Coming to you live from Orelliot Avenue Studios of Sports Radio ninety three point three KJRFM. This is Sounders Weekly with your host Jackson Felts.
Good evening, everybody, Welcome into Sounders Weekly. Jackson Felts here special Tuesday night edition. Yere Sounders Weekly. We have crack and Hockey Tomorrow night, so we've shifted the show to Tuesday this week, and we're gonna spend the entire next hour here looking ahead to the Western Conference Semifinal Sounders FC LAFC down in Los Angeles. Winner will go to the West Final. LAFC would be hosting it. The Sounders would either host Minnesota or go to the LA Galaxy.
We're gonna be spending some time talking about the other conference semifinals as well. We have a busy night here in Sounders Weekly. In just a minute, I see if actually he's calling right there, Brian Dunseth, whoever it is, on the call for Sounders LAFC coming up on Saturday night. He will be joining us to preview that game, and I want to get his two cents on what we're
looking at for the rest of the league. Across the conference semifinals We're also gonna chat with Ari Lillianwall, writer and editor for mlssucker dot com, host of the podcast Lobbing Scorchers. Ari will join us he always does, and I want to kind of bounce around all four semifinal matchups. We got New York City versus New York, we got Orlando against Atlanta, we got the Galaxy against the Loons,
and then Sounders LFC. So we'll bounce around the entire league with Ari, and then at the end of the show, we'll wrap up with some audio from Stephan Fry. He spoke at a press conference last week and shared his thoughts on facing LAFC again. What the Sounders are going up against an LFC. Lots of good thoughts from Stepan Fry ahead, So we'll get Brian Dunsith on in just a moment quickly, I will tell you for Saturday's match.
I know the playoff games so far, and really the recent stretch of Sounder games have all been on nine to fifty. No. No, no, This game on Saturday night, it's a massive game, LAFC Western Semifinal.
We will have it right here for you.
On Sports Radio ninety three point three KJRFM. Providence, Swedish premat show of seven o'clock right here on ninety three point three FM this Saturday night. We're actually all going down to La too. I'm flying down with the team on Friday. We're taking the whole broadcast. It'll be great and I'll be excited to see our next guest who's on hold, Brian Dunseeth down there with the whole Apple crew, and it'll be great to be down there in what is it the BMO Stadium down there in LA to
see a Sounders team that listen. I mean, I was gonna say they're fully healthy. Paul Rothrock wasn't in training today. Brian Schmitzer said he'll be back in this week and he only needs a couple of days with everybody together. Knew who's flying back from international duty tomorrow night, so everybody he'll be back together. It sounds like for full sessions on Thursday and Friday, at least for Rothrock as well.
Albert Rusnack's back in full training. So the entire team is there and we are ready to go for really, it is the third round of the season, fourth round in the last thirteen months. Sounders LAFC in an elimination game. The man who's calling it for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. It's always a pleasure to get this man on the show. Great to have him back on. Brian Dunseeth joins us right here on Sounders Weekly. Brian, it's just awesome to have you back on the show.
Man.
Good to get you back on ahead of Saturday's big playoff match.
How are you, Jackson?
I appreciate the time. Man. One quick little update. It's actually TiO Max, Great Thos and I. We've got Orlando against Atlanta. You guys get to hear the sounds of Jake Zivin and Taylor Twelman on the call, So just a quick heads up on that one. But I gotta be honest, man, I'm insanely jealous. I saw Craig Bible last night out here in Saint Louis, and I was
just telling him what a game. It's got to be the best game of the weekend in terms of two powerhouses looking to smack each other in the face.
Well, that's quite the update for me.
I wasn't aware that that's the broadcast lineup, so I well listen.
It's still awesome.
Whenever I get the chance to talk to you, so and this is great because I can ask you about Orlando City and Atlanta, because obviously some Sounders fans' eyes and including mine, are on Atlanta because of Garth Logerway and everything he's got going on down there. The big upset over Miami. I'll ask you about them in a minute, but let's start with LAFC Seattle, because I think I think you're right. I think that is the game of these Western Conference or of all those semifinals in MLS,
for the conference semifinals. I should say so, Donny, Here's here's what I've said to everybody who has given me an ear. I've said that the winner of Sounders LAFC will win MLS Cup.
Do I have any leg to stand on there?
I don't think you're wrong in terms of your assessment, because I think this is the premier matchup at this stage. All due respect to everybody else involved, but man, we've seen some powerhouses go down first and foremost, it's not to enter Miami with the success during the regular season, both with and without Lionel Messi for them to fall to the Sunderella story of Atlanta United. You know, firing
their manager Gonzala Panda. Back in June, Garth Logaway's taking a hands on approach the departure of Carlos Pocanegra as a general manager, technical director, of president of soccer, whatever the terminology is down in Atlanta, and to see what Rob Valentino has done with this group, you know, selling in the summer fifty four million dollars worth of player between Yakamaki, Eastern Piago, Almada and you know, as well
as maybe a few other pieces. Caleb Wilie probably the biggest name in that group in terms of young developmental opportunity. But then to spend the money on mid into coming over from Atalanta and not basically filling the other spots, understanding that you're going to go into the winter transfer window with the potential for a new manager, a couple of designated player spots, a couple of U twenty two
spots and Uncle Arthur Blank's money. You know, you're you're spending home depot money on top of the fifty four million that you spend the summer. So to see what they did up end in mismatch and to Miami and the manner in which they didn't by the way decision day two to one win at Orlando on Saturday. Tuesday night in Montreal, give up a late penalty kid draw too to go to penalties, knock Montreal off, and then on Friday go to Miami, lose to one, but still
have some great chances. You know, the the Hudson River Derby between New York Red Bulls and NYCFC at City Field. It's at this point, it's all a'sss up. I got to be ons and Oscar braam and Orlando dispatching with a little bit of controversy, Charlotte out in the East. The fact that Cincinnati, into Miami and Columbus are out of the playoffs before the conference semi final is something that absolutely nobody had on their Bengo card. And if you did, can you pick my lottery numbers coming up
next week? But you're right, I mean, you know, Matt TiO, Max and I did Real Salt Lake against Minnesota, and Eric, I mean think about this for Pablo Masternmi in Real Salt Lake. They didn't lose any of their last eight matches and still found themselves knocked out after two draws in penalties against Minnesota. Eric Ramsey figured out the Rosales Bongi w with Robin Hood operating underneath Kelvin Yoboa. They're absolutely flying. I think that's going to be a really
interesting matchup against the LA Galaxy. The three pis you know, pex pooch, paintsil and then throw Yogolic up top. Could be goals, goals and more goals, but could be about transition moments. But long winded answer. LAFC Seattle, what is it? The last twelve matches thirteen matches, Seattle's lost three matches, three games, and I think two of those League's Cup and League's Play was against LAFC. The other was against
the Portland Timbers. If there was ever a time for something crazy to happen, it almost feels as though this is the playoff game at Bemo Stadium, where a Stevie Trondolo side is flying high. He took a big risk in dropping Olivia Jeru to go with Nati Bogus Deni Bolonga in Keithyo Leveda and got the adjustments necessary against
Danny Startiniz Vancouver. So yeah, I mean your original question, I do feel like the winner of the West comes out of this LAC Seattle game and If that is the case, then absolutely, whether it's at Bemo Stadium or it's up in Seattle, it's going to be one hell of a MLS Cup final.
I think the LA Galaxy and once again Brian Dunsath, who's gonna be calling Orlando City and Atlanta coming up this Sunday, twelve thirty pm Pacific time there MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. I think LA Galaxy is going to pose a massive challenge to either team. But I just kind of look at momentum and I mean I think LAFC, if after a little bit of up and down,
have finally figured it out for Seattle. You know, Ron from AFAR, I'd love to get your ten to two cents because we get through the Houston series, you know, in penalties and you know, sort of like Minnesota in that regard, and it sort of is one of those things where you know, you wonder how much momentum this team is writing right now considering as you mentioned the last twelve considering penalties, I mean, shoot in MLS playoff history, before the Houston series, this club in the MLS era,
in the MLS playoffs had won one penalty shootout back against Toronto in twenty sixteen, and then we double that, were to triple that with the two wins over Houston. I mean, I do wonder how much momentum this team has considering a three week breakoff and how much that may play into this Saturday's big game.
Yeah, I'd like to agree with you, but then I'll
throw a curveball at you the damn international break. Yeah exactly, It's just I don't know, to be honest with you, I don't know, because there's this theory, right that you're going to get everyone back and everyone's going to be healthy, and you're thinking about Jordan, and you're thinking about Albert, and you're thinking about those with the nickels and the knocks, and you think about how do we bubble wrap the players that are going away for international duty, and even
a player like read Baker Whiting going away with the twenties. You know, what's the travel like that in the recovery versus maybe a new who going away or staying or you know, like we can play the theoretical chess match. You know it's chess and checkers at this point, because I don't know, to be quite honest with you, I mean, even even the flip side. You know, Danny Bowonga flies halfway around the world to play for Gabon gets another goal. So is that a good thing or a bad thing?
That he's kept his form and he gets a goal with his national team, and yet he's got to fly what eighteen to twenty two hours including layovers, to get all the way back to Los Angeles and prep for this game. So yeah, I'm not sure, man, I would try. I think at this point, Jackson, anyone who says like this is an absolute it's they're dead wrong. They're lying to you, They're lying to yourself. I don't know. I think this game is going to be won and lost
in the midfield. I think in transition moments, who's more vulnerable in possession when they turn the ball over? I mean, who would have thought that the game winning goal for LAFC would come off paka Oka clearing a ball, Aaron Long bodying off, Brian White hitting a diving header and
ball flicking off who was it in the midfield? Gosh, I can't remember who touched in the midfield, but then hitting Maddie Bogus whose first touch is back across the defender, and then all of a sudden, you know, keeps it on the desk for the far post, roll for the finish. It's just these minuscule gray area moments, proactive versus reactive. And I think at this point that's what separates teams. It's less about form, it's more about moments.
Yeah, and I think those moments right there. It's so funny because we think about the moments for LAFC, and there was just a few moments that went right. I mean in the first game, Game one, Brian why off the post in the eighth minute. If that goes in and that entire series is completely different, and it could be Sounders Vancouver at lumen Field on Saturday or yes, that would be Monday. So now we're looking at it
as one moment changes everything. And for the Sounders right where, you know, you get a moment here, you get a moment there. The own goal for Christian rolld On that gives was Houston a chance if they had won that penalty shootout Boom, the own goal is suddenly being looked at.
I mean, it's it's it's so funny because these two teams, LAFC and Seattle both come into this series with kind of these these moments, but not necessarily looking their best in for in either series, and for l a FC it was three games where they didn't look their best.
Yeah, and I mean the gamey Belonga penalty separating them back in uh you know, the US Open Cup that midweek games so handbald. Yeah, yeah, I mean, and this is again, we haven't even talked about referees. We haven't even talked about bar We haven't even talked about you know, the tactical chess match between two geniuses and Schmets. And by the way, congrats to the Smets, well deserved on his new contract. Love seeing that happen and just thinking
about what the future looks like. You know, again, I did this thing the other day where I was trying to convey why I thought Stevendolo should have been included in the top three for the Coach of the Year. And you go back, and I know people will say, but look at the amount of money doney. No, absolutely, but if you think about if you actually go back and do your research from twenty two to now, the
roster turnover has been extraordinary. And even if you go back last year to the loss against Columbus in the MLS Cup Final. Five starters in the MLS Cup Final not on the opening day roster for Stage Roundalo in LFC. Two substitutes that came in that game not on the game day roster to start twenty twenty four. You know, Michel State Fullerton. Math isn't great, but I'm pretty sure that seven players that played in an MLS Cup final
weren't on the starting roster. And then you think about, you know, bringing in Olivia Jerux, You think about adding you know, different pieces of the puzzle, even a Marlin late in the season who gets that third goal against San Jose that then leads to the meltdown for the Galaxy down in Houston, which leads to the La LAFC
claiming the top spot in the West. There's you know, you can talk about possession and being pragmatic and transition teams and all these little, you know, bold strokes that we like to take as broadcasters and TV pundits and analysts, but at the end of the day, there's something to be said about the nuance of a touch of a manager and whether that's the verbal touch, whether that's the
tactical touch. I have the utmost respect of these two guys in the manner in which they do it, because they do it strikingly different but to the same effect, which is incordant. And by the way, just acknowledging for a quick second for Schmid's and what his group has done.
You know, I said this on the broadcast with to Max and with the Komak defiance and with Wade Weber and everything they've done, whether it's been you know, whether it's been Jackson Reagan, or it's been Paul Rothrock, or it's been Reed or it's been obed to think about this narrative out there that you know, we talk about development teams, we talk about teams that develop and sell and all this Seattle is a guiding light for me
right now. And what they're doing with their moments of identification, development, promotion to the first team and a manager that believes
in the group that they are developing. It's really extraordinary what's happening, especially in the summer transfer window in which Pedro de la Vega knocked up injured, money spent, Nico out the door, what's happening with Raoul for them to be in the position where there I believe a better points tally than last year and doing it without a significant spend says a lot of what Craig Wible and the dynamic with what Brian Schmetter were capable of doing
this year. So hats off to them. It is really extraordinary. And my hope is maybe bigger and broader picture that you're going to see the influx of investment similar to what we saw back when the transition of Clint Demc and Olp with Emmy Martins to Nico and Roel, because I think that's the next evolution and whatever this nuclear arms spending of Major League Soccer looks like in the Western Conference.
Ye, it's going to be the interesting future of the West and how things change. But to your point, I don't think the Sounder should be where they were without the development using that word, the development of guy like Paul Rothrock and where he's come and gone, you know, the lack of a summer signing. I mean Paul basically was another you know, tam level signing who just happens to be in the form of something else. But this team, it'll be fun to see kind of where we go
from here. Brian Dunseeth has been our guest here. He's on the call for Orlando City and Atlanta Sunday, twelve thirty pm, Mly of the season pass on Apple TV.
I thought you were on the Sounders call.
The good news though done, he is the fact that Jake zib and I are good friends. While we were speaking, I just texted Jake and he's going to be coming on the show in the next segment. So we've were moving things around here Sounders weekly. We're making things work. We get a double dose of great broadcasters. So thank you so much for the time, love your insight. Have a great call on Sunday. We'll I'll be watching and you know, selfishly for me as a Garth log Away fan, Go Atlanta.
Hey Jackson, I appreciate you, my man. I've enjoyed building our relationship over the years. I think you're great at what you do. Appreciate always the opportunity. And I'm glad you got Jake because now you've got a pro following up.
Oh come on, no, we're going down in the program here now. Man, it's great to have you on. Have a great call on Sunday. We'll talk real soon.
Here, Jasin. Thanks man.
Good stuff there. From Brian dun Seth. Always love having him on and yeh as I just told him there. I was just texting with our good friend Jake Zimmon, the former play by play voice of the Pearl and Timbers who's now the lead commentator for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Apparently he will be on the Sounders Call We Can Sell See on Saturday. So we're gonna chat with Jake Ziven as long as he answers his phone here. This is a little bit of impromptu I
texted Ari. We're gonna push Ari back by about twenty minutes. Sounder's Weekly changing, we go from Brian Dunseeth to Jake zivin Ari Leenwall later on Let's Rock and Roll More. Next here on Sports Radio ninety three point three KJRFM.
Now back to.
Sounders Weekly on your home for Saunders FC Seetle's Sports Radio ninety three point three kJ r FM.
Well, welcome back Sounders Weekly, Jackson Feltz here. Good to be with you here on this Tuesday night. We were just talking to Brian Dunn sat there in that last segment.
I thought he was on the Call of Sounders LFC, and then he starts his first answer by saying, you know, I'm not actually on the call right, it's actually Jake Zivin on the call for Sounders LFC, and I go, oh, really, So it's very nice to have a good friend by the name of Jake Siven because I just texted him a few minutes ago while Brian and I were talking and said, hey, I know we're you know, we can change some things in Sounders weeklyan we ranged some things.
Ari Lillenwall got pushed till later on.
He's fine joining us in twenty minutes because I have to get on the man who will have his voice on Sounders LAFC this Saturday night at seven point thirty. Jake Zivin, our good friend, joins us right now here in Sounders Weekly.
Jake, what a surprise. Happy to have you on, man, How are y my man?
I'm here for you. I'm here for you.
No.
I was happy to get the text. I said, of course, of course I'll come on. I'm glad you got to talk to Dunny as well. Brilliant guy, great insight. Here we go, big show today, and thanks thanks to Ari for waiting twenty minutes.
I know he can wait. He's all We're friends. He can he can wait anyway, So uh, listen man, it's it's I love that we can make this happen and changes around and get you on the show because there's so much to discuss. So let's start with the same question that I asked to Dunny just twenty minutes ago, and that is that I have been saying to people that I think the winner of Sounders LAFC will go on to win MLS Cup. And part of that's because
of the East. Part of that's because I think both teams matchup well at the Galaxy, despite the fact that what the Galaxy did LAFC a few months ago. But still I think the winner of this game goes and wins the whole thing.
Do I have a leg to stand on?
Wow? Sure of course, I though would not make that bold of a statement. I think the Galaxy are really really good, Okay.
And look they were flying in Round one.
Colorado was a great matchup for the Galaxy, no doubt about it. I don't think they're winning, you know, I don't even I don't know if they'll beat Minnesota, you know, by multiple goals. Maybe certainly a conference final against either their state of LAC I don't know if they would, but I would not make a proclamation like that, And
I wouldn't even say that the winner of this game. Now, first of all, calling a game, I'm not going to predict anything right the games going forward, But I wouldn't even say that the winner of this game would be the favorite against the Galaxy. I think the Galaxy might even be considered the favorite at LAFC. Certainly they would.
At home hosting these sounders.
They're really good that said. Yeah, I mean, look, nobody is gonna nobody's gonna say you're crazy for thinking that either OR or LAFC would go on to win MLS Cup. And I think the Western Conference winner, unless it's Minnesota, would certainly be an overwhelming favorite to win MLS Cup. Maybe not overwhelming, but a favorite. But yeah, I think you're discounting the LA Galaxy, a team I really believe
in and have all season long. Phenomenal attack. Seems like they figured out the back line enough, so I think you're not giving them enough credit in that statement, but it's certainly plausible.
Well the words he's used there where they they've figured out the back line enough, And I guess that's where we different because I don't. I don't think they figured it out enough to I think I think two things here. First up, it's the fact that they're, you know, yes, the first team in MLS history to have you know, four ten plus goal scorers and and they're obviously dangerous in that regard Sounders defensive you are the best team in this league, I think, and that can cancel it out.
And I think the Sounders offensively have figured out enough to use the same word to get past the Galaxy. Meanwhile, LAFC, you know, I just I think this game and I think it's specifically about this game this Saturday night that
you'll be on the call for Sounders LFC. I think this game will come with such momentum because the winner of this game, and it sort of as goes back to, you know, for Seahawks fans listening, it's the twenty thirteen NFC Championship where whoever Wane one between the Seahawks and the forty nine Ers was gonna win the Super Bowl, period, end of story. And I just think that this game comes because it's just such high stakes it is has done he called it to the game of the weekend.
It will come with such fervor of LFG. Let's go.
We're one went away from you know, playing for a cup, and and I just see these two teams and how much of a rivalry this has turned into this being a big turning point to get that extra oomph, an extra a little bit of momentum to go take you to that next step.
Oh right, And it's certainly a Seattle team and an LAFC team that know how to do it, right. I mean, the Sounders and LAFC have combined to make what six of the last eight mls cut in the West, right, the Timbers went to the other two. And there's still a lot of the core, you know, right, Like for Seattle, it's still Steph, it's still Christian, it's Alex rolled On, it's Ruiy Diaz maybe contributing a little bit, right Jordan like, like, it's this core, and it's Schmeetzer and they just know
how to do it. And LAFC obviously know how to do it because they've been there the past two years, so that's sort of been there, done that. I do find that to be really important in the playoffs. And look, nobody knows that better I think than the LAFC organization from twenty nineteen when that was the best regular season
of all time. Many would even argue that that's the best MLS team of all times, certainly in the discussion, but it were the Sounders in the Western Conference Final that were playoff tested, were battle tested, that were ready for that moment, that knew how to win, and then
of course did win and then one MLS Cup. And what I think is one of the biggest upsets, and this has been a discussion now, right, but one of the biggest upsets in MS playoff history is that Western Conference Final because of how good LAFC were that year. So absolutely, right, both these teams have that the Galaxy do not have that They haven't proved it yet in the playoffs, right, but they're really good and certainly the Sounders will have a lot of confidence against the Galaxy
given that League's Cup game. Right, So I think either one would be a great matchup. It's look, it's that time of year where no matter what we get in either conference final inn MLS Cup, it's going to be a great matchup. It's going to be a great game.
Well, Jake, it's funny and once again Jake Zivens our guest. He's the lead commentator MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. He'll be on the call for Sounders and LAFC this Saturday night. It's funny you mentioned biggest upset, and I agree that was a gigantic upset of Sounders over LAFC in twenty nineteen. I think what we just watched and what you just called down there in Miami is the
biggest upset in MLS history. The nine seed Atlanta United winning the series against the one seed, the supporter shield, the record winners in Inner Miami MESSI goes down to Atlanta. You called it, and for my money, that is the biggest upset in this league's history.
It is. I don't think there's any doubt Atlanta winning that series is by far the biggest upset in MLS history. It was already the biggest point differential between any playoff matchup in MLS history regular season point differential thirty four
points between Inter Miami and Atlanta. Now, look, there's more teams the playoff format right now, When nine teams get in per conference, you're more likely to have a bigger point differential, right whereas in years past, if only seven teams or six teams got in, You're you're you're not going to have that point differential. Of course, also when you're playing the team that had the most regular season points in MLS history, you're more likely to have that
point differential. But given not just the numbers, but the star power on Miami and Atlanta, what they are going through this season and kind of resetting the team again in the offseason, right, former Sounders general manager Darth Loggerway's down there now and Garth, you know, I think one hundred percent, like clearly since this summer was like we
got to move on from some players. You've got to move on from Almada and Yakomakis, and we're gonna get a lot of money for them, and there's gonna be a reset and it's going to take a few transfer windows to get there. Right. They made one big move with Moran Choku was the most expensive signing in the summer, but he hasn't had that like incredible impact that Nico Ladero summer signing impact. Right, He's been a good player
for them. There's definitely a few transfer windows away from being where kind of and next I think where Garth wants this Atlanta team to be and kind of what his vision is, right, So it's a massive upset. We're fortunate to call the first two games of that series. Brad Gazan was just phenomenal. I mean, what a performance in really in all three games, particularly in the two games in Miami and in game three when it mattered
and they took advantage of book. We talked to you, We mentioned it five minutes ago with the Galaxies defensive issues. Miami has had those defensive issues all season long, and Atlanta took advantage of them in their moments. And for my money, you know, we're deserved winners. And what a surprise. It dis erupted the MLS playoffs. The whole Eastern Conference has been blown up, right with Columbus and Cincinnati and Miami won two and three out I believe Columbus and
Cincinnati losing to New York and New York City. We're also in the top five biggest upsets in MLS PLAFF history going by point differential, right how many regular season points apart they were, So you have three of the top five happening in the East this year. East is now just completely wide open for who's going to be
the representative in MLS Cup. And from a Sounders perspective, the benefit of that is if the Sounders make it to MLS Cup, now they're hosting, Yes we are all of a sudden they have that in their control.
Now.
Yes, they have to go on the road in the Semis might have to go on the road in the conference finals. It's the Galaxy beat Minnesota and the Sounders beat l AFC. But boom, you know you can now host the most important game of the year MLS Cup. And I think that's got to give all these Western Conference teams a big boost now knowing that that's that's there for them. The only Eastern Conference team that could host Orlando City would host Minnesota.
That's it.
It's the only game only MLS Cup that would.
Be hosted out East.
So big, big boost, I think for the Western conferences.
That's wild.
Jake lasting for you and once again Jake Sibbons our guest colin Sounders LAFC this Saturday night, Let's jump back to Sounders LAFC because I think the big question for Seattle fans is how do we get this done? Obviously we're a great defensive team. It looks like We're going to be healthy. It looks like it's gonna be Jordan and Albert and Paul and everybody's going to be ready to go. So the big question for Sounder fans is, obviously, you know, both of these teams were in this exact
same spot. Last year Western Conference Semifinals game was played at lumen Field. LAFC won one nothing via a Bolonga goal. So the question from Sounder fans is, how the hell do we get this done this time?
Maybe you go back to May sixteenth, twenty twenty one, that's the last time the Sounder seed LAFC. It's remarkable, it really is. Right there. You know, there's this this turned bogie team, right and and it really accurately describes the past several seasons of LAFC and Seattle and for whatever reason, you know, and look, LAFC have been that to many teams over the past two years. Right there are there are not a lot of teams that have good records against laf see the past three or four seasons.
But for but for to be this stark right, for for not having to have beaten lafc uh in three and a half calendar years. It's four wins this year, right in four games in three different competitions, now meeting for a fifth time and a fourth competition in the playoffs.
I don't know, right, I think it's been a bad matchup for Seattle, right, And we've called several of these games, we called last year's Western Conference semi final, and it seems like the way Seattle play and the way LAFC wants to play just benefits l a f C. They they're okay, letting Seattle have the ball and then and then getting into space behind and that was last year right at lumen Field. It was one moment but Wanga
goes behind, he scores, and that's really it. And then the Sounders were good and and that seam Craig Poe made a few great saves.
Uh and and it's one nil in l a f C are moving on.
And it's kind of been that way, right when when when they've played, it's it's just the matchup just kind of plays in the l a FC's hands for how they are most effective and invest I don't know the answer, you know. I know Brian Schmeetzer and his coaching staff have been thinking about it for a couple of years. Now right, because again they seem to meet all the
time in these super important games. But the Sounders will will of course be up for it and we'll be ready, and it's a it's a really interesting, I think, tactical matchup given you know, I don't think it's gonna be wide open, right, like like if you get you know, l a f C versus the Galaxy, I think you're gonna have goals going both ways.
I don't think this will be that way.
I think it'll be a tight game. I think it might be another one nil game where one to one or two to one going to extra one, one one going extra time, right, or two to one, something like that, really tight game. And you know, to me, it's it's a Sounders taking their moments, right. Can they have a finisher? Can maybe they get another playoff moment from Ruy Diaz squeeze one out of him? Can Jordan take his chance he.
Had a chance last year first.
And if he finishes that, the game is totally different. But if you let l a FC get the first goal, you play right into their hands.
So we got it.
That's that's how to win.
To answer the question, you got it, you get an early chance, and you got to score on early because again then l e FC have to open themselves up and suddenly, you know, you get them playing out of comfortability and and that's that's the answer. But you know, can you take one of those early chances? Can Jordan's score an early chance if he gets another one? I think I think that's the name of the game. Uh, Jake, It'll be awesome to see you down there in Los Angeles.
We're coming down and A Y're over it there as well, So I'll see you in l A. Safe travels there, uh and uh we'll look forward to a fantastic game on Saturday night. Ah.
Man, can't wait to be down there. Can't wait to see you uh in l A. Save travels. Enjoy the week, Jackson.
Great stuff there from Jake Zivin love having Jake on the show. I love that we could fit him in, and love that Ari Lilienwall was able to push back because joining us next will be the man who writes and edits for MLS Soccer dot Com, Arilillianwall. Before we get to Ari, I will quickly tell everybody that twenty twenty five season memberships are on sale now for the Seattle Sounders. Join the Sounders FC legacy and secure your
spot with the best fans in MLS. Becoming a member is the best way to gain access to the club World Cup. We're working closely with FIFA to get our season members access to tickets, including three Sounders matches. Members also have access to MLS Season Pass ticket flexibility, our new training facility and clubhouse, plus more. Learn more at SOUNDERSFC dot com. Backslash tickets, backslash memberships. We'll get a break here in Sounders Weekly. We'll come back and chat
with Ari Lillienwall. That's next on Sports Radio ninety three point three KJER Now.
Back to Sounders Weekly on your home for Sounders FC, Seattle's Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FM.
Welcome back Sounders Weekly. Good to have you here Tuesday Night. Here special Tuesday Night edition looking ahead to Sounders LAFC in the Western Conference Semifinal this Saturday night. We will have the call ninety three point three KJRFM right here seven o'clock Providence, Swedish pre match show seven thirty kickoff. Folks can also watch it on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV with Jake Zivin on the call who just
joined us here on Sounders Weekly. We're also joining us earlier was Brian dun Seth, you know, for our guest right now and in case you're just joining us, we had Don Seth off the start of the show tonight and in his first answer he says, you know, I'm not on the Sounders call right That was news to me. So Jake Zivin was on the call. I immediately texted Jake Zivin. He was able to go in that last segment,
and we thank Jake for doing that. And I also texted the man who's joining us right now, Ari lillianwallv mlssoccer dot com and the podcas cast Lobbing Scorches. I asked Ari if he'd go twenty minutes later, he was gracious enough to move around whatever he had going on tonight.
Ari, thank you for being so flexible this evening.
Yeah, no problem, Jackson, good to be here.
Good to have you here.
All right, a little bit delayed, but let's talk Sounders LFC and Jake and I just finished by asking the question of how the sounders get this done. We kind of talked through it and kind of came to the reasonable conclusion that the Sounders need to a get an early chance like they did last year in the Western Conference semifinal, and b actually put away that chance something we didn't do last year. Is that conclusion reasonable to say the Sounders will get this done if they score first period.
I mean, I think that would certainly help quite a lot. I mean, if you remember this matchup in twenty nineteen, LFC actually scored in that game and then Seattle is able to turn around. So I think more than scoring first or scoring early, it's about kind of riding what's been the strength of their team all year, which is
an elite defense. So because you're going up against an LAFC team that they have one of the best players in the league in Denny Bwanga, and they just have a stacked attack across the board with Mattias Bogus in there as well and a couple of their other weapons.
So I think it's it's both of those things.
Well, you know, Aria, I'm gonna ask the same question to you that I asked to both the other guys. So it's, you know, a three for three. Let's see if how you answer it. Because I've been telling people I might have even sent it on our group thread that the winner of Sounders LAFC wins MLS Cup because you know, I haven't believed in the Galaxy all year. Jake sort of disagreed, and he you know, he's riding with the Galaxy in whatever West Final it may be.
But I just feel like the momentum game from either of these teams, Sounders LAFC going in to a West Final and then would be hosting an MLS Cup would be too great. So I'll ask you the same question. Do I have a leg to stand on in my claim that the winner of this game Saturday night wins MLS Cup.
Yeah, I don't know if I'm fully there yet. I mean, I've been higher on the Galaxy than you have all year. I think that's going to be a really difficult Western Conference Final if they're able to make it past Minnesota. I think that'll be a difficult matchup, even if it's in l Traffico. I think the Galaxy always gives l AFC a really good game too, So I think any matchup where Seattle has to play the Galaxy, I don't
know who I would pick in that game. I would have to ste on that a little bit more, But I think I would expect a hard fought, competitive Western Conference final in that scenario.
I think that would be hard fought no matter what. I guess we'll see if that ends up being the case or if Minnesota can pull the upset. And you know, we've been talking Sandra's LFC all night, and really this whole show has been a sharp Vision upon and that's the last time I think we're going to be mentioning that because I want to kind of get Ari's thoughts on the rest of the MLS Conference semi final Assault.
So everybody that really tonight's show, but Tonight's opponent. All look was presented by Sharp Vision Modern lesa can lens, the official Lasik provider of Sounders FC SO ARI LA Galaxy, Minnesota, Minnesota. The Loons are as hot as any team in Major League Soccer of the remaining eight. LA Galaxy are so talented, how do you handicap that matchup?
I still think the Galaxy are a pretty heavy favorite playing at home, and just with how many weapons they have in attack, I feel like they just have a lot more firepower than Minnesota has. At this point, Minnesota has looked a lot better since Kelvin Youboa got to their team, he's giving them a big boost, and you're right,
they are playing really well right now. But if I had to size up the rest of the field with what's happened in the East and the top three seeds all going down, I think the Galaxy are the best team left. I mean, I think you could put and Seattle will certainly have a say in there before it's all settled in the in the West. But that's kind of how I see it going into the semi finals.
So let's go to the East then, and considering you're you're lining up Dalaxy to be hosting or not be hosting, but playing in the West final there. So let's start with Orlando and Atlanta because that is such an interesting one, with Atlanta pulling up the greatest upset in MLS history, you know, taking down Miami in that nine versus one game. Does Atlanta have enough momentum to keep them going and pull another upset in Orlando.
I don't know if I'm fully on the Atlanta thing yet. I know that they got a great win over inn Miami, which, like you said, was the biggest upset that we've ever seen in the MLS playoffs, but you know, and they're definitely they've got the Cinderella team of destiny vibe going
on about them right now. But you know, I still think they're the nine seed for a reason and that they're and is probably gonna end eventually, and it would stand a reason that it ends against Orlando right here, because I think Orlando's team has been quite a bit better than them down the stretch of this season. But you know, maybe they keep it going. I don't know, I could be wrong.
And then in the other one, New York City versus New York Red Bulls is such an interesting one considering, you know, what happened in the first round. So you know, it's sort of the same question of, you know, considering the upset that the Red Bulls pulled, can they continue to ride that momentum against the other New York team in the Hudson River rivalry.
Yeah, that is a pretty uh, it is a pretty similar situation. I feel like this matchup is kind of rescuing the rivalry which the New York Arby has been kind of didn't have the same kind of juice in recent years that it had sort of at the beginning of the days when those days when NYCSC first came into the league. So I think this is going to be good for that rivalry. But as far as how these two teams stack up, I mean, you got the sixth versus the seventh seed. I don't think there's all
that much that differentiates them. But I think New York City on their day, I think they are a better team than the Red Bulls, So I would pick them, But the Red Bulls they have that kind of the same vibe. Like you said that Atlanta United have a sort of kind of riding out a run where they're playing with house money a little bit.
Yeah, I think that's the thing.
The team's playing without the pressure and without the stress and playing with that house money. That's kind of the vibe I'm getting from these playoffs. Like the Sounders right now, I mean, nobody expects them to go to LAFC and win Minnesota. Nobody goes, you know, expects them to go to the Galaxy and win Atlanta. Same case, Red Bulls, same case. It just seems like in all four of these matchups, you have four teams playing a little bit with house money right now, where the pressure's off.
Yeah, absolutely, and I think there's a lot to be said for how that can kind of make you go into these games playing free. And like we saw that exact same manifest in twenty nineteen when Seattle had to go to this exact LAFB team in the Western Conference Final in a year where that LAFC team was one of the best MLF teams ever. They had a plus forty eight goal differential and Carlos Velo put up thirty
four goals fifteen assists. So Seattle went into that game no one thought they would win, they had no pressure on them, and sure enough they go in and win three to one. So that doesn't guarantee that it's going to happen this time, but I think that does kind of show the same mentality that, like you said, not just Seattle can lean into here, but across all of these semifinal matchups.
Ari great insight on all four of these games. Whether the Sounders are in or out. We'll talk next week and look ahead to the Conference finals, and hopefully we're talking about a Sounders game. Hopefully we're talking about Sounders Minnesota, but hopefully we're talking about a Sounders West Final ahead, So enjoy the four games this Saturday Sunday, and we'll talk to you next week.
Sounds good, Jackson looking forward to it.
It's good stuff there from Ari Lillenwold. Good insight into all of those conference semifinal games. We got New York City, New York Red Bulls Saturday at two to thirty Pacific. LAFC Sounders once again brought podcast details on that. It is going to be a seven o'clock Providence, Swedish pre match show seven thirty kickoff right here Sports Radio ninety three point three KJRFM. We will have you right here for Sounders LAFC this Saturday night. You can also watch
that match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. You can watch all four of these games on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and that then shifts into Sunday twelve thirty Pacific time, Orlando City facing or hosting Atlanta. Brian Dunseeth, who joined us earlier, is on the call for that, and I should mention as well Brian dun Seth, Jake Zivin who's on the Sounders LAFC call, Ari Leleen Wall, thanks to all of them for joining tonight's mixed match.
You know changing show.
Check out the podcast Sounders Weekly wherever you get your podcasts in case you missed any of them. But then to round out the conference semifinals, it's the LA Galaxy hosting Minnesota on Sunday at three pm Pacific, So everybody enjoy all of those games. Make sure watch all those games because you know, if the Sounders make it through, we could be watching potential opponents in either the West
Final or MLS Cups. So I'm gonna be tuned into all of these games as much as I possibly can while we are traveling down to LA because we'll talk to you down from Los Angeles down there at what it's no longer the Bank of California Stadium. I think it's BMO Stadium now, So we'll talk to you from BMO Stadium on Saturday seven o'clock pregame right here on KJR. We will talk to you on Saturday. Have a good
rest of your week, everybody. One quick note before we end tonight's show, and that's that Sonder's e FC Soccer is presented by Providence Swedish, the official healthcare partner of Sounders FC. That'll do it for us tonight. Have a good rest of your week. Everybody, we'll talk to you on Saturday.