LAFC Countdown to Kickoff

LAFC Countdown to Kickoff

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.|

Episodes

Game 28 - FC Dallas

September 26, 2026 • 25 mins
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 LA...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 27 - San Jose Earthquakes

September 19, 2026 • 25 mins
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 matc...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 26 - Sporting KC

September 12, 2026 • 25 mins
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...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 25 - Red Bull New York

September 9, 2026 • 25 mins
Mario Ruiz gets you ready for LAFC’s return home against Red Bull New York as LAFC look to snap a six-match winless streak. With just 10 regular-season matches remaining, LAFC sit third in the Western Conference but are only six points from first, making every point crucial down the stretch. Mario breaks down how injuries have impacted LAFC’s recent form and why the club needs to turn those draws into wins as they push ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 24 - Real Salt Lake

September 5, 2026 • 26 mins
On the latest episode of Countdown to Kickoff presented by BMO, Mario Ruiz is joined by Apple TV announcer and LAFC host Max Bretos to preview LAFC’s upcoming road clash with Real Salt Lake. Max shares his perspective on the matchup and reacts to the news of young LAFC sensation David Martinez heading to Europe. Plus, LAFC continue to reload with new additions as the Black & Gold prepare to make a push during the fin...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 23 - DC United

August 29, 2026 • 25 mins
On the latest episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO, Mario Ruiz gets you ready for a challenging stretch ahead as LAFC prepares to play five of their next six matches on the road. The Black & Gold are in the nation’s capital today for a battle with D.C. United at Audi Field, with a familiar face waiting on the other side in former LAFC teammate Nathan Ordaz. Bilingual sports broadcaster Moises Linares...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 22 - Portland Timbers

August 22, 2026 • 24 mins
LAFC are coming off back-to-back losses and are ready to bounce back tonight as they return home to BMO Stadium to take on the Portland Timbers. Mario Ruiz shares why LAFC need to build some momentum before a challenging stretch on the road. MLS ICON Kei Kamara joins the show to reflect on his legendary career, share some of his favorite MLS experiences and talk about his exciting new opportunity with Apple TV. Plus, we get you set...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 21 - Colorado Rapids

August 18, 2026 • 25 mins
LAFC fell 1-0 to SoCal rivals San Diego FC at BMO Stadium, leaving the Black & Gold still searching for their first win against SDFC in four all-time meetings. Mario Ruiz recaps a frustrating night in Downtown LA and the late penalty that decided the match. Now, LAFC face another quick turnaround with a tough road test in the high altitude of Colorado. Rapids Radio Voice Connor Cape joins the show to break down the latest aroun...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 20 - San Diego FC

August 15, 2026 • 25 mins
LAFC are ready to get back into the MLS Western Conference race, and Mario Ruiz gets you set for a big night at BMO Stadium against San Diego FC. LAFC are still searching for their first-ever win over SDFC, adding even more intrigue to this matchup in Downtown LA. San Diego FC Radio Voice Adrian Garcia Marquez joins Mario to talk all things SDFC and what makes this team such a tough opponent. It's Countdown to Kickoff presented by ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 19 - Vancouver Whitecaps

August 1, 2026 • 25 mins
LAFC is riding a four-match MLS winning streak, and host Mario Ruiz breaks down the momentum building around the Black & Gold on this latest episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO. Mario looks back at Son Heung-min's impressive performance at the MLS All-Star Game, where he took home MVP honors. Plus, Mario sits down one-on-one with LAFC winger Tyler Boyd to discuss the club's impressive run of form. Plus, LAFC H...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 18 - Sporting KC

July 25, 2026 • 25 mins
Son Heung-min delivered on Sonny Bobblehead Night, and Mario Ruiz breaks down another standout performance as LAFC rolled to their second straight win to open the second half of the MLS season. Hear why the Black & Gold are starting to find their rhythm after back-to-back victories. LAFC radio voice Dave Denholm joins the show to talk all things Black & Gold, including the red-hot attack led by Sonny and Denis Bouanga. Plus...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 17 - Real Salt Lake

July 22, 2026 • 25 mins
Fresh off a dominant 3-0 victory over the Galaxy in Carson, Mario Ruiz breaks down a statement win that sets the tone for the second half of LAFC's season. Then, LAFC captain Aaron Long joins the show for an exclusive one-on-one conversation about the derby win, Son Heung-min's memorable first El Tráfico goal, and the challenge awaiting Real Salt Lake at BMO Stadium. Mario also looks back at an unforgettable 2026 FIFA World Cup tha...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 16 - LA Galaxy

July 17, 2026 • 25 mins
The MLS season is back after the long FIFA World Cup break, and Host Mario Ruiz gets you ready for the second half with a massive El Tráfico showdown as LAFC takes on the LA Galaxy in Carson. Mario sits down one-on-one with LAFC winger and Canadian World Cup international Jacob Shaffelberg to relive his unforgettable experience representing Canada on soccer's biggest stage. Legendary broadcaster Pepe Mantilla also joins the show to...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 15 - Seattle Sounders

May 24, 2026 • 24 mins
On the latest episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO, Mario Ruiz is joined by Son Heung-min for an exclusive conversation about the excitement of preparing for his fourth World Cup, LAFC’s upcoming showdown with Seattle, and much more. Mario also previews LAFC’s final MLS match before the league pauses for the World Cup break, as the Black & Gold look to head into the break with momentum. Plus, C...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 14 - Nashville SC

May 17, 2026 • 25 mins
On the latest episode of Countdown to Kickoff presented by BMO, host Mario Ruiz is joined by longtime soccer broadcaster Mark Rogondino to talk about an exciting new chapter with Angel City FC. Mario and Mark take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the early expansion years of LAFC while also breaking down the club’s recent form during a demanding stretch of the season. Plus, a preview of LAFC&rsq...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 12 - Houston Dynamo

May 10, 2026 • 25 mins
Mario Ruiz sits down with Nkosi Tafari to talk about the heartbreak of LAFC’s CONCACAF Champions Cup exit in Mexico and the challenge of quickly refocusing on MLS play. Then, Mario previews LAFC’s showdown with the Houston Dynamo at BMO Stadium as the Black & Gold look to respond on home soil. Plus, hear how the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is already impacting everyday life in Mex...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 11 - SDFC

May 2, 2026 • 25 mins
On the latest episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO, Mario Ruiz is joined by LAFC forward Nathan Ordazto break down the club’s massive first-leg win over Toluca and look ahead to a tough road test against San Diego FC. Mario also previews the matchup with San Diego as LAFC navigates a packed stretch of league and continental competition. Plus, LAFC Head Coach Marc Dos Santos joins the ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 10 - Minnesota United

April 25, 2026 • 25 mins
Mario Ruiz is joined by LAFC Radio Voice Dave Denholm to relive some of his favorite moments in Black & Gold history, from iconic calls to unforgettable nights. Then, Mario sets the stage for a tough road test as LAFC heads to Minnesota United for a key Western Conference clash. With a massive CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinal against Toluca just three days away, squad rotation and focus become major storylines. How will LAFC ba...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 9 - Colorado Rapids

April 22, 2026 • 25 mins
Mario Ruiz hosts Countdown to Kickoff presented by BMO as LAFC forward Jeremy Ebobisse joins the show to talk about managing a busy schedule and staying sharp throughout a busy season. Angel City FC’s Savy King also calls in to share her inspiring journey back to the pitch nearly a year after her on-field collapse at BMO Stadium. Mario then previews LAFC’s upcoming MLS matchup against the Colorado Rapids. Gear...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Game 8 - San Jose

April 19, 2026 • 25 mins
Mario Ruiz sits down with LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman to break down the dominant performance against Cruz Azul and what it means to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinals. Hear Tillman’s insight on the squad’s form, confidence, and the challenges that lie ahead. Mario also previews LAFC’s upcoming MLS showdown against San Jose as the Black & Gold shift focus back to MLS play. Plus, a sp...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Crime Junkie

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

    PFT Live with Mike Florio

    PFT Live with Mike Florio

    Mike Florio & Chris Simms discuss the biggest NFL stories with honesty, candor, and authenticity.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Wearables

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices