Countdown to Kickoff Presented by BMO on ESPNLA is getting you ready for every LAFC match with insight, access, and energy you won’t find anywhere else. Hosted by Mario Ruiz, this is your all-access pass to the Black & Gold. Countdown to Kickoff sets the stage with everything you need to know — from key matchups to storylines shaping the season. Mario brings you inside the locker room and onto the training pitch with exclusive interviews featuring LAFC players, coaches, and front office leaders. Countdown to Kickoff also brings you the latest surrounding Angel City FC, highlighting the biggest moments, player storylines, and what’s ahead for one of the most exciting clubs in the NWSL. From local soccer headlines to news from around the football globe, Mario Ruiz keeps you informed on all things soccer — right here in Los Angeles and beyond. If you bleed Black & Gold, follow Angel City, or simply love the beautiful game, this is your matchday soundtrack. Countdown to Kickoff Presented by BMO — only on ESPNLA.|
LAFC heads to Frisco, Texas for a massive Western Conference matchup with FC Dallas, and Mario Ruiz gets you ready for another important road test. Mario looks back at the 2-2 draw with San Jose, talks about the character LAFC showed while playing a man down. Plus, Mario sits down with Nkosi Tafari to talk about his return to Dallas, the banter at LAFC training, and what it’s like going up against his former club. With six LAFC players away on international duty and Aaron Long suspended, Mario breaks down the challenges facing the Black & Gold and why LAFC’s depth will be put to the test against FC Dallas.
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19 Sept 2026
Game 27 - San Jose Earthquakes
On the latest episode of Countdown to Kickoff presented by BMO, Mario Ruiz sits down exclusively with Denis Bouanga to talk about LAFC’s final eight games of the regular season and what it will take to finish strong. Mario also catches up one-on-one with LAFC defender Sergi Palencia about his long road back from injury and what it felt like to finally return to the pitch. Plus, Mario previews a massive Western Conference matchup at Levi’s Stadium against the San Jose Earthquakes, with both teams battling for playoff positioning.
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12 Sept 2026
Game 26 - Sporting KC
On the latest episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO, Mario Ruiz sits down one-on-one with LAFC Head Coach Marc Dos Santos following Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over Red Bull New York. Marc talks about the confidence he has in 17-year-old Jude Terry and what the young midfielder brings to the team when his number is called. Mario also previews LAFC’s next matchup on the road against Sporting Kansas City, as the Black & Gold look to build on their momentum. Plus, it’s the first of three straight road matches for LAFC with only nine regular-season games remaining.
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