Welcome back Sounders soccer. I almost forgot the season was still going, what with all the losing by other teams while the squad Brian Schmetzer leads waited and rested.
Did you know that LAFC is supposedly the class of the league, or at least of what remains of the league after the failures of so many teams in the East. LAFC is not technically the best, because the Galaxy were better.
And if not for LAFC’s dominance of Seattle they wouldn’t be better than Houston. Then again, they did dominate the Sounders – in the regular season, in the Open Cup, in the Leagues Cup.
There’s little reason for hope. In single-game playoffs the home team dominates. That’s a big part of the reason why the regular season matters and why those slow starts are painful.
Yes, Brian’s been “better than Bob.” But that was so long ago Bob Bradley was coaching LA. ‘Dolo saw what Seattle can do and molds his squad to that. When Seattle sits back LA surges forth. When the Sounders try to pounce, LA strikes fast.
How does one persevere against an enemy that anticipates everything, that becomes what you are at your best and betrays all hope?
There’s really only one way – togetherness and cohesion. Ask for help when you need it. Provide it when asked. Communicate thoroughly via the fellowship you’ve developed and know, certainly and with all your heart.
Force them to break a dozen branches, because if they need to break just one the Sounders will be finished.
And then, then you may join Galadriel and drink the wine of victory, until the next contest because the journey isn't over.
A few of us are hanging out at Sleight of Hand Cellars SODO to watch the match. We'd enjoy it if you RSVP.
Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Here's what you missed on the site this week.
Sounders
We’re hosting a watch party tomorrow at Sleight of Hands Cellar. You can RSVP here.
Next match: Saturday night at LAFC at 7:30 pm on MLS Season Pass.
- Sounder Strategy: The Los Angeles Nemesis
- A possible path of vengeance
- After much tribulation, de la Vega happy with progress
- Nos Audietis: Should Sounders switch up formation?
- Availability of Nouhou, Rothrock now in question
- Three stats Sounders must change to finally beat LAFC
- Following long break, Sounders itching to return to action (same for me)
- Previewing LAFC with Max Bretos
- After years of heartache, Sounders devising plans to flip script on LAFC
- Lobbing Scorchers: Messi Can't Make it in MLS (feat. Jordan Morris & Happy Foot Sad Foot)
- Nos Audietis Mailbag: What’s this offseason look like?
- Jackson Ragen finishes distant third in Defender of Year voting
- Realio’s Ratings: Holding on
- Sounders international roundup: Nouhou starts twice
- Upsets mean Sounders will host MLS Cup if they get there
Men’s World Cup 2026 & Club World Cup 2025
Reign
- The Cooler Guild: Reign wrapped and all aboard the Bandawagon
- Reign sign fullback Hanna Glas to one-year contract
- Valkyratings: Blood by the Bay edition
- Valkyratings: Hopes Dashed edition
- Reign international report: Wales look to make history
Defiance
Spokane
Velocity lost in the final to Union Omaha. Former Sounders Academy player Blake Malone won with Omaha. Former Defiance midfielders Azriel Gonzalez and Collin Fernandez were with Spokane. Former Defiance keeper Wallis Lapsley was on the Omaha roster but did not play.
Zephyr return to their road trip playing Ft. Lauderdale on December 7.
Looking back at the news
Everything else you need to know
Bigfoot FC is joining USL 2 and USL W in 2025. Maple Valley is joining the now-large party of amateur soccer in the region.
2024 MLS Fan Survey: Supporters discuss Messi, roster rules, and the future of the league (Broadway Sports Media)
Understanding the Roldan brothers: From backyard battles to MLS glory with the Seattle Sounders (Backheeled)
Commentary: The “Big Bad Wolf” once again standing in the way of Sounders path to title (FOX 13)
“No bad days”: How Performance Coach Megan Young’s battle with cancer shapes her outlook on life (Seattle Sounders)
NWSL expansion race down to Denver, Cleveland, Cincinnati (ProSoccerWire)
Can the NWSL ever compete with MLS, NHL, NFL or NBA? (ESPN)
NWSL commissioner addresses San Diego Wave lawsuit, field conditions (New York Times)
Euro 2025 play-offs: Inspiration Jess Fishlock fit for Wales-Republic of Ireland final (BBC)
The ‘mistake’ that is Fifa’s Club World Cup looms large. But will it even happen? | Philippe Auclair (The Guardian)
Tata Martino out as Inter Miami head coach (Give Me Sport)
Lyon handed provisional Ligue 2 relegation and transfer ban - Get French Football News (French Football News)
Morgan Stanley is launching an investing index tied to sports leagues (CNBC)
ASN: Analysis: U-20 MNT completes strong camp with win over France, looks to 2025 (American Soccer News)
Héctor Herrera fined, suspended after Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders (MLS Soccer)
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