Ghanaian professional footballer
POPULARITY
22 episodes with Latif Blessing
7 episodes with Latif Blessing
3 episodes with Latif Blessing
2 episodes with Latif Blessing
2 episodes with Latif Blessing
5 episodes with Latif Blessing
Too many DPs! OSG and yours truly discuss a massive week for the Dynamo as they break the transfer record once again, Sebas Ferreira scores the first road hat trick in club history, and Latif Blessing just keeps scoring. We also review a disappointing scoreless draw from the Dash against San Diego Wave in Maria Sanchez's homecoming and Dynamo 2 falling to last place in the conference after another upsetting loss. Timestamps: 2:46: Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders - MLS 24:07: Dynamo sign Ezequiel Ponce as next Designated Player 39:01: Dynamo @ DC United - MLS 1:16:10: Dash vs. San Diego Wave - NWSL 1:33:27: Dash extend Jane Campbell for four years 1:35:22: Dynamo 2 vs Colorado Rapids 2 - MLS NEXT Pro Credits: ⬢ Noodle Time is hosted by yours truly Andres Naranjo and OSG! ⬢ Intro/Outro music by Matt Houston. | Starfox - Armada [Matt Houston Remix] ⬢ Support Foxtrot and read the blog on Ko-fi.com/DynamicFoxtrot. ⬢ Follow the fox on Twitter (@DynamicFoxtrot), Instagram (@dynamicfoxtrot), and Threads (@dynamicfoxtrot). ⬢ Subscribe to Foxtrot TV on YouTube and GOLZTV! ⬢ Thumbnail photo provided by Houston Dynamo FC.
Another shutout, another victory as LAFC hit the international break. Dave Denholm and Mario Ruiz talk about the BELIEF that this Black & Gold group is playing with as they have won seven straight across all comps. Are we starting to see true separation in the East and West? Also, it's a t-shirt edition of Futbol Fit Check. Plus, what a milestone for Latif Blessing.
Another week, another draw for Philadelphia Union as they draw 2-2 against Austin FC in the first ever match between the two clubs. Todd discusses the news from around the league that includes Philadelphia Union academy player Cavan Sullivan close to signing with City Football Group, MLS to change the U22 initiative, Latif Blessing traded to Houston Dynamo and Ralph Priso traded to Vancouver Whitecaps. Todd also gives his thought's on Saturday's game with discussing the first half v the second half, Union break a scoreless streak from open play, and being sort handed against Portland Timbers. Finally, Todd ends the episode with a Blunder of The Year contender that involves FC Cincinnati and Queen City Press reporter Laurel Pfahler. MLS News: Cavan Sullivan to Manchester City: [3:14] MLS to change U22 rule: [10:36] Latif Blessing traded to Houston Dynamo: [16:29] Ralph Priso traded to Vancouver Whitecaps: [17:35] Austin FC v Philadelphia Union: First half v second half: [18:57] Union break a scoreless streak from open play: [28:04] Union short handed against Portland: [31:36] 3 Stars: [35:00] Blunder of The Week: FC Cincinnati: [37:43] Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/ Laurel Pfahler's Statement FC Cincinnati Statement on Laurel ESPN Report NASR Statement TOTWAO Seattle Thoughts episode
This episode Hernan & Alex welcomed special guest Kevin Morris's to the show to talk about the latest Austin fc signing Diego Rubio along with other key topics like the Latif Blessing rumor, The Louisville high scoring match in preseason, CJ Fodrey picking up a small knock, and more Austin fc news
After a whirlwind of a week around Austin FC, Zac and Ian get together to break it all down. They recap preseason matches against Louisville City and Chicago Fire, discuss CJ Fodrey's injury, a rejected bid for a young CB and if something is brewing between ATX and Latif Blessing. Then they close out the pod with a new segment keeping up with the "Best Keeper in the World", Last Business Day and a spin through the latest MLS news.0:15 - Intro1:40 - CJ Fodrey injury5:10 - Bid for CB rejected7:50 - Louisville recap18:35 - More kit updates20:05 - More Diego Rubio thoughts26:15 - Latif Blessing?30:15 - Technical/Operations staff additions33:10 - Hair crumbs!34:25 - Chicago recap40:45 - Checking in on Minnesota43:15 - "Best Keeper in the World"44:15 - Last Business Day47:20 - MLS newsFollow the podcast on socialsTwitterInstagramYouTubeThreads
Welcome back to The Verdependent podcast where we depend on the Verde & Black for our everyday vibes. This week LoBar, LoJo, and Paul discuss... Preseason overreactions and the Coachella Invitational predictions. Wolff calls out defense as major point for improvement. Diego Rubio joins the Verde & Black. Stoppage Time rundown discussing Latif Blessing rumors, Leagues Cup draw, major moves in NWSL, World Cup schedule drop, and more... Thank y'all for kickin' it with us this week! Keep the conversation going with us on Twitter and see y'all next week.
With the Philadelphia Union's 2-1 victory over NYCFC on Saturday, that makes it 5 straight games in all competitions that the Union have defeated NYCFC. Todd goes over the latest MLS news that includes: New England Revolution and Toronto FC agree to swap Latif Blessing and Mark Anthony-Kaye, Minnesota United sign Ethan Bristow, Columbus Crew cut Eloy Room, Olivier Mbaizo hands in transfer request, and the Union sign South African Center Back Olwethu Makhanya. Todd also gives his thoughts from Saturday's game and discusses the Union giving NYCFC too much time and space on the ball out wide, key transition moments, Jim Curtin gets all his subs correct, Chris Donovan's first MLS goal, and Ale Bedoya update. MLS News: New England Revolution and Toronto swap midfielders: [ Minnesota United sign Ethan Bristow: [ Eloy Room and Columbus Crew agree to terminate contract: [ Oliver Mbaizo hands in transfer request: [ Philadelphia Union sign Olwethu Makhanya: [ Philadelphia Union v NYCFC: Nervy moments at the end: [ NYCFC had too much time and space out wide: [ Transitions: [ Jim calls for the correct subs: [ Chris Donovan's first MLS goal: [ Ale Bedoya injury update: [ 3 Stars: [ Blunder of The Week: Fans throwing things at entertainment events: [ Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick
It looks to be a busy secondary transfer window for new General Manager Jason Hernandez and Toronto FC. Hosts Michael Singh, Mike Newell, and Jeffrey P. Nesker discuss the debuts of Franco Ibarra and Latif Blessing before getting into what could come next for the Reds this transfer window. Plus, Terry Dunfield was given a four-match window to audition for the role of TFC head coach. Has he done enough? Don't miss out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MLS360 Studio Host Liam McHugh joins Mike, Nick and Tom this week. The guys talk about the recent refereeing controversies, expanding Messi coverage, Eastern Conference dog fight, Lucic Bruins return and more. Ian Harkes thoughts and Latif Blessing on his way out. Mark Anthony Kaye on his way in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The midfielder's journey to Major League Soccer began halfway across the world.
Didn't we just do this? (Yes!) And aren't we doing this again very soon? (Also yes!) It's a gauntlet of 5 matches in 15 days, and LAFC's beatdown of the Revolution means we are over the hump! It's Episode 235, the one where we welcome back club legend Latif Blessing!LAFC, fresh off their international spanking of Costa Rica's Alajuelense, head back to BMO for our third-ever showdown against Bruce Arena and the NE Revolution. Spoiler alert: It did not go well for Bruce's Boys. An early PK converted by Denis Bouanga (one of two for him), and goals by Timothy Tillman and Stipe Biuk capped off the 4-0 win for the Black and Gold. News wasn't all good, however, as Ryan Hollingshead left the match with a potentially serious upper-body injury in the 83'. We will wait and see what his status is for the coming weeks. We will cover both legs of the first round CCL tilt with Alajuelense on the next episode, but, for now, a very tired duo of Filly and Scarf breaking down New England will have to do! Enjoy the episode!
This week, Tanner Rebelo and Greg Johnstone discuss some recent Revs moves, including the extensions of Andrew Farrell, Latif Blessing, and Dave Romney, all of which included TAM. Additionally, Tanner and Greg discuss the news of Vox media no longer funding SB Nation MLS sites, which includes our friends at The Bent Musket. We discuss what it means for Revs coverage, and the hardships and future of independent media. And of course, we answer your listener questions. Please consider supporting our podcast by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/revolutionrecap You can also support our podcast by rating and reviewing us on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you are listening. Also, please follow us on social media: Twitter: @SeanLDonahue, @TannerRebelo, @RevolutionRecap, @SethMan31 Instagram: www.instagram.com/revolutionrecap/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/revolutionrecap Thank you to Golaco Kits for sponsoring this episode of Revolution Recap. You can visit https://www.golacokits.com and use promo code REVSRECAP at checkout to receive 15% off your order. Twitter: @GolacoKits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golacokits/ Please check out our friends at The Rebellion on twitter at @NERebellion and check out their website at nerebllion.org. Also be sure to check out Tanner's work at TrifectaNetworkSports.com And be sure to visit The Bent Musket at www.thebentmusket.com and visit them on social @TheBentMusket on twitter.
The offseason finally brought some news as the New England Revolution completed trades for Latif Blessing and Dave Romney, while re-signing Nacho Gil and releasing their preseason schedule. This week, Sean Donahue and Greg Johnstone give their thoughts on the trades and signings and answer the listener mailbag! Please consider supporting our podcast by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/revolutionrecap You can also support our podcast by rating and reviewing us on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you are listening. Also, please follow us on social media: Twitter: @SeanLDonahue, @TannerRebeloo, @RevolutionRecap Instagram: www.instagram.com/revolutionrecap/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/revolutionrecap Thank you to Golaco Kits for sponsoring this episode of Revolution Recap. You can visit https://www.golacokits.com and use promo code REVSRECAP at checkout to receive 15% off your order. Twitter: @GolacoKits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golacokits/ Please check out our friends at The Rebellion on twitter at @NERebellion and check out their website at nerebllion.org. Also be sure to check out Tanner's work at https://trifectasports.substack.com/ And be sure to visit The Bent Musket at www.thebentmusket.com and visit them on social @TheBentMusket on twitter.
In a bonus episode, Seth Macomber of The Bent Musket and Greg Johnstone debate: What is the Revolution's highest priority in the offseason. Do the Revs need a box-to-box midfielder to stabilize the middle of the field? Or does the backline need an upgrade? (NOTE: This was recorded prior to the Latif Blessing-to-Revs trade, which we will discuss on an episode in the near future.) Please consider supporting our podcast by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/revolutionrecap You can also support our podcast by rating and reviewing us on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you are listening. Also, please follow us on social media: Twitter: @SeanLDonahue, @TannerRebelo, @RevolutionRecap, @SethMan31 Instagram: www.instagram.com/revolutionrecap/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/revolutionrecap Thank you to Golaco Kits for sponsoring this episode of Revolution Recap. You can visit https://www.golacokits.com and use promo code REVSRECAP at checkout to receive 15% off your order. Twitter: @GolacoKits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golacokits/ Please check out our friends at The Rebellion on twitter at @NERebellion and check out their website at nerebllion.org. Also be sure to check out Tanner's work at TrifectaNetworkSports.com And be sure to visit The Bent Musket at www.thebentmusket.com and visit them on social @TheBentMusket on twitter.
LAFC takes the show on the road as the Black and Gold take on Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto. Filly and Scarf cover everything that went down in Salt Lake and so much more here on Episode 207!As LAFC heads to the All-Star break, there was one more foe to vanquish before a little break, the cobalt-and-claret clad club from Salt Lake. On paper, it was a bit of a mismatch: No Damir Kreilach, no Bobby Wood, and no recently-acquired Danny Musovski, all out with injury. Recent acquisitions Bryan Oviedo and Braian Ojeda have not yet joined the squad, and the club just jettisoned David Ochoa to the nation's capital. Meanwhile, Gareth Bale, Brian Rodriguez, Latif Blessing, Mamadou Fall, Ryan Hollingshead, and the two Sebastians, Mendez and Ibeagha, we all NOT starting for an uber-talented LAFC squad that is still waiting on the arrival of their newest shiny toy, designated player Denis Bouanga. Would the matchup play out as lopsided as it looked on paper? Yes.LAFC wasted no time getting on the scoresheet as Chicho Arango puts away a Vela free kick with a stunning back-heel goal. RSL equalized just three minutes later off a goal from Cordova, but LAFC got right back out in front when Kellyn Acosta connected on a banger from outside the box. The effort by Mahala to keep that play alive allowed LAFC to enter the half on top.RSL started out the second half on the front foot, pushing LAFC's backline and controlling much of the possession. Not much got through, but RSL definitely pushed the pace out of the locker room. After a near miss in the 50', when Ilie had to clear one off the back line, LAFC grabbed control of the game because of another great play by Mahala. After beating his man 1v1, a perfect pass across the mouth of the goal found an open Chicho for a 3-1 lead, giving Arango 11 on the season. Just when you thought you had seen everything, Italian superstar Giorgio Chiellini tried his hand(s) at volleyball in the 69th minute, earning himself a yellow card and a chat with the AVP. Just when you thought it was safe to grab a snack or a drink, Gareth Bale provides another moment of brilliance, running around 2 defenders on his way into the box and drilling one past Zac MacMath for the fourth goal of the match. The team really was the star; it was the team in Black and Gold. LAFC remain on their pace to break more records and win their first cup. Also on this episode, Scarf has a crazy idea: replace the three LAFC All-Stars with three different LAFC players! Filly has a little trouble with Franco Escobar's first name while the boys both chat about the other leagues beginning their seasons. It's a fun one here on 207!
Recapping a 4th of July loss, previewing Saturday's game against Real Salt Lake, MLS All-Star voting, possibly trading for Latif Blessing, and panic?
Gavin and Russell discuss the midweek MLS action including Latif Blessing's Instagram post, Russel-Rowe's 2 assist match, Cabral's crazy red card, and much much more.Champion's MojoWe energize and empower you to be the champion of your life and to perform your best. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Martha Runs the World PodcastA podcast with an honest and open look at running, fitness and all things...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show
Episode 186 - Penso Proves Too Much in CarsonIt's Week 6 of LAFC's season, and with that comes our first of two Clasico Angelinos, this one down in Carson. Carson, a house of horrors for LAFC, a place where we have never tasted 3 points in our 5-year history. And unfortunately, after this match, we will likely have to wait until 2023 to do so. LAFC falls at Carson, 2-1. They say it's not how you start but how you finish, but for LAFC, an awful start did them in early. After a few missed chances early on, Brian Rodriguez pulls up in the 7th minute with an apparent hamstring injury. Shell shocked and lacking composure, Carson and Chicharito pounced, taking an early 1-0 lead off a header from their captain. LAFC kept their foot on the gas, but a post hit by Vela and an erroneous offside call kept LAFC off the scoreboard. To put it nicely and mildly, it was an incredibly frustrating series of events. But nothing as bad as the 31st minute, where Sega is able to get on the end of another cross on the back post to double LAFC's deficit. LAFC would go into the half down a pair, and needing to find a pair both figuratively and literally to level the match. The Black and Gold came out hot, though a Vela goal was correctly disallowed in the second minute of the second half. Chicho and Latif came on to provide a bit of extra energy, and it wound up being Chicho who would get us on the board in the 79' after a great long throw into the box by Chiqui. Vela's initial shot was saved, but the rebound came to the feet of Chicho, who calmly buried it. In the 8th, yes, 8th minute of stoppage time, LAFC thought they had equalized on a Latif Blessing goal after the ball pinballed around the box. However, according to PRO refereeing savant Chris Penso, Mamadou Fall was offside because no defender was deliberately actively making a play on the ball. Horsepucky. In one of the most controversial calls in our rivalry's history, the goal was disallowed, and after 11 minutes of stoppage, Carson takes all three points. Again, horsepucky. LAFC will have to regroup quickly as Sporting KC comes calling on Sunday the 17th at the Banc. Though there are positives to take away from the second half, this result will sting for quite some time. Hopefully, Episode 186 can help you exercise these demons along with us.
LAFC 2.0 is on and poppin', and for the first time in our club's history, the Black and Gold took the pitch without Bob Bradley. The Steve Cherundolo Era begins in earnest, and it's against a familiar preseason foe, the New England Revolution.Forgoing much of the usual News and Notes of most Defenders episodes (to be covered in Episode 180!), Filly and the Scarf get right in to all the action in our first preseason match of Season 5! (Right after a little This Date In LAFC History, of course…)Many of the new faces would have to wait to make their LAFC debuts. Maxime Crepeau and Kellyn Acosta were both in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada waiting to face each ther in a World Cup Quaifier, while Ilie Sanchez and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi were unavailable as well. LAFC mainstay Eddie Segura is still working himself back to 100%, while Latif Blessing, Chiqui Palacios, and Jose Cifuentes all were held back as well. However, some of the “new new” was at the Banc, including Franco Escobar, our new #2 on the back line. Also starting was future backup keeper John McCarthy. It was a back and forth first half, with most of the excitement centered around a rather silly red card earned by Jesus Murillo in the 25'. Scoreless until just before the half time whistle, Adam Buksa put a rebound past McCarthy, and LAFC entered the half down 1-0. And, oh by the way, you can replace a player who gets a red, as long as it's preseason!The second half saw a ton of changes for LAFC. Trialists, fringe roster players, and Mamadou Fall all took the pitch in the second half. Tomas Romero took over in goal, Cal Jennings, Mahala, Danny Musovski, and Danny Trejo all played up top, but it was late super-sub Bruce El-Mesmari who created the big chance for LAFC. Taken down in the box in the 85', the PK was converted by Fall, and the match ended 1-1. All in all, it was an entertaining start to the new era at LAFC. 25 different players took the pitch, our new coach coached, and we loved every minute of it. And we are looking forward to covering EVERY single minute of it here on Defenders of the Banc! Join us for Season 5!
Episode 175 - Soundly Beating Seattle To Extend the SeasonLAFC, for the moment, is above the playoff line! Yes, it may just be for a night, but LAFC, riding a 5-game unbeaten streak, is finally back above the line. The Black and Gold put a beatdown on the West's #1 and our biggest nemesis, the Seattle Sounders, taking all three points and scoring three huge goals. It's a great Tuesday at the Banc, and you can hear all about it on Episode 175 of Defenders of the Banc!Brian Rodriguez, yes, Brian, opened the scoring for LAFC with a great shot that went 5-hole on Stefan Frei. Not content to go into the half up just one goal, Latif Blessing got on the end of a Kim Moon-Hwan pass and doubled the lead!Seattle would come out swinging in the second half, with both the crossbar and Jamal Blackman needing to make a save early, but LAFC would settle down nicely. In the 51', Filly's favorite striker, Chicho, Chicho Arango, would net his lucky 13th goal on the season, putting the good guys up three and salting the game away. As if three goals and a beatdown of Seattle wasn't enough good vibes for one Tuesday, to quote Rafiki in The Lion King, “The king has returned!” For the first time in months, Carlos Vela took the pitch in an MLS match, coming on in the 78th minute to see out the win. LAFC brought on the closer, Jordan Harvey, in the 90th, and the party at the Banc was on!Also on this episode, we celebrate the career of Carli Lloyd and the early season successes of the Lakers and Knicks while completely forgetting about Game 1 of the World Series. Why is Filly picking on Scarf? How did Panda get Super Bowl tickets? And who was Scarf profusely apologizing to? You'll have to listen to Episode 175 to find out!
LAFC press call with Bob Bradley, Cristian Arango, and Latif Blessing.
It's a very special episode of the podcast. We've made it to 100! That's right. Thank you to all the listeners that have been with us through 100 episodes of the Max + Vince Podcast. Whether you're a Day 1 listener since the start of Inside LAFC or you just joined us recently, a sincere thank you from both Max and Vince for being a part of this journey. To celebrate, LAFC surprised Max and Vince with a Zoom call from the LAFC Performance Center. Joining Max and Vince to say congrats were USMNT legend and LV Lights Head Coach Steve Cherundolo, midfielder Latif Blessing, defender Eddie Segura, forward Cal Jennings, and Head of Security - and the man that helped make a lot of this happen - Paul Apodaca. But it wasn't all congrats to Max and Vince, there was still plenty of football to talk about. Max and Vince chat about the Copa America and Euro2020 finals (Forza Azzurri!) and break down how LAFC has found new paths to victory on the road against Real Salt Lake and Austin FC. The guys also talk about some of the players that have stepped up big over the last few matches like Cifu, Kim Moon-Hwan, and Tomas Romero. All that and the usual sidetracks and rants you'd expect from two guys celebrating 100 episodes on this special edition of the 'MVP'!
Just days after a frustrating tie at the Banc's rebirth, LAFC is back at home, this time to take on FC Dallas, the last place team in the West. The setting was ideal for a big win, and the Black and Gold did not disappoint! Here on Episode 151, we break down the searing performance. LAFC and it's captain, Carlos Vela, wasted no time getting on the score sheet. A 4th minute goal from Vela sent the entire stadium, including the incredible 3252, into a frenzy, and Vela was finally able to shed the goose egg on the season. For the most part, it was all LAFC, all the time, though the board didn't change. This was due to Dallas oft-platooned keeper, Jimmy Maurer, making 6 saves on the night and even getting help from the post. LAFC would get the last laugh, however, as Latif Blessing scored our first “giggity goal” of the season! Carlos Vela combined with the Starman, and the VAR, to sneak past the back line of Dallas as they stopped playing and put LAFC up 2. That would be it, though it certainly felt like it could have been more. Or Maurer. Also on the episode, we take a walk down Filly Sports Lane, as the boys chat about both Germany and the Islanders in the banter. And… no Tom Brady! Which all-time Yankee great does Scarf compare Jordan Harvey to? When will Filly be able to shave his playoff beard? And where oh where will the Defenders be watching the away match against Sporting? You'll have to tune in to the entire Episode 151 to find out! See you in a few more days!
LAFC press call with Bob Bradley, Eduard Atuesta, and Latif Blessing.
LAFC Press Call with Bob Bradley, Latif Blessing, and Eddie Segura.
On this episode of MLS Assist, Joe Lowery and Jordan Angeli answer your lovely questions! What is the next tactical evolution coming to MLS? How does Aidan Morris change Caleb Porter's double pivot? Is Carles Gil a believable MVP candidate? Joe and Jordan answer all of those questions - and more - on the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Defenders faithful, Episode 135 is our love letter to you. We are ALL ready to see 2020 kick rocks, but before it goes, Filly and the Scarf want to give it one more "how's your father". Unscripted. That's right, Episode 135 is completely unscripted! This episode is our little gift to you. Come join us on a wild ride that we hope perfectly caps off whatever it was that we will look back on in 2020. You'll get a short This Day In LAFC History, as we wish a very, very happy birthday to the Game Changer himself, Latif Blessing. We also update you on some former LAFC player movement, from Columbus, to our nation's capital, to the beautiful city of Ho Chi Minh. Filly and Scarf give you their top 5 moments of 2020! The best part? Even though they go through about 15 moments, NONE of them are the same! While neither of their lists included Andy Najar or Brian Rodriguez, the boys give you their take on the 5 best moments of an otherwise forgettable year. Finally, both of the Defenders leave you with their thoughts on the year. Some of it is LAFC related. Some of it is not. But all of it is from the heart. Whatever 2020 meant for any of you, the millions... and millions, please know that you meant the absolute world to the both of us. Thank you for giving us even a few moments of your time, and, honestly, we hope you'll come with us on the journey of wherever and whatever 2021 brings us. We love you, and we love the Black and Gold!
LAFC defeats Club América to move on to the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League final! In the single most important match in LAFC history, on the single biggest stage in LAFC history, against the single biggest opponent LAFC has ever played in a match that matters, LAFC comes away victorious! LAFC defeats América, 3-1, to move on to the final. In order to get to the final, however, LAFC took us on a roller coaster ride the likes of which we have never experienced in our three years of matches. LAFC came out on the front foot, dominating much of the first ten minutes, only to surrender a set piece goal in the 11th minute. Despite the early strike, LAFC continued to take it to Las Águilas until a stoppage time horror show starring Eduard Atuesta. Atuesta came crashing in to take a shot inside the box, clearly taken out, where he should have earned a penalty, without a doubt. However, the referee clearly missed it and there was no call. Atuesta and América’s keeper/telenovela actor Memo Ochoa got tangled up behind the play. As Ochoa stood over Atuesta, it appeared Atuesta made contact with Ochoa, so much so that Ochoa was sent writhing on the ground. Did Atuesta really make thatmuch contact with Memo? He certainly convinced the refs that he did, as Atuesta was sent off with a straight red card. Just like that, LAFC was both down a goal and down a man, and the half was over. It was truly a nightmare ending to a frustrating first half. With Latif coming on at the half for Moose, there was still good reason to be optimistic that LAFC could find the equalizer. However, we’re not sure that anyone could have predicted the lightning storm that ripped through Orlando. In the 46thminute, our fearless leader, our captain, and the best player on the pitch, Carlos Vela intercepts an errant pass in the attacking half and slots it past Memo for a goal! Just like that, it’s 1-1! And if you blinked, you missed Vela scoring AGAIN just seconds later in the 47th minute! Lightning struck twice in just over a minute, and LAFC is on top, 2-1, though still down a man. After that point, the match was simply incredible. Carlos Vela played his best half since his battles with Zlatan, Kenneth Vermeer made save after save and played with incredible poise, Latif was everywhere, and the back line held to preserve the lead going into stoppage. After another takeaway, Diego Rossi broke in on Memo, who is able to make an incredible save on the 2020 Golden Boot winner. However, the shot rebounded off Memo right to the streaking Latif Blessing, who slotted it home for the nail in América’s coffin. LAFC is headed to their first final in club history! Also on this episode… not much else. Yes, we cover This Day in LAFC History and News and Notes, but it’s quick. Filly does a quick history lesson on Club América, Scarf uses the word homeostasis, and the boys both wonder where Paul might be. But mostly, we celebrate the huge win by LAFC! LAFC has three days, and likely no Eduard Atuesta, to get ready for Tigres in the final on Tuesday. Listamos!!!
En dépit d'une année marquée par la pandémie de la Covid-19, une autre saison MLS vient de prendre fin avec la conquête du titre par le Crew de Columbus. C'est donc l'heure du bilan pour les joueurs africains évoluant dans le circuit Garber.Une fois n'est pas coutume. nous avons invité pour faire ce bilan la référence en matière d'analyses et de couverture de la MLS afin de conserver un regard objectif et factuelle sur la performance des joueurs africains concernés. C'est donc avec un grand plaisir et un grand honneur que nous recevons nul autre que Matthias Van Halst (@CoupFrancMLS), journaliste affecté à la MLS au niveau francophone et également animateur de l'émission hebdomadaire Coup Franc.Avec lui, nous traçons le bilan de la saison 2020 de quelques joueurs africains sans perdre de vue différents contextes, la globalité de leurs contributions et leurs rôles respectifs au sein de leurs clubs. Les joueurs et sujets abordés sont:-Kei Kamara peut-il rattraper Jaime Moreno et ensuite Jeff Cunningham pour devenir le 3e meilleur buteur de l'histoire de la MLS? Pourquoi un aussi bon buteur a-t-il changé de club autant de fois (8 et sûrement peut-être 9 en 2021) à la différence de Chris Wondolowski?-Le milieu relayeur cap-verdien Jamiro Monteiro, acquis d'abord en prêt en 2019 par l'Union de Philadelphie, s'est avéré un joueur plus déterminant qu'il n'y parait dans l'entrejeu de ce club? Quelle est sa véritable contribution? La stabilité? La profondeur?-Qui dit Crew dit identité et philosophie bien installées et un titre de champion mérité. Or, Columbus rime avec Ghana, très souvent représenté dans l'effectif. N'est-ce pas là un exemple à suivre sur le parallèle réussi entre identité de jeu et lien avec une communauté qui rejoint un certain public? -Comment Jonathan Mensah, défenseur parfois aux performances irrégulières, est parvenu au rang des meilleurs à son poste en MLS en 2020? Est-ce que parce que Caleb Porter, l'entraîneur du Crew de Columbus a eu son mot à dire?-Avec LAFC, Latif Blessing a vu son rôle modifié en 2020 alors qu'il a joué aussi bien comme défenseur latéral que comme milieu de terrain et comme ailier-attaquant. Malgré des performances intéressantes, il a moins produit. Peut-il se perdre à force de jouer autant de positions ou bien a-t-il le potentiel pour devenir plus complet?-Arrivé comme latéral avec le Toronto FC, Chris Mavinga est devenu l'un des rares défenseurs centraux stables de la MLS. Comment expliquer cette stabilité et peut-il demeurer un atout d'importance alors qu'on semble se diriger vers un renouvellement des cadres à Toronto? -Depuis 2019, Romain Métanire semble devenu une valeur sûre aussi bien pour Minnesota qu'avec le Madagascar, malgré leurs disparités dans leur style de jeu. Qu'apporte-t-il de majeur dans celui développé par Adrian Heat?-Nashville a recruté beaucoup de joueurs africains dans leur effectif mais deux d'entre eux, Dominique Badji et David Accam, ont poursuivi leur descente aux enfers respectives après avoir pourtant montré des qualités en MLS. Comment expliquer leur chute?-Victor Wanyama n'a pas fait l'unanimité des fans de l'Impact en 2020. On lui reproche sa nonchalance et son manque de motivation en tant que DP à Montréal. Mais sa saison a-t-elle été mauvaise? Qu'a-t-il apporté vraiment à l'Impact à part sa présence physique? En quoi a-t-il participé à l'instauration de la nouvelle identité du club ou quelle fût sa juste contribution objectivement? Voilà en gros tout le contenu riche de ce 57e épisode. Espérons que cela vous plaise. Bonne écoute.
As the strange, long 2020 season winds down, one thing has remained maddeningly crystal clear: LAFC is THE Jekyll and Hyde team of MLS this year. One night, we look like the Supporters Shield winning world-beaters we were for much of 2019. The next, we look slow, out of sync, and disorganized against an inferior opponent. Rinse, repeat, and throw in an injury or three, the coronavirus, and off-the-field issues. That’s our 2020 season in a long-winded nutshell. It was more of the same as LAFC headed to San Jose to take on Matias Almeyda’s Earthquakes squad. LAFC raced out to a somewhat undeserved 1-0 lead on a goal by forward (for this match) Latif Blessing, only to be caught napping on the near post for an own goal by Eduard Atuesta. Later in the half, after several other misses opportunities for the home side, the ageless wonder, Chris Wondolowski netted for the 166th time in his MLS career to put San Jose up a goal heading into the half. To be frank, LAFC was lucky to be down just a goal. Taking off his spectacles and business suit, Carlos Vela emerged from the phone booth looking very much like the cape-wearing goal scorer of 2019. He played with pace, great touch, and, as the kids say, a little wiggle. He looked great. However, despite going down to 10 men, San Jose found another from their maestro, Cristian Espinoza, and LAFC was now chasing two. A late connection from Vela to Rossi made it close, but it was right before the final whistle, and LAFC found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline. This match was not without its silver linings, however. Carlos Vela looked great. Diego Rossi extended his Golden Boot lead to three with just one match remaining. And if anything good can come from this type of a loss, San Jose’s win was Carson’s demise, as the Galaxy won’t be able to taste the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Also on the episode, the boys get alliterative, Scarf repeats himself on purpose, and Filly makes more fun of Andy Najar. We celebrate an MVP on This Day in LAFC History, we root for the first minutes for one of our Academy products, and we see a light at the end of the CCL tunnel. Or is that just a train? Only time will tell, or maybe Filly and the Scarf will on Episode 129!
Gio is joined by Vince La Rosa to talk all things LAFC ahead of the fourth El Trafico of the year vs LA Galaxy at the Banc of California Stadium this Sunday. They talk about Christian Torres goal vs Timbers that helped the team secure points and what that meant for the LAFC Academy and for Christian. They also discuss Latif Blessing not traveling with the team, the four DP's returning to the team, and what to expect this weekend's matchup. Gio Garcia - @GioGarciaLA https://twitter.com/GioGarciaLA Vince La Rosa - @LAFCvince https://twitter.com/LAFCvince
Episode 118 – The Referee’s A Sounder! We are back for yet another September episode of Defenders of the Banc, and it’s another tough result for LAFC. LAFC makes their way up to the Emerald City to take on the defending champs, and, unbeknownst to them, the referee, as well. It’s a 3-0 loss to the champs, and it’s Episode 118 of Defenders of the Banc. LAFC started out well, and it was punch/counterpunch for the first 25 minutes or so. Solid chances by both sides wiped away by errant touches or an offside call, and one solid save by Pablo Sisniega. In the 27th minute, things took a bit of a turn as Dejan Jakovic was called for a handball that everyone in the building missed the first time around. Nico Lodeiro slots it home and LAFC are down early, yet again, 1-0. Just five minutes pass before referee Joseph Dickinson switches out his yellow PRO referee top for rave green, as Latif Blessing is whistled for a foul in the box that is literally never actually called a foul except for tonight, and one more Nico Lodeiro PK later, it’s 2-0. The sky is falling along with the rain in Seattle. LAFC looked to regroup after the half and bringing on both Andy Najar and Eduard Atuesta seemed to do the trick. Play improved and passes tightened up a bit, but LAFC was still having trouble creating meaningful chances. To further the Black and Gold frustration, a clear handball on Seattle wasn’t just missed, there was also no call to review it. Turnabout couldn’t even lead to fair play. A crisp connection between Joao Paulo and Raul Ruidiaz late in the match salted things away for Seattle, and it’s another punchless, shutout loss for LAFC in September. Also, on this episode, a significant PK makes its way into This Day In LAFC History, Hello Kitty stops by, Filly learns the word pejorative, and for much of the episode, it’s actually Scarf who sounds like the optimist. We celebrate both Hispanic Heritage Month and Rosh Hashanah while Beita Time returns to MLS. The boys remember their “Wait, What?!” moment of the podcast, and it’s not Kenneth Vermeer’s FIFA 21 rating, Filly quotes Dolly Parton, and Scarf helps the haters on social media do some good with their awful hot takes. Lick your wounds quickly, Defenders, as LAFC heads back home to take on the Whitecaps in just 5 days! We hope you enjoy Episode 118 of Defenders of the Banc!
5 matches in 19 days. But for some reason, it has seemed like an eternity. LAFC, mired in their worst stretch of play in their young history, travel to Sandy, Utah. Rio Tinto Stadium has been a welcome sight for LAFC, as the Black and Gold have taken all three prior matches by an aggregate of 10-1. However, much like this season as a whole… heck, much like 2020 as a whole, today’s result would be very, very different. Bob shook some things up against RSL, giving four players their first career starts for LAFC: Danny Musovski, Andy Najar, Bryce Duke, and Mohamed Traore. The latter two, just teenagers, 19 and 18 years old, respectively. You could argue that the 18 (23, actually, with the COVID rules) was more familiar to LAFC supporters than the starting squad: Eddie Segura, Latif Blessing, Tristan Blackmon, Bradley Wright-Phillips, and Diego Palacios. We catch a glimpse of the future as well, perhaps, with Erik Duenas and Tony Leone making their first-ever MLS active rosters. The ball just isn’t bouncing LAFC’s way during the past handful of matches, and nowhere else was that more evident than in two plays during this match, one to begin the first half, and the other to begin the second. Identical plays, balls pinballing around the box, with completely different outcomes. In the first half, the ball barely eludes Danny Musovski and RSL is able to clear. In the second half, the ball finds Justin Meram, and RSL has a backbreaker. A rough one for Jordan Harvey, to be sure, conceding a penalty to Albert Rusnak, and the rout was on. LAFC fall, 3-0, and limp home to take on Portland in just 4 days. Also on this episode, Filly and the Scarf show some love to a new sponsor and a new kit. This Day In LAFC History taps into a history-clinching match that LAFC didn’t even play in, a member of Black and Gold past changes addresses. Find out the difference between a fan and a supporter, and you won’t believe who Scarf thinks was the player of the match against Real. Here come the haters! But don’t worry, the boys will give you more reasons to “at” them in just 4 days, on Episode 117.
History has a way of repeating itself. Coming into this matchup LAFC have dominated the series vs San Jose and today was no different. LAFC was back at the Banc in search of their winning ways and boy did they win today. LAFC, without Carlos Vela and Eduard Atuesta, managed to once again dine on Smurf Stew. How does Smurf Stew taste, it’s good enough for 5 servings. Diego Rossi and Bradley Wright-Phillips continued to add goals to their stat lines with some beautiful plays. We had two newcomers make their presence felt in the goal columns. Welcome Jose Cifuentes and Danny Musovski. So exciting to see these young men enjoy the fruits of their labor. This was also a coming out party for Chiqui Palacios he added an assist and several important tackles. Latif Blessing started in the backline and was seen everywhere on the pitch. We finally looked solid in the backline. We even had an Andy Najar sighting and another glimpse of academy player Christian Torres. It certainly was a fun night at the Banc. Episode 114 has some of the usual segments, This Day in LAFC History, Scheduling with the Scarf, and we even managed to remember our Wait What segment. Hear Filly howl like a wolf, and Scarf call someone a poop-sickle. All this and more on the 114th edition of Defenders of The Banc
LAFC press call with Bob Bradley, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Latif Blessing and Carlos Vela Gio Garcia - @GioGarciaLA https://twitter.com/GioGarciaLA
LAFC vs Seattle Sounders Press Conference with Bob Bradley, Latif Blessing and Danny Musovski. Gio Garcia - @GioGarciaLA https://twitter.com/GioGarciaLA
It’s Episode 108, and what a way to spend a Monday! The Black and Gold continue to soldier on in the COVID Cup. This time, the road runs right through the Emerald City, by way of Orlando, of course. LAFC takes down Seattle, 4-1, in what might be their best performance of the young season. First, it’s a This Day in LAFC History that includes a “Wait, What?!” moment for possibly the very first time, as we harken back to the days of yore and the hiring of the best manager in MLS, Bob Bradley. It’s hard to believe that it was 3 years ago that Bob took the wheel of this beautiful, Black and Gold ship. After some LAFC injury news (Andy Najar, already?), it’s time to talk the COVID Cup. Yes, there have been breakout stars of this tournament (Akinola and Hasal). Yes, there have been surprise teams, both good (FC Cincinnati, Orlando City) and bad (Atlanta, Carson). But no team came in with higher expectations than LAFC, and they have yet to disappoint. LAFC dominated the first 15 minutes of the match, breaking through on a PK from Rossi in the 13th. Right before the half, Latif Blessing doubles the lead, 2-0, and the rout was on. Of course, LAFC couldn’t make things easy, conceding in the 75th. There would be no collapse on this night, however! Rossi would add a second in the 83rd minute, and the goal that many were hoping for came in the 89th, as Brian Rodriguez ended Seattle’s stay in Orlando to complete the win, 4-1. A great way to spend a Monday! How did Filly become “Filly-strodamus”? Why was Scarf completely mesmerized by the advertising ribbon around the pitch? Most importantly, what suggestion from the Defenders could make the LAFC Foundation HUGE amounts of money? You’ll have to listen to Episode 108 to find out. Enjoy!
Benny Feilhaber.Open Cup. Confederations Cup. Gold Cup. MLS Cup. World Cup. The Olympics.MLS. Superligaen. Bundesliga. Premiership. Champions League.New England Revolution. Sporting Kansas City. Colorado Rapids. LAFC.All Star. Best XI. MVP Finalist. Champion.And now, finally, a guest on Defenders of the Banc! Filly and The Scarf sit down with the USMNT legend to discuss everything about his storied football career.Get ready for previously untold and often re-told stories alike: His humble beginnings from Brazil to Scarsdale, New York and his mean rivalry with nearby White Plains, braving it on the mean streets of Irvine, California with the Strikers, walking on to the squad at UCLA while dealing with bully Jordan Harvey, and roughing it on the second team in Hamburg.Benny tells the tale of “peaking” at the 2007 Gold Cup at the ripe old age of 22, rubbing elbows with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Kobe Bryant in Beijing, his storied run at Overland Park, hoisting Open Cup and MLS Cup trophies, becoming a part of LAFC’s historic inaugural team, and finally calling it a career in 2020. It’s an hour-plus with the outspoken icon of American soccer.Hear stories and insights on Zlatan Ibrahimovic (complete with some colorful language!), Lionel Messi, Bob Bradley, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Latif Blessing, Jordan Harvey, Kyle Beckerman, Dirk Nowitzki, and more!He’s one of our own, and he’s on Episode 107 of Defenders of the Banc!
Listen to LAFC's Press Conference 7.21.20 - Bob Bradley, Latif Blessing, and Eddie Segura. Gio Garcia - @GioGarciaLA https://twitter.com/GioGarciaLA
It’s been several months, but it looks like the MLS Is Back tournament is FINALLY set to kick off in less than 24 hours. Unless you play for FC Dallas. Or maybe Nashville SC. Or one-fifth of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Or 2019 MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara. Or, as we learned this week, reigning MLS MVP Carlos Vela of LAFC. But other than those players (and a handful of others…), MLS Is Back! Before the breakdown of the beginning of the tournament, it’s time to introduce the Defenders world to our brand-new member! Scarf likes to refer to him as Director of Arts and Crafts, but, really, the talent that Dexter Quinn brings to the table as our right-hand man on all things artistic is incredible. We are so happy to have Dexter on our team, and, as you can see from some of our most recent posts on social media, the guy is good! We also take a minute to try our best at appreciating the great talents of Vince La Rosa. We wish all the best to Vince on whatever he does next, can’t wait to see him absolutely crush it in his next endeavor, and look forward to our next glass raised together. #HireVince As we continue to celebrate Pablo Sisniega’s birthday, we delve into This Day In LAFC History, where we get BOTH a Rant With Filly and a prediction from Scarfstrodamus! What a segment! Here’s to many, many goals from Brian Rodriguez. LAFC also officially welcomes Andy Najar, courtesy of a brand new, 48-hour transfer window that ended July 7th! We explore roster options for LAFC during the COVID Cup, fresh off the revelation by Bob Bradley that Dio, BWP, and Andy Najar are all not ready to go a full 90. Will that mean more of LMU’s finest, Adrien Perez? Or will Latif Blessing reprise his role as striker? Does that mean more Cifu or Pancho? More importantly, is there any team in MLS deeper and more talented than the Black and Gold? We break down all three matches in LAFC’s Group Stage, including some predictions for our showdown with Carson on July 18. Does Houston pose more of a threat than we think, with a healthy Alberth Elis and others? What does two times the Chara mean for Portland? Will Chicharito record a shot-on-goal? In a rare feat, Filly and The Scarf find a way to work in “Three Umlauts” Niko Hämäläinen, our first-ever signing, Carlos Alvarez, and Inaugural Team member Nico Czornomaz all in the same episode! How excited is Filly for the COVID Cup? Why is Scarf fanboying over Johnny Hekker again? And who do the Defenders think will win each of the groups in the tournament? Tune in to Episode 104 to find out! Stay safe and healthy everyone!
En este episodio hablamos con Latif Blessing uno de los mediocampista más dinámicos y plurifuncional de la MLS. Nos platica acerca de sus humildes inicios en Ghana, África. Sobre la Aldea donde nació y donde todavía reside toda su familia. Todas las dificultades y experiencias que vivió hasta llegar a LAFC. No te pierdas ningún minuto, te transformará.
No more Miami rumors, we said. Well, how about a done deal? It’s not press-release official, but Rodolfo Pizarro is doing interviews at the airport and name dropping David Beckham soooooooooo *shrug*. Andrew, David, Doyle and Susannah take about the process, the fee and what the move says about Inter Miami and MLS. Also in this show ... Walker Zimmerman got traded, sort of out of the blue. What does it say about LAFC? What does it mean for Nashville SC. Plus, an ode to Nacho Piatti and a position battle royale building in Dallas. We’ve also got exclusive 1v1 interviews with LAFC do-it-all dynamo Latif Blessing, Toronto FC and Canada midfielder Jonathan Osorio and SB Nation writer Zito Madu calls in to talk Black History Month and why soccer has to do a better job reflecting the world. Major League Soccer's long-running podcast Extratime is now available on YouTube, every Monday and Thursday. 3:16 – What Rodolfo Pizarro’s move says about Inter Miami, MLS and Liga MX 10:04 – LAFC trades Best XI defender Walker Zimmerman … Why? 20:10 – Why Nashville SC believe they’ve found their version of Chad Marshall 24:38 – INTERVIEW: SB Nation’s Zito Madu on what the soccer world can learn from Black History Month 42:35 – Adios Nacho Piatti! Remembered the legend as he goes home 46:24 – INTERVIEW: LAFC’s Latif Blessing brings smiles to the world 56:31 – Position battle royale for Luchi Gonzalez and FC Dallas 1:01:03 – INTERVIEW: Jonathan Osorio on the 2022 task that faces Canada 1:10:25 – Mailbag! Alberth Elis in Houston & Orlando City’s offseason moves
The preseason comes to a close with a mid-day, mid-week match against Toronto FC, and with that comes Episode 82 of the LAFC Podcast for the People, Defenders of the Banc!Walker Zimmerman was traded to Nashville SC. We didn't believe the headline when we read it, either, but it's true. Yes, it was for a potential record-setting amount of GAM for a defender, but, wow. Just like that, one of the key members of our record setting first two seasons is gone. It felt different than the departures of Tyler, or Lee, or Laurent. But the team presses on without him, and so do we.Just 6 days from the kickoff of CCL in Guanajuato, LAFC wraps up the 2020 preseason with a solid 3-1 win over Toronto. The start of the match felt a little different, as the Black and Gold played to a crowd much smaller than usual due to the noon kick time on a Wednesday. The pre-match festivities saw the debut of Sunny, the falcon named after Sunset Blvd. After her longer-than-usual flight, and in front of about 6,000 or so, our boys did not disappoint. Brian Rodriguez got us on the board first on a pass from Carlos, and he nets his 3rd in as many games this preseason. We are really hoping this carries over into the regular season, CCL, and beyond! After Toronto tied things up at 1, it was our MVP's turn to get in on the action. This time, it wasn't a left-footed curler as much as it was a straight smash home to put LAFC back up 2-1. In the 81st minute, another chapter in the LAFC history books was written, as Latif Blessing sets up LAFC Academy product Christian Torres for the goal, the first goal scored by an Academy player in team history. This might just be a preseason match, but it's moments like this that we can all build on and look optimistically toward the future. Congratulations to the 15 year old on his history making accomplishment. Also on the episode, there is a Peter-Lee Vassell sighting in Denmark, a Locomotive trains with LAFC, a surprise trialist makes his mark in the final match before it gets real, Imad and Joe share a birthday, and Number Watch 2020 hits Day 64. Oh, and Filly sings Good Charlotte! But don't worry, no XFL news to be found. It's on to Leon for Scarf, and Rome for Filly. Will we return from Leon with a point, three, or the dreaded zero? You'll have to tune into Episode 83 to find out!
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.
Dave Denholm was at LAFC Training Camp for the past few days and will to tell you all about it. And, could this 2020 LAFC roster be the best ever in MLS? Plus, Denholm sits down with Jordan Harvey, Adama Diomande, Latif Blessing and more.
It's the offseason, so it's time to publish a fun interview we recorded during the season! Back in September of this year, between episodes 58 and 59, Filly and the Scarf sat down with do-it-all superwoman Roxana Aguirre, mother of two, wife, LAFC supporter, and part-owner of the brand 90 Plus Culture, a brand she helped cultivate with LAFC's very own Latif Blessing. You've no doubt seen Roxana around almost every tailgate and LAFC event wearing her trademark teal baseball cap! She almost never goes anywhere without it. Rox shares her story of how she became a ticket holder (Facebook!), how she got involved with Latif's lifestyle brand, and all the good and difficulty of bringing two children under the age of 4 to Banc of California Stadium on a regular basis. It really is a great look into the life of yet another incredible woman with LAFC ties. In this episode, hear Panda yell through the door of the studio at Filly, reminding him who really does all the laundry in the house! Also, hear the moment water almost shoots out of Scarf's nose as Filly re-tells his story of the torn hamstring he suffered playing kickball! Finally, Roxana shares with us Latif's favorite meal while sharing how supportive her husband Carlos is at every single game. Rox sat with us on her daughter's first birthday, and we couldn't be more grateful to her for doing so. Roxanna also (much more recently) sat down with our friends at Shoulder 2 Shoulder, so if you want to hear more of her story, please check out Chris, Christian, and Jonathan's great podcast. Their episode should be out soon. The LAFC #podfam is definitely full of great stories and people!
On our latest episode of Defenders of the Banc, we hit the big 6-0! 60 episodes of Defenders, and this one is special for the Bradley family. Our intrepid leader, Bob, matches wits against Toronto FC and their midfielder, his son, Michael, for the first time at Banc of California Stadium. With history in our sights and the playoffs inching (or as Filly says on this episode, millimetering) closer, we recap the 1-1 tie with Toronto. For what seemed like the seventh or eighth time in a row, LAFC falls behind early. A deflection in the box fell to the feet of USMNT stalwart Jozy Altidore. His pass to Endoh led to a goal from a tough angle, and just like that, it's 1-0 Toronto after 20 minutes. However, that would be the end of the Toronto offense, as LAFC did not give up a single shot on goal for the remainder of the night!LAFC certainly rallied in the second half, looking a little smoother on offense, generating many more chances, and allowing the large foul disparity in the first half to even itself. However, it seemed like the FC Dallas game all over again, for despite plenty of chances, the score still stood at 1-0. Laurent Ciman, formerly of the Black and Gold, subbed on in the 76' to firmly park the bus and shore up a road win for Toronto. However, our game MVP, Latif Blessing, doesn't know when or how to quit, and his effort right before the death netted LAFC a much-deserved penalty kick. Carlos Vela stepped up and buried it right before the final whistle to move closer to the Golden Boot and the single season goal scoring record. Also on Episode 60, both Filly and Scarf address the rumors surrounding Adama Diomande and his leave from the team. Spoiler alert: We support you, Dio. The boys also recap LAFC's chase of individual and team records and the Supporters Shield race, share another event from This Day in LAFC History, and give a shout-out to the Black and Gold Running Club one episode later than they had planned.Find out how Scarf's Topps MLS card sale fundraiser for the Children's Oncology Group Foundation went! Find out which kit Filly received in his latest shipment from Away Days! Learn a little about the Southern California Seahorses! And maybe, just maybe, we can put the hashtag #BlameFilly to bed. The Shield is just one win away, Defenders! We'll be back in just a few days as the reunion tour continues. Houston, led by former striker(-ish) and local product Christian Ramirez, will be at the Banc on Wednesday just in time for us to celebrate the Black and Gold taking home our first piece of hardware. See you then!
Welcome to Episode 58 of Defenders of the Banc, where hopefully we sound better than YouTube TV's coverage of the second half of our first visit to Orlando looked. LAFC sent a depleted roster into the House of the Mouse, down 7 players on international duty while MVP Carlos Vela sat out to rest his hamstring. Despite this, LAFC salvage a tie, 2-2, behind the 15th for Diego Rossi and the very first for LMU-product Adrien Perez. In the 11th minute, Adrien Perez gave us every reason to celebrate, tallying his maiden MLS goal, but off the very next kickoff, a horror show of defending and a lucky deflection off of Latif Blessing meant the score was knotted at one. Orlando quickly took the lead just minutes later, and it was looking bleak well into the second half. Luckily, Diego Rossi waited until after YouTube TV figured out their extensive technical difficulties to log his 15th of the year, the equalizer! This game saw a little bit of everything: Both Josh and Adrien Perez started up front flanking Dio, Diego Rossi started at center-mid, a position that Eddie Segura would finish the match in, Mohamed El-Munir was providing pressure on the FRONT line, not the back, to end the game, and the final whistle blew seeing no fewer than six defenders on the pitch for LAFC: Blackmon, Harvey, Beitashour, Segura, Silva, and El-Munir. Wow. What a night in Orlando. This episode also marks the return of the Filimonster from Columbia! The duo of Filly and the Scarf are back together, which means the return of "Rants with Filly" (there may be more than one). Make sure to listen for all the great details about the two different ways to contribute to the #KickChildhoodCancer fundraiser on the 21st. Also on this episode, both boys try to exercise the demons for two very different reasons, Scarf is forced to watch the game from a bridal shower, and Filly name-drops all the cool people he hung out with at Barney's. There's also a Supporters Shield update, Chasing LAFC History, and breaking news concerning a certain Carson team and their playoff positioning. Until the game at Philly on the 14th, we wish all of our Defenders family wonderful tidings of Black and Gold!
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 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.
The boys of the Black and Gold made the cross-country trek to the home of the Patriots, Gillette Stadium, to take on the Revolution. We hit the half-century mark on this episode, recapping the 2-0 win in The House That Tom Brady Built. It was a solid-but-not-spectacular performance by LAFC, holding the home team off the scoring sheet while establishing our defensive dominance at times. Sporting our home black jerseys, Jordan Harvey dished out two assists while Latif Blessing looked every bit of the part of "The Game Changer" in the middle. Tyler Miller looked assertive and comfortable, needing just one save to record the shutout. The win wasn't without some cost, however. Dio may have picked up a slight knock while Walker Zimmerman definitely picked up his 5th red card of the season, meaning he will miss our next match, a home date with the New Jersey Energy Drinks on August 11th. Filly and the Scarf celebrate an amazing day, beginning with breakfast at The Pantry before their live appearance on the Weekend Warrior Show with Dr. Robert Klapper on 710 ESPN Radio. Head over to ESPN's podcast page to check out their on-air interview with Dr. Klapper. All the fun segments are present, including This Day in LAFC History, which now has its own Twitter and Instagram accounts! The boys find time to talk about all THREE Perez's on this episode, including two in our Name That Perez portion of the program. Filly offers free beer as he turns another year older and Scarf keeps the listeners updated on the Supporters Shield race, and the episode ends just as the Red Bull begins to wear off. Come hang out with the Defenders of the Banc at our next match, as we will be hosting another tailgate on Christmas Tree Lane before we take on the Red Bulls of Harrison, New Jersey on August 11th. We want to say a huge thank you to all of our listeners and friends in the #LAFCPodFam, as we couldn't have made it to 50 episodes without you. Here's to another successful 50, and much more here on Defenders of the Banc - The LAFC Podcast for the People!
Another episode of Defenders of the Banc... another massive win by our boys on the road! It's as if they knew that no good 4th of July celebration is complete without some tasty BBQ. LAFC served up Sporting KC on a platter, 5-1, in a game full of first and fantastic finishes and, more importantly, showed that the loss to Colorado just a few days earlier was nothing more than a small hiccup on the way to owning the West.This game had everything! LAFC welcomed back Mark-Anthony Kaye from international duty, as Canada was eliminated from Gold Cup play; this brought the band back together, as Latif Blessing, Eduard Atuesta, and MAK reunited in the midfield. Every single one of our defenders (of the Banc!) made an impact today, from Tristan Blackmon's goal-line save to "Mohamed Miradona", Mohamed El-Munir, scoring an ankle-breaking goal. Christian Ramirez had an extremely successful-yet-somehow-still-maddening game at the forward position. Carlos Vela's left foot is still magical. And of course, San Pablo stood on his head again, this time with an incredible penalty kick save on SKC's Daniel Salloi. Oh... and Fito scored! This was the LAFC team we have come to know and love this season.On this episode, Scarf not only gives us This Day in LAFC History but also a short history lesson on American independence while Filly practices Safe Shooeys at Stalking Horse in West LA! More details emerge about the Defenders tailgate, featuring that wonderful Riley's Brewing Honey Blonde Ale and magic red cups, while we try to get the word out about LAFC's Month of Giving, starting with The 3252 partnering with Ktown For All and Aunt F.L.O. for a Community Service Drive at Christmas Tree Lane. Finally, it's the showdown that everyone was hoping for, as both Mexico and the US advance to the final of the Gold Cup!Thanks for helping Defenders make it to 40, and we hope you enjoy this one as much as we did recording it for you! Head on over to our Instagram to see pictures of the new Stars and Stripes Defenders logo pin! Hopefully we will see all of the Defenders on July 6th at our tailgate before the match against Vancouver. Bye bye!
Recorded on 5/30/19 On Friday, May 24th, Los Angeles Football Club (10-4-1)earned a 4-2 home victory against the Montreal Impact. The black and gold played 60+ minutes of fantastic soccer, establishing a 4-0 lead highlighted by Carlos Vela's 15th goal of the season, as well as firsts of 2019 from Latif Blessing and Triston Blackmon. However, for the first time this season, the team lost control of a match in the latter stages. LAFC surrendered an own goal and penalty in the final 25 minutes of the second half, evoking shades of a troublesome 2018 trend. The team will look to get back on point in the final match before the Gold Cup mid-season break, but have a tough task: they will face the Portland Timbers in the team's (VERY) long awaited home opener. LAFC writer-at-large Ryan Wallerson, & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com break down LAFC's performance against Montreal and preview Saturday's match against the Timbers in Portland. They also discuss the U.S. Open Cup draw that will see LAFC face Real Salt Lake in Rio Tinto on June 11th or 12th (TBD)
Episode 009 – Chris, Christian, & new co-host Jonathan (Ultra Gringo) interview Lenny Lanzi, a Figueroa Club member. Lenny tells us about how he was introduced to the club, being the first ever transaction at LAFC HQ, his interactions via social media with Latif Blessing, and what the club means to him and the LGBTQ community. IG: @lafcs2s Twitter: @lafcs2s www.lafcs2s.com
Los Angeles Football Club continued a hot start to the 2019 Major League Soccer season with an impressive 4-1 victory over the Portland Timbers in Banc of California Stadium on March 10th, 2019. Josh Gross of the Southern California News Group (Daily News), Ryan Wallerson (LAFC Reporter At Large), & Alex Dwyer of MLSsoccer.com discuss the latest LAFC News following the team's strong start and preview MLS week three's road match up against New York City FC in Yankee Stadium.
LAFC is perfect through two matches to start the 2019 MLS Season. Max and Vince give their thoughts on the 4-1 victory over the Portland Timbers. Latif Blessing at right back? Is it a thing and what's the story behind it. Are there other players that could play multiple positions or even multiple sports? A look ahead to the first away match of the season at NYCFC. We've also got Champions League talk - Vince is very happy Juventus survived to reach the quarterfinals. And the guys share the song they think best describes the Club's vibe through two matches.
It's finally here! The first episode of the much anticipated Defenders of the Banc podcast. In our debut episode, you'll meet Christian "Filly" Filimon and "The Scarf" J.R. Lebert, two LAFC super-fans excited to talk about all things related to the Los Angeles Football Club. Though this debut episode is a little less than an hour, expect future episodes to be between 40-60 minutes, perfect for the drive to and from work, home, or the next LAFC match!In this episode, we discuss LAFC's roster moves and contract renewals after the 2018 season, the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft and it's possible effect on LAFC's roster, the MLS Conference Finals and the upcoming Audi Cup final, and our brand new USMNT coach, Gregg Berhalter.Where else can here about Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, Latif Blessing, and more of your Black and Gold favorites while laughing about Britney Spears, The Undertaker, and Nelly Furtado?Welcome to your new favorite LAFC-themed podcast, Defenders of the Banc!
Back together again (without Bob). Sporting KC got their number 9 when they traded for Krisztian Nemeth and picked up defender Andreu Fontas from Celta Vigo. Is that enough? Lots of talk about what difference Nemeth will make for SKC. We go back and do a quick look at the Houston match. Red cards for Houston but a needed win for SKC. Sporting KC travels to LAFC for a tough match in their first ever meeting, Former SKC players Benny Feilhaber and Latif Blessing will know the system but will that matter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Let's try this again! Jimmy and Dan talk Sporting KC preseason, MLS SuperDraft, and a... well... strange Snapchat that Jimmy got from our pal Latif Blessing.
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