Big Day for ESPN Deportes

ESPN Deportes, the Spanish-language sister station of ESPN, begins its game coverage of Major League Soccer with tonight’s match involving Chivas USA and the Galaxy at 7 -- and three studio shows that will be broadcast live from the Home Depot Center.

The studio shows are Cronometro, considered a Spanish “Pardon the Interruption,” from 5 to 5:30 p.m.; Futbol Picante, focusing on Mexican soccer, from 5:30 to 6; Spanish “SportsCenter” segments, from 6 to 6:30 and 9 to 9:30; as well as the pregame show, from 6:30 to 7.

Luis Omar Tapia will call play-by-play of the match with commentary and analysis from Daniel Brailovksy and former Galaxy goalkeeper Jorge Campos.

It will be the first time in the MLS’ 10-year history that a Spanish-language network will produce four shows from a game site on game day.

As part of its season-long coverage of MLS, ESPN Deportes will air nine league games -- five of which include Chivas USA and three that have the Galaxy -- and two playoff matches.

ESPN Deportes may have competition soon. FSN plans to launch a Spanish-language regional sports network in the L.A. market next year.

-- Paul Gutierrez