Claim OwnershipSection 128 | This is Los Angeles
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An LAFC podcast talking Black and Gold, live, weekly. A Pitchside US podcast.
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LAFC extended its perfect start to the 2026 MLS season with another win at BMO Stadium, defeating St. Louis City SC and moving to 4-0-0 in league play without conceding a goal under new head coach Marc Dos Santos.
The Black & Gold continue to collect points, but the performances raise questions. In this episode, we break down:
• Why LAFC is winning despite quiet stretches from Denis Bouanga and Son Heung‑min
• Bouanga’s missed sitter and Sonny’s evolving role as a No.10
• The breakout night from Mathieu Choinière, who scored twice against St. Louis
• The potential impact of Stephen Eustáquio not playing in the Costa Rica match due to an injury
• Whether LAFC’s attacking output should be a concern despite the results
We also preview the decisive second leg against Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in the Concacaf Champions Cup. After a 1-1 first leg in Los Angeles, LAFC must score at least once on the road to stay alive in the tournament.
Finally, we look ahead to the weekend MLS trip to Austin FC and discuss whether LAFC’s unbeaten run is sustainable against stronger opposition.
Our pregame show with Erik, straight from the Minnesota woods, talking about this weekend's game. Also... what's up with USL?
LAFC opened the season with a statement: 3-0 over Inter Miami in front of nearly 76,000 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In this episode of Section 128, Celso Oliveira is joined by Eric Holstrom to break down what stood out from the match, why the night felt bigger than a typical opener, and what Mark Dos Santos’ early ideas are starting to look like on the field.
We cover:
Why LAFC controlled Miami (mid-block, transitions, and game management)
Son Heung-min + Denis Bouanga and how the front line is clicking
Steven Eustáquio’s impact and why the midfield looks different
Standout performances: David Martínez, Tim Tillman, and the defensive structure
The second goal breakdown (what happened, why it mattered)
What the Coliseum crowd says about LAFC’s reach and LA as a soccer city
Quick look ahead: Real España (CCC), rotation options, and score predictions
Closing topic: Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City and why LAFC passed
We are back for our Season 2 debut, as usual LIVE on Mondays.
Erik and Celso review LAFC's participation at the Coachella Valley Invitational, with a 1-1 tie vs. NYCFC.
We also will premiere our interview with newly appointed coach Marc dos Santos, who spoke with Section 128 days before leaving for the Indio training camp.
Finally, Erik and Celso project the team's success in 2026 with a new coach but still with the best attacking duo MLS has seen.
LAFC kept its perfect start to the 2026 MLS season alive with a 1–0 win over FC Dallas at BMO Stadium.
A GOLAZO from David Martínez, while Hugo Lloris delivered a five-save performance to secure another clean sheet. The result moves LAFC to 3-0-0 in MLS play and 5-0-0 across all competitions under new head coach Marc Dos Santos.
In this episode we break down: • Why LAFC’s defensive structure looks stronger early in 2026 • The continued emergence of David Martínez as a match-winner, even when Son and Denis Bouanga are not at their best • Stephen Eustáquio x Igor Jesus analysis - midfield dynamic • What yet another clean-sheet streak tells us about Marc Dos Santos’ system • Can LAFC can maintain this momentum heading into Concacaf Champions Cup?
We also preview the upcoming Round of 16 matchup against Liga Deportiva Alajuelense and discuss how LAFC should manage rotation with a congested schedule.
LAFC return to BMO Stadium Tuesday night for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 before facing St. Louis CITY in MLS play next weekend.
Crazy 2 weeks and a loaded show!
The Black & Gold are unbeaten in seven straight, and we’re here to break it all down.
On this week’s episode of Section 128, we unpack LAFC’s 2-2 draw at Carson in El Tráfico — we had all the drama surrounding Marky Delgado, the former G.
Denis Bouanga’s ridiculous shot to Ordaz’s finish and Marco Reus’ dagger of a free kick. Did LAFC do enough?
Or was this one that slipped away?
Then, we turn to the 4-0 dismantling of Seattle, where Cengiz Ünder lit the fuse and LAFC looked dominant from whistle to whistle.
Plus: Igor Jesus’ underrated brilliance, and Ebobisse finding rhythm.
Finally, we look ahead to Saturday’s cross-continent trip to Montreal — LAFC’s longest away day of the year. Can this team stay hot in Canada?
LAFC moves on in the Concacaf Champions Cup after a wild battle with Columbus Crew, but can’t find the net in a tough 1-0 loss to Austin FC.
We break down both matches, discuss what went wrong at BMO Stadium, and look ahead to a huge showdown with Messi and Inter Miami in the quarterfinals.
Plus, can LAFC bounce back in MLS with a road win at Sporting KC?
🔥 Topics: • Concacaf Champions Cup: LAFC vs. Columbus Crew Recap
• Bouanga’s late dagger & Lloris’ heroics • MLS struggles: Breaking down the Austin loss • Cengiz Ünder’s first start – first thoughts? • Previewing Messi & Miami in the Champions Cup • Can LAFC respond against Sporting KC, HOU and SD? Predictions & analysis
🎙 Hosted by Celso Oliveira (@celsoliveira_) & Erik Hultstrom (@Erik_Hultstrom)
📲 Subscribe, like & drop your thoughts in the comments! #LAFC #ConcacafChampionsCup #MLS #Messi
LAFC takes care of business against Colorado, setting up a huge showdown with Columbus in the Concacaf Champions Cup! 🏆🔥 We analyze everything and dive into MLS action, including NYCFC’s victory and Seattle’s matchup this weekend. Join us for this exciting episode: 🎙 Jerald Lucas from the Wise Men Podcast offers insights on Columbus in anticipation of their CCC clash. 🎙 Cameron Collins joins to talk about the latest news regarding the Seattle Sounders and their performance over the weekend. Don’t miss out—subscribe and stay updated on all the latest Black and Gold action! ⚽🎥 #LAFC #MLS #ConcacafChampionsCup
Celso Oliveira and Eric Hultstrom break down LAFC’s flat draw in Austin, the small traveling supporters’ presence, and the online fallout after the match.
We analyze Sonny and Denis Bouanga’s recent struggles, MDS substitution choices and bench management, plus the club’s outstanding defensive run and Lloris clean sheets.
Looking ahead, the episode previews a tough stretch — Orlando, Cruz Azul (CCL), Portland, San Jose and Colorado — and asks whether LAFC can regroup over the break and prove what kind of team they are.
JP Márquez (@jp_marquez20) sits in for Erik as we break down the early tactical evolution of LAFC under Marc Dos Santos compared to the structure built by Steve Cherundolo.
Using heatmaps and production data from key players, we isolate the structural shift:
Tillman → redistribution
Delgado → lighter anchor
Martínez → interior compression
Sonny → role recalibration
LAFC’s 2025 season is over — and our final live episode breaks down everything from the 4–3 extra-time thriller in Vancouver to the seismic changes arriving this offseason.
In this episode of Section 128, we cover:
• LAFC 2–2 Vancouver (AET): Full Breakdown of yet another PK loss.
— First-half collapse
— Son Heung-min’s incredible comeback (2 goals, insane free kick)
— 11 vs 9: How LAFC failed to finish it
— Penalty heartbreak: Son & Mark Delgado miss
• Steve Cherundolo Departs LAFC
We play his farewell clips, react live, and discuss his legacy.
• Hugo Lloris vs Turf Debate
His postgame comments criticizing BC Place’s artificial pitch went viral — was he right?
• Fan Reaction: Galaxy fans mock Delgado We show the posts and react.
• What this loss means for LAFC: — No trophies — No Champions Cup spot — No coach — Major 2026 roster questions
• Our 2026 Wishlist:
DP midfielder, backline rebuild, true creator, new system.
We discuss all!
The Western Conference Semifinal is here — and it’s the matchup MLS fans circled the moment Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller arrived.
LAFC vs Vancouver. Son vs Müller. BC Place SOLD OUT!
Tonight, we’re joined by TWO expert guests: • Josh Gross — LAFC beat reporter and longtime voice on Black & Gold coverage •
Samuel Rowan — Managing editor at The Third Sub and one of the sharpest Vancouver analysts in MLS
Together we break down: • Why analysts say Son Heung-min has been the transformative star of MLS • Thomas Müller’s elite impact inside Vancouver’s 3-2-5 shape • The numbers behind LAFC’s devastating transition game with Son + Bouanga • How Vancouver’s structure can frustrate LAFC • Where the tactical edge actually lies — and who should be favored on Nov. 22 • What to expect at a sold-out BC Place • Which star decides this matchup This is the most star-powered MLS playoff matchup of 2025 — join us as we break it all down
🎙 Hosts: Celso Oliveira & Erik Hultstrom
🎙 Guests: Josh Gross & Samuel Rowan
#LAFC #VWFC #SonHeungMin #ThomasMüller #MLSCupPlayoffs #Section128 #TheThirdSub
LAFC opened the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 win over Austin FC at BMO Stadium!
Nathan Ordaz scored his first-ever postseason goal, Son Heung-min set it up, and Denis Bouanga drove the attack as the Black & Gold took a 1-0 lead in the Round One Best-of-3 series.
In this episode of Section 128, Celso & Erik break down:
• Son Heung-min’s creative spark in his MLS playoff debut
• Ordaz’s moment and what it means for LAFC’s homegrowns
• Cherundolo’s tactical control and what Austin can adjust for Game 2
• How the Black & Gold can close the series next Sunday in Austin
🎙 New episodes weekly — deep dives into LAFC, MLS playoffs, and the culture behind the Black & Gold.
📺 Subscribe → https://youtube.com/@section128lafc
🐦 Twitter/X → https://x.com/section128lafc
🎧 Podcast → https://section128lafc.podbean.com/
#LAFC #MLSPlayoffs #SonHeungMin #Ordaz #Cherundolo #Section128 #AustinFC #손흥민
LAFC’s six-game win streak came to an end in Austin. With Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min away on international duty, the Black & Gold fell 1-0 to Austin FC at Q2 Stadium — their first MLS road loss since April.
Austin’s Owen Wolff scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, ending LAFC’s 429-minute shutout streak and snapping their 11-game road unbeaten run. Despite 55% possession and solid defensive control, Steve Cherundolo’s side couldn’t find the breakthrough — recording just 0.2 expected goals and a single corner kick all night.
In this episode of Section 128, Celso and Erik break down the five stats that told the story of the loss:
• Possession without punch
• Lack of width and corner creation
• Lowest xG of the season
• Aerial duel dominance that didn’t matter
• The team’s growing dependence on its stars
We also look ahead to Decision Day — LAFC’s regular-season finale in Colorado — and what needs to change before the MLS Cup Playoffs begin.
📺 Watch more LAFC deep dives, tactical breakdowns, and interviews at youtube.com/@Section128LAFC
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://section128lafc.podbean.com/
🌐 Follow Us on Social:
🐦 Twitter/X — https://x.com/section128lafc
#LAFC #AustinFC #SonHeungMin #MLS #Cherundolo #Section128 #DecisionDay #손흥민
Six straight wins, zero goals allowed in three — and now, LAFC head to Austin without their superstars. Can Cherundolo’s men keep it rolling? We break it down with Hernan from We Are Austin TV.
LAFC makes it four in a row and hits a historic milestone under head coach Steve Cherundolo.
In this episode of Section 128, we dive into LAFC’s 3-0 win over St. Louis — powered by Son’s brace and Bouanga’s fifth-straight goal - the duo is ON FIRE!
Tommy Moos from Scarves and Spikes joins the show to preview Atlanta United vs LAFC this Sunday on MLS Season Pass .
We talk Ronny Deila’s tactics, Almirón’s return, and what Atlanta needs to do to survive BMO.
🎙️ With Celso, Erik, and Tommy
📅 Monday, Sep 29th - 6:00 PM PT
🔗 Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@Section128
#LAFC #MLS2025 #SonHeungMin #DenisBouanga #AtlantaUnited #Cherundolo #Section128 #MLSPlayoffs #CarlosVela #SundayNightSoccer
LAFC is officially playoff bound. In this episode of Section 128, Celso and Erik break down LAFC’s dominant pair of wins over Real Salt Lake — including Denis Bouanga’s sensational hat trick and Son Heung-Min’s long-awaited first goal at BMO Stadium.
We also reflect on the tribute to Carlos Vela, LAFC’s original captain and the newly named to the Ring of Honor, and look ahead to what’s next in the MLS playoff race
LAFC’s stars showed up and showed out in front of 50,978 fans at Levi’s Stadium — and spoiled the San Jose Earthquakes’ record-setting night.
Denis Bouanga delivered a statement hat trick, tying Carlos Vela atop LAFC’s all-time scoring charts with 93 goals in just 143 games.
Son Heung-min added his second goal in Black & Gold, scoring just 46 seconds in — the third-fastest goal in club history.
We break it all down in this week’s Section 128: • Bouanga’s legacy and Golden Boot chase • Son’s connection with Delgado + Smoliakov • Palencia’s underrated impact • LAFC’s 8-game unbeaten road streak • Midweek preview vs Real Salt Lake • Debate: Are LAFC true contenders or still mistake-prone?
🎧 Listen, subscribe, and drop your takes in the comments.
📣 About Section 128 Your front-row seat to all things LAFC and MLS. From LAFC gameday reactions and tactical talk to transfers plus the insane mechanisms that make MLS unique.
Hosted by @celsoliveira_ & @Erik_Hultstrom.
🌐 Follow & Subscribe: 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/section128lafc
▶️ YouTube: / @section128lafc
🎧 Podcast: https://section128lafc.podbean.com
#LAFC #SonHeungMin #MLS #SanDiegoFC #BlackAndGold
Celso and Erik get together during Labor Day to debrief the game against San Diego FC who came into BMO Stadium and got 3 points despite being down by a goal first.
Sonny's role within the game was limited, with LAFC's offense once again failing to capitalize while SD's counterattacking machine seemed too fast for the 3 defenders - Tafari, Segura and newcomer Ryan Porteous.
With new faces in midfield and the absences of Tillman and Hollingshead, the Black and Gold looked timid at times and when they did look poised to score, the ball just didn't go in. Rough outing for Sonny's debut in LA and a massive 3 points for SDFC on the road, supplementing their hegemony in the conference in 2025.
📣 About Section 128
Your front-row seat to all things LAFC and MLS. From matchday chaos and tactical talk to transfers plus the insane mechanisms that make MLS unique.
Hosted by @celsoliveira_ & @Erik_Hultstrom.
🌐 Follow & Subscribe: 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/section128lafc
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Section128LAFC
🎧 Podcast: https://section128lafc.podbean.com
#LAFC #SonHeungMin #MLS #SanDiegoFC #BlackAndGold
LAFC wrapped up the Texas trip with a 1-1 draw at FC Dallas — but the story was all about Son Heung-min's first goal with LAFC.
The South Korean superstar opened his MLS account with a stunning free-kick, marking his first goal in Black & Gold. We break down: ⚽ Son’s debut goal on the road and how it changes LAFC’s attack
⚖️ What a third straight road result means for the playoff race 🤕 Injury concerns with Igor Jesus, and Ryan Porteous’ LAFC debut
Then it’s back to BMO: 🔥 Previewing LAFC vs San Diego FC — one of the biggest matches of the season. The expansion team have already clinched their playoff spot, but can they handle LAFC and Sonny at home under the 3252?
SDFC is flying high and LAFC is finding rhythm, this feels like an early playoff test
📣 About Section 128 Your front-row seat to all things LAFC and MLS. From matchday chaos and tactical talk to transfers plus the insane mechanisms that make MLS unique.
Hosted by @celsoliveira_ & @Erik_Hultstrom.
🌐 Follow & Subscribe: 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/section128lafc
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@section128lafc
🎧 Podcast: https://section128lafc.podbean.com
#LAFC #SonHeungMin #MLS #SanDiegoFC #BlackAndGold
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