The Seattle Sounders preseason continues as the squad travels to Portugal for fitness training before heading to Marbella, Spain where they'll play three scrimmages. We'll discuss what we're looking for as prepration for the 2026 season and Concacaf Champions Cup begins in earnest, then jump around MLS for some league-wide 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

Seattle Sounders preseason heads to Portugal!

Niko joins Jeremiah to break down the start of the Sounders preseason. They discuss coach Brian Schmetzer's emphasis on player accountability, the internal competition among what seems like 15 players and a high-level of commitment shown by big players like Jordan Morris, Jesus Ferreira and Albert Rusnák. Jeremiah and Niko also talk about new signings Hassani Dotson and Sebastian Gomez as well as the addition of new assistant coach, Ricardo Clark. And of course, the seemingly ongoing drama around Obed Vargas’ status. Jeremiah also announced the launch of Sounder at Heart’s first print magazine, “IV”, coming soon.

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: The 2026 Sounders preseason is under way

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

Lobbing Scorchers: The Celtic Bots are After Us (BONUS)

Seattle Sounders players have reported for preseason training camp as the road to the 2026 regular-season opener draws closer. We'll discuss the state of the squad, as well as the news that the club is likely playing a Concacaf Champions Cup match in Spokane due to scheduling conflicts with Lumen Field.

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 are playing in SPOKANE?!

It's another episode chronicling the Seattle Sounders' offseason, this time with a new player signing to discuss following the Rave Green's acquisition of U22 Initiative midfielder Nikola Petković from Charlotte FC. We'll also jump around MLS to talk about some of the other roster movement and storylines from around the league.

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: Seattle Sounders make HUGE BLOCKBUSTER signing!

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

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

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/]

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