As we embark on the third century of episodes here at Defenders of the Banc, LAFC heads north of the border to take on Vancouver at BC Place, a stadium that has been more of a house of horrors for LAFC of late. Aren’t Canadians supposed to be polite?
This match would see LAFC start quite the interesting lineup. With Carson looming on the horizon, LAFC was… cautious. No Chiqui Palacios, Brian Rodriguez, or Carlos Vela, the latter two because of injury and the former because of the chance of picking up a yellow, which would force him to sit out the next match. Only 6 on the bench, because, in Coach Dolo’s words, “Everyone who was healthy was there.” A 3-5-2 lineup, a formation that hasn’t brought much success to the Black and Gold of late. And of course, turf. Awful, awful turf.
On the bright side, Latif and Mamadou were back in the starting lineup! LAFC was doing everything they could to get out healthy and ready to take on Carson in 6 days. The only thing they didn’t take back home with them was a point.
Let’s be real: Neither side really created many chances of note. Latif banged one off the crossbar in the 12th minute for the best chance for either side in the first half. Aside from Lucas Cavallini doing all he could to get red-carded in the first half, that’s pretty much it.
The second half seemed to be much of the same story, until about the 80th minute, when Vancouver took it up a notch and forced LAFC to play defensively in a formation they didn’t love to be in. Just before the 90-minute mark, it’s Cubas slotting one home to the right of a diving Crepeau after LAFC biffed several attempts to clear, and just like that, it’s more horror at BC Place. LAFC falls 1-0.
Also on this episode, we really enjoy our time at King of Wings in Lawndale! Filly and Scarf talk spicy food and wearing MLS kits to NWSL matches. It might not have been the best result, but at least it’s a fun episode of Defenders! See you at the Banc for the Derby!