Nos Audietis

It's been awhile since we did a "normal" episode and, frankly, this is not when we get back to it. Jeremiah is joined by Mark Kastner this week and they touch on quite a few subjects. They briefly discuss the LA Galaxy game, give their thoughts on Andrew Thomas' breakout performance and look ahead to the Timbers game on Sunday. Then they close it out by emptying the mailbag that had been starting to get a little full. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

The Seattle Sounders didn't exactly put their best foot forward in their U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 match against Louisville City, but they did advance. In the process, Andrew Thomas may have earned himself a permanent place in Sounders Open Cup lore with his shootout performance in which he saved three shots and then slammed home the game-winner himself. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

To get us ready for the Sounders game against Louisville City in the U.S. Open Cup we have a packed show. First, Vince from Scuffed gives us a bit of a scouting report. In the second segment, we catch up with former Sounders Academy and Tacoma Defiance player Ray Serrano, who's enjoying a bit of a breakout season with Louisville City. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

The LA Galaxy will come to Lumen Field in largely the same position they were in the last time these two teams faced about a month ago. The Galaxy are still near the top of the Western Conference, boosted by an offense that has scored 21 goals in 10 matches. To help us get a better understanding of them is resident Galaxy expert Ryan Rosenblatt. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Will Bruin is back with us to look back on the massive win over the Philadelphia Union along with some insight into the upcoming match against the LA Galaxy. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Jason Anderson, formerly of Black and Red United but current with Pro Soccer Wire, joined us to give us some insight into D.C. United, a team that appears to be a lot better than their record would indicate. Not only do they have one of the league's top scorers in Christian Benteke, but they also have the most active defense. Should be interesting! Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

The mailbag was not full of rainbows and unicorns this week, but that didn't stop Jeremiah and Aaron from answering questions to the best of their abilities. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

With their 2-0 loss to the Whitecaps, the Sounders are officially off to their worst-ever start. They’ve never before failed to win at least two of their first eight games and their six points are now two fewer than the eight they had at this point in 2018. Their latest loss is probably their worst of the season. Not only was it their first multi-goal loss, but it also showcased some shocking mistakes and even more surprising loss of composure. On top of all that, felt an awful like a must-win game and yet, it was maybe their worst performance of the season. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

To help us get a better idea of what the Sounders should be expecting when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps, we reached out to Sam Rowan of The Third Sub, which was built from the ashes of 86 Forever. Sam explains how the Whitecaps have become one of the funnest teams to watch this year, but also shares some of their areas of struggle. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

In this week's mailbag episode, Jeremiah and Aaron dig into the Cody Baker vs. Nouhou debate, try to assess the general mood around the team and give suggestions how to better close the gap with Liga MX. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

If the 5-0 win over CF Montreal felt like the breaking of the dam, the 0-0 tie at FC Dallas suggests there wasn't all that much water stored in the first place. Jeremiah and Aaron try to make sense of what we can make of the Sounders. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

The Sounders are finally in the win column for the 2024 season following their dominant, which finally gave us a reason to do a happy podcast - but we're still not ready to get ahead of ourselves. After an awful start, the Sounders finally gave us something to cheer about - in a big way - in their 5-0 blowout of the Montreal Impact. Jeremiah's in Hawaiʻi this week, so Aaron is joined by Mark Kastner to break down the Sounders big win, how excited we ought to be about it, and what it might mean for a very rough stretch of games ahead. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

We're back with our good friend Will Bruin, who we found out is busy updating his resume. We also found out that he was recruited to play on Sacha Kljestan's Des Moines Menace, although he's not quite ready to lace up the boots again. We're going to try to make this a monthly feature for as long as Will is otherwise unoccupied.  Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

We're back with another full mailbag episode. This week we address questions about Brian Schmetzer's willingness to change his preferred lineup, speculate on the impact of new fatherhood on Jordan Morris' performance, and dig into some of the stats to determine how worried we should really be about the Sounders' performance. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

What’s left to say about the Sounders’ start? After falling 1-0 to the LA Galaxy, they are now 0-3-2 and sitting in last place in the Western Conference and just one point ahead of the New England Revolution in the Wooden Spoon race. They’ve now tied their franchise record for worst-ever start. I think they looked better on Saturday than they in possibly any other game, but that’s as much of an indictment of how bad they’ve been this year than a genuinely positive statement about their play. I’m not going to sit here and say I think that the team is broken or won’t improve, but I also don’t think we can simply take that as a given. They’re in the midst of what seems like a pretty soft part of their schedule and it’s concerning that they can’t pull out better results, regardless of how many injured players they have. That’s really the most frustrating thing. This team has enough talent on the field to be a better team, but right now they’re undeniably bad. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

The last time the Sounders visited the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park -- almost exactly one year ago -- there was a fullblown fan protest over the team's refusal to fire president Chris Klein. The stands weren't quite empty, but they were eerily quiet. The scene the Sounders should expect on Saturday should be entirely different. Ryan Rosenblatt -- our resident Galaxy expert -- says that since Klein's firing that fans feel like they can enjoy themselves again. It probably helps that the Galaxy are a lot of fun to watch as well. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Yep, we're kinda in the dumps just like you. Jeremiah and Aaron went light on recap and focused more on some of the bigger-picture frustrations that are making the Sounders so little fun to watch. Consider this a venting session. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Jamon Moore of Quakes Epicenter and The Aftershock joins the podcast to share some insight on the San Jose Earthquakes, a team that is off to an even worse start than the Sounders.  Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Jeremiah and Aaron are joined by friend of the show Susie Rantz to answer a whole lot of kinda depressing questions. Among the topics they tackles are the mailaise around the team, why they aren't spending more money and what needs to change in order to start winning. Fun times! Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

It's only been three games, but we're already getting antsy over here after the Sounders dropped two very winnable points at home against the Colorado Rapids. Jeremiah and Aaron break it down with a little help from our friend Susie Rantz.  Susie also sticks around for a second segment where we talk about the imminent sale of the Seattle Reign to a group that includes the Sounders. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

If you've been following MLS at all in recent years, you've probably encountered Joe Lowery's content. He's one of the most prolific and articulate analysts covering MLS these days, appearing everywhere from The Athletic, MLSSoccer.com, and the Total Soccer Show. He also has his own budding site, Backheeled.com, where he's collected some of the most interesting voices in American soccer. As you've probably heard, we recently created a partnership with him that gives Advocate members of Sounder at Heart free access to Backheeled.com. Joe and Jeremiah talked a bit about the partnership. They also discussed this week's Sounders opponent, the Colorado Rapids and how they're offseason transformation is going. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Jonathan Tannenwald (aka @TheGoalkeeper) joins us on the podcast to give us a preview of the Philadelphia Union match on Saturday while also digging into some of the issues surrounding the referee labor dispute. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

The Seattle Sounders are coming off a second straight frustrating result and our listeners are feeling spicy. Jeremiah and Aaron answered questions about the proper rotation of players, whether or not the Sounders are particularly prone to muscle injuries and why it's so hard to develop at Homegrown offensive player. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

The Seattle Sounders are winless after two games and have not yet scored from open play. There's an overall sense that the vibes are off, at least among fans. Jeremiah and Aaron dig in. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Just a few weeks after announcing his retirement as a player, Will Bruin is ready to start dabbling in pundritry. We were thrilled to bring him back for what may be the first of a revived series (that's still very TBD). In the meantime, we talked about how his post-playing career looks and he gave us some insight and impressions of Saturday's opponent Austin FC. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Tim Foss joins Jeremiah to answer reader questions this week. Among the pressing issues are the Sounders' seeming propensity for injury, how much we should expect to pay for World Cup tickets and the concept of "trap games." Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

It's not the sexiest or most interesting position to have, but Jeremiah and Aaron remain at least cautiously optimistic about the Sounders following their season-opening loss to LAFC. Given that the Sounders were missing five likely starters, there just wasn't much to read into the result. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Trebor Tracy has been running Angels on Parade ever since they left SB Nation last year. He joined us to talk about LAFC, how they felt about last season, what they thought of all the offseason turnover and where expectations are now. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

We came roaring back into the public feed with a live show that we recorded at Project 9 Brewery in the Maple Leaf neighborhood of Seattle. Jeremiah and Aaron do a bit of a season preview before turning it over to Sounders Director of Development Wade Webber, who regaled us with some stories about his fascinating journey to becoming a pro soccer player and told us about some of the top prospects working their way up the organization's depth chart. Among other things, Webber told us about a conspicuous blank spot in his Wikipedia page, what he looks for in a karaoke song and some harrowing tales of training with the legendary Clive Charles. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

We don't typically devote entire episodes to new kits, but Jeremiah and Tim both really liked what the Sounders put together and had a lot to say about it. While it might not be universally loved, it is an impressive campaign that has a lot to unpack. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

Following a 45-minute press conference introducing Sounders fans to Pedro de la Vega, GM Craig Waibel sat down with Jeremiah Oshan and Niko Moreno to discuss the signing. Waibel explains what he liked so much about the Argentine, gives some insight into the process behind securing his signature and what this could mean for the Sounders going forward. There is also an extended version of this interview that's available to paid subscribers of the podcast on our private RSS feed. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/  

With preseason set to begin next week, now seemed like a good time to get some our very full mailbag out of the way. Joining Jeremiah on the show is Tim Foss. They discuss what Raúl Ruidíaz needs to do in order to stick around; share when they think Longacres will be open to the public; explain when it's time to panic about the Pedro de la Vega transfer and so much else. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

Jeremiah is joined by Ari Liljenwall and Niko Moreno to reflect on Nico Lodeiro's illustrious Sounders career. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

Jeremiah, Mark, Tim and Susie get together to discuss the highs and lows of the 2023 season, as well as discussing what they liked, what they were wrong about and what they'd like to see in 2024. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.

I’ll admit, I was not quite ready for the 2023 season to end. A season that had once been virtually left for dead had come roaring back to life over the last couple months and I had sorta talked myself into the belief that this season was destined to end at MLS Cup. Maybe not actually lifting, but at least making a valiant charge, maybe even with Nicolas Lodeiro and Raúl Ruidiaz putting in a couple notable performances along the way. Nothing I saw against LAFC totally dissuaded me from believing that outcome was at least plausible, but the 1-0 loss at least means it’s no longer possible. If I’m to pull back a little, I suppose the final game was rather predictable. The Sounders played reasonably well -- I think you can even say they outplayed LAFC -- but couldn’t convert their chances, while LAFC made the most of theirs. Maxime Crepeau is a big reason why the sounders couldn’t convert, but the decisive factor ending up being the most predictable thing ever: Denis Buounga racing down the left wing and firing an absolute laser past Stefan Frei. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.

It's probably still too early to say this season has been an unmitigated success, but by beating FC Dallas in the first round of the MLS Playoffs they showed that this season at least has some positives to take away. Jeremiah and Aaron give a bigger picture view on what this series told us about the Sounders and what they think could happen in the next round against LAFC. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

Much to our chagrin, the Seattle Sounders will be playing a Game 3 of their best-of-3 series after falling to FC Dallas 3-1 on Saturday. The match started off pretty much disastrously, with Dallas getting two goals inside 20 minutes. To their credit the Sounders played much better over the next 70ish minutes until a Jackson Ragen giveaway allowed Dallas to score an ultimately meaningless insurance goal. During those 70 minutes, though, Jordan Morris looked about as good as he’s ever looked, scoring one goal, having another waved off for a questionable offside and just giving the Dallas defense all sorts of fits. There was also a penalty not given despite VAR’s recommendation and a few other good chances for the Sounders to equalize. All in all, a disappointing but hardly disastrous result. We discuss. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

Drew Epperley of Big D Soccer joins us to preview Saturday's Game 2. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

The Sounders ran their unbeaten streak to 10 games and took a 1-0 series lead over FC Dallas in the first round playoff series. They got goals from Albert Runsak and Jordan Morris, a 12th career playoff shutout from Stefan Frei and generally looked about as good as they’ve looked all year. I still don’t quite know how to feel about this three-game series, but I know winning your first game is a lot better than losing it!  Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

The Sounders will play familiar-playoff foe FC Dallas in a best-of-3 series that starts on Monday. To help us get some insight on the Sounders' opponent is Jon Arnold, who is part of the FC Dallas radio team as well as the guy who runs the Substack Getting Concacaf'd.  Arnold says he think Dallas matches up reasonably well with the Sounders and tells us about the story of Bernard Kamungo, who went from a Tanzania refugee camp to U.S. youth national team player. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

A few weeks ago, we were asked by a listener to project how well the Sounders would finish. We were thrilled to discover that we probably underestimated how good this team was still capable of being. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

Matt Baker of the podcast Flyover Footy joined us on the show to help preview Saturday's regular-season finale against St. Louis City. He explains how the expansion team recovered from a midseason slump to blow away everyone's expectations. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

The Sounders closed out their regular-season home schedule with a 0-0 tie with the Vancouver Whitecaps. I think we can fairly say the Sounders had the better chances and certainly had more of them, but it would probably be a stretch to suggest they deserved much more than they got. Defensively, they were stout and limited a very dangerous Whitecaps opponents to just four shots, and only one each from Brian White and Ryan Gauld. Offensively, though, it was a lot of half-chances without too many clear-cut ones. The point was good enough to keep the Sounders in third place, but they’ll likely need some sort of result in their season-finale against St. Louis to maintain home-field advantage in the first round. It also closed the books on what is now officially their worst-ever home record over the course of a season, albeit one in which they allowed just .65 goals per game (the fewest they’ve ever allowed). Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

The Sounders got a massive win on Wednesday, beating the LA Galaxy on a 96th minute goal from Cristian Roldan that punched their ticket back to the playoffs. Jeremiah and Mark talk about how this win has helped revive their belief that this team might be capable of making a run. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

Alex Ruiz (@AlxRuiz15) of Galactic Tribune joins us on the show to give us a scouting report on the LA Galaxy, a team that both scores and allows goals in bunches. He says Riqui Puig is about "99%" out and explains how injuries have piled up this year. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

Ben Wright from Broadway Sports Media joined us to talk about Nashville SC, who is hosting the Sounders on Saturday. He says, among other things, that he expects Nashville to use a full-strength lineup and gives some insight into the organization's struggles to find a suitable partner for Hany Mukhtar. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

When Hugh Weber was officially announced as the Seattle Sounders’ new President of Business operations there was an awful lot going on. The team was deep into the process of updating their visual identity; preparing to open a new training facility that would also house the business side; and had just unveiled their new shirt sponsor Providence Health. Things have settled down a bit since then, but are getting ready to ramp back up. On Tuesday, the Sounders will unveil that new visual identity and they’re now just months away from officially opening their Longacres training facility. Last week, we had a chance to meet with Weber to discuss all of these things as well as things like the Sounders’ interest in exploring the possibility of building a stadium at Longacres; how their relationship with OL Reign could evolve; the status of some of the promises around the Providence sponsorship; and learned that the team is currently enjoying very robust season-ticket renewal rates while also taking a record number of deposits on new ticket packages. A limited version of the interview is available here or wherever you normally get podcasts delivered. There’s also an extended version that’s about 20 minutes longer that is only available to paid subscribers, which you can become for as little as $19/year.  Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.

Ok, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. The Seattle Sounders are in the midst of a five-game unbeaten streak, but a lot of those results are against pretty bad teams. Still, they've been struggling for months against just about everyone so allow us to dream a little, yeah? Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

The Colorado Rapids have been mostly very bad this season but there are a few notable Sounders connections. The biggest is that Chris Little is now the interim head coach, he had previously been the Tacoma Defiance head coach from 2018-2020. We talked to Little about what's gone wrong, what went right last week and got an update on Danny Leyva. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.    

The Sounders travel to Frisco, Texas to play FC Dallas with a chance to solidify their place in the Western Conference standings. We talked to Buzz Carrick of 3rd Degree to get the lowdown. He thinks Alan Velasco is more likely to play than the injury report suggests, shares some insight on Seattle U's Nkosi Tafari and let's us know how Dallas has dramatically improved their attendance. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Watson's Counter Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo.