Inside LAFC | Episode 219 - Heading Up North

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Hello everyone, welcome to Inside LAFC podcast presented by Ticketmaster.
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We are live on LAFC YouTube, we're live on LAFC Facebook, we're live on LAFC X. I'm joining you from New York City for a special event, so neither wind nor rain will stop us from talking.
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Neither results either, we're here and we always talk about LAFC in the position.
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There's Benny Failhaber, how's it going Benny?
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A little cough there, bud.
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Yeah, I got a little cough, so I might be drinking some more of that water that you see me drinking all the time.
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But I'm here as well.
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No cough will prevent me from joining you, Max, on these podcasts.
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This is going to be an interesting show.
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So we have a lot to get into as we're coming off the defeat by LAFC.
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Historically, a very tricky away game when you go play sport in Kansas City.
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However, a team that didn't score a lot of goals, but they scored three this weekend.
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A team that is at the foot of the West and MLS tables.
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So we talked about on this program, we were like maybe already putting three points in the bank, which obviously you can't do and would have been a big mistake.
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I see everyone's comments rolling in.
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We know that people are very disappointed about this, but the season is long and there's still a lot of things in front of this team.
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And we will talk about it and they'll see if they can get back on the on the horse here for their game against San Jose.
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We also see a team that will have some home games eventually here in October.
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They're part of a very big four out of five game away trip that will continue there in San Jose.
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They took them to Sporting Kansas City.
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They had a midweek game.
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Again, I'm just telling you all the facts in front so we can break into this and see where LAFC can improve.
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They are a team that's on the mend.
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We saw the return of two players into the starting 11, which is also a big issue topic with what we saw here against the SKC team on Saturday.
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We saw some experimentation, which I think we would encourage for LAFC because they have been grinding 11, 12 players into the ground by and large because of the lack of health.
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But here we go.
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SKC three LAFC one.
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This was a first half, which was, you know, the hardest half to watch outside of maybe the game against Toluca in that second leg, but this is two different teams.
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So this probably is the most disappointing result.
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This is, they fell behind early and Andre Luis scoring there in the six in the 18th minute.
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So you see that he almost scores again.
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Then they score this really scrappy header.
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Was it Steven Afrifa who heads it back in?
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And then Kaleida scores.
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There was, it was, they were down two goals early.
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That was the halftime score.
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And it felt, Benny, that it could have been worse in that first half.
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Yeah, I was at the game this time.
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So I actually watched it live, and it wasn't what I expected.
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I'll tell you the truth.
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I didn't think this game was going to be as simple as a top three, top four team versus the bottom of the table.
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Because we've seen LAFC struggle to score goals and any team that struggles to score goals is not going to just impose their will often.
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So I did think that we would see a better performance overall, just in terms of having more of the ball, you know, against against your red ball, the goal, the game that, you know, LAFC won two nil as much as they didn't have as much of the ball.
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They were incredibly dangerous in those counterattacking moments where I thought.
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They could have even won by more than 2-0, and the score obviously got inflated there in the last second of the game with that golosso in the end.
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But this game, we didn't see that.
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We didn't see the counterattacking moments, the lack of possession turn into chances.
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We didn't see many transitional moments.
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We didn't see much possession lead to...
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to dangerous chances as well, especially in that first half.
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And so it wasn't what I expected to see.
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Sporting looked like the better team in the first half, and we know that that hasn't happened very often for sporting this season.
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And so some player mistakes, some guys – you talk about some guys coming back in the fold like an Igor Jesus.
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He came back to the fold, I'll tell you.
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It's not typical for him to sell out on the goal where he sells out.
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Right-footed shot from a left-footed player with no angle and lets him cut back inside to his left foot and allow him to finish.
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Obviously, a world of a finish at that point, but you can't give him that chance to cut it back on his preferred left foot.
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So moments in the game that you just see a lot of players doing things that you wouldn't,
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think that they would do.
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And again, yes, some blame has to fall on the players.
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You also have to get these players a little bit more in sync with one another.
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And so that there's more of a concept of what everybody wants to do on the field.
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It just looked like 11 guys on the field kind of unsure of what to do and they weren't doing it very well in that first half.
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Things got better in the second.
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Obviously, Denny Buonga gets a goal early to get them back in the game.
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It brings a little bit of that momentum and that belief.
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They had chances to make it 2-2.
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Obviously, there's a goal that was offside.
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There's a couple of chances that Denny misses, that Sieb had a big, big chance with a big save.
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And so there's moments there that the game could have gotten back to LAFC's favor.
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Maybe you get a draw or maybe even salvage a win somehow.
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But look, I didn't think they deserved it.
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I don't think it was a good game.
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And I think I'm with very much the majority of the fans that are probably thinking that wasn't good enough for what LAFC are.
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Inside LAFC podcast presented by Ticketmaster Live on LAFC YouTube, Facebook, and LAFCX.
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We appreciate you coming in.
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Remember, we're here for the good times and the bads.
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And there very well might be some good times ahead.
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And you mentioned LAFC could have got back in.
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In the first 15, actually the first 20 minutes of the second half, they had...
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Six really good chances.
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That's why their XG by a game's end was so good.
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I believe it got up to 1.82.
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But I like what you said.
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If they scored, if Denny's goal was viewed onside, and Armindo Sieb beats Stephen Cleveland, who made three diving saves, the Matthew Schwanier long range.
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And if LAFC takes a 3-2 lead, I don't think people are feeling a whole lot better because of what happened in that first half.
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And to your point, I think,
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Sporting Kansas City really deserved it.
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They played some attractive soccer, and LAFC is chasing.
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To the comments we go.
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Dukug dropping some movie quotes.
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Scrooged, I see one from Stripes, and then depression sets in.
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We understand this is a tough weekend, but this is where you get tested as a fan.
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Good afternoon, Max, Benny, Sarah, and everyone in the chat.
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That's lovely.
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Craig Eveningall.
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Look at the quality of people we have in here.
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Alex Barrientos, hello from Bakersfield, California.
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Do you know the most famous person from Bakersfield?
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I don't.
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Benny, it would be Merle Haggard.
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great musician.
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Well, either I'm very ignorant or they're not that famous.
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Who's Merle Haggard?
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He's a country musician, but from Bakersfield.
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There's a street Merle Haggard Avenue or Boulevard.
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Is this back in your, is it now or is it more back in your time?
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Yeah, it's back in my, it was even before my time.
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I'm a bit of an old soul.
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So you got to give me a break as well, right?
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If I wasn't alive to listen to- I'll give you a break, but there's a huge street named Merle Haggard Boulevard, I believe.
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Merle Haggard, is that a male or female country artist?
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Let's move along here, Benny.
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El Guapo Dog.
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Hola, amigos.
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Johnny, Max, why Santos don't try 4-4-2 system to give us more freedom in forward and middle.
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I thought we saw some indicators of a 4-4-2 in the last two games.
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I'll get your thoughts on that here in a moment.
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Dakub, my son's under 16 team had a better first half.
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And look, the first half performance, we all know LAFC have a better performance.
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I know there was frustration from Mark.
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And Mark's going to take some blame for this as well, that they didn't get off the plane.
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And there was – they did it.
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There just wasn't that fire in a game.
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They really had to show what they could have.
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Love that we have these episodes every –
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even when we aren't winning.
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That's what we do.
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We don't run away from this.
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And we love this club, and we want to see it go well.
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And we always have a good feeling because you know what?
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This team always makes the postseason.
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I saw someone talking about here.
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Sonny scores with the first few chances he had, changes this game to our favorite.
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Sonny did get an assist.
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What do you think about this?
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I heard some people mention it, Benny.
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Would it be the worst idea to give Sonny a week off
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completely based on the world cup and everything just say you go to get away from soccer for a week i i i don't want that to really happen but i also feel like maybe just you need a refresh is there something to that as a player is just to say stop thinking about soccer don't just get away from it for a minute no as uh as as irregular as that might be during a season uh i think that it can possibly be a solution to some problems but that only depends on what the problem is right and
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Again, I think for me and you and any fan, it's very difficult for us to know exactly how to fix a problem that we don't know what the problem is, per se.
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If he's tired, you know, physically, mentally, if there's a conversation to be had between a Mark DeSantos and a Sonny, and there is some understanding that, man, maybe a week will do me, you know, a world of good.
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And then I come back a little bit more refreshed, refreshed from almost like a mental perspective a little bit more.
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then sure, I don't know if that's the case, right?
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We saw Sonny in the first half of the season struggle to score, but he was being impactful in goals and games, right?
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You were getting wins.
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You were getting assists from him.
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Then you saw him come back from the World Cup on fire in terms of scoring goals.
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And now you've seen the team in a big lull where now Sonny, I mean, look, he's missed some chances.
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Again, I was at the game, and Sonny gets the ball on a one-on-one against a player that –
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is not even close to as
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physically athletic and dynamic as he is.
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And instead of cutting it over to his right side where there was a space and to shoot, he cuts it back to his left foot where there's pressure.
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And he tries to slip a pass, I think to our model seat, they're the wrong decision.
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And so look, it's what you would expect more from him.
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Is that a mental fatigue?
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Is that a physical fatigue?
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Is that, you know, just there's not cohesion enough with the front players in terms of what they want to do.
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I don't know.
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Right.
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It almost looks like he's in two minds sometimes, but,
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So I can't tell you what the problem is.
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But, yeah, is it possible that that's a solution?
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If there is a mental fatigue, then, yeah, I do think that that's a possibility.
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a few weeks back where Denny and Sonny come off the bench.
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I think both of those guys are better from the start.
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And then if you have to replace them a little sooner than you normally do, then you do that.
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Buonga ties Vela's regular season scoring record.
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Yes, he got that goal.
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Meanwhile, we seem determined to set another one.
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Largest streak in human history without scoring off the corner.
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The set pieces, man.
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How many corner kicks?
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And sporting defensively have not been a good set piece team.
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What's going on?
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You would have thought that maybe against sporting they'd have a few chances.
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I saw more chances against the Red Bulls than against sporting.
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It seemed like every cross.
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I actually liked Eddie Buonga hitting him in swingers with his left foot more than anything else that I saw against the Red Bulls.
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But that ball was dipping down in that back post, and it was really dangerous for some of those center backs to kind of come over the top and try and head it back in.
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We didn't see him.
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hit them, they were all out swingers, which I don't love.
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I don't love the out swingers from that opposite side.
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I'd like it to be either a left-footed guy or put Denny to hit them the way that he did against the Red Bulls.
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So, yeah, I don't know what the answer is to that either, but we definitely need a solution.
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Let's talk about the lineup rotation of which there were a few alterations.
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And I know some folks, Enrique CZA mentioned this.
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I personally think Igor Jesus and Sergei should be substitutes for the second half.
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And then Schafferberg have shown the better rhythm as of now.
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So let's talk about that.
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The lineup, we saw it.
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I got giddy because Sergi Palencia, who is an absolute ox in that lineup, uncompromising.
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Igor Jesus had a nice spell for Red Bull New York, and that obviously opened the door for him to start this game.
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Jude Terry gets a start.
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We see him developing, coming off the goal against Red Bull New York.
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I would not...
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be against Mark for making those substitutions based on what he has seen from these players.
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It didn't work.
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Sergi had a couple bad turnovers, got an early yellow card.
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And it's not to be – I'm not saying Sergi – and by the way, when I talk about Sonny, I am completely confident that Sonny in late September, October is going to be a real menace.
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It's going to be a real menace.
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because even there was a free kick opportunity that looked better from him.
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He got it all over the wall.
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It doesn't have enough venom behind it, but that's all timing and repetition and muscle memory.
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I think it was a good sign, even though the frustration with the quarter kicks, there's a set piece in there.
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They almost had another goal from long range.
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There are some things there.
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And the opportunities of which they had 22, although most of the second half, this really falls into coming out poorly, which they did in the first half.
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Sergi Palencia probably needed a substitution appearance.
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I mean, this hindsight's 2020 Igor Jesus is going to be better.
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You know, he had the moment on the first goal.
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Obviously he came out at the half, uh, Sergi a little bit later.
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And then I saw someone make the comment when Schaffelberg came in and son was a little bit further back behind a front three.
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There was some moments where you saw some things, but, you know,
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I saw the lineup.
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I pumped my fist.
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You see it on play.
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Maybe you're like, OK, this is probably realistic when you're bringing so players.
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But I think as poor as it look, the good part is that you're incorporating back into the team and they have it under their belt.
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What that means for the next game, we shall see.
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But this team, once it gets healthier and then obviously guys like Timothy Tillman, Ryan Porches, who –
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is obviously missed in a big way.
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Hopefully he can get back in there too, that this team's going to get better.
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But it didn't work with the injured returning players.
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Yeah, look, it's a very fragile conversation.
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I'll tell you why.
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Because right now the team is not playing at its best, right?
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No one can tell us.
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No one's going to agree or disagree with that comment, right?
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The team is not playing at its best.
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And the players that are coming back, for as much as they can be very important players on a good team, I don't think a Sergi Palencia, I don't think an Igor Jesus, is the key to fix what's wrong with the team right now.
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Right?
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It's more of an offensive problem.
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Well put.
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More so than a defensive.
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It's not...
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And Sergei can help us out with, you know, building out of the back.
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He's very good with those passes that get into the midfield and now open things up.
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Igor Jesus can provide that as well, maybe push some of those eights a little bit further up the field, which could be beneficial to the team.
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But you're bringing all these guys back and the guys that are there right now that are healthy and have been playing the majority of season.
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haven't found the answers yet.
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And so now you're not, it's hard because you wanna say that these guys are coming in and they're gonna help, but you're almost like compounding it to some degree where you don't have the solutions yet with the players that are there and fit.
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And now you're trying to push these guys that are coming back from rehab.
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I mean, Igor hasn't played a game in a year.
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Sergei hasn't played a game in several months.
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And so you're expecting a lot from these guys to kind of just like fix the team.
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And I just don't see that happening.
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And so,
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One, I would say yes, you know, hindsight and maybe now foresight.
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It'd be great to see these guys coming off the bench a little bit, preferably in situations where we're winning, right, where they can come in and now you have a task, a job to do, hold it down, right, what Igor Jesus was able to do against Rebel New York, something similar for Sergio Palencia, and you start building that way.
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But I do think it's a very fine balance with –
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getting all these new players, quote unquote, new players coming on from from back from injury, finding their feet and also allowing the guys that have been there to try and fix the issues that we see that are greater than just individual parts.
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And so it's not going to be easy.
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That's going to be the big task, I think, for Mark and the staff to kind of get everybody on the same page, which, look, we can categorically say that this last weekend we didn't see it.
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We didn't see the team on the same page.
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No, we didn't.
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This is Inside LAFC podcast presented by Ticketmaster live on LAFC YouTube, Facebook and X coming off the defeat to Sporting Kansas City.
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Omar saying the team is too predictable.
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Cornerback pass to mid, mid pass is back, long ball to Bwonga.
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And I think that's where it was the midfield and you give the midfield.
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I don't want to say you give them a pass, but when you have...
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Chouinier, Igor Jesus, and Juteri, three guys that haven't played.
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You can't be too surprised it doesn't click.
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You hope it clicks, but that's certainly part of a reason.
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I know someone mentioned Mark Delgado comes in and things worked.
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The midfield has been shorthanded all season.
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They've never been able to get...
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where they've wanted to go, they've kind of had to piece it together because that's just the way it goes.
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There was Igor Jesus, there was Stephano Ustakio, and then it's been a fluid situation.
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I would imagine that's at the top of their list when they are able to really look at the landscape and figure out
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what they wanna look like in 2027.
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And by no means am I saying you wave the white flag on 2026.
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Someone said, I don't think they're gonna make the playoffs.
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LFC is gonna make the playoffs.
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I think that they are going to play better.
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The problem is, I mean, they were second and third and because their form had slipped, they got up to second and third after the World Cup.
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Form slipped and now they are, I believe in sixth with
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Dallas, San Jose, who's our opponent this weekend, as well as St. Louis now moving ahead.
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It's very tightly packed.
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You've got to get some points here.
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And I would, if I had to make a bold prediction, they would still be a top four team with the schedule they have in October with health, with the new players, Leo Volta, who should be here pretty soon.
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Tylon Robert, Juletta Vasquez, who I believe we'll see some of, but more so in 2027.
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But it's...
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Someone said it's every game, just not against Kansas.
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I don't know if that's effectively true because I think you've got to look at these teams as well and say, are they getting run off the park?
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They're not.
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This first half was as close to as we have seen it.
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And you're also looking at how they respond.
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They respond well.
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How do they get chances?
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It's one thing to get chances.
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You've got to convert them.
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And that's something that's been piling up, Benny.
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It's like there were so many good chances.
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But what's getting past the goal?
295
00:19:01.504 --> 00:19:02.805
Because other teams are scoring.
296
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Yeah, and I think that's – it's hard to cause and effect, right, because right now if you just watch the game, they're missing chances.
297
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They're missing – even when they get chances, they're missing chances.
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So why is it that the ball is not finding the net?
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Is it because the players are not in form?
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Is it because –
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The chances are coming sporadically, so it's more complicated.
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00:19:25.153 --> 00:19:29.416
It's more difficult to actually put it in the back of the net when it finally shows up.
303
00:19:29.856 --> 00:19:32.258
And I think it's kind of a mixture of all those things.
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Guys are not informed.
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Guys are not connected with one another.
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They're not finding the right pass or the right play in the right moments.
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People get frustrated.
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Now people make bad decisions in front of goals.
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So it's kind of one, you know,
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a mess in some regards.
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Right.
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And I think that's what we're seeing.
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And look, this is the most difficult part of the season thus far.
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Yeah.
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00:19:54.316 --> 00:19:57.719
We've, we've seen moments where the offense is struggling to score.
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Sonny is struggling to score, but the team is winning.
317
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Right.
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And we've been at the top of the table right now.
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Things aren't going well individually and things aren't going well as a team.
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So it's the toughest part of the season.
321
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Can we keep our head above water, find some results, even if it's, again, I've said this before, even the best teams sometimes have to find results in ugly ways.
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I think against Red Bull New York, it was a little bit like that, although I would have expected with the amount of chances that they had going forward with how – I mean, you called that game, Max.
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I watched it.
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00:20:29.536 --> 00:20:31.157
I don't know how many times you called Che –
325
00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:35.101
and the other center back making heroic defensive stops.
326
00:20:35.261 --> 00:20:42.283
And yes, they played well in those moments, but you should also take care of those moments a little bit more and turn them into goals.
327
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And so there's a lot of little things that they need to find ways to improve on.
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I think winning would solve a lot of problems, give a lot of confidence a little bit as well with the overall mood of the team.
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But right now I think we've hit a little bit of rock bottom of the season right now.
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Can we find our way back up?
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Inside LAFC podcast presented by Ticketmaster live on LAFC YouTube, live on LAFC Facebook and LAFCX.
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We're live every Monday, 1230 Pacific time.
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Join us.
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Leave a comment and a question.
335
00:21:14.678 --> 00:21:18.541
Kay Felix on Facebook, the way they played sporting, they played as if they were forced to play.
336
00:21:18.861 --> 00:21:21.343
There was no running, just walking and shots, baby shots.
337
00:21:21.623 --> 00:21:22.603
Well, they got some better shots.
338
00:21:22.624 --> 00:21:27.026
I think at the first half, there is a real claim that they weren't.
339
00:21:27.046 --> 00:21:27.547
They weren't.
340
00:21:27.907 --> 00:21:32.729
Max, let me touch on that because I actually really like one thing that was Kay Felix said.
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I would love for Mark to try and find different ways to win games.
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00:21:39.392 --> 00:21:48.176
I think we're so accustomed to seeing a Denny Bologna, Sonny making special things, Schaffelberg going down the line, intricate passing, maybe transitional moments.
343
00:21:49.129 --> 00:21:50.110
Those things aren't working.
344
00:21:50.171 --> 00:21:51.452
And I saw one of the comments here.
345
00:21:51.472 --> 00:21:52.354
I forget who it was from.
346
00:21:52.374 --> 00:21:54.757
But how do teams kind of break out of slumps?
347
00:21:55.418 --> 00:21:57.902
And I think that you have to try different things.
348
00:21:58.222 --> 00:22:05.192
And right now, one of the things that I would love for our team to try is a little bit more, let's get higher up the field defensively.
349
00:22:05.913 --> 00:22:07.855
Get some numbers in the box.
350
00:22:08.055 --> 00:22:09.576
Get higher up the field defensively.
351
00:22:09.616 --> 00:22:11.918
Start the line of confrontation a little bit higher.
352
00:22:12.318 --> 00:22:14.580
Let's actually defensively work.
353
00:22:15.200 --> 00:22:16.101
Ask Denny Belonga.
354
00:22:16.361 --> 00:22:17.342
Ask Asani.
355
00:22:17.522 --> 00:22:18.483
Ask Asafelberg.
356
00:22:18.603 --> 00:22:19.704
Seab, whoever's up there.
357
00:22:19.944 --> 00:22:31.033
Hey, we need to get a little bit more energy from you guys from a defensive aspect so that our midfield and our backs can be less reactionary and more a little proactive in how they press and win balls.
358
00:22:31.433 --> 00:22:41.146
Maybe that leads to a little bit better transitional moments, more chances further up the field, closer to the attacking goal, as opposed to being in a lower block and allowing the team to come.
359
00:22:41.207 --> 00:22:43.890
And then we have to travel 70, 80 yards to get to our goal.
360
00:22:44.431 --> 00:22:46.934
That hasn't been working as it has in the past.
361
00:22:47.535 --> 00:22:50.878
I would love to see a little bit more of like, hey, let's go out.
362
00:22:50.978 --> 00:22:52.038
Let's pressure other teams.
363
00:22:52.058 --> 00:22:53.880
Let's force them into mistakes.
364
00:22:54.440 --> 00:22:58.063
That might lead to not only goals and wins, but also confidence.
365
00:22:58.503 --> 00:23:06.489
It feels good to be on the front foot sometimes as opposed to reactionary and waiting for other teams to make a mistake for us and then trying to capitalize on counterattacks.
366
00:23:07.243 --> 00:23:07.843
Very interesting.
367
00:23:07.883 --> 00:23:10.284
Inside LAFC podcast presented by Ticketmaster.
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Joe asked, is there an opportunity to, with so many returning players or new pieces, do you see the solution being a change in formation to best use these new parts?
369
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Does that get that line better?
370
00:23:23.707 --> 00:23:27.367
I think everything's on the table here.
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Once you find out the right squad that works,
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to see if you can execute those things in the game.
373
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Is that something that should be viewed at?
374
00:23:35.533 --> 00:23:37.115
I mean, we've talked about it before, right?
375
00:23:37.135 --> 00:23:41.779
Whether it's a 4-4-2, a 3-5-2, you know, different formation that just sparks something.
376
00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:53.872
It might not even necessarily be the formation that sparks it, but just someone in a different position or maybe a complement of players that, you know, build chemistry in a way that you had the scene in a different formation.
377
00:23:54.232 --> 00:23:55.753
It can be so many different things.
378
00:23:55.773 --> 00:23:56.554
I've said this before.
379
00:23:56.654 --> 00:23:59.796
Coaching is not a fine science, right?
380
00:23:59.836 --> 00:24:01.056
It's not a certain science.
381
00:24:01.417 --> 00:24:07.580
It's where you try things and you kind of you have a hypothesis and you try it and you see what works, maybe what doesn't work.
382
00:24:07.620 --> 00:24:14.885
And keep tinkering along the course of the season to try and find the best team, the best version of your squad, of your roster.
383
00:24:15.625 --> 00:24:16.606
to compete and get wins.
384
00:24:16.666 --> 00:24:35.536
And so I think that right now is on the table, like you said, whether it's formations, whether it's, you know, different players functioning in different ways, whether it's the actual tactics of how, you know, you press or higher up the field or anything, any of those things are on the table right now because we're not seeing the results in terms of wins and losses.
385
00:24:35.576 --> 00:24:38.797
And so you got to try some different things to see what sticks.
386
00:24:38.877 --> 00:24:41.619
And if it doesn't work, then you move on to the next thing.
387
00:24:41.639 --> 00:24:42.179
Yeah.
388
00:24:42.442 --> 00:24:43.423
I know that's on the table.
389
00:24:43.523 --> 00:24:44.183
Here's some comments.
390
00:24:44.303 --> 00:24:48.427
I know what it is from David David Tottenham's negative slump is affecting sunny.
391
00:24:48.687 --> 00:24:49.267
Not very funny.
392
00:24:49.788 --> 00:24:54.191
Uh, they, I mean, you feel like you're in bad shape at LAFC we're living large compared to Tottenham Hotspur.
393
00:24:54.591 --> 00:24:56.152
It's not bothering Harry Kane though.
394
00:24:56.853 --> 00:24:57.493
Yeah, it is.
395
00:24:57.533 --> 00:25:00.115
It's Buonga is carrying off all, is carrying all the forwards.
396
00:25:00.696 --> 00:25:01.917
Uh, Oh, six, three, two, seven.
397
00:25:01.977 --> 00:25:02.697
Lucky for you guys.
398
00:25:02.717 --> 00:25:04.759
Son is leaving for international break for you guys.
399
00:25:05.059 --> 00:25:05.960
Oh, you're in on this too.
400
00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:08.201
If you're listening to the LAFC pod, you're, you're a supporter.
401
00:25:08.221 --> 00:25:08.441
Okay.
402
00:25:08.962 --> 00:25:09.162
Uh,
403
00:25:09.602 --> 00:25:11.984
So international breaks coming up.
404
00:25:12.064 --> 00:25:13.786
Maybe that's something for Sunday to get in there.
405
00:25:14.286 --> 00:25:16.948
They don't have a game on the first weekend of October.
406
00:25:16.988 --> 00:25:20.051
So that second game gets protected, but they're going to miss some games.
407
00:25:20.231 --> 00:25:22.393
Are there other players that will be on international duty?
408
00:25:22.433 --> 00:25:24.815
I don't want to get too far into that, but it's very possible.
409
00:25:24.835 --> 00:25:27.837
It could be two or three guys that will affect the entire league.
410
00:25:27.857 --> 00:25:33.241
And I think that really emphasizes so much about getting a good result in this game on Saturday.
411
00:25:33.462 --> 00:25:36.984
Let's preview that LAFC travel to the earthquakes.
412
00:25:37.004 --> 00:25:37.565
That game is at,
413
00:25:37.865 --> 00:25:39.045
4.30 Pacific time.
414
00:25:39.065 --> 00:25:45.147
It's going to be at Levi's Stadium, so the big building, which last time LAFC played San Jose there, San Jose won.
415
00:25:45.947 --> 00:25:48.008
Maybe it helps that they're not at PayPal Park.
416
00:25:48.188 --> 00:25:48.888
It is what it is.
417
00:25:49.508 --> 00:25:51.849
I think San Jose, who's playing very well, they were poor.
418
00:25:51.889 --> 00:25:53.229
They are undefeated in their last four.
419
00:25:53.269 --> 00:25:54.330
They're back-to-back wins.
420
00:25:54.350 --> 00:25:55.090
They're scoring goals.
421
00:25:55.110 --> 00:26:00.071
So they have figured it out, and maybe now LAFC figures it out as well.
422
00:26:00.251 --> 00:26:02.452
So before we get into that, I saw someone mention –
423
00:26:03.192 --> 00:26:07.454
Where do you guys think our new number nine, Armindo Sieb, fits into the team this season?
424
00:26:07.974 --> 00:26:10.655
I don't think they want to put too much pressure on him as a starting guy.
425
00:26:11.135 --> 00:26:15.976
So I put my expectations pretty low, knowing they didn't want to mount too much on him, and it was a slow burn.
426
00:26:16.016 --> 00:26:19.878
Although it's been very promising to see what he has done.
427
00:26:19.918 --> 00:26:21.078
He got the goal against the Red Bulls.
428
00:26:21.098 --> 00:26:22.179
He probably should have scored.
429
00:26:22.219 --> 00:26:23.579
He got behind the back line.
430
00:26:24.059 --> 00:26:26.940
I think it's good, but I still think that's a slow burn.
431
00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:29.581
I don't think he's a featured guy, but there is a high ceiling.
432
00:26:29.621 --> 00:26:31.782
So what do you think, Benny, about what you've seen from Sieb?
433
00:26:32.623 --> 00:26:33.524
I've liked what I've seen.
434
00:26:33.764 --> 00:26:37.249
He had the goal against New York.
435
00:26:37.410 --> 00:26:40.734
He had the opportunities against sporting that obviously he didn't put away.
436
00:26:42.662 --> 00:26:43.843
you got to get those opportunities.
437
00:26:43.883 --> 00:26:46.885
And he's shown some different qualities, right?
438
00:26:46.905 --> 00:26:50.967
I think he comes in as, you know, he looks fresh.
439
00:26:51.007 --> 00:26:55.749
He looks like he wants to prove himself, which is always a positive, especially on a team right now that is struggling.
440
00:26:56.209 --> 00:27:01.952
And so maybe he comes in with this kind of fresh vibe, and it could kind of be infectious in some capacity as well.
441
00:27:02.032 --> 00:27:03.533
So I've liked what I've seen.
442
00:27:04.550 --> 00:27:11.795
Do I have a final prognosis on what I think he is as a player and how he fits into the long term?
443
00:27:12.055 --> 00:27:12.556
No, I don't.
444
00:27:12.996 --> 00:27:14.297
But he definitely has some qualities.
445
00:27:14.337 --> 00:27:21.782
And right now, I think he's going to become a useful player in these next eight to ten games towards the back end of the season.
446
00:27:22.630 --> 00:27:23.630
Played 67 minutes.
447
00:27:23.650 --> 00:27:25.791
I thought it was a good shift for him.
448
00:27:25.831 --> 00:27:40.478
And based on playing that many minutes, I would suggest, because when you don't play well in that first half, the fact that the coaching staff left him out there and he had some nice moments is a good sign because they played with the three and they brought in Schaffelberg and they took out Igor Jesus.
449
00:27:41.576 --> 00:27:43.878
Let's try Sarah at coach from B Virtue.
450
00:27:44.198 --> 00:27:44.778
I'll tell you what.
451
00:27:44.858 --> 00:27:46.519
I mean, Sarah will fire those guys up.
452
00:27:46.579 --> 00:27:47.860
Maybe just as a consultant.
453
00:27:47.880 --> 00:27:49.661
I don't know if she's going to be the coach.
454
00:27:49.721 --> 00:27:50.522
She's our coach.
455
00:27:50.582 --> 00:27:50.962
We can't.
456
00:27:51.022 --> 00:27:51.363
We can't.
457
00:27:51.383 --> 00:27:52.083
She's our coach.
458
00:27:52.423 --> 00:27:53.864
Yeah, but I'll be the first to tell you.
459
00:27:53.904 --> 00:27:57.226
If I have a bad game, let me know.
460
00:27:57.346 --> 00:27:58.968
Same with Benny.
461
00:27:59.248 --> 00:28:00.188
First time she made Benny.
462
00:28:00.208 --> 00:28:01.009
Benny, what are your –
463
00:28:01.809 --> 00:28:05.453
Max, when are our fans going to start spelling her name properly?
464
00:28:05.573 --> 00:28:05.893
No H, right?
465
00:28:05.913 --> 00:28:06.454
I know, that's it.
466
00:28:06.894 --> 00:28:10.197
Yeah, there's no H. She's not going to be happy about that.
467
00:28:10.237 --> 00:28:11.819
B Virtue better be careful.
468
00:28:12.363 --> 00:28:13.083
Yes, indeed.
469
00:28:13.544 --> 00:28:14.764
Let's talk about San Jose.
470
00:28:14.804 --> 00:28:15.305
They're informed.
471
00:28:15.325 --> 00:28:23.189
Before I get into that, 2018, I believe it was 2018 when you were LAFC, LAFC original U.S. men's national team.
472
00:28:23.309 --> 00:28:25.750
Tremendous rock star footballer, our Benny Failhaber.
473
00:28:26.171 --> 00:28:33.935
That was the year where I think they had the, they call it the zombie invasion, where all the LAFC fans went up to PayPal Park and took like a third of the stadium.
474
00:28:34.275 --> 00:28:37.137
Do you remember the supporting LAFC fans that year one game?
475
00:28:37.557 --> 00:28:39.520
I don't actually, but I remember the game.
476
00:28:39.580 --> 00:28:40.461
He's so locked in.
477
00:28:40.721 --> 00:28:43.725
If I remember the game correctly, it was a 4-3 final that we came back.
478
00:28:43.765 --> 00:28:44.546
Is that a hat trick?
479
00:28:45.547 --> 00:28:47.209
No, I don't think anybody had a hat trick.
480
00:28:47.509 --> 00:28:47.810
Okay.
481
00:28:47.950 --> 00:28:53.417
If I'm not mistaken, but I do remember that Joel Matinho scored the game winner with like seconds left.
482
00:28:53.437 --> 00:28:53.697
That's right.
483
00:28:53.737 --> 00:28:55.459
After a big come from behind.
484
00:28:56.688 --> 00:29:19.750
uh that's right so i by the way the zombie invasion i believe was 2019 so that's probably why you don't remember gabe saying when is sarah going to make a guest appearance i can't answer that that's up she's a she likes being behind the scenes we only have eight games left it's bad that is mbs is testing things he has to test things because uh his players are worn out they just this is the way it is and we're going to get more and more details but
485
00:29:21.362 --> 00:29:22.663
This is a big game.
486
00:29:22.943 --> 00:29:24.244
Sporting Kansas City was a big game.
487
00:29:24.264 --> 00:29:33.929
And now that you don't have those three points and you have the international break, I think you really look at this as an opportunity to find a way to get this result.
488
00:29:34.009 --> 00:29:34.749
I think they could do it.
489
00:29:34.769 --> 00:29:35.490
It's a short trip.
490
00:29:35.510 --> 00:29:36.670
You got a full week of returning.
491
00:29:36.690 --> 00:29:39.292
You got Sergi and Igor Jesus into the bloodstream.
492
00:29:39.672 --> 00:29:43.114
I saw someone asking about the new players, Juice323.
493
00:29:43.694 --> 00:29:45.395
Next Monday, I'll get you all the details.
494
00:29:45.415 --> 00:29:46.996
You'll probably find out Saturday, but I'll get you.
495
00:29:47.036 --> 00:29:49.057
I'll talk to Mark and we'll get some details about it.
496
00:29:49.637 --> 00:29:55.744
when Leo Valta, when Tylon Robert, when Chuleta Vasquez will be able to come into this game.
497
00:29:55.764 --> 00:29:57.546
So we'll get to those details here pretty soon.
498
00:29:58.267 --> 00:30:03.032
But what do you think about that game in particular with a team like San Jose that's playing well?
499
00:30:03.072 --> 00:30:07.858
But I think a team like LFC can say we can be inspired by that.
500
00:30:08.338 --> 00:30:12.241
Yeah, well, I've said this before in terms of rivalry games, right?
501
00:30:12.361 --> 00:30:22.347
And a couple weeks ago, we were talking about the schedule being beneficial for LAFC because San Jose was struggling, supporting Kansas City, Red Bull New York, etc.
502
00:30:22.488 --> 00:30:27.491
But now San Jose has figured it out and now they're starting to play back to how they were, right?
503
00:30:27.511 --> 00:30:29.052
They're not conceding very many goals, I think.
504
00:30:29.425 --> 00:30:33.048
Take away the San Diego game in the last four games, they only gave up one goal.
505
00:30:33.669 --> 00:30:35.971
So I think that they're going in the right direction.
506
00:30:36.251 --> 00:30:45.280
But LAFC can also take that rivalry aspect of the game and make it more important than just the six-point game that it is.
507
00:30:45.340 --> 00:30:48.503
So I think LAFC has a big opportunity in front of them.
508
00:30:49.083 --> 00:30:50.664
Don't believe it's going to be an easy game.
509
00:30:50.764 --> 00:30:52.184
I think it's going to be tough to score.
510
00:30:52.284 --> 00:31:03.089
I think if LAFC score first, they got to be very resilient in how they defend because it could easily be one of those games that you win 1-0 if you're determined to play ugly and scrappy.
511
00:31:03.229 --> 00:31:10.692
And to me, I think that's what LAFC needs to think about in this game right now because they can't be thinking about, hey, we're a top, top team.
512
00:31:10.752 --> 00:31:11.873
We play pretty soccer.
513
00:31:11.913 --> 00:31:14.274
We do the counterattacking and defend and then go play.
514
00:31:14.555 --> 00:31:16.240
play nice passes and beautiful goals.
515
00:31:16.701 --> 00:31:18.146
You got to win any which way right now.
516
00:31:18.206 --> 00:31:22.037
And it's got to be scrappy and it's got to be 11 players on the field fighting for each other.
517
00:31:22.997 --> 00:31:23.377
Very good.
518
00:31:23.417 --> 00:31:26.019
Inside LAFC podcast presented by Ticketmaster.
519
00:31:26.059 --> 00:31:30.042
We're live LAFC, YouTube, Facebook, and LAFC X.
520
00:31:30.302 --> 00:31:32.083
So we, we, we've got that.
521
00:31:32.203 --> 00:31:34.045
I mean, they've got Nico Chakiris back.
522
00:31:34.105 --> 00:31:35.346
That's a really talented player.
523
00:31:35.366 --> 00:31:42.931
I like what you said about not falling behind games because that, that's what's pretty jarring about sporting Kansas city is falling behind early and then falling behind a second.
524
00:31:42.971 --> 00:31:45.733
I would like to think it's an aberration because it doesn't happen.
525
00:31:46.353 --> 00:31:51.437
And I'm really comforted that we have Hugo Lloris back there who could try and say, Hey guys, um,
526
00:31:51.757 --> 00:32:16.317
whatever happened if it comes down to like getting off the bus and being ready they won't take a bus they'll fly up there but they're getting off the plane by the way uh paypal park and i know they're playing at levi's which is not too far up the road i was at levi's uh for the usa bosnia game so i've been familiar but it's a short ride uh so you land and it's very quick so it's going to feel pretty comfortable as opposed to sporting kansas city or salt lake which has to deal with the
527
00:32:17.578 --> 00:32:19.880
They have that in their favorite, but this is, you know, they're not.
528
00:32:20.541 --> 00:32:24.964
I always see the book where they say the computer who gives LAFC the odds to win.
529
00:32:25.265 --> 00:32:27.386
They were huge favorites in this game and they don't.
530
00:32:27.426 --> 00:32:31.410
So maybe the law of averages suggests that LAFC has not been a bad away team.
531
00:32:31.430 --> 00:32:33.972
It may feel like that because the last two or three away games.
532
00:32:34.472 --> 00:32:39.258
But they have had – they're above average in MLS standings with regards to that.
533
00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:41.881
And that is something we will have to look.
534
00:32:41.901 --> 00:32:43.643
Let's go through the questions really quickly here.
535
00:32:44.304 --> 00:32:45.826
And I know we're going to be back next Monday.
536
00:32:45.926 --> 00:32:48.409
And we'll have – I'm feeling a feel-good show.
537
00:32:49.515 --> 00:32:52.736
feeling a feel good show and yeah, should stop changing too much now.
538
00:32:52.836 --> 00:32:58.177
I think I think he's going to go back to try it and test it, but I'm telling you, Mark Delgado needed a break.
539
00:32:58.477 --> 00:33:01.598
Ryan Hollings had needed a break and he came in in the second half.
540
00:33:01.618 --> 00:33:04.439
They've put a lot on his shoulders to far.
541
00:33:04.499 --> 00:33:05.479
I'm segura in the back.
542
00:33:05.879 --> 00:33:06.700
We'll see Aaron long.
543
00:33:06.720 --> 00:33:08.120
I imagine hopefully Ryan portraits.
544
00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:12.101
We'll get some details on Ryan because I know they, they miss him very much.
545
00:33:12.721 --> 00:33:16.062
And now with Sergi back in there, you have some flexibility with the fullbacks.
546
00:33:16.422 --> 00:33:21.085
And I think, you know, what we saw with Kenny Nielsen, some people were promising about what the Red Bulls performance.
547
00:33:22.065 --> 00:33:24.687
We require these three points to balance the table.
548
00:33:24.747 --> 00:33:26.868
If they get the three points, they're cooking.
549
00:33:27.448 --> 00:33:29.970
And then whatever happens in Dallas, you have a break.
550
00:33:30.430 --> 00:33:35.473
And then you have the sprint in October where they'll have a good amount of games at home in a row.
551
00:33:35.493 --> 00:33:35.713
Right.
552
00:33:35.813 --> 00:33:41.476
So these two games first and then hopefully they don't drop things at home, especially when they're fully loaded.
553
00:33:43.285 --> 00:33:44.946
Why do people keep saying we aren't making the playoffs?
554
00:33:44.986 --> 00:33:45.626
We're only three starts.
555
00:33:45.646 --> 00:33:50.909
Wait for second place.
556
00:33:50.929 --> 00:33:53.370
It's not my first rodeo, Benny, when I've talked about this.
557
00:33:53.390 --> 00:33:53.750
No, I know.
558
00:33:53.870 --> 00:33:54.130
I know.
559
00:33:54.170 --> 00:33:55.831
But I believe in the jinx sometimes.
560
00:33:55.851 --> 00:33:57.852
So you've got to tread lightly.
561
00:33:59.842 --> 00:34:02.644
If you can't beat Kansas, how can you beat San Jose?
562
00:34:02.704 --> 00:34:06.407
Well, listen, John Lee, the reality is Kansas was – this was their Super Bowl.
563
00:34:06.747 --> 00:34:10.190
They needed – they had this player, Andre Luis, who they spent $20 million.
564
00:34:10.370 --> 00:34:12.772
And let me tell you, Andre Luis isn't going to play that well every week.
565
00:34:13.012 --> 00:34:14.413
He had a masterpiece.
566
00:34:15.414 --> 00:34:19.036
If he does that every week, then we're looking at the next great MLS player.
567
00:34:19.056 --> 00:34:19.417
But he's –
568
00:34:20.177 --> 00:34:20.757
We don't know.
569
00:34:20.877 --> 00:34:22.198
They probably overpaid for him.
570
00:34:22.238 --> 00:34:22.799
He came out.
571
00:34:22.839 --> 00:34:23.679
He had a great game.
572
00:34:23.779 --> 00:34:24.480
That just happens.
573
00:34:24.700 --> 00:34:28.842
So you can't lose the sport in Kansas City, obviously, away.
574
00:34:28.902 --> 00:34:30.423
But that was a bit of a weird one.
575
00:34:30.963 --> 00:34:31.964
We are 0-2-7.
576
00:34:32.004 --> 00:34:33.725
We fall behind in games.
577
00:34:33.785 --> 00:34:39.088
Yeah, and that's not as many games as when they take the lead, when you look at all the games that they play.
578
00:34:39.128 --> 00:34:40.089
So don't fall behind.
579
00:34:40.229 --> 00:34:44.832
But it's important, Benny, that if they do fall behind, they find a way, which they were able to do.
580
00:34:46.473 --> 00:34:56.200
what they were able to do against the Salt Lake game, one of the games where they were able to, we've got to see them if they bury a hole, find some answers to what they can do to find themselves back into a game.
581
00:34:57.887 --> 00:34:58.127
All right.
582
00:34:58.367 --> 00:35:00.770
Before we leave, we haven't seen it yet.
583
00:35:00.810 --> 00:35:06.455
Before we leave, I want to give a shout out to LAFC to qualify for the MLS next playoffs.
584
00:35:06.715 --> 00:35:08.377
You know, there hasn't been a spot where they've gone.
585
00:35:08.737 --> 00:35:11.359
LAFC to players have made this jump up to LAFC.
586
00:35:11.900 --> 00:35:13.321
You've been to MLS next pro.
587
00:35:13.341 --> 00:35:15.083
What does that mean for the second team?
588
00:35:17.165 --> 00:35:19.528
to make the postseason and dream big.
589
00:35:19.989 --> 00:35:27.278
No, it's a continuation or I guess an added piece to the first team almost, right?
590
00:35:27.298 --> 00:35:34.408
Because a lot of these players are going to find their way to the first team eventually like we've seen before, whether it's, you know, Jude Terry,
591
00:35:34.868 --> 00:35:45.292
whether it's a Nate the great or Daz right that now it's in DC, but you see these players go from the second team to the first and getting opportunities like this, where one, you make the playoffs too.
592
00:35:45.352 --> 00:35:48.513
Now you're playing in highly competitive games in the playoffs.
593
00:35:48.873 --> 00:35:53.655
I think all that bodes well for experience and growth within the system.
594
00:35:53.715 --> 00:35:55.775
And, and so there's, there's a pathway there.
595
00:35:55.815 --> 00:36:03.138
There's going to be quality players in LA that want to play for LAFC, LAFC from, you know, the U 12 all the way to the second team and beyond.
596
00:36:03.158 --> 00:36:03.458
And so,
597
00:36:04.339 --> 00:36:06.441
I think making the playoffs is a big achievement.
598
00:36:06.481 --> 00:36:07.482
Congratulations.
599
00:36:07.983 --> 00:36:12.829
They took it out on SKC, too, after the first team obviously lost to SKC.
600
00:36:13.249 --> 00:36:14.410
They won 5-1.
601
00:36:14.511 --> 00:36:20.538
So they did well on Sunday night to punch their ticket in really good fashion.
602
00:36:21.178 --> 00:36:23.380
And I just want to be clear, this was a bad, bad loss.
603
00:36:23.480 --> 00:36:26.221
This was maybe the worst loss of the season, and we're not sugarcoating it.
604
00:36:26.342 --> 00:36:30.324
And this is a rubber meets the road point of the season for LAFC.
605
00:36:30.344 --> 00:36:31.285
Are they going to make the playoffs?
606
00:36:31.325 --> 00:36:32.426
Yeah.
607
00:36:33.226 --> 00:36:35.928
Is qualifying for CONCACAF Champions Cup in peril?
608
00:36:36.048 --> 00:36:37.289
Oh, yeah, 100%.
609
00:36:37.409 --> 00:36:39.791
And there's too many teams in front of you, so you need points.
610
00:36:40.271 --> 00:36:42.272
But you've got to find a way to fix this.
611
00:36:42.292 --> 00:36:43.553
Do you have the personnel to do it?
612
00:36:43.693 --> 00:36:44.234
I think so.
613
00:36:44.254 --> 00:36:46.335
Do we expect better from some of these star players?
614
00:36:46.395 --> 00:36:47.076
I think so, too.
615
00:36:47.556 --> 00:36:50.597
And if they can stay healthier, knock on wood, it will only help.
616
00:36:50.757 --> 00:36:55.659
But hopefully this is a we're getting a little bottom spot and we're on the up and up after this year, Benny.
617
00:36:56.240 --> 00:36:57.060
Yeah, I agree.
618
00:36:57.220 --> 00:37:02.682
And look, it's the line right now is is home games, right?
619
00:37:02.702 --> 00:37:04.563
Home games in the playoffs to me is where.
620
00:37:05.437 --> 00:37:07.959
If we have a good last eight games, we'll have home games.
621
00:37:08.179 --> 00:37:10.000
If we don't, we're going to be playing on the road.
622
00:37:10.040 --> 00:37:15.303
Obviously, there's the three games in the first round or whatever, so you're guaranteed at least one home game.
623
00:37:15.423 --> 00:37:20.386
But you want to try and be above that top four line to get a majority of games at home.
624
00:37:21.540 --> 00:37:21.760
Yes.
625
00:37:22.501 --> 00:37:26.563
Inside LFC podcast presented by Ticketmaster Rick Jimada.
626
00:37:26.984 --> 00:37:27.804
Still not.
627
00:37:28.385 --> 00:37:30.086
Someone mentioned son not playing.
628
00:37:30.166 --> 00:37:34.849
We don't know that yet, but they're going to announce rosters this week across the board unless they announced it today.
629
00:37:34.869 --> 00:37:35.349
And I missed it.
630
00:37:35.409 --> 00:37:37.851
Rick Jimada, still proud to be a supporter, as you should.
631
00:37:37.891 --> 00:37:40.533
And once again, Benny, when we do this show, there's a bad result.
632
00:37:41.093 --> 00:37:43.054
We get more traction than when there's good.
633
00:37:43.094 --> 00:37:46.837
I've discovered I was I'm always living in fear, but it's pretty good, quite frankly.
634
00:37:47.635 --> 00:37:51.176
Yeah, well, sometimes it's like misery loves company.
635
00:37:51.196 --> 00:37:54.457
We all get together and talk about our wounds.
636
00:37:54.477 --> 00:37:55.817
It's like therapy session out here.
637
00:37:55.877 --> 00:37:59.358
So I never thought myself to be a therapist, Max, but here we are.
638
00:38:00.058 --> 00:38:00.398
Indeed.
639
00:38:00.758 --> 00:38:01.979
We appreciate you tuning in.
640
00:38:01.999 --> 00:38:02.839
We appreciate the questions.
641
00:38:02.879 --> 00:38:06.920
We'll answer those questions next week, and let's go get those three big points in San Jose.
642
00:38:06.940 --> 00:38:08.920
For Benny Failhopper, I am Max Pretos.
643
00:38:08.980 --> 00:38:11.421
Remember, everybody, let's go black and gold.