The Seattle Sounders appear to have a bit of a goalkeeper controversy. It’s not that Stefan Frei has played poorly as much as it is he’s failed to firmly take hold of the spot. Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer effectively confirmed the tenuous nature of the battle between Frei and backup Andrew Thomas on Friday.

Jeremiah, Niko and Tim discuss that as well as the brewing position battle in the attack as Pedro de la Vega, Albert Rusnák and Jordan Morris all return to the fold.

Follow Niko Moreno on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/elrolonw.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pulsosports144].

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***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

The Sounders appear to have a goalkeeper controversy 

The Seattle Sounders lost 3-1 to Inter Miami, a game they played on two days’ rest and required a cross-country road trip. The result was pretty predictable, if we’re being honest. But what Jeremiah and Aaron point out is the degree to which it’s a problem is mostly a result of dropping points on Saturday.

That sets up a final five-game stretch in which the Sounders have virtually no margin for error if they want to secure home-field advantage through the first round of the playoffs.

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***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

Maybe we got a bit ahead of ourselves

Cristian Roldan has been mostly an afterthought when it comes to the United States national team, even when he was one of the final players to make the 2022 World Cup roster. But after being a late addition to the most recent camp and helping the USA beat Japan 2-0, it looks like he might be solidifying his spot.

Jeremiah and Charlie Boehm discuss Roldan’s place in the USMNT and more broadly what the situation looks like about 10 months from the 20w6 World Cup. They also discuss the Sounders’ position as they head into the final stretch of the 2025 regular season.

Follow Charles Boehm on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/cboehm.bsky.social] and read him on MLSsoccer.com [https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/topics/national-writer-charles-boehm/].

Sponsor

🍷 Full Pull Wines: Love wine but not wine clubs? Check out the boutique wine seller who lets you browse their selections and pick whatever you want. You can join their mailing list here: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

Could Cristian Roldan be key to USMNT’s turnaround?

Jeremiah and Niko recorded “What we learned this week” just a few minutes after the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee issued their suspensions to Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Tomas Aviles and Steven Lenhart. That’s a good start, but it’s not the end of the punishment as more will surely be coming.

They also discuss the coaching masterclass that Brian Schmetzer put on during the entirety of Leagues Cup.

Follow Niko Moreno on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/elrolonw.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pulsosports144].

Sponsor

🍷 Full Pull Wines: Love wine but not wine clubs? Check out the boutique wine seller who lets you browse their selections and pick whatever you want. You can join their mailing list here: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

More Leagues Cup suspensions are likely on way

Jeremiah and Aaron are a little late to their August mailbag but they banged it out today. Before they get to the listener questions, though, they need to address Luis Suarez’s apology and Inter Miami’s empty statement. They weren’t impressed.

In the mailbag, there’s lots of stuff about the impacts of the Leagues Cup and the future of the goalkeeping position.

As a reminder, all these questions came from our private Discord, which is available to all subscribers at the Supporter ($75/year) level or above. If you’d like to upgrade your membership, you can do so here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/#/portal/signup]. If you’re already a Supporter or above and want to join the Discord, shoot us an email [support@sounderatheart.com].

Sponsor

🍷 Full Pull Wines: Love wine but not wine clubs? Check out the boutique wine seller who lets you browse their selections and pick whatever you want. You can join their mailing list here: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

Mailbag: We’re still on about the Leagues Cup

From the buildup all the way to the celebrations, the Sounders did just about everything exactly right in the Leagues Cup final against Inter Miami. It went so well that Jeremiah was inspired to do a solo pod talking about it. Enjoy!

Sponsor

🍷 Full Pull Wines: Love wine but not wine clubs? Check out the boutique wine seller who lets you browse their selections and pick whatever you want. You can join their mailing list here: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

Sounders put on a masterclass against Inter Miami

Diego Valeri, as much as it pains us to say, is one of the greatest players in MLS history. Now, he's generally considered one of the most insightful commentators on MLS Season Pass. Not only has he called dozens of Inter Miami games over the years, but he also has experience playing in front of packed houses at Lumen Field.

We figured there were few people better to share some insights into Sunday's Leagues Cup final than Valeri.

Sponsor

🍷 Full Pull Wines: Love wine but not wine clubs? Check out the boutique wine seller who lets you browse their selections and pick whatever you want. You can join their mailing list here: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

Diego Valeri explains how to beat Inter Miami

Inter Miami may be led by Leo Messi and the “Barca Boys”, but given the level of competition the Sounders have faced this year there’s no reason they should be intimidated. The Sounders have been playing as well as anyone in North America over the past couple of months and will be at home.

To discuss the game, Jeremiah and Niko are joined by Sounder at Heart’s Tim Foss for this week’s episode of What We Learned This Week.

Follow Niko Moreno on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/elrolonw.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pulsosports144]. Follow Tim Foss on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/timostlundfoss.bsky.social].

Sponsor

🍷 Full Pull Wines: Love wine but not wine clubs? Check out the boutique wine seller who lets you browse their selections and pick whatever you want. You can join their mailing list here: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

Sounders have no reason to fear Inter Miami

Of all the former assistant Sounders coaches, few have a place in fans’ hearts and minds as Gonzalo Pineda. After playing here for two years, Pineda joined the coaching staff in 2017 and was Brian Schmetzer’s top assistant until he was hired as Atlanta United’s head coach midway through 2021.

Pineda’s teams were never quite as successful as they seemed like the “should” be but they always played expansive soccer and actually posted a positive xGD in all three of the seasons where he was mostly in charge.

Niko and Jeremiah spent an hour talking with Gonzo about his philosophy, his thoughts on the Sounders and what he hopes to do next.

Sponsor

🍷 Full Pull Wines: Love wine but not wine clubs? Check out the boutique wine seller who lets you browse their selections and pick whatever you want. You can join their mailing list here: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

Gonzalo Pineda shares his coaching philosophy

Jeremiah and Aaron give their impressions of the summer transfer window, that recently closed with no moves being made. They’re definitely frustrated but also somewhat understanding of different aspects of the move. Believe or not, they attempt to have a nuanced conversation.

Later in the show, Jeremiah talks to MLS Season Pass color commentator Maurice Edu to preview the Leagues Cup semifinal against the LA Galaxy.

Sponsor

🍷 Full Pull Wines: Love wine but not wine clubs? Check out the boutique wine seller who lets you browse their selections and pick whatever you want. You can join their mailing list here: https://fullpullwines.com/signup.php

***

Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more here [https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/]. You can also watch many of their shows on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa8GVYhPbOP3PnrH6WJct9d-jZ8Qh_XhA].

Aside from becoming a Sounder at Heart subscriber, you can also support the show by using this link to purchase MLS Season Pass [https://sounderathe.art/MLSPass] or checking out our merch table to buy various shirt designs [https://nosaudietis.threadless.com/].

“Diversions” audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music here [https://despatchesfromseattle.com/].

What to make of Sounders quiet transfer window

An unofficial podcast about the Seattle Sounders produced by Sounder at Heart's Jeremiah Oshan and Aaron Campeau, with Likkit Pocinwong