Back-to-back ESPN matches kick off on Friday.
The first live events on ESPN on Friday, July 5, will be the “El Trafico” derby between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC and back-to-back Major League Soccer matches between FC Dallas and the Portland Timbers.
The LA Galaxy’s head coach, Greg Vanney, has given star midfielder Riqui Puig instructions to improve his tactical discipline. “His technical skills and creativity are top-notch, but there is room for growth in how he positions himself during matches.”
“I want him to avoid dropping too deep to receive the ball,” Vanney continued. Rather, by operating higher up the pitch, he can be more productive and open up more opportunities for the team. There, he can increase the number of scoring opportunities by using his passing and vision abilities.”
An Australian Football League (AFL) match between Geelong and Hawthorn is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, July 6. On Sunday, July 7, there will be additional MLS action. The ‘City of Brotherly Love’ will host the Philadelphia Union and the New York Red Bulls, while the New England Revolution will play the Seattle Sounders in the Pacific Northwest.

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Dejan Jovelji (L) reacts with teammates after scoring a goal during the second half of the Major League Soccer (MLS) match between LA Galaxy and Inter Miami at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, California, USA, 25 February 2024. EPA/ALLISON DINNER
The San Jose Earthquakes and Chicago Fire matchup, followed by the Colorado Rapids hosting St. Louis City, will keep the Major League Soccer audience captivated early on Monday, July 8.
A thrilling game of Major League Baseball (MLB) between the Cubs and Angels in the evening will take place after the National Rugby League (NRL) on ESPN 2 in the morning on Friday, July 10.
The schedule for Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7, is as follows: MLB in the evening and NRL in the morning. On Saturday, the Wests Tigers take on the Storm, and the Yankees and Red Sox play their historic rivalry. On Sunday, the Raiders take on Knight, and the Tigers travel to the Reds.
The MLB is scheduled to play on Wednesday, July 10, and Thursday, July 11, with the White Sox visiting the Twins in Chicago and the Blue Jays traveling from Canada to play the Giants in San Francisco, respectively.
Giants general manager Bob Melvin wants to see his team significantly improve, something they most definitely failed to do in a crushing defeat to the Diamondbacks recently. “We had a horrible game today, especially in the beginning,” Melvin remarked. “At least you battle when you’re experiencing a losing streak. Generally speaking, we have. It was a terrible game.
For DStv subscribers, ESPN and ESPN 2 will broadcast the Australian Football League (AFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), National Rugby League (NRL), and Major League Baseball (MLB) from Friday, July 5, to Thursday, July 11, 2024.
ESPN selected broadcast highlights
Friday, July 5
02:30: MLS, FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers, LIVE on ESPN
04:30: MLS, LA Galaxy vs. Los Angeles FC, LIVE on ESPN
Saturday, July 6
08:35: AFL, Geelong vs. Hawthorn, LIVE on ESPN
Sunday, July 7
01:30: MLS, Philadelphia Union vs. New York RB, LIVE on ESPN
04:30: MLS, Seattle Sounders vs. New England Revolution, LIVE on ESPN
Monday, July 8
00:00: MLS, San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire, LIVE on ESPN
03:30: MLS, Colorado Rapids vs. St. Louis City—Live on ESPN
ESPN 2 selected broadcast highlights
Friday, July 5
10:00: NRL, Sharks vs. Titans, LIVE on ESPN 2
20:20: MLB, Cubs vs. Angels, LIVE on ESPN 2
Saturday, July 6
09:30: NRL, Wests Tigers vs. Storm, LIVE on ESPN 2
19:05: MLB, Yankees vs. Red Sox, LIVE on ESPN 2
Sunday, July 7
08:05: NRL, Raiders vs. Knights, LIVE on ESPN 2
19:40: MLB, Reds vs. Tigers, LIVE on ESPN 2
Wednesday, 10 July
20:10: MLB, White Sox vs. Twins, LIVE on ESPN 2
Thursday, July 11
21:45: MLB, Giants vs. Blue Jays, LIVE on ESPN 2
ALSO READ: Get Ready for a week of Non-Stop Sports Action on ESPN and ESPN 2
