Niko Moreno joins Jeremiah to discuss early offseason new updates. The pair discuss Stefan Frei’s contract extension as well as Paul Rothrock’s return after flirting with free agency. They also cover Danny Leyva’s transfer to Club Necaxa, the Hassani Dotson signing, the continuing Obed Vargas saga and the departure of assistant coach Andy Rose. Last but not least the guys talk about the impending launch of a Sounder at Heart print magazine.

Follow Niko Moreno on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/elrolonw.bsky.social?ref=sounderatheart.com] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pulsosports144?ref=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 has been primarily listener supported since 2023. 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 We Learned This Week: summarizing the offseason so far

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

 * YouTube [https://sounderathe.art/LSYT]
 * Instagram [https://sounderathe.art/LSIG]
 * Bluesky [https://lobbingscorchers.com/bluesky]
 * TikTok [https://sounderathe.art/LSTikTok]
 * Ari Liljenwall [https://sounderathe.art/ari]
 * Noah Riffe [https://sounderathe.art/noah]

SPONSORS

Haxan Ferments [https://lobbingscorchers.com/haxan] - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart [https://lobbingscorchers.com/] - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds [https://lobbingscorchers.com/podium] - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines [https://sounderathe.art/fullpull] - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Sounders Tickets [https://lobbingscorchers.com/tickets] - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.

MLS Season Pass [http://lobbingscorchers.com/appletv] - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.

MLS Store [https://lobbingscorchers.com/mlsstore] - New year, new gear! The 2025 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media. [https://www.justoncemedia.com/]

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: lobbingscorchers@justoncemedia.com

Kickoff: What's next for Seattle Sounders offseason?

He’s staying home. Niko Moreno joins Jeremiah to discuss the Sounders re-signing of local folk hero/soccer player Paul Rothrock. The guys break down some specifics of the saga that has been ongoing for quite some time and what ultimately led to Paul re-signing. They also weigh in on the other new additions to the team in Hassani Dotson, Ryan Sailor and Max Anchor.

Follow Niko Moreno on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/elrolonw.bsky.social?ref=sounderatheart.com] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pulsosports144?ref=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 has been primarily listener supported since 2023. 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 We Learned This Week: We (still) have Rothrock

We have the first major moves of Seattle Sounders offseason with Tuesday's announcement that free-agents Hassani Dotson and Ryan Sailor have signed with the Rave Green. We'll discuss the implications of Seattle's latest additions and what their roles could look like come 2026.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

 * YouTube [https://sounderathe.art/LSYT]
 * Instagram [https://sounderathe.art/LSIG]
 * Bluesky [https://lobbingscorchers.com/bluesky]
 * TikTok [https://sounderathe.art/LSTikTok]
 * Ari Liljenwall [https://sounderathe.art/ari]
 * Noah Riffe [https://sounderathe.art/noah]

SPONSORS

Haxan Ferments [https://lobbingscorchers.com/haxan] - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart [https://lobbingscorchers.com/] - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds [https://lobbingscorchers.com/podium] - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines [https://sounderathe.art/fullpull] - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Sounders Tickets [https://lobbingscorchers.com/tickets] - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.

MLS Season Pass [http://lobbingscorchers.com/appletv] - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.

MLS Store [https://lobbingscorchers.com/mlsstore] - New year, new gear! The 2025 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media. [https://www.justoncemedia.com/]

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: lobbingscorchers@justoncemedia.com

Seattle Sounders sign Hassani Dotson and Paul Rothrock RE-SIGNS?!

What We Learned This Week meets up earlier than usual to discuss the recent signing of Federal Way native Hassani Dotson, formerly with Minnesota United. Jeff Reuter (Five Asides, Total Soccer Show’s MLS Weekly) joins Niko and Jeremiah to talk about what Dotson could bring to the Sounders. They also talk about Tacoma Defiance’s new head coach and possibly dropping news about a former Sounder being offered an assistant role?

Follow Niko Moreno on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/elrolonw.bsky.social?ref=sounderatheart.com] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pulsosports144?ref=sounderatheart.com]. Follow Jeff Reuter on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/jeffrueter.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 has been primarily listener supported since 2023. 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 We Learned This (Mid-)Week: the Hassani Dotson signing with Jeff Reuter and Niko

Paul Tenorio, senior writer covering soccer for The Athletic, joins Jeremiah as they discuss his book, The Messi Effect. The book description reads: “The Messi Effect takes you inside the locker room as Messi’s arrival turned a last-place team into a global phenomenon, and into the Major League Soccer boardroom as league owners debated how to leverage Messi’s arrival to shape the future of the league and sport in America.”

Follow Paul Tenorio on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/paultenorio.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 has been primarily listener supported since 2023. 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/].

Chatting with Paul Tenorio about this book, The Messi Effect

Niko joins Jeremiah to discuss several major roster developments including the confirmed re-signing of Sounders legend Stefan Frei on a reduced-salary contract. They talk details over the Danny Leyva transfer to Necaxa as well as what the team is prepared to do about Obed Vargas if negotiations continue to stall out. Also discussed is what Paul Rothrock choosing San Jose would mean to the team and Tacoma Defiance roster news.

Follow Niko Moreno on BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/elrolonw.bsky.social?ref=sounderatheart.com] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pulsosports144?ref=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 has been primarily listener supported since 2023. 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 We Learned This Week talks Frei, Leyva, Obed, and do we (still) have Rothrock?

We're back with more Seattle Sounders offseason coverage and our own Niko Moreno gave us quite the story to discuss, reporting that the San Jose Earthquakes have emerged as the frontrunner to sign Paul Rothrock. Could the fan-favorite winger be headed to a Western Conference rival?  We'll also take a look at the list of available free agents to see if there are any obvious or viable targets for the Rave Green, and discuss a few other news items from around MLS, including LAFC's hiring of Marc dos Santos, and a development regarding the Vancouver Whitecaps' quest for a new stadium.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

 * YouTube [https://sounderathe.art/LSYT]
 * Instagram [https://sounderathe.art/LSIG]
 * Bluesky [https://lobbingscorchers.com/bluesky]
 * TikTok [https://sounderathe.art/LSTikTok]
 * Ari Liljenwall [https://sounderathe.art/ari]
 * Noah Riffe [https://sounderathe.art/noah]

SPONSORS

Haxan Ferments [https://lobbingscorchers.com/haxan] - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart [https://lobbingscorchers.com/] - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds [https://lobbingscorchers.com/podium] - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines [https://sounderathe.art/fullpull] - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Sounders Tickets [https://lobbingscorchers.com/tickets] - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.

MLS Season Pass [http://lobbingscorchers.com/appletv] - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.

MLS Store [https://lobbingscorchers.com/mlsstore] - New year, new gear! The 2025 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media. [https://www.justoncemedia.com/]

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: lobbingscorchers@justoncemedia.com

REPORT: Paul Rothrock in advanced negotiations with San Jose Earthquakes!

Adam Belz of The Scuffed Podcast joins Jeremiah to discuss the recent USMNT World Cup draw. They also dug into roster decisions leading up to the World Cup and of course, Cristian Roldan’s place on the roster. To round the conversation out the two conversed about whether or not  Mauricio Pochettino is exactly the right coach for the USMNT for all the reasons no one really expected.

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 has been primarily listener supported since 2023. 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/].

USMNT roster decisions, Pochettino and Cristian Roldan discussion with Adam Belz of Scuffed

The 2025 MLS season is a wrap following Inter Miami and the Barca Boys' 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in Saturday's final at Chase Field. What, if any, implications does the Herons' victory have on the Seattle Sounders and their status within MLS? We'll debate that as part of our takeways from the league's title match, then dive into our Sounders offseason coverage.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

 * YouTube [https://sounderathe.art/LSYT]
 * Instagram [https://sounderathe.art/LSIG]
 * Bluesky [https://lobbingscorchers.com/bluesky]
 * TikTok [https://sounderathe.art/LSTikTok]
 * Ari Liljenwall [https://sounderathe.art/ari]
 * Noah Riffe [https://sounderathe.art/noah]

SPONSORS

Haxan Ferments [https://lobbingscorchers.com/haxan] - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart [https://lobbingscorchers.com/] - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds [https://lobbingscorchers.com/podium] - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines [https://sounderathe.art/fullpull] - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Sounders Tickets [https://lobbingscorchers.com/tickets] - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.

MLS Season Pass [http://lobbingscorchers.com/appletv] - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.

MLS Store [https://lobbingscorchers.com/mlsstore] - New year, new gear! The 2025 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media. [https://www.justoncemedia.com/]

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: lobbingscorchers@justoncemedia.com

Kickoff: Inter Miami and the Barca Boys win MLS Cup

A combined feed and private feed for every Sounder at Heart Podcast Network show.

Follow each individual feed:

 * Nos Audietis [https://www.sounderatheart.com/tag/podcast/]
 * Lobbing Scorchers [https://www.sounderatheart.com/ls]
 * The Cooler Guild [https://www.sounderatheart.com/thecoolerguild/]

Sounder at Heart - Subscriber Feed