Lobbing Scorchers - podcast cover

Lobbing Scorchers

Ari Liljenwall & Noah Riffewww.lobbingscorchers.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 Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more. Lobbing Scorchers is produced and owned by Just Once Media.

https://lobbingscorchers.com

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Episodes

Seattle Mayor Tells All Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Noah Riffe of Lobbing Scorchers interviews Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle, Washington. The Interview comes on the heels of Wilson and the administration announcing 1400 free World Cup tickets for youth across the city of Seattle. The pair talk about the ways Seattle has changed for the massive soccer tournament including pedestrianizing streets, heightened security, increased transit and more. Wilson also addresses right wing controversy with a comment mad...

Jun 03, 202648 min

Seattle Sounders Midseason Report Card + USMNT WORLD CUP Roster Reaction!

As MLS pauses for the World Cup, we'll give our takes on the weekend's loss to LAFC, then revisit the letter grades we handed out for the Seattle Sounders’ strikers, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers, and coaching staff a few weeks ago and update them. Who’s improved, who’s slipped, and have any of our assessments changed based on the challenging last few weeks? We'll also react to The Guardian leak confirming Cristian Roldan on the USMNT roster (cue the meltdown from the USMNT bots and haters...

May 27, 20261 hr 39 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders meltdown against LAFC

We react and take calls following Seattle's matchup with LAFC at Lumen Field in Matchday 16. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site. Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Hax...

May 26, 20262 hr 22 min

Inside the Sounders Youth System with the Seattle Sounders Technical Director

Seattle Sounders Technical Director Henry Brauner speaks with Lobbing Scorchers about Generation Adidas Cup, Sounders U15s, Young Honduran star Christopher Batiz, Snyder Brunell breakout, Paul Rothrock and Peter Kingston stories, plus youth soccer access and affordability. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS QED Coffee - a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one ...

May 23, 202652 min

Best Win, Worst Loss: Seattle Sounders emerge TOOTHLESS vs. LA Galaxy

On this episode, we break down the emotional rollercoaster that is the Seattle Sounders, from the season’s best win straight into the worst loss, the end of the home undefeated streak, and a worrying stretch of form that was only partially salvaged by the Earthquakes win. We talk Moose’s tooth, then dive into some obligatory striker discourse, including a discussion on whether Seattle’s investment in Jordan Morris was justified, and what Craig Waibel’s response might be if asked about urgency at...

May 18, 20261 hr 25 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders vs. LA Galaxy!

We react and take calls following Seattle's matchup with LA Galaxy at Lumen Field in Matchday 14. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS ☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coffee Hax...

May 17, 20261 hr 32 min

Are the Seattle Sounders wasting money?!

Once again, every MLS club is out of Conacaf Champions Cup, which means the 2022 Seattle Sounders remain the ONLY MLS team to ever win the modern version of the tournament. What did that Sounders team have that the rest of MLS still hasn’t replicated? We dive into the roster construction, mentality, depth, experience and timing that helped Seattle break through where every other club has fallen short. Then we shift into the ongoing No. 9 discourse surrounding the Sounders attack, including the c...

May 15, 20261 hr 33 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders vs. San Jose Earthquakes!

We react and take calls following Seattle's Matchday 13 fixture with the San Jose Earthquakes at Lumen Field. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS ☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.co...

May 14, 20262 hr 1 min

Seattle Sounders Lineup Puzzle Just Got Harder

We'll kick off with a full breakdown of another 1-1 draw for the Seattle Sounders and why the result felt like two points dropped after the Sporting KC stalemate. Then, we shift into the ongoing discourse: who should lead the Sounders' attack? Was Danny Musovski’s goal against San Diego enough to earn him a run in the starting role? We also address the emerging left-back issue after Nouhou appeared to take a knock late in the match, who might need to step in, and how that change could affect the...

May 11, 20261 hr 22 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders vs. San Diego FC!

We reach and take calls following Seattle's matchup vs. San Diego FC at Lumen Field in Matchday 12. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS ☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coffee H...

May 10, 20261 hr 36 min

West Seattle Junction Head Coach previews USL Season

Check out the Junction! Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS ☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coffee Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and...

May 10, 202630 min

Sounders-San Diego FC Breakdown & Inter Miami's Historic Choke!

We check in after Seattle’s surprising 1-1 draw at Sporting KC and discuss if we should be worried about the offense or chalk this one up as an outlier amid an otherwise strong start. Then it's time to preview Seattle's upcoming showdown with San Diego FC at Lumen Field this Saturday. We'll see if we can figure out why SDFC have regressed from last year’s historic expansion form, and why Anders Dreyer still makes them dangerous. Later on, we'll dive into some league-wide results reaction from Ma...

May 04, 20261 hr 19 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders at Sporting Kansas City!

We react and take calls following Seattle's Matchday 11 clash at Sporting Kansas City. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS ☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coffee Haxan Ferments...

May 04, 20261 hr 9 min

Snyder Brunell is better than Cavan Sullivan?!

Lobbing Scorchers’, Ari Liljenwall and Noah Riffe check back in after the Seattle Sounders took a 2-1 victory over FC Dallas at Lumen Field. Jordan Morris netted his first goal of the season after returning from injury and gave a candid practice quote about how he lost some of his love of the game. Lobbing Scorchers breaks down 19-year-old Snyder Brunell’s breakout in MLS. How does Snyder Brunell compare to other MLS young stars like Cavan Sullivan, Zavier Gozo and Adri Mehmeti. Noah and Ari rec...

May 01, 20261 hr 19 min

xDAWG Ranking: Does Paul Rothrock Make the Cut? | Eternal Blue Forever Girls

In the Inaugural Episode Jaya and Tula introduce themselves on the 'Eternal Blue Forever Girls' podcast, sharing their journey as dedicated Seattle Sounders fans. They frequently appear on Lobbing Scorchers videos, having held season tickets for two years. As long-time supporters of Major League Soccer and football, they assert their deep knowledge of the Seattle Sounders FC and the sport. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno S...

May 01, 202628 min

Seattle Sounders are playing the WORST team in MLS!

In this episode, we'll discuss the Seattle Sounders' big win over FC Dallas in Matchday 10, then preview this weekend's trip to Children’s Mercy Park to face Sporting Kansas City aka the “Club of Professional Enthusiasts” who happen to be the actual worst team in Major League Soccer at the moment. We'll take a look at the Wrestling Enthusiasts' roster and see if we can figure out why they're so bad. How do you approach a match against bad opposition without getting complacent? Can the Seattle So...

Apr 27, 20261 hr 20 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas!

We react and take calls following Seattle's Matchday 10 fixture vs. FC Dallas at Lumen Field. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS ☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coffee Haxan F...

Apr 26, 20261 hr 45 min

FIFA's decision will DESTROY the game

In this episode, we break down the biggest threats standing between the Seattle Sounders and a 2026 Supporters’ Shield run. Who should we be most worried about, and can Seattle stay in the mix? We also dive into a key lineup question ahead of this Saturday’s matchup vs. FC Dallas: Could Jesús Ferreira slot into the No. 10 role if Albert Rusnák is sidelined with injury? What would that mean for the attack? Then, we dive into our discussion about the oligarch class continuing to price gouge every ...

Apr 24, 20261 hr 36 min

Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas | MLS Matchday 9 PREVIEW w/ Sam Hale!

It's time for an edition of Under the Lights where we'll bring back special guest Sam Hale to preview the Seattle Sounders upcoming MLS regular-season match vs. FC Dallas at Lumen Field on Saturday! Sam is a veteran of the FC Dallas beat, working as executive producer of the FC Dallas Radio Network and writing for Toros Talk. We'll get the latest on the status of Seattle's upcoming opposition, who are looking like a postseason contender in their second year under head coach Eric Quill, and also ...

Apr 22, 20261 hr 27 min

How do the Seattle Sounders Stack Up Against the BEST in the West?

After an unfortunate exit from Concacaf Champions Cup, the Seattle Sounders returned to league play with a bang, beating St. Louis CITY SC 4-1 at Lumen Field in MLS Matchday 8. We'll give our takeaways from a cathartic result, then dive into our thought exercise of the week, where we'll discuss how Seattle stacks up against some of the other frontrunners in the Western Conference, including LAFC, Vancouver and San Jose. After previewing this weekend's match vs. FC Dallas, we'll close it out by b...

Apr 20, 20261 hr 14 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders vs. St. Louis CITY SC!

We react and take calls following Seattle's MLS Matchday 8 clash with St. Louis CITY SC at Lumen Field. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS ☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingscorchers.com/coff...

Apr 19, 20261 hr 38 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders Leg 2 vs. Tigres UANL!

We react and take calls following Seattle's Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal finale vs. Tigres UANL at Lumen Field. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS ☕️ Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is presented by QED Coffee a Seattle based roaster, coffee shop and coffee subscription service. Visit them in person at one of the three Seattle locations or online and use code ‘LS74’ for 25% off across the site: https://www.lobbingsco...

Apr 16, 20261 hr 3 min

Seattle Sounders Welcome a Liga MX GIANT!

A massive week awaits the Seattle Sounders, as the Rave Green welcome mighty Tigres UANL to Lumen Field to close out the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals. Facing a 2-0 aggregate deficit after Leg 1, can Seattle celebrate their long-awaited homecoming with a comeback and keep their CCC title dreams alive? And will Jesus Ferreira be in the starting XI for the series finale after his surprising omission in the first leg? We'll break out the lineup builder and project exactly how we think Brian ...

Apr 14, 20261 hr 20 min

Did Brian Schmetzer Get it Wrong in Mexico?

Lobbing Scorchers’, Ari Liljenwall and Noah Riffe regroup after a tough Leg 1 of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal. The Seattle Sounders sit in a 2-0 aggregate hole against Tigres UANL after failing to score at El Volcán. Can the Rave Green flip the script at Lumen Field, or is this year’s CCC campaign headed for an unceremonious end? Lobbing Scorchers questions Jesus Ferreira’s omission from the Sounders FC starting XI, and if Brian Schmetzer got the subs wrong in Mexico, and if Seattle f...

Apr 10, 20261 hr 31 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders CCC quarterfinals at Tigres UANL!

We react and take calls following Seattle's Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals Leg 1 at Tigres UANL. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe Niko Moreno SPONSORS Haxan Ferments - 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 - Our netwo...

Apr 09, 20262 hr 1 min

Can the Seattle Sounders take down TIGRES? (feat. Jeff Rueter)

Hosts Ari and Nico celebrate Lobbing Scorchers' new title sponsor, QED Coffee, before breaking down the Seattle Sounders' impressive road form and upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against Mexican giants Tigres UANL. They discuss the impact of Nikola Petković's injury and the exciting signing of homegrown talent Peter Kingston. Later, guest Jeff Rueter from The Guardian provides an in-depth look at the USMNT's disappointing March international window, offering critical insights into coaching strategies and player performances as the World Cup approaches.

Apr 06, 20261 hr 25 min

Fans react to Seattle Sounders at Houston Dynamo!

We react and take calls following Seattle's Matchday 6 fixture at Houston Dynamo FC. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok Facebook Ari Liljenwall Noah Riffe SPONSORS Haxan Ferments - 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 - Our network host and biggest supporter,...

Apr 05, 20262 hr 2 min

Seattle Sounders DPs vs. the Rest of MLS!

With the Seattle Sounders on a bye week, we take this episode to dive into a thought exercise where we compare Seattle's Designated Players to others around MLS. Later on, we'll preview the Rave Green's pending return to league play on Saturday at Houston Dynamo FC, then dive into some USMNT punditry after the Yanks got slammed 5-2 by Belgium ahead of Tuesday's match against Portugal, which will conclude the March international window. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram Bluesky TikTok F...

Mar 30, 20261 hr 22 min

BREAKING: Georgi Minoungou Traded to Colorado Rapids | Seattle Sounders Transfer News

The Seattle Sounders have traded midfielder Georgi Minoungou to the Colorado Rapids. In this video, we break down the full details of the deal — including the GAM and players involved — what Minoungou brought to Seattle, what this means for the Sounders roster going forward, and why Colorado made this move.Georgi Minoungou came up through Tacoma Defiance and developed into one of the most exciting dribblers in MLS. The 23-year-old Burkina Faso international tallied 2 goals and 4 assists across 3...

Mar 27, 20261 hr 18 min

Grading the Seattle Sounders season so far

After a hectic road-heavy start to the 2026 campaign, it's finally bye week time for the Seattle Sounders, making it a good time to assess the squad's performance through 5 league matches and the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. We'll dish out letter grades for position groups and overall performance, then dive into some Concacaf Champions Cup coverage, including more thoughts on Seattle's blockbuster quarterfinals matchup with mighty Tigres UANL. Follow Lobbing Scorchers: YouTube Instagram B...

Mar 23, 20261 hr 23 min
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