stage. LAFC went undefeated during group stage play but finished with only one victory in the three matches, an emphatic 6-2 victory over the Galaxy in the second match. Seattle's offense took time to gain traction in the tournament; the Sounders scored just one goal in its first two games before the three-goal outburst against Vancouver, but defensively, the two goals in allowed in the loss to Chicago were the only goals conceded by Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei. LAFC did well in limiting its group stage opponents offensive chances, but failed far to often when those chances came about. That ominous trend tells the story of the seven goals the club allowed. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News, Writer at Large Alex Dwyer and the long lost Josh Gross(!!!) have gotten the original band back together for the duration of the tournament. On this fourth episode since the restart, the crew discusses the group stage and previews the first knockout stage matchup against Seattle. MLS is Back, LAFC is back, Season Pass is back!

It was the L.A. Derby that Los Angeles Football Club fans have dreamed of since the team's inception, but not a single supporter was in the house to see it. LAFC burnt the barn against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, trouncing their crosstown rivals 6-2 in both team's second group stage of the MLS is Back tournament. With four points earned through two matches after the weekend's big victory over the Galaxy, LAFC controls its own group stage destiny. A victory against the Portland Timbers would clinch group F for LAFC and put it through to the group stage at the top seeded team in the group; LAFC is assured to advance regardless of Thursday's result, but three more points to add to the season's tally are up for grabs. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News, Writer at Large Alex Dwyer and the long lost Josh Gross(!!!) have gotten the original band back together for the duration of the tournament. On this third episode since the restart, Los Angeles Times reporter joins the cast to talk everything L.A. Derby and preview LAFC's match against Portland. MLS is Back, LAFC is back, Season Pass is back!

After four sad months away, Los Angeles Football Club returned to the pitch for the first time on Monday July 13th against the Houston Dynamo. Both teams were making their "MLS is Back "tournament debuts, and both came to play in their scoring boots. The Dynamo put LAFC in a 3-1 halftime hole behind a brace from homegrown forward Memo Rodriguez and a header from Alberth Elis deep in stoppage time, but Bradley Wright-Phillips got the club on the board in the first, and goals from Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez in the second half allowed LAFC to escape the match with a point. On Saturday, LAFC will look for three points in what has been one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage since the tournament groups were first drawn. LAFC will face the Galaxy in the first L.A. Derby held on neutral ground, but the importance of the match isn't limited to the rivalry. LAFC (1 point) and the Galaxy (0 points) are both looking up at the Portland Timbers (3 points) and Dynamo (1 point & tiebreaker) in the Group F standings. A victory in the match will reinvigorate the winner's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage; the loser would be to doomed. A draw does little for both. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News, Writer at Large Alex Dwyer and the long lost Josh Gross(!!!) have gotten the original band back together for the duration of the tournament. For the second episode ahead of LAFC's second group stage match against the Galaxy, Vince La Rosa joins the cast to discuss LAFC's performance in the first match and set the scene for the upcoming trafico! L.A. Derby coming soon from Orlando!

After three months, Los Angeles Football Club is set to make its long-awaited return to the soccer pitch! As LAFC prepares to compete in the MLS Is Back Tournament, it does so without talisman Carlos Vela, who has decided to withdraw from the tournament to stay on the west coast with his pregnant wife. The reigning MLS MVP will be missed on the pitch, but LAFC has many other sources of offense that will have to step up and pick up the slack for the absent captain. LAFC will play its first match of the tournament group stage on Monday July 13th against the Houston Dynamo, with matches against the Los Angeles Galaxy (7/18) and Portland Timbers (7/23) to follow. LAFC's group F is widely considered the strongest of the tournament, so LAFC will have to work to punch a ticket into the knockout round. All this as the specter of COVID 19 looms over the competition, the country and the world. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News, Writer at Large Alex Dwyer and the long lost Josh Gross(!!!) have gotten the original band back together for the duration of the tournament. On this first episode ahead of the first whistle, LAFC commentator Max Bretos joins the cast to talk everything LAFC, Vela and tournament expectations MLS is Back, LAFC is back, Season Pass is back!

It's not an exaggeration to call Los Angeles Football Club's second league match of the season against the Philadelphia Union an instant classic. The Union took three separate one-goal leads on LAFC, but non of them lasted ten minutes. More early season magic from Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi, as well as a defender's goal from centerback Eddie Segura, lifted LAFC to a point at home. Now, the team's focus is on CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal opponent Cruz Azul. The Liga MX club will travel to Banc of California Stadium on Thursday (3/12/20) for the first leg before the teams play the second match of the round in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca on 3/18/20. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News and Writer at Large Alex Dwyer are once again joined by Tigers Supporter Group member and youth soccer coach Pierce Maher to talk about the match against Philadelphia, preview the first leg of the CONCACAF semifinal and discuss the biggest concerns for the club as Cruz Azul looms on the horizon.

After Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Club Leon at the Banc, Los Angeles Football Club advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League. Read that again, because it still feels surreal to type. The CONCACAF comeback, fueled by late goals from Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi, was one of the most important results in club history. Not even a loss to Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer season opener would have dampened the vibe around the team coming off such a momentous match on the international stage. Unfortunately for Rodolfo Pizarro, Lee Nguyen, David Beckham and the rest of Inter Miami, Carlos Vela (happy belated birthday from the Season Pass family to the captain!) had enough magic in his left foot to guide LAFC to a second win in four days and one of the best weeks ever for the black and gold universe. Next for LAFC will be the second league match of the season against the Philadelphia Union. The club will host Cruz Azul to begin the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal just four days later, so Bob Bradley & co. have to begin thinking about how to navigate a busy beginning to the 2020 season. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News and Writer at Large (he said small, but we all know Dweezy is anything but) Alex Dwyer are once again joined by Tigers Supporter Group member and youth soccer coach Pierce Maher to talk about the second leg against Leon, the season opener against Inter Miami and discuss the biggest concerns for the club moving forward towards Philly and Cruz Azul.

After Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Club Leon deep in the heart of Mexico, Los Angeles Football Club has a lot of work to do if it wants to move onto the quarterfinals of the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League. Leon didn't completely overwhelm LAFC in the first leg of this round-of-sixteen match up. However, the Liga MX club beat the black and gold at its own game. Leon stayed on the attack from start to finish and if the home team was more clinical with its own chances, LAFC would be returning to the Banc in an ever larger hole. Conversely, LAFC squandered all of its chances, some very good, to grab a road goal out of Estadio Leon. Leon scored two goals in the first leg, both coming on bad moments from LAFC outside backs. In the 21st minute, right back Tristan Blackmon slipped in the box, giving Jean Meneses a clean shot at goal. Seconds from the end regulation, Angel Mena beat Mohamed El-Munir and scored Leon's second. If LAFC are going to climb out of this hole and win the round, it'll take one of the best performances in club history to do it. Time will tell if the black and gold are up to the task, but one factor inevitably on LAFC's side: 22,000+ fans and supporters will pack the Banc on Thursday, Feb. 27th to cheer on the comeback. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News and Writer at Large (he said small, but we all know Dweezy is anything but) Alex Dwyer are once again joined by Tigers Supporter Group member and youth soccer coach Pierce Maher to talk about the first leg, preview the second, and also look forward to the Major League Soccer season opener against Inter Miami just three days later.

LAFC completed an undefeated preseason with Wednesday's victory over Toronto F.C., but all the work that Bob Bradley & C.o have put into the preseason was in preparation for the club's Champions League debut. The warm up period is over; Leon awaits on the other side of President's Day weekend. Uruguayan forward Brian Rodriguez continued his preseason dominance, scoring his third goal in three matches for LAFC against Toronto. Carlos Vela and newly minted academy legend Christian Torres scored the other goals in LAFC's 3-1 victory on Wednesday. It's always good to see the MVP contributing to the offense, but watching the 15-year-old Torres, the first academy player to score in a senior team match, find the back of the net was a heartwarming moment for the entire organization. Now it gets real. LAFC will play its inaugural CONCACAF Champions League match against Leon on Tuesday, and though the team looked impressive this preseason, LAFC still has many roster questions as it heads to Mexico to try to get a result on the road in arguably the biggest game in the club's short history to date. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News and Writer at Large (he said small, but we all know Dweezy is anything but) Alex Dwyer are joined by Tigers Supporter Group member and youth soccer coach Pierce Maher to talk about the Toronto F.C. match, how LAFC should balance returning players with those who participated in the full preseason, and begin to look toward Leon.

LAFC and FC Dallas played to a 2-2 draw at the Banc in the third preseason game of 2020, but even without a third consecutive preseason victory, there were plenty of positives for Bob Bradley & Co. to take from the match. Uruguayan forward Brian Rodriguez scored a goal in his second consecutive match, multiple LAFC players went the full 90 minutes and the team remains undefeated in the preseason (Bob Bradley doesn't care. It's preseason). LAFC has one more preseason match, on Feb. 12 against Toronto FC, before the team heads to Mexico to face Leon on the 18th. LAFC still has plenty of preparation to do for its CONCACAF Champions League debut, but Thursday's draw was another step in the right direction. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News and Writer at Large (he said small, but we all know Dweezy is anything but) Alex Dwyer are again joined by Tigers Supporter Group member and youth soccer coach Pierce Maher (get used to him!) to talk about the FC Dallas match, LAFC's biggest roster questions at this stage in preseason and the new collective bargaining agreement that the league signed hours before Thursday's match against Dallas. No work stoppage!!!

Los Angeles Football Club welcomed its supporters back to Banc of California Stadium for the first time in 2020 and lets face it, even if you didn't recognize every player that Bob sent out onto the pitch against Peñarol, that matters so much less when the black and gold are victorious! LAFC's head coach took full advantage of his unlimited preseason substitutions; 26 players contributed to LAFC's 2-0 win over the Uruguayan club, including three Phoenix Rising FC players and six academy players(Dweezy officially wins the gentleman's bet from last week about seeing them in a match). Before the mass substitutions at the start of the second half, Latif Blessing played well right back, Vela hit his first left footed goal of the new decade, Adrian Perez continued his strong start to the preseason with a goal, and Kenneth Vermeer had a successful LAFC debut. After the match, Bob said that there is a lot to improve on, but the coaches were pleased on the night. Even by Bob's high standards, Saturday's match gave fans and coaches alike several reasons to smile. Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News and Writer at Large (he said small, but we all know Dweezy is anything but) Alex Dwyer are joined by Tigers Supporter Group member and youth soccer coach Pierce Maher to talk about the Peñarol match, LAFC's first impressions in 2020 and mourn the passing of Kobe Bryant (It still feels so strange to say and read). Rest In Peace Kobe, young Gianna and the seven other souls lost in that tragic helicopter crash.

We're back y'all! 2019 is history and Los Angeles Football Club is preparing to start the roarin' 20s on Carlos Vela's golden left foot. The team began training last week and plays first match of the new year this coming Saturday (1/25/20) against Uruguayan powerhouse Peñarol, which is coached by the legendary Diego Forlan. Hell of a way to kick off the preseason! Ryan Wallerson of the Los Angeles Daily News and Writer at Large (he said small, but we all know Dweezy is anything but) Alex Dwyer are joined by FCFC host Slim Koda for the first LAFC conversation of 2020. We're happy to be back talking LAFC. We know you missed the club. We hope you missed us as well, because we sure missed you. Welcome back to LAFC Season Pass!

It's been a ride, but episode 40 is the end of the line for season one of the LAFC Season Pass podcast. It's a nice round number, to go with the many that LAFC racked up in 2019, but the final episode may actually be the biggest mess of the bunch. The boys from FC FC, Josh Spice and Slim Koda, will see to that. FC FC, LAFC's sister podcast, is the ying to the yang that is Season Pass. Where Dweezy and Wallerson keep the conversation concise and on the pitch, Dweezy, Spice and Slim talk long and loud about everything LAFC BUT the matches. The resulting combination is a slightly longer pod with way more opinion and topics of mini-conversation. This Season Pass / FC FC crossover showcases the best of the "It Never Rains" podcasts. If you love this show, check FC FC out! If you followed Slim and Spice here from FC FC for the first time, welcome and stick around! On the pod: Lee Nguyen is bound for Inter Miami after being selected in the third round of the Expansion Draft on Tuesday. Where does that leave the LAFC midfield depth? Where can LAFC roster improve in general ahead of a big season in 2020? What are Slim and Spice's favorite on field moments from the 2019 season? Tune in and find out! That'll be it until LAFC training Camp in January; thanks for listening all season! We'll be back and better in season two. L.A. is Black and Gold!

For a few minutes there in the first half, Los Angeles Football Club was on its way to MLS Cup. A free kick strike from midfielder Eduard Atuesta in the 17th minute opened the scoring in the Western Conference Final against the Seattle Sounders and allowed the black and gold faithful to dream of hosting the championship game. However, it was not to be. LAFC allowed three unanswered goals to Seattle, losing the match to the Sounders 3-1. It was LAFC first ever loss to Seattle and the club's third loss at home in all competitions in 2019. Seattle's physical playing style frustrated LAFC enough to knock the team off of its path to glory. Instead of the Bradley Bowl, MLS Cup 2019 will feature Seattle vs Toronto III. An excellent match up, but not the one LAFC fans want or expected. How will LAFC's 2019 season be remembered now that the club has failed to lift MLS Cup? Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group and Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com weigh in on LAFC's performance against the Seattle, break down match play-by-play as told by Dweezy's game notes and discuss the season as a whole now that the playoff run is over.

Los Angeles Football Club beat the Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club is two wins from history! It took six attempts, but the first playoff matchup between the Los Angeles rivals was LAFC's time to register its first win in the derby. It was without a doubt the biggest match up of the season thus far, and Los Angeles got up for it. Tickets to the match were hotter than the NBA season opener between the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers and there were over 300 media requests for the match. This was LAFC's biggest game ever, and perhaps the biggest league match for the Galaxy since winning its fifth championship in 2014. It was a massive moment, to say the least, and the game lived up to it. Eight goals tied the MLS playoff record, and while Zlatan had his expected moments of magic, a goal from Diego Rossi and braces from both Carlos Vela and the returning Adama Diomande gave LAFC all the offense in needed in a 5-3 victory that will stand as the team's biggest ever victory until... Tuesday night if LAFC can punch a ticket to MLS Cup with a win at home over the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Final. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group and Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against the Galaxy, dig into the L.A. media's reaction to the match and preview Tuesday's conference final against Seattle.

Here we go again, Los Angeles Football Club fans. You always knew which team represented the most compelling possible postseason opponent for LAFC. We all did. The supporters watching the Los Angeles Galaxy and Minnesota United at Freeplay on Sunday erupted into "We want Carson" chants as soon as the final whistle blew. Once the game was set in stone, even coach Bob Bradley himself said "this is how it had to be." It's LAFC vs Galaxy round VI, and the match has more on the line than the other five combined. Thursday's edition of El Traffico (Don't call it that in the presence of Coach Bradley though; he prefers LA Clasico) is, as always, packed with story lines, but a victory will put the winner on the verge of MLS Cup. None of those story angles are more important than that. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) and Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com discuss LAFC's mindset at the end of its 18-day break from game action and discuss the implications of Thursday's playoff match against Zlatan Ibrahimović and the Los Angeles Galaxy in Banc of California Stadium.

The first round of the playoffs in upon us, but Los Angeles Football Club (21-9-4)is enjoying its first round bye and watching this weekend's games from home. The first playoff game at the Banc will be Thursday, 18 days after decision day. Does the long break do more good or bad for a team? International Duty is done and the team is whole ahead of Thursday's match. Defender Walker Zimmerman's positive prognosis after his injury in the finale and forward Adama Diomande's return to the team after a month away for personal reasons are both big boosts for LAFC, but the hamstring injury midfielder Mark Anthony Kaye while with Canada is a cause for concern. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News), Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com & special guest host Bob Carlson of KCRW Public Radio discuss how the long break between the regular season finale and LAFC's first playoff game on Thursday could affect the team, news surrounding LAFC's international players, and debate which team LAFC would prefer to face between Minnesota United and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

What a year. Los Angeles Football Club (21-9-4) has wrapped up the best regular season in Major League Soccer history on Sunday. Carlos Vela's hat trick against the Colorado Rapids on Decision Day was all LAFC needed to cap 2019 with a 3-1 victory that put the team in the league's record books. Vela is the goal king, LAFC matched the 1998 Galaxy's goal record and broke its goal differential record. It also broke the 2018 Red Bulls regular season points record, which was 71 and is now 72. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's historic performance against Colorado, give way too early assessments of the first round of the playoffs and off their favorite moments from the team's record-setting regular season.

No more road trips. Los Angeles Football Club has left the Banc for the last time in 2019. The Supporters Shield champs (20-9-4)tied Minnesota United 1-1 in Allianz Field last Sunday in the team's final road game of the season, and now looks end the regular season strong against the Colorado Rapids on Decision Day this Sunday. The goal-scoring records for both Vela and the team, as well as the MLS points record, are all within reach for LAFC in the season finale, but to reach all three, the team must score four goals (one from Vela) on a Colorado side with slim playoff hopes but strong form in September. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against Minnesota, discuss the team's chances at the various records its chasing and preview Sunday's match against Colorado.

The Champs are here! Wednesday, September 25th, was a day that will go down in Los Angeles Football Club history. LAFC (20-8-4)shook off its September malaise in a major way to beat the Houston Dynamo 3-1, locking up the first trophy in team history in the process. While its fitting that the team's first trophy was one with such a strong connection to the fans, the team is still hunting another this season, and now has two matches to prepare for the MLS postseason. LAFC still have plenty to play for between now and the final whistle on Decision Day. LAFC's 81 goals through 32 matches put it five goals away from setting the team record for most goals in a season (1998 Galaxy, 85). LAFC is also four points from setting the MLS points record (2018 New York Red Bulls, 71). Individually, LAFC captain Carlos Vela is two goals away from breaking Atlanta United's Josef Martinez's year-old scoring record of 31. All three records are within reach, but how hard the team will go to break remains to be seen. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against Houston, bask on the champagne-soaked sunshine of the Supporter's Shield and preview the match on Saturday against Minnesota United.

On Saturday September 14th, Los Angeles Football Club (19-7-4) tied the Philadelphia Union (15-7-8) 1-1 on the road in Chester, Pennsylvania. The black and gold had its full roster available for the first time in a few weeks, but were still evenly matched by the Union, who took an early lead before Carlos Vela equalized just before halftime in his first match back from injury. LAFC now prepares to face Toronto F.C. in Banc of California Stadium this Saturday evening. Just four matches remaining in the 2019 regular season, and its been four matches without a victory for LAFC. The black and gold want to return to its winning ways, but the team has to balance winning now with positioning for the postseason. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against Philly, discuss the positive effects a late season slump can have on a team heading into the playoffs and preview the match on Saturday against Toronto.

On Saturday September 7th, Los Angeles Football Club (19-6-4) tied Orlando City SC (9-8-13) 2-2 on the road in Central Florida . The black and gold, playing without its international call ups or injured captain, managed a road point against the Lions, but have now dropped points in three consecutive matches for the first time in 2019. LAFC, which now prepares to face the Philadelphia Union (15-6-8) in Chester, Pennsylvania this Saturday afternoon, remained on the east coast this week after leaving Orlando. As the international call ups return to the team, coach Bob Bradley is using the long road trip as a bonding opportunity while the regular season wraps up. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against Orlando, discuss the importance of team depth and bonding heading into the playoffs and preview the match on Saturday against the Union.

On Sunday September 1st, Los Angeles Football Club (19-5-4) lost its first league home match of 2019 against western conference foe Minnesota United (13-6-9). It is just the fifth time that LAFC have lost at Banc of California Stadium across all competitions (including the pre and postseason) since opening its doors in April 2018. Team captain Carlos Vela, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered against the Galaxy, did not dress for the match against Minnesota. The loss may have ended LAFC's undefeated stretch at home this season, but the black and gold have a chance to get back on track this weekend in Orlando against the Lions. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against Minnesota, how the latest round of international duty will impact the team's east coast road trip, and preview Saturday's away match against Orlando City SC (9-7-13).

On Sunday August 25th, Los Angeles Football Club (19-5-3) drew with crosstown rival Los Angeles Galaxy(13-3-11) 3-3 in Banc of California Stadium, marking just the second time in 2019 that LAFC has dropped points at home. While the team is still undefeated in the Banc, LAFC had to fight back from a 3-1 first half deficit after a poor opening 20 minutes gifted the Galaxy an early lead. A brace from midfielder Latif Blessing, captain Carlos Vela's 27th goal of the 2019 campaign and a blistering debut from Brian Roeriguez, LAFC's newest designated player, were the highlights of LAFC's 3-3 draw with the Galaxy, but the first win against Zlatan & Co. still eludes the black and gold. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against the Galaxy, how the first five matches of El Traffico (if you still call it that; Bob doesn't) will impact the team moving forward, and preview Sunday's home match against Minnesota United in the Banc.

On Wednesday August 21st, Los Angeles Football Club (19-4-3) defeated San Jose Earthquakes (11-5-10) 4-0 in Banc of California Stadium for the tam's fifth win in a row. LAFC didn't play a perfect match, but the attack, led by an excellent 90 minutes from Josh Perez and a goal of the year candidate from captain Carlos Vela, overwhelmed San Jose's man marking tactics. Vela's goal, which he dismantled three Earthquakes defenders and the keeper to score, was one of the best goals in Major league Soccer this season. LAFC now prepares to face the Los Angeles Galaxy (13-2-11), the last team to beat LAFC in a league match. LAFC is 0-2-2 against its crosstown rivals since its debut in 2018, but a win against the Galaxy on Sunday would win the western conference for LAFC in 2019, so there is truly no time like the present. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against the San Jose, Vela's goal against the Earthquakes, and discuss Sunday's grudge match against the Galaxy on Sunday in the Banc.

On Saturday August 17th, Los Angeles Football Club (18-4-3) defeated Real Salt Lake (12-4-10) in Rio Tinto Stadium, ending the team's eight-game home unbeaten streak. Both teams lost a man in the first 20 minutes of the second half. Walker Zimmerman's second yellow in the 48th minute put LAFC down a man for a 14-minute stretch. LAFC maintained its poise until Vela leveled the pitch by earning a penalty at the cost of RSL defender Aaron Herrera in the 62nd. Vela's subsequent goal from the spot broke a tie with Sebastian Giovinco's record for the most combined goals and assists in one season. Giovinco had 38 (22 goals, 16 assists) in 2015. With nine games to go in 2019, Vela now has 39 (24 goals, 15 assists). Three road points later, LAFC is set for a busy rivalry week against its Californian neighbors. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against the Real Salt Lake, Vela's moment against RSL, and discuss the challenges that await LAFC during rivalry week, which begins on Wednesday, August 21st against the San Jose Earthquake and continues on Sunday August 25th against the Galaxy. Both matches will be at the Banc.

On Sunday August 11th, Los Angeles Football Club (17-4-3) defeated the New York Red Bulls (11-4-10) in what will likely be remembered as a battle between the 2018 and 2019 Major League Soccer Supporters Shield winners. The Red Bulls played their normal pressing style against LAFC's counter press and entered the half tied with LAFC at two goals a piece, but LAFC controlled the second half en route to another home victory. With ten wins and a draw in 11 matches at Banc of California Stadium, LAFC have truly taken the mantra "Defend the banc" to heart in 2019. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against the Red Bulls and discuss the challenges that await LAFC during the final ten matches of the season, beginning Saturday, August 17th, in Rio Tinto Stadium against Real Salt Lake.

On Friday August 3rd, Los Angeles Football Club (16-4-3)traveled clear across the U.S. mainland to New England, where the team earned three road points against the Revolution, handing Bruce Arena his first loss since taking the helm of the team in mid May. The black and gold scored two goals and posted its first clean sheet in a league match since a 1-0 victory against Colorado on June 28th. It was a rare tough day at the office for Carlos Vela, who didn't register a goal or assist in the match, but Diego Rossi and Latif Blessing found the back of the net to give LAFC its margin of victory. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against the Revs, discuss LAFC's moves in the summer transfer window (which closed on Wednesday at midnight)and preview the team's match against the New York Red Bulls at the Banc on Sunday 8/11 at 7 p.m.

On Friday July 26th, Los Angeles Football Club (15-4-3)bounced back from the previous week's 3-2 road defeat against the crosstown Galaxy with a 4-3 home win against Atlanta United. The black and gold scored four goals in a 12-minute sequence in the first half en route to claiming all three points from the defending champions ahead of the 2019 MLS All Star Game. Carlos Vela, Walker Zimmerman, Mark Anthony Kaye and Diego Rossi were away for the All Star Game, won on Wednesday July 31st by Atletico Madrid 3-0, but all four players will rejoin the team in New England in time for Saturday's match in Foxboro. Once a team to look over in the eastern conference, Bruce Arena's Revolution haven't lost a match (7-3-0) since the former Galaxy boss took the reigns on May 14th. Ryan Wallerson of the Southern California News Group (Daily News) & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's bounceback performance against Atlanta United, the potential impact of missing their four All Stars during this week's training and preview Saturday's match the New England Revolution.