The United States is through to the knockout stage after an impressive 2-0 victory over Australia, and we're breaking down everything we learned from the USMNT's latest World Cup performance. From Mauricio Pochettino's tactical adjustments following Christian Pulisic's absence to Folarin Balogun's standout display, we'll discuss how the Americans found another way to win and why their depth continues to be one of the tournament's biggest storylines. We'll also share our experiences covering USA-...
Jun 22, 2026•1 hr 21 min
Lobbing Scorchers, Ari Liljenwall and Noah Riffe break down the first week of the 2026 World Cup with the group stage opening round officially in the books. Egyptian supporters took over Seattle for Belgium and Egypt, downtown fan zones were buzzing without the USMNT even playing in town yet, and Seattle looks every bit the part FIFA hoped it would be. Has the Emerald City already made the case for an even bigger role in future FIFA events? Lobbing Scorchers digs into the USMNT stock after a 4-1...
Jun 18, 2026•1 hr 21 min
United States House Representative Adam Smith (WA-9) spoke with Lobbing Scorchers' Noah Riffe about the World Cup in Seattle, Smith's personal experience with youth soccer in America, and the Iran War deal signed by Trump. 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 co...
Jun 17, 2026•31 min
Lobbing Scorchers’, Noah Riffe speaks with U.S. Representative Rick Larsen from Washington's 2nd district about the World Cup and its political impacts. Rep. Larsen was involved in getting the tournament to play matches in Seattle. Rep. Rick Larsen shared his views on how President Donald Trump and his administration have played into visa issues for the Iranian National Team and a Somali official. The Congressman also shares his love for soccer, the Seattle Sounders, and how he thinks the United...
Jun 10, 2026•19 min
In this episode, we’re back and kicking off our coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it arrives in Seattle! The biggest tournament in the sport is finally here in the city, and we’re getting into everything that comes with it. We start with the USMNT, breaking down their group-stage hopes, expectations, and where they stand heading into a massive tournament where the pressure is officially on. Then we preview every group-stage World Cup match coming to Seattle, including Belgium vs Egypt, USA ...
Jun 09, 2026•1 hr 7 min
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, 2026•48 min
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, 2026•1 hr 39 min
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, 2026•2 hr 22 min
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, 2026•52 min
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, 2026•1 hr 25 min
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, 2026•1 hr 32 min
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, 2026•1 hr 33 min
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, 2026•2 hr 1 min
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, 2026•1 hr 22 min
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, 2026•1 hr 36 min
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, 2026•30 min
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, 2026•1 hr 19 min
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, 2026•1 hr 9 min
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, 2026•1 hr 19 min
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, 2026•28 min
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, 2026•1 hr 20 min
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, 2026•1 hr 45 min
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, 2026•1 hr 36 min
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, 2026•1 hr 27 min
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, 2026•1 hr 14 min
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, 2026•1 hr 38 min
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, 2026•1 hr 3 min
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, 2026•1 hr 20 min
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, 2026•1 hr 31 min
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, 2026•2 hr 1 min
