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 18th. 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!