Well, Defenders... it finally happened. After a full season of rising above and falling below the playoff line, injuries, poor performances and matches that re-ignited our hope, the nail was finally driven into the coffin of the 2021 season. Needing a win and some help on Decision Day, LAFC got neither. The Colorado Rapids take the Western Conference title and LAFC's playoff hopes in an emphatic 5-2 win a mile high in Commerce City, Colorado. LAFC fell behind early and often, as Jonathan Lewis had a brace and Collen Warner became the 18th different Rapid to score this season, all before LAFC could muster a goal. Down 3-0, Chicho ignited a faint glimmer of hope, only to see it extinguished quickly by Diego Rubio. Now down 4-1, Brian, yes, Brian pulled one more back. It was former Black and Gold backliner Steven Beitashour who helped seal our fate with a beautiful cross to Dominique Badji, who had just subbed on for Mark-Anthony Kaye, and that was that. 5-2 Colorado, and LAFC is left with far more questions than answers. A huge thank you to our friends over at 110 Football for allowing us to accompany them to Denver. We are so very appreciative to be able to be there in Commerce City to be able to support our boys, and to hear The 3252 in their full-throated awesomeness. We've got a few more episodes planned to wrap up the 2021 season, and we have a ton of interviews and other fun things on board for the offseason. While we hate that it's over, we are really looking forward to all the fun that Season 5 of Defenders of the Banc has in store. Thank YOU, Defenders Nation, for all the support, and we will see you in a week for Episode 178.