FC Dallas vs LAFC Tonight: TV Channel, Live Stream, Kickoff Time, Lineups & Prediction for Crucial MLS Showdown

Los Angeles — Western Conference tensions rise tonight as LAFC host FC Dallas at BMO Stadium in a prime‐time MLS clash that could redefine the playoff race. Kickoff, Broadcast & Streaming • Date/Time: Saturday, July 12, 7:30 p.m. PT (9:30 p.m. CT) • Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles • Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass (English & Spanish feeds) • Radio: 710 AM ESPN / KFWB 980 “La Mera Mera” Why This Match Matters LAFC (8-5-5, 29 pts) sit sixth but are just three points off second place. FC Dallas (5-9-6, 21 pts) lurk in 13th yet own games in hand; a road upset revives their postseason ambitions. Key Storylines 1. Bouanga vs. Ferreira Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga (11 goals) leads LAFC’s press, while Dallas counters with USMNT striker Jesús Ferreira (8 goals) who has scored in back-to-back fixtures. 2. Mid-Season Reinforcements LAFC added free-agent center-back Maxime Chanot but the veteran remains out with a head injury; academy product Lorenzo Dellavalle is also sidelined. Dallas travel nearly full strength after Alan Velasco returned from knee rehab earlier this month. 3. Tactical Chess Match Steve Cherundolo’s 4-3-3 thrives on vertical transitions, whereas interim Dallas boss Peter Luccin prefers a 4-2-3-1 that funnels possession through playmaker Sebastian Lletget. Expect LAFC to target the right channel behind full-back Marco Farfan, while Dallas will overload midfield to slow Ilie Sánchez’s distribution. Projected Starting XIs LAFC (4-3-3): Crepeau; Hollingshead, Murillo, Long, Palacios; Ilie, Tillman, Cifuentes; Vela, Bouanga, Olivera. FC Dallas (4-2-3-1): Paes; Twumasi, Ibeagha, Tafari, Farfan; Illarramendi, Pomykal; Arriola, Lletget, Obrian; Ferreira. Form Guide LAFC: W-D-W-L-D Dallas: L-W-D-L-W What Each Club Needs • LAFC: Three points propel the Black & Gold into the West’s top four and keep pressure on first-place Real Salt Lake. • Dallas: A win narrows the playoff gap to two points and would be just their second road victory all season. How FC Dallas Can Steal Points 1. Survive first-half pressure—LAFC score 60 % of their goals before halftime. 2. Exploit set pieces—Dallas rank fourth league-wide in xG from corners; Bouanga’s defensive assignments are exploitable. 3. Tempo control—Illarramendi’s experience against LAFC’s high press will be vital. Prediction BMO Stadium’s atmosphere usually tilts tight matches, but Dallas’ direct counters worry LAFC’s high line. Still, Bouanga’s pace and Vela’s vision should prove decisive. Scoreline forecast: LAFC 2, FC Dallas 1. Fans heading to Exposition Park should arrive early—Friday’s player status report lists no LAFC suspensions, promising a near-first-choice XI. Expect fireworks under the Hollywood lights as two attack-minded sides chase critical Western Conference points.