Kickoff: Processing a HISTORIC Seattle Sounders Catastrophe

The Seattle Sounders are coming off arguably the worst performance in club history, and for an occasion this unprecedented, we’re devoting the entire show to processing the fallout. After entering the World Cup break at 7-3-3, Seattle returned to a 5-1 annihilation by the Portland Timbers in front of more than 35,000 fans at Lumen Field. On this episode we'll break down every angle of the historic collapse. Was it an inexplicable outlier or an x-ray of deeper problems? How much responsibility belongs to Brian Schmetzer and Craig Waibel, and what does the result say about Seattle’s roster construction, ownership spending and veteran leadership? We’ll also examine Jordan Morris’ complicated DP situation, the decision to send Snyder Brunell and Paul Rothrock to face the media, and where the Sounders go from here. 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. 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. 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] #KO