Lobbing Scorchers

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 vs Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Qatar, and Egypt vs Iran – a slate that will see some of the biggest global superstars face off in Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne and Egyptian superstar Mo Salah.

☕️ 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

SPONSORS

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2025 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Ari Liljenwall
• Niko Moreno

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers Kickoff is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused live morning show. Join Ari Liljenwall and Niko Moreno live on YouTube every Monday, at 8am Pacific to kickoff your week with the inside scoop on the Seattle Sounders and Major League Soccer. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Pulso Sports' Niko Moreno. Grab a coffee as we talk about the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 made about the Washington State Millionaires Tax. Wilson and Riffe close the show by discussing the recently passed Sound Transit ST3 update and the Seattle Social Housing Developer.

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, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) and run through Pochettino’s full squad and debate whether this group actually has a shot to perform at the World Cup.

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, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the striker position. Then, we widen out to the Western Conference, debate which team is clearly superior to Seattle, and preview LAFC as the next opponent: what’s the vibe going into that matchup at BMO Stadium and how should Seattle approach it?

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 vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 current striker platoon of Jordan Morris, Osaze De Rosario and Danny Musovski. Is there a real answer on this roster? We wrap up by digging through the MLS salary guide to identify the biggest bargains, best values, and biggest over- and under-performers on Seattle’s roster relative to their contracts.

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 vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.com/coffee

Haxan Ferments - Specializing in unique, small-batch fermented hot sauces and vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 lineup. Later on, we preview a daunting midweek matchup with the high-flying, league-leading San Jose Earthquakes and outline adjustments Seattle must make to survive a side in excellent form. Finally, we scan MLS Matchday 12, highlight LAFC’s surprising collapse to Houston, and consider whether Concacaf Champions Cup fatigue is a league-wide factor.

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 vinegars, Haxan Ferments is handcrafted in Georgetown and made with the best local ingredients from across the Pacific Northwest. Use Code LS for a FREE Hot Sauce w/ purchase!

Sounder at Heart - Our network host and biggest supporter, Sounder at Heart covers the Seattle Sounders, Seattle Reign, and MUCH MORE! Subscribe and Support to the BEST independent Seattle Soccer coverage.

Podium Edmonds - Located at 114 4th Ave N, just off Main Street in the heart of Downtown Edmonds, come shop and explore the best menswear in the Pacific Northwest. Tell them Lobbing Scorchers sent you!

Full Pull Wines - Founded in 2009, they the best boutique wines of the world to members, with special focus on our home, the Pacific Northwest.

MLS Store - New year, new gear! The 2026 MLS jerseys are here, and MLSStore is the ultimate destination for every fan. Every purchase helps support our show!

Lobbing Scorchers is a production of Just Once Media.

Lobbing Scorchers is a Seattle Sounders and MLS focused show brought to you by Sounder at Heart. Hosted by Major League Soccer's Ari Liljenwall and Producer Noah Riffe. Join us as we lob our scorching takes on the American soccer landscape, Seattle Sounders, Major League Soccer, USMNT and more.

Contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.