We have a Bogert Bombshell to discuss regarding the Seattle Sounders, with Sunday's report that La Liga giant Atlético Madrid are in talks to acquire Seattle rising homegrown midfielder Obed Vargas. We'll dive into the latest developments regarding Obed's seemingly pending departure, discuss the fit with Atlético and assess how Seattle is set up to withstand the loss of one of their best and most important players.

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!

Atlético Madrid sign Obed Vargas from Seattle Sounders!

Niko joined Jeremiah for an emergency podcast to discuss the very imminent transfer of Obed Vargas from the Sounders to Atletico Madrid. Although no official announcement has been made the deal sounds to be effectively done with a contract through 2030 and the Sounders are expected to retain a significant sell-on percentage and a transfer fee likely in the $3-5 million range. They also discuss who the likely replacements will be in the Sounders midfield and what the financial flexibility the transfer provides.

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 SPECIAL EDITION: The latest on the Obed Vargas transfer to Atletico Madrid

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: Let's Just Start The MLS Season Already (BONUS)

Niko joins Jeremiah in the brand new Sounder at Heart offices located in the heart of the International District to talk about everything going on right now during the Sounders pre-season. The guys discuss Alex Roldan and Nouhou’s extensions and also how the Danny Musovski contract negotiations are faring. They talk about how the players are feeling at this phase of training camp in Spain and of course the ongoing, continuing, never-ending Obed Vargas story.

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: Breaking in the new office/studio space and actual soccer stuff

We are back with some Seattle Sounders and MLS offseason coverage from the new Sounder at Heart studio in the International District, just blocks away from Lumen Field! With the squad in Marbella for preseason training, we discuss the news of Nouhou’s contract extension and give our picks for the players with the most to prove between now and the start of the 2026 season.  Later on, we hit a couple of headlines from around MLS, including the LA Galaxy’s trade for João Klauss and a Blazing Hot Press Conference from Charlotte FC star Wilfried Zaha.

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!

This Seattle Sounders Player Has The Most to Prove - Ep. 128

Niko joined Jeremiah to do a review of the Sounders first preseason game against Brondby. They discussed player performance and the use of new team formations all while stressing that it is way too early to panic. The guys took time to talk about the upcoming Sounder at Heart print publication and the office/studio space that was acquired. Also covered was a bit about the transfer window/General Allocation Money (GAM) league changes and of course the ongoing Obed Vargas saga.

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 very first game of the preseason recap (spoiler it was a loss)

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?!

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