Section 128 | This is Los Angeles

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!

Our pregame show with Erik, straight from the Minnesota woods, talking about this weekend's game. Also... what's up with USL?

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 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’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
 
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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.
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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
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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.