The 2026 MLS season is here, and Lobbing Scorchers is sending off the preseason with one final episode before the action kicks off. The crew reunites in the studio for a spirited debate on Pedro de la Vega and his role heading into the new campaign, plus immediate reaction to the now-official trade of Reed Baker-Whiting to Nashville SC.

From there, the pod shifts into full 2026 Seattle Sounders season preview mode, with Ari Liljenwall and Noah Riffe laying out their predictions across several key categories: Team MVP, Golden Boot contender, Best Newcomer, and more.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

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• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe

SPONSORS

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

Sounder at Heart - Our 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.

Seattle Sounders Tickets - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.

MLS Season Pass - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.

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!

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: lobbingscorchers@justoncemedia.com

Seattle Sounders homegrown fullback Reed Baker-Whiting has been traded to Nashville SC in a cash-for-player trade (reported $800k plus add-ons). We'll analyze the move and the implications for Seattle's depth chart as we near the start of the 2026 season, and be joined by special guest Favian Renkel for some talk about the Sounders and MLS from a national perspective.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe

SPONSORS

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

Sounder at Heart - Our 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.

Seattle Sounders Tickets - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.

MLS Season Pass - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.

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!

We react following the Seattle Sounders' 3-1 victory over Louisville City SC in Sunday's preseason scrimmage at Longacres.

Follow Lobbing Scorchers:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• Ari Liljenwall
• Noah Riffe

SPONSORS

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

Sounder at Heart - Our 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.

Seattle Sounders Tickets - Get tickets to an upcoming match straight from the club and help support the show at the same time.

MLS Season Pass - MLS Season Pass is back on Apple TV with access to every single MLS match—including Leagues Cup and the entire Audi MLS Cup Playoffs—with no blackouts! Subscribe today to support the show.

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!