For the final time in 2021, the boys are at World Famous Filimonster Studios to record an episode of “The Most LAFC Podcast on Earth”, Defenders of the Banc! There is SO much news to discuss since our pasting at the hands of the Commerce City Rapids, and Filly and Scarf try to get to ALL of it! This offseason saw, without a doubt, the most significant player movement of any of our first four seasons. El Profe, Eduard Atuesta, is gone, and not to a club that many could have predicted. Eduard gets to try to make it a Copa Libertadores three-peat for Brazil’s Palmeiras. Also gone is the only coach we have ever known, Bob Bradley, as he heads north of the border to drink Labatt’s and coach his son, Michael, at Toronto. He’s been given the keys to the kingdom, eh, as he was named both head gaffer and Sporting Director at TFC. Also gone is an unsung hero who truly has been there from the beginning, Defender of the Banc Tristan Blackmon. Picked with our second ever SuperDraft pick in 2018, Tristan leaves behind a legacy of grit, toughness, and a fun social media follow. Who will play keeper? With Jamal Blackman being given his walking papers and Pablo Sisniega traded to the new Al Raitt FC, Charlotte, Tomas Romero is the only keeper under contract as of the recording of Episode 178. Also gone, as of now, are Raheem Edwards, Jordan Harvey, Daniel Crisostomo, Alvaro Quezada, and Michee Ngalina. LAFC has also begun to re-tool, or “tweak”, as JT put it, by bringing in two players with bona fide MLS Cup experience. The newest Defender of the Banc, Franco Escobar, comes to us by way of Atlanta United, where he scored the second goal in their 2-0 MLS Cup win over Portland in 2018. The Argentinian looks to help the Black and Gold on the wings. Fresh off winning MLS Cup with NYCFC in 2021, then being drafted by Charlotte in the Expansion Draft, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi lands with LAFC by way of a trade with MLS’s newest club. In the mold of a Danny Musovski-type, or, dare we say, Adama Diomande, Israel knows how to put the ball in the back of the net and provides much-needed depth when Chicho, Rayito, or Vela are off the pitch.      And don’t forget, Defenders… we also get a full season of Chicho Arango, a healthy Eddie Segura, and (at least) a full half-season of a healthy Carlos Vela. (We explain, don’t worry.) All we need now is a head coach. And a starting center midfielder. And a starting keeper. And a little more depth. Also on this episode, we celebrate Chicho Arango taking home the Newcomer of the Year Award for 2021, the U19’s as they advance in Open Cup Qualifying, and Lee Nguyen’s NWSL trophy! We get a new toy in Filimonster Studios, we circle some key dates on the calendar that we are looking forward to, and Scarf doesn’t have Covid (according to two tests) even though he feels and sounds like death. Which inaugural team player signed to coach with Sister Jean over at Loyola-Chicago? How is Diego Rossi doing in Turkey or Christian Ramirez in Scotland? And why does Filly now have a vested interest in our eMLS player? You’ll have to listen to find out!Finally, stick around for the end, please. We know it’s long, but Filly and Scarf both chat about their New Year’s Resolutions, or as Filly says, goals for 2022. This may be it for 2021, but we can’t wait to experience what’s in store for 2022! Defenders Nation, thank you, and we love you! Here’s to all the best in 2022 to the millions… and millions!