Season 5 is finally here, and LAFC looks to kick off the Steve Cherundolo era the exact same way they have started their first four seasons, with a win! The SG's have their tents set up on Christmas Tree Lane, the Defenders, Filly and Scarf, are ready to take notes and enjoy beverages, and a healthy Carlos Vela is in the lineup. Everything seems right for a huge LAFC win, and our boys did NOT disappoint!Before the match, there were all the feels. The Super Bowl trophy was in the building, brought to us by Rampage himself. A new sponsor, Rockstar Energy Drinks, was on the warm-ups. Jordan Harvey emerged as the honorary falconer, amid deafening chants from The 3252. And a tear-inducing tifo of Chente was unveiled in the North End. The stage was set, and our leading man perform accordingly.Behind the third hat trick of his LAFC career, the 5th ever hat trick on opening day, and his second against Colorado, LAFC ran roughshod over the former Western Conference crown-bearers, the Rapids. The team felt more galvanized than it had been in a few seasons, the players met the moment with an intensity, fire, and passion rarely seen in recent years, and the Mayor's tenure started on a high note. LAFC stops the Rapids, 3-0. If you follow the Defenders on a regular basis, this episode has all the goodies. Why are the boys talking like pirates? Why was there a ghost sighting on the podcast? And how is Filly holding up after having to witness yet another crushing defeat of his hockey team? Check out Episode 181, the first of the 2022 season, to find out!