PODCAST · sports
LAFC Countdown to Kickoff
by ESPNLA, Mario Ruiz
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 b
Episodes
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Game 31 - NYCFC
Mario Ruiz gets you ready for LAFC in the Big Apple as the Black & Gold head to Citi Field to take on NYCFC! Coming off their first win under interim head coach Xavi Tamarit, can LAFC keep the momentum rolling as the race to the playoffs heats up? LAFC defender Yevhen Cheberko joins Mario from…
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Game 30 - Austin FC
On the latest episode of Countdown To Kickoff presented by BMO, Mario Ruiz reacts to LAFC’s 1-1 draw in the first match under interim head coach Xavi Tamarit as the Black & Gold gear up for a crucial playoff push. Mario sits down with World Cup winner and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to discuss…
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Game 29 - Vancouver Whitecaps
On this edition of Countdown to Kickoff presented by BMO, Mario Ruiz sits down one-on-one with LAFC interim Head Coach Xavi Tamarit for his first interview since taking over the Black & Gold. Plus, Mario catches up with defender Aaron Long to talk about having LAFC Owner Will Ferrell join the...
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Game 28 - FC Dallas
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…
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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…
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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...
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Game 25 - Red Bull New York
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.…
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Game 24 - Real Salt Lake
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...
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Game 23 - DC United
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...
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Game 22 - Portland Timbers
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...
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Game 21 - Colorado Rapids
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...
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Game 20 - San Diego FC
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...
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Game 19 - Vancouver Whitecaps
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…
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Game 18 - Sporting KC
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...
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Game 17 - Real Salt Lake
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...
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Game 16 - LA Galaxy
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...
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Game 15 - Seattle Sounders
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…
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Game 14 - Nashville SC
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...
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Game 12 - Houston Dynamo
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....
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Game 11 - SDFC
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...
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Game 10 - Minnesota United
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...
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Game 9 - Colorado Rapids
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...
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Game 8 - San Jose
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...
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Game 7 - Portland Timbers
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…
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Game 6 - Orlando City SC
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…
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Game 5 - Austin FC
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...
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Game 4 - St Louis CITY SC
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…
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Game 3 - FC Dallas
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…
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Game 2 - Houston Dynamo
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...
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Game 1 - Inter Miami
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...
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Introducing '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 —...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 b
HOSTED BY
ESPNLA, Mario Ruiz
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does LAFC Countdown to Kickoff have?
LAFC Countdown to Kickoff currently has 31 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is LAFC Countdown to Kickoff about?
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 —...
How often does LAFC Countdown to Kickoff release new episodes?
LAFC Countdown to Kickoff has 31 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to LAFC Countdown to Kickoff?
You can listen to LAFC Countdown to Kickoff on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts LAFC Countdown to Kickoff?
LAFC Countdown to Kickoff is created and hosted by ESPNLA, Mario Ruiz.
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