For the 4th time in 2020, it’s Derby Day in Los Angeles! For the Black and Gold, however, it was also a “Welcome Back!” party being held at the Cathedral of the Black and Gold, Banc of California Stadium.
Welcome back to our winning ways over Carson, a dominant 2-0 victory! Welcome back to a top-notch defense putting up a clean sheet. Welcome back to the four players we missed while on international duty: Diego Rossi, Brian Rodriguez, Diego Palacios, and Jose Cifuentes. And most importantly, welcome back to our long-injured duo of Tristan Blackmon and the reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP, Carlos Vela.
Filly and the Scarf took in the match from Rowdy’s Brew Co. in Rancho Cucamonga with our friends at the Ontario Fury, and it couldn’t have been more of a celebration. It was a complete performance by our defense, allowing just one shot on target. It was a relentless onslaught by a now-complete roster on offense, firing off 27 shots and possessing the ball more than 64% of the match. Just about the only thing it wasn’t was a battle between Mexican superstars. While Carlos Vela announced his presence with authority, Chicharito wasn’t even in the 18, nursing both hamstring and self-esteem issues while having to answer questions about his leadership and connection to the rest of the locker room. LAFC ride goals from Danny Musovski and the right foot of Carlos Vela en route to the 2-0 win.
On this episode, we take a moment to remember the life of Daryl Grove, host of the Total Soccer Show podcast, who passed from colon cancer at the age of 40. Daryl and the TSS podcast blazed a trail for so many of us, and he will be greatly missed.
Also, Scarf takes a look at just how much LAFC relies on their players under 22-years old, Filly rants on MLS scheduling their playoffs during another round of international duty, and the Defenders debate the Supporters Shield Foundation’s decision to award the shield at the end of this season. Why did Filly bring up the Patriots? Who does Scarf think was snubbed from the Top 22 Under 22 list? And who became the first player from Carson to see red in the derby? You’ll have to listen to Episode 126 to find out!
