LAFC Countdown to Kickoff

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...

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...

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 Mexico. It’s all on...

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 s...

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 maj...

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...

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...

Mario Ruiz previews LAFC’s upcoming trip to Portland as the Black & Gold look to extend their incredible unbeaten run to 12 matches. Fresh off a dominant performance against Cruz Azul, LAFC are firing on all cylinders heading into another key test in MLS play. Mario breaks down what’s fueling this red-hot run and what to expect against the Timbers. Plus, LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos calls in fr...

Mario Ruiz hosts a brand new episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO, diving into LAFC’s red-hot start to the season. He sits down with midfielder Mark Delgado to break down the club’s unbeaten nine-game run and an impressive stretch of five straight MLS shutouts. Mario also looks ahead to LAFC’s upcoming matchup against Orlando City at BMO Stadium and what challenges await. Plus, reactio...

On the latest episode of Countdown to Kickoff presented by BMO, host Mario Ruiz is joined by LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos, calling in from Austin, Texas to preview a crucial matchup between LAFC and Austin FC. Dos Santos also recaps LAFC’s impressive victory in Costa Rica that punched their ticket to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Mario breaks down the details of the Major League...

On this episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO, host Mario Ruiz reacts to the news that Carlos Vela has joined the ownership group of Los Angeles Football Club, marking a historic full-circle moment for the club’s first superstar. Mario also previews LAFC’s matchup against St. Louis City SC at BMO Stadium with LAFC forward Nathan Ordaz. Then, Mario looks ahead to the home opener for Ange...

On the latest episode of Countdown to Kickoff presented by BMO, host Mario Ruiz sits down with Nkosi Tafari to discuss LAFC’s lockdown defense and the club’s red-hot start to the 2026 season. Mario also heads into the kitchen at BMO Stadium for a conversation with Executive Chef Hugo Miranda about the new flavors fans can expect on matchday. Plus, a full preview as LAFC get set tohost FC Dallas. A...

Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO returns as host Mario Ruiz breaks down a high-flying start for LAFC — three wins and 10 goals through the first three matches of 2026. Mario sits down 1-on-1 with one of LAFC’s newest faces, Tyler Boyd, to discuss his early impact. The road gets tougher this week as LAFC heads to Texas for a Western Conference showdown with the Houston Dynamo. Plus, LAFC Co-Pr...

The debut episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO is here, hosted by Mario Ruiz, getting you set for a blockbuster showdown between two global icons — Sonny vs Messi. Mario takes you inside the hype surrounding LAFC’s clash with Inter Miami at the historic Coliseum. Hear an exclusive 1-on-1 interview with LAFC superstar Son Heung-min as he previews the matchup vs Messi. Plus, a sit-down c...

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...