Podcast appearances and mentions of Hugo Lloris

Send us a textIt's Episode 375, and Thomas Hasal put on a show. After a solid 90', Hasal's two penalty shootout saves propel LAFC to earn two points after a 1-1 regulation draw vs. Pachuca in the 2025 Leagues Cup!Also on this episode, Nathan Ordaz sees red, Scarf brings us back to the Covid times, and Filly does not one, but two shooeys! Enjoy 375!

Send us a textLAFC takes on the reigning CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, Pachuca, in our second of three Group Stage matches in the 2025 Leagues Cup.

Send us a textIt's Episode 374, and the 2025 Leagues Cup has started! Woo! It's LAFC with their third consecutive poor effort, this one a listless 1-1 regulation draw that turned into an 11-10 PK-shootout loss to lowly Mazatlan. The Black and Gold B-squad struck first, but Mazatlan's B-squad struck soon after. From there, the offense died, and the match went to kicks. It's OK, though, as all LAFC has to do next is beat the best team in CONCACAF, Pachuca, on Friday. Enjoy!

Send us a textLAFC kicks off their 2025 Leagues Cup action with a match vs. Mazatlan FC at BMO!

Send us a textIt's Episode 373, and LAFC provides very few signs of life in our last MLS Regular Season match before Leagues Cup. LAFC falls at home, 1-0, to the Timbers.The lone bright spot of this match? The performance in the MLS debut of defender Kenny Nielsen! Nielsen was solid, and his near-goal on an audacious bicycle kick attempt in the second half was the highlight of the match. 

Send us a textLAFC re-gathers after All-Star Weekend, missing most of our CB's and Sergi Palencia! The Timbers come calling in our final regular-season match before Leagues Cup!

Send us a textLAFC and Carson played for the 26th time on Saturday, and this one, for Black and Gold Faithful, may have been the most frustrating yet. Despite twice holding a 2-goal lead, LAFC had to settle for a point in a 3-3 draw as Galaxy scored at the death.Denis Bouanga did all he could while he was on the pitch, scoring twice to move within 6 of Carlos Vela all-time. Gabriel Pec added a brace of his own, and a last-second header by Maya Yoshida forced both sides home with a point. A red card for Eddie Segura in stoppage certainly complicates matters for the home side in their next match against Portland. Also on this episode, Bone Thugs and Harmony make an appearance at BMO! Enjoy Episode 372. 

Send us a textLAFC travels to the Great White North and WINS for the first time, 1-0 over Minnesota United. Denis Bouanga's PK overshadows a couple of easy misses, and the defense looks great in LAFC's first match without Aaron Long.

Send us a textLAFC "welcomes" Carson to BMO in an effort to put the final nail in their 2025 regular season coffin. 

LAFC heads up to Minnesota to take on the Loons! Joining Scarf for this one is Heart of LAFC's Tony Hernandez! We talk all things LAFC, Minnesota, and Heart's upcoming 400th Episode!

Episode 370 has many highlights, including a dominating win by LAFC over Dallas, another great performance by Denis, and a goal-of-the-year moment in the LAFC Unified match. But there is a pall over the match, and the episode, as LAFC appears to have lost our captain, Aaron Long, with a significant leg injury. Also on this episode, the man's name is Turbo, so please, put some respect on it! What a goal! Nate scores again, Dilrosun continues to get better, and Denis actually comes off the pitch! Enjoy Episode 370!

LAFC welcomes an FC Dallas club who has lost 5 straight at BMO!

LAFC saw three welcome sights stroll into BMO Stadium, as Giorgio Chiellini, Hello Kitty, and the Colorado Rapids made their way to the BMO! LAFC would pummel the Rapids, 3-0, behind Denis' 83rd and Dilrosun's 1st, amidst a sea of plush kittens.Also on this pod, Filly swears. We're sorry. Well, at least Scarf is. Laff joins us, and apparently, he's the new conductor of the Martinez Motorcade. All aboard!

LAFC heads to Austin in an attempt to avenge their loss earlier this season at the hands of the Verde. Also, hello, Ilie!

It's Episode 368, and the Olivier Giroud... Experiment? Experience? Era? Is over. LAFC falls flat in a 1-0 loss to Vancouver as David Ochoa makes his Black and Gold debut.

LAFC heads home after their run in the Club World Cup, taking on second-place Vancouver at the friendly confines of BMO Stadium. Filly and Scarf give you their players to watch, keys to the match, and score prediction as LAFC hits the halfway mark of the season and celebrates Pride Night!

LAFC ends their Club World Cup run with a solid draw against Brazilian side Flamengo, and the big news... LAFC scored!!! It's Episode 367.Denis scores, Marlon exits with a head injury, and LAFC walks away from the CWC with a hard-fought point and our first goal! And people still want Denis out? Come on... All that and more here on Defenders of the Banc!

LAFC finishes their run in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a match against Brazilian side Flamengo, who have already secured the top spot in Group D. Will LAFC score, or will the Black and Gold go quietly into the night?

Avec ces chaleurs attention à bien utiliser la climatisation dans votre voiture, sinon gare à la surconsommation d'essence.. Tous nos conseils. Toute autre chose, on va sur les routes américaines rencontrer deux stars du foot, Olivier Giroud et Hugo Lloris, deux grands passionnés d'auto.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

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! 

Les États-Unis accueillent en ce moment le Mondial des clubs avant la Coupe du monde dans un an. Ici, le « soccer » est en plein développement, encore plus depuis que Lionel Messi a rejoint il y a deux ans Miami et la MLS, le championnat local. Mais la culture football s'installe-t-elle vraiment dans les habitudes des Américains ? « Tu joues le week-end dans un stade où tout le monde t'acclame, et le lendemain, tu redeviens une personne normale, incognito. » En cinq secondes, l'attaquant gabonais Denis Bouanga a tout résumé. On peut être une star de la MLS – le championnat local de football aux États-Unis –, le meilleur buteur de Los Angeles et passer complètement inaperçu dans un pays où l'offre sportive est aussi vaste que le territoire. Un pays où le soccer est encore loin d'être roi. « Le championnat n'a qu'une trentaine d'années d'existence. Le football américain est encore numéro un, suivi du basket et après, il y a la ligue de baseball, celle de hockey. Les sports universitaires sont très importants chez nous. La MLS d'aujourd'hui, avec Messi, est dans ces eaux-là. Mais la NFL et la NBA sont encore devant », détaille Michelle Kauffmann journaliste spécialisée au Miami Herald. « Cela progresse. Le problème, c'est que les gens comme moi s'intéressent plus aux championnats européens », estime Teddy, maillot de Chelsea sur le dos. Ce supporter est à Atlanta pour assister au match entre Chelsea et le Los Angeles FC. « Je regarde jouer Chelsea depuis que je suis petit. Ici, on a une nouvelle équipe, Atlanta United. Mais bon, c'est dur de passer de l'un à l'autre. La qualité de jeu n'a rien à voir », regrette-t-il. Et pourtant, dans les stades de MLS, l'affluence moyenne est en pleine croissance. Plus de 23 000 spectateurs par match en moyenne la saison passée et les groupes de supporters se structurent. Depuis quatre ans, Jo voyage avec l'un d'eux pour suivre les matchs du Los Angeles FC. « Avant, avec mes amis, on suivait le football américain, le baseball, le basket. Classique, quoi. Et puis on est allés voir un match de soccer et on a tout de suite accroché. L'énergie est incroyable. Maintenant, on voyage partout pour suivre l'équipe. Quand vous voyez la passion des supporters de soccer, c'est dur de ne pas être tenté. C'est vraiment génial », s'enthousiasme-t-il. Alors combien sont-ils, comme lui, les convertis devenus fanatiques ? Difficile à dire, mais la passion est contagieuse, transmissible, dans une Amérique qui se rêve demain en nouveau monde du ballon rond. « Vous connaissez Hugo Lloris ? Mon fils est un grand fan. Il est gardien de but comme lui et il a son maillot signé… Il va lui succéder, j'espère. C'est le plan », plaisante même Jo. À lire aussiMexico promet un Mondial 2026 « sans racisme » en lançant le compte à rebours à J-365

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!

On the final episode of our 8th episode, Kyle is joined by Jonah (@SkoolieSpurs) and Emporer Tom. The lads discuss their feelings about Big Ange's sacking, dive into the numbers of Ange's tenure at Spurs, some of their favorite matches, and end with a little talking of our new manager Thomas Frank. Upcoming Boston Spurs Events:  Trivia Night at Longcross on June 24th Boston Spurs take Fenway to watch the Red Sox vs Tampa Bay on July 12th Boston Spurs invade Gillette Stadium to watch New England Revolution and hang out with Hugo Lloris on August 16th Jonah's Reading Corner:  Who are Ya? by Kevin Day (Link) The Making of the Womans World Cup (Link) The Nowhere Men by Michael Calvin (Link) Follow Jonah as he visits Tottenham Supporters Clubs across America on Instagram @SkoolieSpurs

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! 

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?

This week on Black & Gold Insider Max Bretos is joined by LAFC goalkeeper David Ochoa who talks about growing up in Oxnard, fulfilling the soccer dream in a Mexican/American household, the big decisions of who to represent on the International level and his revival back to club football. His valuable time spent with Carlos Vela and Hugo Lloris.

Filly and Scarf are back together for the full episode, Episode 361, dedicated to the disappointment that was the 25th edition of the Los Angeles Derby. The boys recap the 2-2 draw in Carson that felt much more like a loss, discuss the Mark Delgado ring fiasco, debate hugging your rival after a match, and much more! Enjoy 361!

LAFC heads down to Carson to take on the winless Galaxy. Filly and Scarf are back together, so check this one out to hear their Players To Watch, Keys to the Match, and Score Prediction!

LAFC travels up to Vancouver to take on the first-place Whitecaps! It's a Mother's Day Matinee!

It's Episode 358, and it's a get-right match for LAFC. Both number 9's, Nathan Ordaz and Jeremy Ebobisse, scored for LAFC while the defense stifles Houston, allowing 0 shots on target. Also on this episode, we welcome back Erik Duenas, Franco Escobar proves he's still one of our own, Olly takes a tour of Field Club, and Lafferty hates Star Wars! Enjoy Episode 358!

LAFC next takes the pitch at home, ready to welcome the Houston Dynamo! Yes, the same Dynamo who beat LAFC last month, 1-0, and now with a new winger, Ondrej Lingr, in the fold. Listen to our Score Predictions, Keys to the Match, and Players to Watch here!

It was supposed to be a bit easier than it was, but LAFC battled back from 2-1 down late to steal a point at home against St. Louis. It's Episode 357, and if not for Saint Denis, LAFC would be in a world of trouble. Twice down in the match, LAFC needed a dime from Ünder to get Denis his first, and then a bomb from Lloris to put Denis in position for his brace. The rest of the attack? If not for solid set pieces and corners by Denis, there wouldn't be much to talk about. The load is heavy, but, for now, Denis remains up to the task. Also on this episode, it's a late and brief return for Filly! Yay! Frankie Amaya makes his debut, LAFC celebrates the kids, and Ante Razov keeps in real in the presser. Enjoy 357!

St. Louis City SC heads to BMO looking to not only get their first win against the Black and Gold, but to score their first goal in what will be 5 tries! A special thanks to Matt and everyone at Flyover Footy, the STL City SC podcast of record, who provided us with some great additional content for this episode!

LAFC and Portland play to a 3-3 draw in a match that was just as frenetic and unpredictable as the entire week was for LAFC. Amid the backdrop of 'Dolo's announcement, LAFC responds on the road for a point.LAFC saw themselves down, 2-0, after just over 40'. Backs to the wall, LAFC stepped up for the first time in 2025, rallying to level the match twice to earn the point. Denis Bouanga was a man on fire, scoring the eventual leveler off a PK, having two called back for offside, and a couple of other great opportunities stifled by James Pantemis. Also on this episode, Olivier Giroud produces a BANGER of a goal to open his MLS account, Lafferty tags in and then back out, and Scarf is still not "slim fit." Enjoy 365, and Happy Easter and Passover everyone!

Scarf hops on for an impromptu chat about the massive news of the day: Head coach Steve Cherundolo will STEP DOWN after the 2025 season to head back to Germany.

LAFC heads up to the PNW to take on Phil Neville's Timbers. 

Here on Episode 355, two streaks come to an end as, hopefully, one starts. It's a solo Scarf endeavor here on Defenders of the Banc, as he breaks down LAFC's 2-1 victory over the Earthquakes. A scoreless but entertaining first half gave way to fireworks in the second, with LAFC getting on the board just past the hour mark. The rebound from Denis Bouanga's shot found the foot of Sergi Palencia, who teed one up perfectly from the top of the box to score his first goal in 2,888 days! That's even before Defenders of the Banc started! Yikes!About 20 minutes later, Denis Bouanga would end a streak of his own, getting his first MLS regular season goal since last October, giving LAFC a 2-0 lead, and it's a good thing he did! Cristian Espinoza went ahead and did Cristian Espinoza things for SJ, scoring in stoppage to give SJ life, but LAFC saw out the final minutes without issue for the 2-1 win.Also on this episode, we compliment Olivier Giroud's effort, several times, while hoping that all goes well with Maxime Chanot. It's a relatively quick one, and definitely a fun one here on Episode 355. Enjoy!

LAFC gets set for a bit of a respite, with just 5 matches in their next 30 days, beginning with a home match against the Earthquakes. Scarf and Laff break down the Players to Watch, explore their Keys to the Match, and look into their crystal balls (giggity) for their Score Predictions!

It's Episode 354, and it's a collapse of epic proportions, as LAFC goes to Miami, takes a 2-0 aggregate lead WITH the tiebreaker, only to squander it all away, losing 3-1 to Messi and Inter Miami and crashing out of the 2025 CCC. Ugh.Things looked great for the Black and Gold early, as captain Aaron Long reported for duty, scoring a chaotic 9' goal to give the boys an early lead, and the tiebreaker. That's about where the good news ends. Miami scores three unanswered, including two from Lionel Messi. Denis Bouanga missed or squandered a series of great chances, including one in second-half stoppage, and that proved to be the undoing for LAFC in the CCC. SEVEN, yes, seven big chances missed for LAFC. Miami wins the match, 3-1, and wins the aggregate, 3-2, to advance to the semis. Also on this match, Scarf is back from Costa Rica, Filly suffers no fools lightly when it comes to Dolo out, and Laff harkens back to his LAFC debut as part of This Date In LAFC History. Enjoy 354!

LAFC headed down to San Diego for the first time, set to take on San Diego FC in Matchday 6 of the 2025 MLS season. A disaster start was only compounded by a fatal mistake after halftime, and the boys lost 3-2. Spotting a club a 3-0 lead is never something you want to do, but it's exactly what LAFC did in just 40' in San Diego. Anders Dreyer's passing, Christopher McVey's defense (and head), and a huge flub by Hugo Lloris saw the home side race out to the 3-goal lead. LAFC clawed two back before halftime, including a brilliant strike from Artem Smoliakov, but a second yellow to Igor Jesus killed the momentum. LAFC loses to an expansion club in our first meeting for the first time, Nathan Ordaz looks great in limited action, Scarf rants about resigning Kei Kamara, and Chris Lafferty finds a new favorite player! All that and more can be yours on Episode 351! Enjoy!

LAFC heads down the freeway to take on San Diego for the very first time! Who are the players to watch? What will the score be? Take a listen and find out!

LAFC traveled to Children's Mercy Park and showed no mercy to Sporting, taking out the home side, 2-0. Goals from David Martinez and Aaron Long, excellent defending, and two big saves by Hugo Lloris punctuated the win. Also on Episode 350, Odin Holm and Adrian Wibowo make their LAFC debuts, LAFF needs to be reminded it's an LA podcast, and apparently, Scarf was a member of the Open Cup broadcast team for LAFC2's win over FC Arizona. Enjoy 350, and here's to 350 more!

After playing 8 matches in 26 days, LAFC gets a much needed week of training before heading to Kansas City to take on Sporting, and their new striker Dejan Joveljic! Join Scarf as he breaks down the Players to Watch, Keys to the Match, and his Score Prediction!

LAFC2, not LAFC, begin the defense of our 2024 USOC title with a First Round match against NPSL-side FC Arizona! Get all the details on LAFC2 and as many details as Scarf could find about FC Arizona!

LAFC headed back to the friendly confines of BMO Stadium to welcome our former captain, Ilie Sanchez, and his Austin FC teammates for an MLS regular season match. Ilie may have come back, but the goals went missing, as LAFC fell to the visitors, 1-0. Cengiz Ünder got his first start in an LAFC shirt, looking dynamic over his hour-plus on the pitch. But LAFC's Achilles heel continues to be the final ball, as they could muster just one shot on target after halftime despite owning the ball for more than 65% of the match. A soft-ish goal off an Austin corner turned out to be our undoing, and LAFC loses for the first time at home in MLS this season. Also on this solo Scarf endeavor, Pogba, Pochettino, and Cifu, oh my! The stars were out at BMO on Saturday. Enjoy Episode 349!