Sound of Soccer

What better way to cap 2016 than with final thoughts on the MLS Cup? Will and Steve look back at the Seattle Sounders' historic win over Toronto FC, including what the title means to the club after eight years on the MLS map. They also examine Osvaldo Alonso's legacy, a boost to Stefan Frei's reputation and how Brian Schmetzer became soccer royalty in Seattle. There's also plenty of debate about which international veterans should return in 2017 and the fate of Brad Evans, plus holiday music from iconic Seattle bands The Sonics and Pearl Jam. Thanks for listening to the Sound of Soccer in 2016, we'll be back next year.

Brian Schmetzer grew up in the Seattle neighborhood of Lake City as the son of German immigrants who valued honesty and hard work. A star player for a youth team coached by his father, Schmetzer signed a contract with the Seattle Sounders at 17 years old and eventually engrained himself in the club's history over the course of three decades. On the cusp of the club's first appearance in MLS Cup, Schmetzer talks about his upbringing, his relationship with Adrian Hanauer, candid conversations with Clint Dempsey and on becoming the head coach of the team he's adored since he was a kid. Steve and Will also preview the Sounders' match against Toronto FC and discuss how the match will be decided at BMO Field. Music on today's show by rock legend and Seattle native Jimi Hendrix.

The Seattle Sounders are headed to the MLS Cup Final to face Toronto FC, an unlikely but welcome scenario for nearly every Sounders fan who followed the team this year. Steve and Will recap the Western Conference Championship and offer their initial thoughts on MLS Cup, including what roles Nicolas Lodeiro and Jozy Altidore will play in each team's success. The guys also discuss the future of Nelson Valdez, Cristian Roldan's U.S. national team aspirations and if Sigi Schmid could join forces with Bruce Arena on the bench for the USMNT. Music on today's show by Seattle folk/pop band The Head and the Heart.

The Seattle Sounders are now 90 minutes from their first-ever appearance in the MLS Cup Final after taking the early lead in the Western Conference Championship, and Nick and Will are in the studio to break down what happened in the opening leg of the series. The guys discuss whether the Sounders can close the deal against the Colorado Rapids in Denver, and also reflect on a memorable night for the Eastern Conference in Montreal. They also discuss Jurgen Klinsmann, Bruce Arena, Sigi Schmid and Caspar Babypants. Music on today's show by Seattle rockers My Goodness, who will play 107.7 The End's Deck the Hall Ball ay Key Arena on Dec. 6.

The Seattle Sounders are one step away from MLS Cup, but they'll have to get past the Colorado Rapids first. Steve and Nick break down the latest injury news concerning Tim Howard and Jordan Morris, whether Jermaine Jones can shut down Nicolas Lodeiro and why the Sounders need at least two goals in the first leg in Seattle. They also weigh in on the latest troubles for the U.S. national team, the MLS careers of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and the best Denzel Washington movie, in honor of Steve's new puppy. Music on today's show by 1990s Seattle one-off rock gods Temple of the Dog, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their platinum-selling self-titled record. 

The Seattle Sounders are moving on to the Western Conference Championship after dumping FC Dallas, and there's reason to hope they could (gasp) possibly host MLS Cup. Steve and Will break down the Sounders' series win over FCD, offer some thoughts on the Colorado Rapids and discuss the storylines heading into the Eastern Conference Championship. Steve also offers his thoughts on Brian Schmetzer's official appointment to head coach. Music on today's show by iconic Tacoma rock group The Ventures. 

The Seattle Sounders are one step away from the Western Conference Championship, and Steve and Will like the team's chances of making an MLS Cup run. The guys break down the team's decisive win over FC Dallas in the first leg of the conference semis and discuss how to hold the lead in Texas, and cautiously look forward to a potential matchup against Colorado or LA. They also weigh in on Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodeiro as nominees for prestigious MLS end-of-the-year awards. Music on today's show by Seattle pop duo SISTERS.

The Seattle Sounders are moving on in the MLS Cup Playoffs, but it wasn't easy. Steve and Nick look back at the team's dramatic win over Sporting Kansas City in the Knockout Round, including a cathartic moment for Nelson Valdez, two controversial calls and the agonizing appeal of Benny Feilhaber. The guys also preview the first leg of the conference semifinals against FC Dallas. Music on today's show by Olympia rock heroes Sleater-Kinney.

The Seattle Sounders are in the MLS Cup Playoffs, but how long will they last? Steve and Will preview the team's Western Conference Knockout Round match against Kansas City and discuss how far the club can go in the postseason, plus they discuss that "interim" tag on Brian Schmetzer's business card and Zach Scott's testimonial match in 2017. Music on today's show from 1970s Seattle group Ballin' Jack.

The Seattle Sounders have missed two chances to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, leaving it all on the line for Decision Day. Steve and Nick recap the team's loss at FC Dallas and a controversial disallowed goal that stole the headlines, and they preview a critical season finale against Real Salt Lake. They also answer listener questions about Didier Drogba, instant replay and Sigi Schmid. Music on today's show by Seattle group Black Whales.

Steve, Nick and Will hunker down in the Sound of Soccer studios to ride out a wet and wild weekend storm and to discuss the Seattle Sounders' latest playoff outlook. The guys also touch on Osvaldo Alonso's costly red card, Sigi Schmid's new gig as a TV analyst and which Sound of Soccer panelist would be eaten first if the storm swamps the studio. Music on today's show by Seattle indie rockers Made of Boxes.

As the Seattle Sounders continue to climb up the Western Conference standings, Steve and Will discuss how the Sounders saved their season and the potential playoff matchups ahead. Steve also breaks down a controversial and rare red card for Sounders captain Brad Evans, Will discusses Jose Mourinho's influence on Portland Timbers coach Caleb Porter and the guys discuss the perceived embarrassment of MLS teams flying on commercial airlines. Music on today's show by Soundgarden, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their seminal album Badmotorfinger.

The Seattle Sounders are in a playoff position for the first time in 2016 thanks to a pair of big wins over LA and Chicago. Steve and Will break down what's gone right for the Sounders in the past week and the challenge ahead without Nicolas Lodeiro in Vancouver. The guys also discuss Clint Dempsey's future, Atlanta United as the new Seattle Sounders and rapper Machine Gun Kelly's appearance at CenturyLink Field. Music on today's show by iconic Seattle shoe-gazers Death Cab for Cutie.

On the heels of the Seattle Sounders' crucial win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, Steve and Nick discuss the invaluable return of Roman Torres and how he can help the Sounders grab some points on the road this weekend at the LA Galaxy. Steve also shares some personal memories of longtime defender Zach Scott and discusses Clint Dempsey, DeAndre Yedlin, plus a listener gives Steve a lengthy list of gardening tips. Music on today's show by Seattle blues rockers Gravel Road.

The Seattle Sounders are back at home for the first time in nearly a month this weekend, but can they avoid another slow start? Will and Steve look back at the team's 1-1 road draw in San Jose and debate where Brad Evans belongs in the lineup, plus reactions to Landon Donovan's return, listeners' farming tips for Steve and more. Music on today's show by Seattle-based Afrobeat and soul group Cascadia 10.

The Seattle Sounders are back from a bye week with a big challenge on the road in San Jose this weekend, but can they grab three crucial points at Avaya Stadium? Steve and Will break down what to expect from two teams fighting for their playoff lives, and the guys discuss CenturyLink Field's chances of hosting a Hexagonal game in 2017, Megan Rapinoe's national anthem protest and Steve's love of grime music and gardening. Music on today's podcast by seminal Seattle rock band Mudhoney.

What went wrong for the Seattle Sounders in Portland? Steve and Will break down the unceremonious end of the team's unbeaten streak and they discuss the news that Clint Dempsey has been sidelined with a medical issue. Also on the latest episode: DeAndre Yedlin heads to Newcastle and Obafemi Martins returns to Seattle ... sort of. Music on today's show by Seattle pop-reggae band Kore Ionz.

The Seattle Sounders are unbeaten in their last five games after a gritty road draw in Houston and a cathartic win against the Timbers, but can they keep the streak going this weekend in Portland? Steve and Will discuss the Sounders' run and what Fanendo Adi's return to the Timbers lineup will mean, as well some thoughts on Hope Solo's suspension and the best goal celebration in Sounders history. Music on today's show by Seattle rock band Naked Giants.

When the powers that be at MLS headquarters dropped the 2016 regular season schedule in January, no match loomed larger for the Seattle Sounders that the one going down this weekend at CenturyLink Field. Just days removed from a second straight decisive win for the Sounders, Steve and Will preview Seattle's upcoming match against the Portland Timbers on Sunday and what chances the team has of getting a huge Cascadia win. The guys also discuss the historic significance of Nico Lodeiro's play, Fox Soccer's duty to promote MLS and Hope Solo's comments at the Olympics in Rio. Music on today's show by iconic Seattle rockers Alice in Chains.

The Seattle Sounders put together perhaps their best performance this season in a 3-1 win over Orlando City, and Clint Dempsey finally looks happy. Will and Steve break down the win, Nico Lodeiro's influence on the club and why the odds are good the team can continue its momentum against Real Salt Lake. They also discuss Eddie Johnson's attendance at the Sounders game in Orlando. Music on today's show by Seattle singer/songwriter Daniel G. Harmann.