November 26, 2024 • 46 mins
Tonight on Sounders Weekly, Jackson Felts recaps Seattle's playoff win over LAFC incluidng a locker room conversation with defender Jonathan Bell, then looks ahead to the Sounders vs. Galaxy Western Conference Final in Los Angeles with Apple play-by-play voice Jake Zivin and Ari Liljenwall of MLS Soccer.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Coming to you live from Orellio Avenue Studios of Sports
Radio ninety three point three KJRFM. This is Sounders Wiggly
with your host Jackson Felts.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Pull down the line, north side given, driven across the
six back of the night, it goes old goal.
Speaker 3 (00:16):
The Sounders are in disbelief, the crowds in disbelief. But
the Sounders celebrate and is that a little bit of
luck that they need to get through?
Speaker 4 (00:25):
This?
Speaker 2 (00:26):
All gets whipped in by JP off the corner, headed
up by Sanchez. It comes rolled on ball, bouncing around
Jordan Morris.
Speaker 5 (00:34):
Back of the goal.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Brilliant stride by Jordan Morris.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
The Sounders players celebrate with the coaching staff. The Sounders
have been relentless.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
In this game and now they find the second goal
to put them up.
Speaker 6 (00:49):
That was a heroic effort, you guys, dug deep and
persevered and dingered.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
You know, it was an unbelievable goal, but your effort
throughout the game, leadership at the end, down legs, everybody.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
That was a total team effort.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Well done everybody in the room.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
It was an awesome performance.
Speaker 5 (01:26):
Good evening.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Welcome into Sounders Weekly. Jackson Feltz here what an opening
the goals, Brian Schmitzer jingle Bells bring us in to
tonight's Sounders Weekly Jackson Felts here for the next hour
talking all things Sounders soccer. As we are looking ahead
to the West Final Sounders at La Galaxy seven pm
(01:49):
on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park. We are going
to have the game for you on the iHeart Radio
Sounders FC stream channel. It will be a stream only
podcast for the West Final of Sounders Galaxy. We're gonna
send that link out. I'm gonna send it every single day,
probably multiple times on my socials at Jackson on Radio.
(02:10):
I'll make sure that the nine three to three kjar
account also sends it out. But it will be a
stream only on the Sounders FC stream channel on iHeartRadio.
If you actually go on to iHeart Radio and you
search Sounders stream channel, I believe that is what pops
it up. So that's how you will listen to the match.
It will also be an MLS Season pass on Apple
TV on Saturday at seven pm. Jake Zivin will be
(02:33):
back on the call and Jake will join us here
in about fifteen twenty minutes or so. Here in Sounders
Weekly to preview Sounders Galaxy and talk about what he
saw for the Sounders LAFC win because he was obviously
on the call there with Taylor Tweman for that game.
We'll also have Ari Lienwall coming up later tonight. We're
also gonna talk to Jonathan Bell or we did talk
(02:53):
to Jonathan Bell. I did in the locker room down
there in Los Angeles after the LAFC win. So you're
gonna hear from Jonathan Bell here in just a few minutes.
A lot coming up here in Sounders Weekly as we
preview the West Final, and listen. Let me just start
tonight with a story. So I woke up on Saturday
(03:15):
morning down there in downtown LA and staying with the team,
travel with the team for the LAFC win, and I
walk out of my hotel room and I go grab
some breakfast and I'm just, you know, taking a walk.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
You know, I've spent a lot of time in LA.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
My wife's from the Los Angeles area, but I haven't
spent too much time in downtown LA and walking around
just kind of exploring the city a little bit.
Speaker 5 (03:38):
And I'm standing at.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
A crosswalk and Preky, the assistant coach so of course,
the MLS legend Preky walks up to me and at
a crosswalk and we just start chatting as we kind
of walk together, and I asked, Preky, you know, I
would imagine, you know, for the guys, maybe internally, maybe
it's reached your ears, you know, the revenge after what happened,
you know, going on for this year, after being knocked
(04:01):
out by LAFC in the playoffs last year. I bet
a better revenge is is a little bit of a
motivating factor here, isn't Precky? And he kind of smiled
and said, Nah, everybody just has to do their job
tonight and we'll be fine. And that kind of turned
my brain instantly in the moment too.
Speaker 5 (04:18):
Well.
Speaker 4 (04:19):
The team had a hell of a plan in twenty nineteen,
and we always credit Gonzalo Paneda for that defensive game
plan to shut down Carlos Vela and shut down all
of those LAFC attackers in twenty nineteen. And I said,
all right, well, you got a plan, Let's let's make
it happen. Let's enact that plan and get it to work.
And then shortly after I learned we were flipping to
the five slash three at the back, and we saw
(04:43):
you know, Jonathan Bell come in for new We saw
Nathan eventually have to come in for an injured Yamar
Gomez Andrade, and they obviously he's a big question mark
for this West Final. I said last week, and listen,
I hate to walk things back, but I will walk
this back slightly. I said last week, I think the
winner of Sounder LAFC wins MLS Cup. And that was
(05:03):
before Yamar Gomez Andrade's injury. So at this moment, yeah,
I will slightly walk it back to say that if
the Sounders are missing what I think is their best
defensive player, sorry to Jackson Reagan, I do think Yamar
is right there. So if they're missing Yamar, at changes
(05:23):
quite a few things. So yeah, I understand, you know,
people say, but you said, I know what I said.
That was before what happened to Yamar. So this is
going to be an enormously large task. But again going
back to the game plan in nineteen, they had that
game plan, it worked perfectly. And the rising up of Nathan,
(05:44):
of Jonathan Bell, of Reed Baker Whiting to make sure
sure that Matteous bagouche and you know, whether it's Drude,
whether it was Denny Bwanga on the other side, every
single time any of the three of them had a breakaway,
they did exactly what Stephen Frych talked about last week.
They pushed him outside and then they got help. Whether
it was Yamar waiting for Alex to get help, whether
(06:06):
it was the other side, Jonathan Bell alongside Baker Whiting,
no matter where anybody ended up getting a one on one,
it ended up very quickly becoming a one on two
because the Sounders defenders. It was help defending. You know,
in just its core phrase, everybody was together. It was
a together performance, a defensive masterclass. And yes LAFC did
(06:28):
get their chance, Halling said, with a great goal, but
we can overlook that and circle in on the point.
And that was, by the way, started on a giveaway
from Jackson Reagan. But it was a defensive mistake that
cost LAFC their goal from Mixem Chaneau the worst touch
in maybe his career that goes into his own back
of the net nine minutes later for an own goal.
(06:49):
So you look at it overall, two defensive mistakes for
each team cancel each other out.
Speaker 5 (06:53):
It's just a masterful goal. By Jordan Morris.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
That got it done in the one hundred and ninth minute,
But on that defensive every single time you had an
LAFC defender who is able to find space, it ended
up being a one on two.
Speaker 5 (07:08):
And even then, you know, on the Hauling.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Said goal that was a lot of traffic they had
to work through, and Hauling said, put it together. I
think a fantastic final touch into the back of the net.
It took a lot for LFC to score that goal.
But really it was the Sounders defensively together, coming in
and understanding how to slide and how to cover space
(07:31):
and how to not let LAFC eat it up and
get in transition. And it was an absolute masterclass. It
reminded me of twenty nineteen. So going back to when
Preki said, everybody just doing their job and stepping up.
It wasn't about revenge. He was so damn right. It
wasn't about you know, just that anger in the furiosity
of letting.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
That fuel you. It was just about key.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
Defensive moments over and over and over again, where Jonathan Yamar,
all of them, you know, to the other side, Jackson
and the read. Of course, everybody did their job exactly
like Preky said, and they got it done just like
they did in twenty nineteen. The only difference is that
then put the Sounders into MLS Cup. This only puts
(08:17):
them into the West Final where they are facing a tremendous,
tremendous LA Galaxy team. And before we really move on
and shift gears to the Galaxy, I mentioned great defensive work,
but also I mean Stephan Frye, don't. I don't really
know what to say. I don't know if any words
actually are accurately going to talk about the job that
(08:41):
he did. We talk about the save in twenty sixteen,
but what we saw and how he stood on his
head and made save after save after say, listen, the
defense did their job, as Preggy said over and over,
but Stephan Frye, he did more than his job. He
was an absolute legend. Stature you needs to be built, probably,
(09:02):
you know, the day after he eventually hangs up, you know,
his gloves. We need a statue of Stephan fry and
it'll probably be of the save in sixteen.
Speaker 5 (09:12):
But this game, this game alone.
Speaker 4 (09:14):
Deserves a statue because Stephan Frye, we would not be
talking about a West Final against the Galaxy without Stephan
fry because he was absolutely incredible. I passed Tommy Deutra
on the bus leaving the stadium and I said, dude,
what happened to your goalkeeper tonight? Was he like touched
by a god or something? And it felt like Stephan
(09:35):
Frye was in the clouds. It felt like Stephan Frye
could do no wrong outside of the haulings Head goal,
which obviously, again I said before and I'll say it again,
was very well placed after going through a lot of traffic.
That performance from Stephan Frye was something that we'll be
talking about for a very very long time. Jordan Morris
goal also amazing, but Stephan Frye man of the match, tremendous,
(09:59):
tremendous performance, and we all thank Stephen fry and cannot
wait to see his statue come one day wherever that
may be, because he certainly certainly deserves one. But now
shifting gears to the LA Galaxy, this will be the
test of the year because this is a healthy Galaxy team.
They're already Galaxy team. They've added Marco Royce, of course,
(10:21):
a legend in Germany, and he is obviously added quite
a bit and the sounders will see Djovlich and the
three piece Ricky Pouge, who just pulls every string in
the midfield. They will see Joseph Painseil who scored two
goals against Minnesota. They'll see Jadon Joviolich who scored two
goals against Minnesota. They'll see Gabrielle Peck, the third p
(10:42):
who also scored two goals against Minnesota. That was a
six to two Minnesota lost to the LA Galaxy there
in their Western semifinal. This is an absolutely loaded LA
offensive team, and it will take everybody again having a
masterclass performance, and it will take a perfect game plan
to get it done, whether Yamar is in or out,
(11:05):
whether Paul is in or out, whether knew who is
in or out, every single person alongside Honestly, I would
say the entire team, because you're going to be looking
to Jordan Morris to track back when he needs to.
You're gonna be looking for the wingers to step up.
You're gonna be looking for Albert Rusnak to slide back
if he needs to and plug up that midfield. Everybody
is going to need to put together a perfect defensive
(11:28):
performance to shut these guys down.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
But they can do it.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
I'm not fully backing down from whoever wins LAFC Seattle
is gonna win MLS Cup. I'm not fully backing down
from that because I do believe the Sounders, And this
is why I said it. This is why I said
this comment last week. I knew that facing the Galaxy
was possible. But the end of the day, this team
and I was on the flight back from LAFC. They
(11:52):
all running on such a high right now with so
much momentum, And you heard Brian say it there on
the intro into the show tonight, They're riding on such
a massive, massive high that I think that they can
get it done because of that momentum, because they are
so dialed in and together right now. Christian Rolldon has
(12:12):
said that this is the most together group, this together
team that he's ever been on here in Seattle, and
I believe it. And they're gonna have to play to
all of their max potentials down there at Dignity Health
Sports Park to get it done. All of tonight's show
really is going to be a sharp vision opponent at look,
because we're gonna be talking about it all night with
Jake Siven and with Ari Lullien Wall. So I'll say
(12:34):
that every opponent, Alok is presented by Sharp Vision Modern
Lasik and Lends, the official Lasik provider of Sounders FC.
Before we dig into things with Jake and with Ari,
let's chat with Jonathan Bell. He and I were able
to speak in the locker room after the Sounders win
at LAFC, and here's what JB had to say after
the two to one victory.
Speaker 7 (12:53):
It was a battle for sure. I mean it's like
everybody from the starters to the guys that came off
the bench, it was just it was a great effort
from everybody and we had to put our head down
just keep working, even after an extra tournament.
Speaker 4 (13:04):
Obviously, LAFC is such a tremendous attacking team. And for
you coming in there, you know, getting a start for
the first time in a while, what was that like
for you?
Speaker 5 (13:12):
In the days leading up to.
Speaker 7 (13:14):
This, Yeah, it was a little speculation because obviously I
knew it was coming back from international break, so it's
just this next amount of mentality. You know what I'm saying,
It's just you know, stay ready so you don't gotta
get ready. That's basically what my motive was. Going throughout
the whole week and then leaning up to the game,
I was just like prepared, go in there, I do
what I gotta do, don't be don't gotta be special,
(13:34):
just go out there and work hard, up the team,
get the victory.
Speaker 4 (13:37):
What was the plan going in to shut down Lafc's
trio of grade attackers?
Speaker 1 (13:41):
And I guess not even Tree but the whole team.
Speaker 5 (13:43):
Of great And did you guys feel like you nailed
that plan?
Speaker 8 (13:47):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (13:48):
I think we did.
Speaker 7 (13:48):
You know, the whole week we executed a plan of
you know, going with a back five and stead of
their usual back four. Obviously we played them a lot,
you know, in other tournaments and fell short, so we
knew we had to come with a different type of
motive and it worked for us.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
Schmidt said at the start of the week that like
the revenge, there's nothing about steps.
Speaker 5 (14:06):
Nothing about revenge is part of this. You know, we were.
Speaker 4 (14:09):
Talking to the guys and and and throughout the week,
like what was the talk between you guys that that
kind of allowed you to come together and get this double?
I mean.
Speaker 7 (14:19):
I think we not we weren't done yet with the season.
You know, we still have a lot to prove for
me personally, I was I was tired of them coming
into our backyard and you know, busting us. So it
felt good to come here and get to win on
a playoff atmosphere.
Speaker 8 (14:35):
Man.
Speaker 5 (14:36):
So yeah, you like how quiet it was when Jordan scored,
Oh it was perfect.
Speaker 8 (14:40):
Man.
Speaker 7 (14:40):
I was praising Heavens and everything. Man, thanking God. That's
all I can say.
Speaker 4 (14:44):
Talk about your keeper a little bit fry, I mean,
and then the amount of says he made the night.
Speaker 7 (14:49):
There's a reason why he has the stats that he
has to back it up. Man's definitely one of a time. Man,
He's a Seattle legend. He's going to be known as
one of the best keepers in this league, and he
showed that today.
Speaker 5 (15:00):
When you came in and it got signed by the Sounders.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
You know, could you have pictured playing such a big
role in such a pivotal game like.
Speaker 7 (15:07):
This, honestly, no, you know, I know the Sounders have
been probably one of the most dominant teams in this
league for years, and coming in I knew it was
a championship mentality this team carries. And I get to
see it firsthand and I get to be a part
of it now.
Speaker 4 (15:21):
Congratulations next, How do you how do you approach tomorrow?
Do you sit in front of the TV with framly
do you get together with some of these guys? How
do you watch Minnesota Galaxy?
Speaker 8 (15:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (15:29):
I mean we're just gonna enjoy this win. You know,
tomorrow obviously watch that game too. I'm probably gonna watch
some football as well. Yeah, but you know, we're gonna
watch LA Galaxy in Minnesota and then when we get
back from the middle week, get to it. Who's your team,
NFL Ravens, you are big trust, a hell of a season,
(15:50):
certain m VP being in the league.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
So being a.
Speaker 7 (15:53):
Ravens guyw do you follow Mike McDonald's Oh, of course,
you know, I support them, just off that so I'm
I'm kind of missing at the raven But yeah, it's
all good.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
All right, Well, let's go kill it next weekend. Maybe
we'll be back down here in LA. And I congratulations
with straight stuff there from Jonathan Bell.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
I forgot that.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
I brought that up to him, and I'll want to
bring it up again. When Jordan Morris scored, that was
as quiet as I've ever heard of stadium in my
entire life. I've heard a lot of quiet stadiums. I
went to some Seahawk games in the late two thousands
when that team was absolutely terrible. I've been to a
lot of Mariner games where there were, you know, ten
thousand fans that are at most. I've seen a lot
(16:30):
of quiet stadiums. But when Jordan Moore scored in the
one hundred and ninth minute, I mean it, you could
hear one person yelling in that stadium. It was that quiet.
You could only hear the Sounders fans celebrating. Every LAFC
fan was an absolute disbelief. One of my favorite sports
memories will probably always be when Jordan Morris scored because
of how quiet that stadium got. It was absolutely incredible.
(16:55):
I obviously you couldn't wipe the smile off any of
our faces with the broadcast crew. But we'll get a
break here in Sounders Weekly and we will keep looking
ahead to Sounders and Galaxy. That is the West Final.
It will air on the Sounders FC radio stream channel
on iHeartRadio this coming Saturday night. The man who's calling
(17:16):
the match though for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV,
Jake Zivin, will join us next to start previewing in
depth Galaxy Sounders More next on Sports Radio ninety three
point three KJRFM.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Now back to Sounders Weekly on your home for sunders
FC Civil's Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FM.
Speaker 4 (17:36):
Welcome back everyone at Jackson Feltzer. Good to have you
with us on this Tuesday night. Of course, we got
cracking hockey tomorrow, so we're flipping it again to Tuesday
Sounders Weekly this week and we are looking ahead to
the West Final Sounders down in Los Angeles to face
the Galaxy again. We'll have a six thirty Provident Swedish
prematch show seven o'clock kickoff. It'll be on the iHeart
(17:58):
Radio stream, will have the link on all of our
social channels at Jackson on Radio. We'll put it on
the nine three three KG account. We'll send it all
but it will be a stream only broadcast for Sounders
and Galaxy. But of course you can watch the match
on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. The man who
will be back on the call for Sounders Galaxy. You
heard him on the call for Sounders LAFC. It's our
(18:21):
good friend he's back again. This time actually scheduled in advance.
Jake sim and Jake how you tune today.
Speaker 5 (18:27):
Buddy Jackson, I'm doing great.
Speaker 6 (18:29):
Great to talk to you on like twenty four hours
notice rather than like twenty four minutes notice as it
was last week. Man. We're really excited to go back
to LA to back to southern California for the conference
final next week.
Speaker 4 (18:42):
Oh and what a game we have to talk about
here in a few minutes, Jake. Before we start really
digging into it and obviously talk about what the Galaxy
did to Minnesota on Sunday, let's start by talking about
the game we watched there at BMO Stadium. We were
both there, and I think we both saw a you know,
one of the playoff games that'll be remembered for a
while at least up here in Seattle, the two to
(19:04):
one after one hundred and twenty two minutes. Just I'll
have a lot of follow ups, but just as you're
calling that match, and as you're watching the dramatics, and
as Jordan's scores and as Sounders hold on through one
hundred and twenty two, you know, what are your initial
takeaways there in a few minutes after you and Taylor finished.
Speaker 6 (19:22):
Yeah, Look, I think Brian Schmetzer just got it right,
you know, for me, He had a distinct plan coming
into the game, you know, switching to that at five
three two or you know, three five two, depending on
how you look at it.
Speaker 5 (19:36):
It was defensive.
Speaker 6 (19:38):
He spoke about wanting kind of like a house in
defensive kind of setup in the midfield, and and it worked.
It worked. I mean, they sail did so well to
neutralize LAFC. Denny Pawanka I thought really struggled when he'd
get out in. Normally these super dangerous moments and transition
are isolated on the wing, and every time it was
(19:59):
Yamar Alex roll Don on the left side of Lafc's attack,
the right side of Stadtle's defense and just just stopping
him right. He might get past one but not the other.
And just such a great defensive performance from Seattle, and
that includes a wonderful goalkeeping performance from Stephan Fry. You know,
nine saves from from Steph and a lot of them
(20:19):
I think were actually harder than they looked. You know,
there's that double deflection or you know the deflection one
where yes, it kind of pops up into his into
his body, but he still has to react and get
his hand there crashing into the post. You know, just man,
just a vintage Stephan Fry performance, a vintage Staddle Sounders
defensive performance, and I think a vintage Brian Schmetzer performance
(20:42):
as a manager setting the team up right to just
stay in the game, right, and and and when you
stay in the game, and you keep it tight and
you keep it close, then you can get moments like
the Sounders hadn't and needed. But when when you stay
in the game, then you can set yourself up to
take advantage of those moments. And then ultimately and in
extra time, right, Jordan, wonderful turn, wonderful finish, and boom,
(21:06):
the Sounders are off to the conference final.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
Well, Jake, you might hear in my voice there's there's
a little bit of nerves here. And I'm already kind
of just a little bit on edge this week. I've
been on edge probably since Sunday night when La Galaxy
put up six goals against Minnesota, and we've talked about
the defensive effort and as perfect of a game as
that was against LAFC, I think you got to have
just as much of a perfect game against the Galaxy.
(21:30):
Considering the question mark of Paul Rothrock and considering the
big question mark of Jemar Gomez Andrade. All of these
question marks leave the Sounders with kind of the bottom
line in bold italics size and underlined of you gotta
do it again, and you've got to have another perfect
performance against what may very well be the best offensive
team in this league excluding Miami Jackson.
Speaker 6 (21:51):
Last week on this show, you asked me, will the
winner of Seattle LAFC be considered the favorite, favorite to
win the West and maybe favorite to win mL right
because they know either she knew they would host THEMFS Cup,
And I said, hold on, slow down the La Galley now.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
Now, to be fair, I said that before injury, and
I am definitely wanting that back.
Speaker 6 (22:15):
But but the reason why I said that, regardless of
who's available for Seattle is the Galaxy or the Galaxy.
And they've been really really good this year and they're
playing really really well. They figured out their defense just enough.
They're still vulnerable, but that attack is flying. They've scored
fifteen goals in three games in the playoffs. It's the
(22:36):
most any team has scored in the first three games
of a playoff run. It's the second most any team
has scored in an entire postseason in the history of
the league and they've done in three games. The only
team that's done that scored more for Greg Vanny's Toronto FC,
I think in twenty seventeen when they scored seventeen goals.
So look, this attack is really really good. Uh they Yeah,
(23:00):
they'll be the favorites there at home again. They've they've
been poured in.
Speaker 5 (23:03):
Goals five, four, six goals.
Speaker 6 (23:06):
But they're also now coming up against the defensive team
in Seattle that they haven't seen in these playoffs. Right,
and the Sounders have been pretty good against the Galaxy
this year. Right, you had you had a.
Speaker 5 (23:18):
One nil loss in like a flooded.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
Dignity Health Sports Park. It was a game you almost
have to kind of throw away because it was just
there was no rhythm to it.
Speaker 8 (23:28):
You know.
Speaker 6 (23:29):
It was weird game with the ball kind of not moving,
you know, in a flooded field.
Speaker 8 (23:33):
Uh.
Speaker 6 (23:33):
He then had a scoreless draw at Loomenfield that we
called and it wasn't that great. But what I remember
most of that game is it was the debut of
Georgie Manonku and we found out like when we got
to the stadium, like he's on a short term low
or short term agreement from coming to finance, we kind
of figure out about him, comes into the game and
it's flying right, and and that now what we know
is this kind of signature confidence from a guy who
(23:55):
didn't have that level first team experience. We saw for
the first time in that game and then leaks, and
that's a game that I'm sure is going to give
the Sounders a lot of confidence. Now, can they get
too set piece goals from center backs within ten minutes?
Probably not right. If they do well, things will be
looking really good for Seattle, So that helps, and that
changes the game. But they've only allowed two goals in
(24:15):
three games to this high power at LA Galaxy attack
this year, so certainly they'll feel good about that. But yeah,
I agree, they're going to need another masterful defensive performance
against the team that is by far the best attacking
team at least on paper left in these playoffs.
Speaker 4 (24:34):
Jake, let's just and this is just going to be
throwing out a wild assumption here. Let's just take a
while assumption that you knew who doesn't get back, or
Paul Doerflock doesn't get back, and maybe yam ars I
am able to go and you have to rely on
guys like Jonathan Bell and like Nathan Who I think
both of them had great performances against ALFC. Yeah, and
throw read Baker. Why can you can you replicate the
(24:55):
three five to two five three two? Can you replicate
that again here against the Galaxy and try to pull
the same trick or do you got to play them
with kind of more of a you know, your normal
you know back four, you know, can you load up
defensively and get away with it against the Galaxy and
just say all right, we're going to counter you and
seed possession.
Speaker 6 (25:15):
It's interesting because I think the Galaxy are a lot
more comfortable with now. They're incredibly dangerous in transition, just
like LAFC with Poohs and pain so Unpack and Yovolic,
but I think they're also much more comfortable on the ball,
right with with Ricky and if Marco Royce, who started
against So, they started him again. That's that's really going
with five attacking players and defending with five, And that's
(25:37):
kind of been Greg Vanny's choice, I think, is if
you throw Royce in there with the killer PE's and Jovolch,
you're giving up something defensively in the midfield. You might
do that again, especially against the Seattle team, right that
has been more defensive, but that will be more comfortable,
I think in trying to figure out how to break
into that house so to speak, than LAFC were on
the weekend putting it, you know, so it's the question, right,
(26:00):
I mean that we said that on the broadcast second half,
like how do they break in the South l AFC
And ultimately they can only do it once? So ye
look at as branch Mesters. I think, you know, his
kind of problem to solve this week. Obviously the availability primarily.
I think if mr and and knew who both of
them right, will well might play into that.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
But but man, I'm.
Speaker 6 (26:20):
Glad you brought that up because to me, maybe the
most impressive part of that win over Seattle or over LFC,
and something that to me has just been so impressive
from the Sounders for years, is it just feels like
everybody's ready, you know, like young players who haven't played
a lot. Re Baker Whiting, nineteen year old kids thrown
into the starting lineup for this game, and it's every
(26:40):
time he's been thrown into one eleven, he's looked ready. Right,
got the Cody Baker, he's looked ready. Ten Coo and
Bargas went early on for them, right, they look ready.
Jonathan Bell, he's a little older, but he's ready. You know,
Nathan's barely played and he's a veteran, but still, you know,
these guys are are ready, everybody up and down the roster,
(27:01):
and they don't look overwhelmed by the moment, no matter
what their experience is, no matter their age. It's just
just so impressive. And it's kind of always been that
way for the Seattle team, and I'm sure it'll be
that way regardless, you know of who's in it, who's not,
who's unavailable, and who ends up, you know, starting for
the Sounders and branch Metzer. By the way, that that
(27:23):
number I gave on the Galaxy fifteen goals second most
in a single postseason. The record they're chasing is seventeen
goals from Greg Vanny's Toronto FC. It was the twenty
sixteen Toronto FC team. They scored seventeen goals in six games. Well,
they scored seventeen goals in their first five games of
that postseason, and it were the Sounders who stopped them
(27:43):
an MLS Cup right after a clean seat and penalty.
So hey, maybe there's a good omen there for the
Sounders and Schemets are running into this attacking juggernaut in
the conference.
Speaker 4 (27:54):
That's a tremendous statistic. I'll definitely credit you with that
on the broadcast. That's amazing that they shut there the
number one down in sixteen. So we have to do
it again here in twenty twenty four, just like we
did eight years ago. Jacob, let's wrap it quickly with this.
I know you have an eye on the Eastern Conference
as well, Orlando New York Red Bulls. That is a
I think a very interesting game that probably zero people
(28:16):
in America expected to be an Eastern Conference final, considering
Columbus and Miami and everything there. You know, So for
Orlando New York, how do you even handicap that series
in a game that nobody even looked at.
Speaker 6 (28:29):
It's not going to be a pretty game. You know.
The Red Bulls are play their style, their Red Bull way.
They are such a better team with Emil Forestburg healthy,
They're a different team in these playoffs, and their numbers
with them without Forsburg this year are staggering. With Forsburg,
they're no doubt a top four Eastern Conference team, and
I think they're right there with Cincinnati Columbus you not
(28:51):
quite Miami, right, but just kind of holistically over the
course of the season for how good they can be
and compete without him, they're more like the seventh seed
in the East, just where they ended up. But they've
got him now, so they're they're really good. Orlando have
been great since the midway point, like the Sounders, terrible
start to the season for them, coming off of a
great twenty twenty three where they finished second in the
(29:13):
Supporter Shield race. But Oscar Pray has figured it out
mid season and it have been them and Seattle and
Miami that I think kind of had by far the
best records in the second half of the year. They are,
to me have the best defensive midfield pairing in Major
League Soccer and wielder carts Hana and saser A Ujo.
(29:34):
They're so difficult to break down there. It's gonna be
a tough game, and that's why I say I think
it's it's gonna be not a pretty game because you've
got two teams that are not afraid to get stuck
in so to speak, and to kind of muck it
up and make it ugly from a founder's perspective, right,
the good thing for them is they don't need to
worry about who wins that game as far as hosting, right,
(29:56):
And the Sounders know if they beat the Galaxy, they're
hosting MLS Cup. MLS Cup will be on the West
Coast regardless of who wins out East, regardless of who
wins out West, so they'll be you know, I'm sure
the Sounders will have a little bit of maybe a
quarter of an eye on that result, but you know,
ultimately to focus on the Galaxy, right, Yeah, I think
(30:16):
the Western Conference Final will maybe be a little prettier
than the Eastern Conference Final, though maybe if Brian Smesterer
has his way, it won't, you know what I mean.
And it'll be kind of a similar affair to what
we saw last weekend in downtown LA.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
Well, it was just about five years ago that we
saw a master class shocker of a defensive performance from
the Sounders at LAFC in the twenty nineteen West Final,
and I think, you know, we're looking at, you know,
the same kind of big task of having another master
needing another master class defensively to get by the Galaxy,
especially if the m r's out, it's going to be
(30:51):
it's me a tall task. But I think either way,
I think we're gonna have a fun game to call.
You know, even even defensive games can be real fun.
And I think the Sounders have shown that even you know,
the two one over LAFC, excluding maybe the first forty minutes,
very very fun game there.
Speaker 5 (31:06):
I agree goal kind of opened that. Yeah, exactly, bring.
Speaker 6 (31:11):
That tension right, because yeah, at halftime I went to
the prep ruck, I was talking with Jeremiah O'shan of founder.
Speaker 5 (31:17):
Yeah, of course, fuck yeah, yeah.
Speaker 6 (31:19):
That wasn't a pretty minutes.
Speaker 4 (31:22):
Yeah we called it. We called it stale on the
halftime show. So yeah, I hear you on that. But
hopefully we have hopefully we have a less stale, full
ninety minutes, maybe one twenty against the Galaxy. I'll see
you down in Los Angeles. Safe flight to you.
Speaker 6 (31:35):
Absolutely great to chat with you, Jackson, Happy Thanksgiving, Yes, and.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
To you and years as well. Thank you all right, Jake,
we will see on Saturday. Have a great call.
Speaker 5 (31:44):
We'll talk soon, perfect buddy, Take care, enjoy the week
Jake's living there.
Speaker 4 (31:48):
Wonderful to have him on the show here tonight once again,
same time and same place here in this segment from
last week before LAFC, and hopefully he can call a
similar Sounders win against the Galaxy this Saturday. Once again,
We're gonna have the game for you here KJR side.
Not on Trustory Radio. We're gonna have it on the
Sounders FC stream channel on iHeartRadio. We'll have a six
(32:10):
to thirty provident Swedish prematch show and a seven o'clock kickoff.
Jake will have the game calling for you on MLS
Season Pass on Apple TV of course. So those are
the ways that you can take in this Saturday's match.
Before we break, I'll tell you that twenty twenty five
season memberships are on sale now for the Sounders. You
can join the Sounders FC Legacy and secure your spot
(32:31):
with the best fans in MLS. Becoming a member is
the best way to gain access to the club World Cup.
We're working closely with FIFA to get our season members
access to tickets, including three Sounders matches. Members also have
access to MLS Season Pass ticket flexibility, our new training
facility and clubhouse, plus more. Learn more at SOUNDERSFC dot
com Backslash tickets, Backslash memberships. We'll get a break and
(32:54):
we'll continue breaking down Sounders Galaxy. You can hear the
nerves in my voice. I am I'm on edge. It's
only Tuesday, and I'm only gonna get more on edge
between right now and Saturday night. We'll continue talking through
it with ARILILLIONWALLFMLS soccer dot com and the podcast Lobbing Scorches.
Aria is next on Sports Radio ninety three point three KJLI.
Speaker 1 (33:14):
Now back to Sounders Weekly on your home for sunders
fc CL's Sports Radio ninety three point three KJR FLM.
Speaker 4 (33:23):
Welcome back, Sounders Weekly. Jackson felt good to have you
here with us on this Tuesday night. Thanks to Jake
Zivin for joining us there in that previous segment to
look all ahead to Sounders La Galaxy look back at
the LAFC Win East Final. We're gonna continue all that
conversation and get to the two cents of one of
our absolute favorite guests. He's joined us all year, and
(33:43):
he joins us again here. It's Ari Lillianwall from MLS
Soccer dot com and check out his podcast Lobbing Scorches
wherever you get your podcasts, including the iHeartRadio app. Ari
How you doing, my friend, I'm.
Speaker 8 (33:56):
Doing great, Jackson. What a game that was that we
have to talk about we do.
Speaker 4 (34:02):
Indeed, let's start with the good and then we'll get
to the thing that's bringing me a lot of nerves,
and that's the Galaxy game. But let's start on LAFC.
That was spectacular in one hundred and twenty two minutes.
Let's start on the defensive side. That's where Jake and
I started a few minutes ago, and I want to
talk to you on the defensive side.
Speaker 5 (34:18):
First. Obviously, there was a plan coming in with the.
Speaker 4 (34:21):
Back three, slash blat back five to shut down that
potent LAFC attack. It seems to do that pretty well.
I thought, what did you see from the Sounders on
the defensive side?
Speaker 8 (34:32):
Oh? I mean, I thought the performance defensively was phenomenal.
You got an LAFC team that has some of the
two of the better attacking players in the league right
now in Denny Blonga as the reigning MVP and the Tvaspogus,
who had a great year for them. We've seen how
good those guys can be in the playoffs last year
and in all the matchups leading up to this between
these two teams this year, So to hold them to
(34:56):
that one goal, but really to have the game state
where was for most of that game, where la that
LAFC attack wasn't that threatening for long stretches of the game.
I thought, that's a great credit to the midfield in
the back line. But I think, really this game when
we look back on it, for me, is good and
it is going to be all about Stephan Fry and
the staves that he made. Because as good as that
(35:17):
performance was defensively, la FC had their chances and that
was one of the more heroic performances in goal that
year you'll ever goe to see. So I think there's
a lot of things in factors that you have to
credit for that result, but the defense and the goalkeeper
right up there certainly exactly.
Speaker 4 (35:32):
And you know, Jake was just talking about it too,
and I spoke with Jonathan Bell in the locker room
and the next man up approach of you know, knew
who you know not being able to be in here
for the game, and then you had Yamar getting hurt,
Nathan coming in and Jonathan Bell the job he did,
read Baker Whiting having to to step up and play
one of those back five. It just seemed like the
next man up approach really worked on all levels. And
(35:55):
then you know, Steph just as you said, you know,
heroic there on the back line, he was. He was
absolutely magical. But already on the offensive end, that's where
for me, you know, it was sort of one of
those things where you know, it was a stale first half,
didn't able, didn't create too awfully much other than the
own goal there in the second half until Jordan's winner
in the one hundred and ninth. On the offensive end,
(36:17):
I think I would end up saying that it's kind
of what we've seen all season, you know, with the
little wrinkle that Pedro had a lot more freedom in
this game playing the two at the top alongside of
Jordan on the offensive end, was just a product of
the system change to be a little bit more defensive,
or did you see anything different on the offensive end
that should maybe give us hope or give us a
(36:38):
little bit of different feelings at least going into the
Galaxy game.
Speaker 8 (36:42):
Well, I think number one is you've got some attacking
production from a source that you didn't really expect going
into the game, which is Max.
Speaker 6 (36:49):
Seems to know.
Speaker 8 (36:50):
I mean, I thought that was a great goal. It
was a beautifully executed finish. He put it right where
the goalkeeper, who in a world class goalkeeper goal hors
by the way, I put it right where the goalkeeper
couldn't get it, And so I think that's not necessarily
something you work into the game plan going into the game,
but in this case they really benefited from that. But
(37:11):
in all seriousness, I mean, I think that old goal,
you know, it's a situation of creating your own luck.
You know, both Albert Rusnak and Obed Vargas, they made
good plays to put the ball in a dangerous area
and you get rewarded for that sometimes just from putting
it in the mixer. So I don't really look at
that as like a fluke. I look at that as
a product of good attacking play from Seattle. And then
(37:33):
and then you had a match winner come through an
extra time with Jordan Morris, which I mean, I don't
know about you, but for me, that was the best
goal of his career when you take into account the
circumstances of it going into the game and what was
on the line with the storyline of LAFC dominating Seattle
going into the game and it being the West semifinals,
and also the quality of the finish. I think those
(37:56):
two factors combine. I think that's the best goal he's
ever scored and for the Sounders. And there's a lot
that are up there. You know, there's a sc Dallas
hat trick a few years ago. Uh, there's the La Galaxy,
Jordan Morris ran Murray by him. I could keep going.
So yeah, I mean that was another thing that I
would came out out of this game thinking about as well.
Speaker 4 (38:16):
That I hadn't thought about that in that context. That's
brilliant though you think obviously about Colorado in his rookie
year to descend Sounders.
Speaker 5 (38:23):
Denois.
Speaker 4 (38:24):
I believe that was the West Final. I don't think
that was the deciding goal though. I think it was
kind of just the exclamation point in that series. I
could be wrong about that, but you know, even then,
I don't think that goal was as impressive as it was,
you know, turning to the left and then just firing
that rocket.
Speaker 5 (38:40):
Pasted again. You mentioned it.
Speaker 4 (38:42):
Hugo Larisse, you know, legend for the French national team,
for Tottenham, and he just you know, flies it past him.
So with all of that said, I'm gonna start, you know,
kind of died digesting that. And and I'll credit you
if I agree, because that I hadn't thought about it
the greatest goal of Jordan Morris's career. That's a a
really interesting comment. You might be right about that. Ariy
(39:03):
Lillian was our guest MLS Soccer dot com. He's a
writer and editor there. He also hosts the podcast Lobbing Scorches.
Check it out wherever you get your podcasts. Ari, let's
talk about the Galaxy game. And we watched on Sunday
night as the Galaxy hung six on Minnesota, two of
them after they went a man up, but still every
(39:23):
Ford for the Galaxy got two goals. Ricky pooshe pulled
the strings. I guess the basic question is how do
the Sounders, while having question marks for New Rothrock and
Yamar they are question marks, how do they get it
done against that attack?
Speaker 8 (39:39):
Yeah, I mean it's definitely a tough matchup. The Galaxy
look absolutely scary right now in these playoffs. They just
scored six goals against Minnesota United in the semifinals after
scoring nine in their first round series. Across two games
against the Colorado Rapids, And you know, all credit myself
(40:00):
a little bit here. I don't usually do this, but
I've been saying all year that this is the best
attack in MLS outside of interer Miami, and I included
Columbus and LAFC in those comparisons when I was making them,
and I think I've been validated in that it's definitely
the most loaded front four left in the playoffs. It's
arguably the most loaded front four in the league when
(40:22):
you take inter Miami out of the discussion. So and
you have to play him on the road, so it's
going to be a difficult game. But at this point
in the playoffs, anybody you play, you're going to have
to overcome opponents like this. And I think also, as
we saw in this last game, sometimes when the odds
are stacked against you and you have to go on
the road and play a juggernaut opponent like this, it
(40:43):
makes it more legendary if you can pull off the wins.
So I think while it's a very difficult matchup against
a great team with some of the best players in
the league, with Ricky Pooje and Joey Paints and Gabriel
Peck and Deanyovilch. It's also a great opportunity for this
team to add another kind of great run to this
this run they've been on the last for this last era.
Speaker 5 (41:06):
I think that was really well put.
Speaker 4 (41:08):
You know, they have an opportunity in front of them
to have a historic, legendary something that Sounder fans will
talk about one hundred years from now, you know, or
I guess however long they live, you know, about this performance.
If they have to throw in some backups, well, Jonathan
Bell and Nathan had great games against ALAFC. We just
need him to have perfect games against you know, the
Three P's and Djovilch too, Because yeah, I think you're right.
(41:31):
And listen, I have had my doubts about the LA Galaxy,
and I still have my doubts about John McCarthy and
about you know, I think they've they've you know, had
some defensive mistakes in the past, so I still have
my doubts. But at the end of the day, offensively,
I think you are validated. I think you are right.
That attack, I mean, watching that ninety minutes yesterday was
just like, oh my god, but here we go. Saturday
(41:54):
at seven PM down there at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Speaker 1 (41:57):
Ari.
Speaker 4 (41:58):
Last thing I want to do is get your thoughts,
because you always, you know, take us around the league
and get your thoughts on the East where I don't
think a single person in America, no soccer fan ever
expected it would be the New York Red Bulls the
seventh seed against Orlando in Orlando, the four seed. Nobody
expected it. So how do you handicap that East Final?
Speaker 8 (42:18):
Well, I think the first thing is that if you
want to make a deep run in the MLS playoffs,
apparently all you have to do is sign Nico Ldero
because he's got Orlando City. I don't really honestly know
if he's played that big a run a role for
them in the playoffs, but seriously, I fully believe that,
like his influence in leadership probably has helped spearhead their
(42:39):
run that they've been on for a lot of the
second half of the season and in the playoffs. And
it doesn't surprise me at all to see them at
this point, given how they were one of the hotter
teams in the league down the stretch. But the Red
Bulls is the one that's the one that really surprises me.
Like you said, I don't think anyone thought that they
would be still standing, and it's like they're kind of
just always a factor. They've made the playoffs for fifteen
(43:03):
straight years, never won MS Cup, but have a couple
of supporter shields in their history, so they're always like
a contending team. And the storyline for them is that
they can finally get over that hurdle and add the
MLS Cup to their trophy case, which is something Sounderstands
can relate to because that was the storyline with Seattle
up until twenty sixteen. So that's definitely not the matchup
(43:23):
that people necessarily expected with Inner Miami and Columbus in
the East, but I think that makes it pretty fun
and it'll be interesting to see exactly how this Cup
matchup ends up shaping out.
Speaker 4 (43:34):
Are You've made me laugh twice tonight, and I don't
think i've laughed since the plane ride home with the
team from LA back on Saturday night, So thank you
for allowing me to smile and laugh. I will go
back pretty much immediately to being on edge until Saturday
at seven pm, and then probably for the following ninety minutes.
It's been great to have you again, I'm not sure
if we'll be looking back at the season or if
(43:56):
we'll be previewing MLS Cup next week, but we'll talk
to you in a week to talk about everything that
we just watched and hopefully it's on the positive end.
But just I'll say this again next week, but we
appreciate all of your insight all this year. You're awesome
to have on the show, and thank you so much
again for your time.
Speaker 8 (44:14):
Absolutely, Jackson, I got you have a good one.
Speaker 4 (44:17):
Ari Lellin Wall great stuff there, and right after he
says goodbye, I'm already back to nerves. Sounders Galaxy seven
pm this coming Saturday down at Dignity Health Sports Park. Yeah,
we are going to have nerves all the way up
until then because as we just talked about, six goals there,
fifteen goals. As Jake mentioned in their three playoff games,
(44:38):
they are a behemoth and it will take a massive
legendary performance to get done from the Sounders. A couple
quick notes tonight before we end tonight's show, and that
will be first that Sounders FC Soccer is presented by
Providence Swedish, the official healthcare partner of Sounders FC, and
also broadcast details one more time. We will have the
game on the Sounders FC stream channel on iHeartRadio. We're
(45:01):
gonna send that link out. I'll send it through almost
every single day. I'll be sending it on my socials
at Jackson on Radio. I'm now on Blue Sky Jackson
Radio as well, but Twitter and everything else. It'll be
the Sounders FC stream channel on iHeartRadio six thirty Providence,
Swedish prematch show seven o'clock kickoff for Sounders La Galaxy.
You know also watch at MLS Season Pass on Apple
(45:23):
TV where Jake Zivin who joined us, will be on tonight.
Are will be on the call there Saturday night. Check
out the podcast in case you miss Jake or Ari
or Jonathan Bell earlier for tonight show. We will talk
to you on the stream channel on Saturday night. For
Sounders Galaxy. We pulled off a I wouldn't even say miracle.
We pulled off a phenomenal performance at LAFC this last weekend.
(45:46):
Can the Sounders have another phenomenal performance? Can they pull
it out and host MLS Cup. We will see. We'll
talk to you on Saturday. Have a good rest of
your evening, everybody, and Fox Sports Radio is coming up
Coming to you live from Orellio Avenue Studios of Sports
Radio ninety three point three KJRFM. This is Sounders Wiggly
with your host Jackson Felts.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Pull down the line, north side given, driven across the
six back of the night, it goes old goal.
Speaker 3 (00:16):
The Sounders are in disbelief, the crowds in disbelief. But
the Sounders celebrate and is that a little bit of
luck that they need to get through?
Speaker 4 (00:25):
This?
Speaker 2 (00:26):
All gets whipped in by JP off the corner, headed
up by Sanchez. It comes rolled on ball, bouncing around
Jordan Morris.
Speaker 5 (00:34):
Back of the goal.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Brilliant stride by Jordan Morris.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
The Sounders players celebrate with the coaching staff. The Sounders
have been relentless.
Speaker 2 (00:44):
In this game and now they find the second goal
to put them up.
Speaker 6 (00:49):
That was a heroic effort, you guys, dug deep and
persevered and dingered.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
You know, it was an unbelievable goal, but your effort
throughout the game, leadership at the end, down legs, everybody.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
That was a total team effort.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Well done everybody in the room.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
It was an awesome performance.
Speaker 5 (01:26):
Good evening.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Welcome into Sounders Weekly. Jackson Feltz here what an opening
the goals, Brian Schmitzer jingle Bells bring us in to
tonight's Sounders Weekly Jackson Felts here for the next hour
talking all things Sounders soccer. As we are looking ahead
to the West Final Sounders at La Galaxy seven pm
(01:49):
on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park. We are going
to have the game for you on the iHeart Radio
Sounders FC stream channel. It will be a stream only
podcast for the West Final of Sounders Galaxy. We're gonna
send that link out. I'm gonna send it every single day,
probably multiple times on my socials at Jackson on Radio.
(02:10):
I'll make sure that the nine three to three kjar
account also sends it out. But it will be a
stream only on the Sounders FC stream channel on iHeartRadio.
If you actually go on to iHeart Radio and you
search Sounders stream channel, I believe that is what pops
it up. So that's how you will listen to the match.
It will also be an MLS Season pass on Apple
TV on Saturday at seven pm. Jake Zivin will be
(02:33):
back on the call and Jake will join us here
in about fifteen twenty minutes or so. Here in Sounders
Weekly to preview Sounders Galaxy and talk about what he
saw for the Sounders LAFC win because he was obviously
on the call there with Taylor Tweman for that game.
We'll also have Ari Lienwall coming up later tonight. We're
also gonna talk to Jonathan Bell or we did talk
(02:53):
to Jonathan Bell. I did in the locker room down
there in Los Angeles after the LAFC win. So you're
gonna hear from Jonathan Bell here in just a few minutes.
A lot coming up here in Sounders Weekly as we
preview the West Final, and listen. Let me just start
tonight with a story. So I woke up on Saturday
(03:15):
morning down there in downtown LA and staying with the team,
travel with the team for the LAFC win, and I
walk out of my hotel room and I go grab
some breakfast and I'm just, you know, taking a walk.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
You know, I've spent a lot of time in LA.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
My wife's from the Los Angeles area, but I haven't
spent too much time in downtown LA and walking around
just kind of exploring the city a little bit.
Speaker 5 (03:38):
And I'm standing at.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
A crosswalk and Preky, the assistant coach so of course,
the MLS legend Preky walks up to me and at
a crosswalk and we just start chatting as we kind
of walk together, and I asked, Preky, you know, I
would imagine, you know, for the guys, maybe internally, maybe
it's reached your ears, you know, the revenge after what happened,
you know, going on for this year, after being knocked
(04:01):
out by LAFC in the playoffs last year. I bet
a better revenge is is a little bit of a
motivating factor here, isn't Precky? And he kind of smiled
and said, Nah, everybody just has to do their job
tonight and we'll be fine. And that kind of turned
my brain instantly in the moment too.
Speaker 5 (04:18):
Well.
Speaker 4 (04:19):
The team had a hell of a plan in twenty nineteen,
and we always credit Gonzalo Paneda for that defensive game
plan to shut down Carlos Vela and shut down all
of those LAFC attackers in twenty nineteen. And I said,
all right, well, you got a plan, Let's let's make
it happen. Let's enact that plan and get it to work.
And then shortly after I learned we were flipping to
the five slash three at the back, and we saw
(04:43):
you know, Jonathan Bell come in for new We saw
Nathan eventually have to come in for an injured Yamar
Gomez Andrade, and they obviously he's a big question mark
for this West Final. I said last week, and listen,
I hate to walk things back, but I will walk
this back slightly. I said last week, I think the
winner of Sounder LAFC wins MLS Cup. And that was
(05:03):
before Yamar Gomez Andrade's injury. So at this moment, yeah,
I will slightly walk it back to say that if
the Sounders are missing what I think is their best
defensive player, sorry to Jackson Reagan, I do think Yamar
is right there. So if they're missing Yamar, at changes
(05:23):
quite a few things. So yeah, I understand, you know,
people say, but you said, I know what I said.
That was before what happened to Yamar. So this is
going to be an enormously large task. But again going
back to the game plan in nineteen, they had that
game plan, it worked perfectly. And the rising up of Nathan,
(05:44):
of Jonathan Bell, of Reed Baker Whiting to make sure
sure that Matteous bagouche and you know, whether it's Drude,
whether it was Denny Bwanga on the other side, every
single time any of the three of them had a breakaway,
they did exactly what Stephen Frych talked about last week.
They pushed him outside and then they got help. Whether
it was Yamar waiting for Alex to get help, whether
(06:06):
it was the other side, Jonathan Bell alongside Baker Whiting,
no matter where anybody ended up getting a one on one,
it ended up very quickly becoming a one on two
because the Sounders defenders. It was help defending. You know,
in just its core phrase, everybody was together. It was
a together performance, a defensive masterclass. And yes LAFC did
(06:28):
get their chance, Halling said, with a great goal, but
we can overlook that and circle in on the point.
And that was, by the way, started on a giveaway
from Jackson Reagan. But it was a defensive mistake that
cost LAFC their goal from Mixem Chaneau the worst touch
in maybe his career that goes into his own back
of the net nine minutes later for an own goal.
(06:49):
So you look at it overall, two defensive mistakes for
each team cancel each other out.
Speaker 5 (06:53):
It's just a masterful goal. By Jordan Morris.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
That got it done in the one hundred and ninth minute,
But on that defensive every single time you had an
LAFC defender who is able to find space, it ended
up being a one on two.
Speaker 5 (07:08):
And even then, you know, on the Hauling.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Said goal that was a lot of traffic they had
to work through, and Hauling said, put it together. I
think a fantastic final touch into the back of the net.
It took a lot for LFC to score that goal.
But really it was the Sounders defensively together, coming in
and understanding how to slide and how to cover space
(07:31):
and how to not let LAFC eat it up and
get in transition. And it was an absolute masterclass. It
reminded me of twenty nineteen. So going back to when
Preki said, everybody just doing their job and stepping up.
It wasn't about revenge. He was so damn right. It
wasn't about you know, just that anger in the furiosity
of letting.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
That fuel you. It was just about key.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
Defensive moments over and over and over again, where Jonathan Yamar,
all of them, you know, to the other side, Jackson
and the read. Of course, everybody did their job exactly
like Preky said, and they got it done just like
they did in twenty nineteen. The only difference is that
then put the Sounders into MLS Cup. This only puts
(08:17):
them into the West Final where they are facing a tremendous,
tremendous LA Galaxy team. And before we really move on
and shift gears to the Galaxy, I mentioned great defensive work,
but also I mean Stephan Frye, don't. I don't really
know what to say. I don't know if any words
actually are accurately going to talk about the job that
(08:41):
he did. We talk about the save in twenty sixteen,
but what we saw and how he stood on his
head and made save after save after say, listen, the
defense did their job, as Preggy said over and over,
but Stephan Frye, he did more than his job. He
was an absolute legend. Stature you needs to be built, probably,
(09:02):
you know, the day after he eventually hangs up, you know,
his gloves. We need a statue of Stephan fry and
it'll probably be of the save in sixteen.
Speaker 5 (09:12):
But this game, this game alone.
Speaker 4 (09:14):
Deserves a statue because Stephan Frye, we would not be
talking about a West Final against the Galaxy without Stephan
fry because he was absolutely incredible. I passed Tommy Deutra
on the bus leaving the stadium and I said, dude,
what happened to your goalkeeper tonight? Was he like touched
by a god or something? And it felt like Stephan
(09:35):
Frye was in the clouds. It felt like Stephan Frye
could do no wrong outside of the haulings Head goal,
which obviously, again I said before and I'll say it again,
was very well placed after going through a lot of traffic.
That performance from Stephan Frye was something that we'll be
talking about for a very very long time. Jordan Morris
goal also amazing, but Stephan Frye man of the match, tremendous,
(09:59):
tremendous performance, and we all thank Stephen fry and cannot
wait to see his statue come one day wherever that
may be, because he certainly certainly deserves one. But now
shifting gears to the LA Galaxy, this will be the
test of the year because this is a healthy Galaxy team.
They're already Galaxy team. They've added Marco Royce, of course,
(10:21):
a legend in Germany, and he is obviously added quite
a bit and the sounders will see Djovlich and the
three piece Ricky Pouge, who just pulls every string in
the midfield. They will see Joseph Painseil who scored two
goals against Minnesota. They'll see Jadon Joviolich who scored two
goals against Minnesota. They'll see Gabrielle Peck, the third p
(10:42):
who also scored two goals against Minnesota. That was a
six to two Minnesota lost to the LA Galaxy there
in their Western semifinal. This is an absolutely loaded LA
offensive team, and it will take everybody again having a
masterclass performance, and it will take a perfect game plan
to get it done, whether Yamar is in or out,
(11:05):
whether Paul is in or out, whether knew who is
in or out, every single person alongside Honestly, I would
say the entire team, because you're going to be looking
to Jordan Morris to track back when he needs to.
You're gonna be looking for the wingers to step up.
You're gonna be looking for Albert Rusnak to slide back
if he needs to and plug up that midfield. Everybody
is going to need to put together a perfect defensive
(11:28):
performance to shut these guys down.
Speaker 5 (11:30):
But they can do it.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
I'm not fully backing down from whoever wins LAFC Seattle
is gonna win MLS Cup. I'm not fully backing down
from that because I do believe the Sounders, And this
is why I said it. This is why I said
this comment last week. I knew that facing the Galaxy
was possible. But the end of the day, this team
and I was on the flight back from LAFC. They
(11:52):
all running on such a high right now with so
much momentum, And you heard Brian say it there on
the intro into the show tonight, They're riding on such
a massive, massive high that I think that they can
get it done because of that momentum, because they are
so dialed in and together right now. Christian Rolldon has
(12:12):
said that this is the most together group, this together
team that he's ever been on here in Seattle, and
I believe it. And they're gonna have to play to
all of their max potentials down there at Dignity Health
Sports Park to get it done. All of tonight's show
really is going to be a sharp vision opponent at look,
because we're gonna be talking about it all night with
Jake Siven and with Ari Lullien Wall. So I'll say
(12:34):
that every opponent, Alok is presented by Sharp Vision Modern
Lasik and Lends, the official Lasik provider of Sounders FC.
Before we dig into things with Jake and with Ari,
let's chat with Jonathan Bell. He and I were able
to speak in the locker room after the Sounders win
at LAFC, and here's what JB had to say after
the two to one victory.
Speaker 7 (12:53):
It was a battle for sure. I mean it's like
everybody from the starters to the guys that came off
the bench, it was just it was a great effort
from everybody and we had to put our head down
just keep working, even after an extra tournament.
Speaker 4 (13:04):
Obviously, LAFC is such a tremendous attacking team. And for
you coming in there, you know, getting a start for
the first time in a while, what was that like
for you?
Speaker 5 (13:12):
In the days leading up to.
Speaker 7 (13:14):
This, Yeah, it was a little speculation because obviously I
knew it was coming back from international break, so it's
just this next amount of mentality. You know what I'm saying,
It's just you know, stay ready so you don't gotta
get ready. That's basically what my motive was. Going throughout
the whole week and then leaning up to the game,
I was just like prepared, go in there, I do
what I gotta do, don't be don't gotta be special,
(13:34):
just go out there and work hard, up the team,
get the victory.
Speaker 4 (13:37):
What was the plan going in to shut down Lafc's
trio of grade attackers?
Speaker 1 (13:41):
And I guess not even Tree but the whole team.
Speaker 5 (13:43):
Of great And did you guys feel like you nailed
that plan?
Speaker 8 (13:47):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (13:48):
I think we did.
Speaker 7 (13:48):
You know, the whole week we executed a plan of
you know, going with a back five and stead of
their usual back four. Obviously we played them a lot,
you know, in other tournaments and fell short, so we
knew we had to come with a different type of
motive and it worked for us.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
Schmidt said at the start of the week that like
the revenge, there's nothing about steps.
Speaker 5 (14:06):
Nothing about revenge is part of this. You know, we were.
Speaker 4 (14:09):
Talking to the guys and and and throughout the week,
like what was the talk between you guys that that
kind of allowed you to come together and get this double?
I mean.
Speaker 7 (14:19):
I think we not we weren't done yet with the season.
You know, we still have a lot to prove for
me personally, I was I was tired of them coming
into our backyard and you know, busting us. So it
felt good to come here and get to win on
a playoff atmosphere.
Speaker 8 (14:35):
Man.
Speaker 5 (14:36):
So yeah, you like how quiet it was when Jordan scored,
Oh it was perfect.
Speaker 8 (14:40):
Man.
Speaker 7 (14:40):
I was praising Heavens and everything. Man, thanking God. That's
all I can say.
Speaker 4 (14:44):
Talk about your keeper a little bit fry, I mean,
and then the amount of says he made the night.
Speaker 7 (14:49):
There's a reason why he has the stats that he
has to back it up. Man's definitely one of a time. Man,
He's a Seattle legend. He's going to be known as
one of the best keepers in this league, and he
showed that today.
Speaker 5 (15:00):
When you came in and it got signed by the Sounders.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
You know, could you have pictured playing such a big
role in such a pivotal game like.
Speaker 7 (15:07):
This, honestly, no, you know, I know the Sounders have
been probably one of the most dominant teams in this
league for years, and coming in I knew it was
a championship mentality this team carries. And I get to
see it firsthand and I get to be a part
of it now.
Speaker 4 (15:21):
Congratulations next, How do you how do you approach tomorrow?
Do you sit in front of the TV with framly
do you get together with some of these guys? How
do you watch Minnesota Galaxy?
Speaker 8 (15:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (15:29):
I mean we're just gonna enjoy this win. You know,
tomorrow obviously watch that game too. I'm probably gonna watch
some football as well. Yeah, but you know, we're gonna
watch LA Galaxy in Minnesota and then when we get
back from the middle week, get to it. Who's your team,
NFL Ravens, you are big trust, a hell of a season,
(15:50):
certain m VP being in the league.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
So being a.
Speaker 7 (15:53):
Ravens guyw do you follow Mike McDonald's Oh, of course,
you know, I support them, just off that so I'm
I'm kind of missing at the raven But yeah, it's
all good.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
All right, Well, let's go kill it next weekend. Maybe
we'll be back down here in LA. And I congratulations
with straight stuff there from Jonathan Bell.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
I forgot that.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
I brought that up to him, and I'll want to
bring it up again. When Jordan Morris scored, that was
as quiet as I've ever heard of stadium in my
entire life. I've heard a lot of quiet stadiums. I
went to some Seahawk games in the late two thousands
when that team was absolutely terrible. I've been to a
lot of Mariner games where there were, you know, ten
thousand fans that are at most. I've seen a lot
(16:30):
of quiet stadiums. But when Jordan Moore scored in the
one hundred and ninth minute, I mean it, you could
hear one person yelling in that stadium. It was that quiet.
You could only hear the Sounders fans celebrating. Every LAFC
fan was an absolute disbelief. One of my favorite sports
memories will probably always be when Jordan Morris scored because
of how quiet that stadium got. It was absolutely incredible.
(16:55):
I obviously you couldn't wipe the smile off any of
our faces with the broadcast crew. But we'll get a
break here in Sounders Weekly and we will keep looking
ahead to Sounders and Galaxy. That is the West Final.
It will air on the Sounders FC radio stream channel
on iHeartRadio this coming Saturday night. The man who's calling
(17:16):
the match though for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV,
Jake Zivin, will join us next to start previewing in
depth Galaxy Sounders More next on Sports Radio ninety three
point three KJRFM.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
Now back to Sounders Weekly on your home for sunders
FC Civil's Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FM.
Speaker 4 (17:36):
Welcome back everyone at Jackson Feltzer. Good to have you
with us on this Tuesday night. Of course, we got
cracking hockey tomorrow, so we're flipping it again to Tuesday
Sounders Weekly this week and we are looking ahead to
the West Final Sounders down in Los Angeles to face
the Galaxy again. We'll have a six thirty Provident Swedish
prematch show seven o'clock kickoff. It'll be on the iHeart
(17:58):
Radio stream, will have the link on all of our
social channels at Jackson on Radio. We'll put it on
the nine three three KG account. We'll send it all
but it will be a stream only broadcast for Sounders
and Galaxy. But of course you can watch the match
on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. The man who
will be back on the call for Sounders Galaxy. You
heard him on the call for Sounders LAFC. It's our
(18:21):
good friend he's back again. This time actually scheduled in advance.
Jake sim and Jake how you tune today.
Speaker 5 (18:27):
Buddy Jackson, I'm doing great.
Speaker 6 (18:29):
Great to talk to you on like twenty four hours
notice rather than like twenty four minutes notice as it
was last week. Man. We're really excited to go back
to LA to back to southern California for the conference
final next week.
Speaker 4 (18:42):
Oh and what a game we have to talk about
here in a few minutes, Jake. Before we start really
digging into it and obviously talk about what the Galaxy
did to Minnesota on Sunday, let's start by talking about
the game we watched there at BMO Stadium. We were
both there, and I think we both saw a you know,
one of the playoff games that'll be remembered for a
while at least up here in Seattle, the two to
(19:04):
one after one hundred and twenty two minutes. Just I'll
have a lot of follow ups, but just as you're
calling that match, and as you're watching the dramatics, and
as Jordan's scores and as Sounders hold on through one
hundred and twenty two, you know, what are your initial
takeaways there in a few minutes after you and Taylor finished.
Speaker 6 (19:22):
Yeah, Look, I think Brian Schmetzer just got it right,
you know, for me, He had a distinct plan coming
into the game, you know, switching to that at five
three two or you know, three five two, depending on
how you look at it.
Speaker 5 (19:36):
It was defensive.
Speaker 6 (19:38):
He spoke about wanting kind of like a house in
defensive kind of setup in the midfield, and and it worked.
It worked. I mean, they sail did so well to
neutralize LAFC. Denny Pawanka I thought really struggled when he'd
get out in. Normally these super dangerous moments and transition
are isolated on the wing, and every time it was
(19:59):
Yamar Alex roll Don on the left side of Lafc's attack,
the right side of Stadtle's defense and just just stopping
him right. He might get past one but not the other.
And just such a great defensive performance from Seattle, and
that includes a wonderful goalkeeping performance from Stephan Fry. You know,
nine saves from from Steph and a lot of them
(20:19):
I think were actually harder than they looked. You know,
there's that double deflection or you know the deflection one
where yes, it kind of pops up into his into
his body, but he still has to react and get
his hand there crashing into the post. You know, just man,
just a vintage Stephan Fry performance, a vintage Staddle Sounders
defensive performance, and I think a vintage Brian Schmetzer performance
(20:42):
as a manager setting the team up right to just
stay in the game, right, and and and when you
stay in the game, and you keep it tight and
you keep it close, then you can get moments like
the Sounders hadn't and needed. But when when you stay
in the game, then you can set yourself up to
take advantage of those moments. And then ultimately and in
extra time, right, Jordan, wonderful turn, wonderful finish, and boom,
(21:06):
the Sounders are off to the conference final.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
Well, Jake, you might hear in my voice there's there's
a little bit of nerves here. And I'm already kind
of just a little bit on edge this week. I've
been on edge probably since Sunday night when La Galaxy
put up six goals against Minnesota, and we've talked about
the defensive effort and as perfect of a game as
that was against LAFC, I think you got to have
just as much of a perfect game against the Galaxy.
(21:30):
Considering the question mark of Paul Rothrock and considering the
big question mark of Jemar Gomez Andrade. All of these
question marks leave the Sounders with kind of the bottom
line in bold italics size and underlined of you gotta
do it again, and you've got to have another perfect
performance against what may very well be the best offensive
team in this league excluding Miami Jackson.
Speaker 6 (21:51):
Last week on this show, you asked me, will the
winner of Seattle LAFC be considered the favorite, favorite to
win the West and maybe favorite to win mL right
because they know either she knew they would host THEMFS Cup,
And I said, hold on, slow down the La Galley now.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
Now, to be fair, I said that before injury, and
I am definitely wanting that back.
Speaker 6 (22:15):
But but the reason why I said that, regardless of
who's available for Seattle is the Galaxy or the Galaxy.
And they've been really really good this year and they're
playing really really well. They figured out their defense just enough.
They're still vulnerable, but that attack is flying. They've scored
fifteen goals in three games in the playoffs. It's the
(22:36):
most any team has scored in the first three games
of a playoff run. It's the second most any team
has scored in an entire postseason in the history of
the league and they've done in three games. The only
team that's done that scored more for Greg Vanny's Toronto FC,
I think in twenty seventeen when they scored seventeen goals.
So look, this attack is really really good. Uh they Yeah,
(23:00):
they'll be the favorites there at home again. They've they've
been poured in.
Speaker 5 (23:03):
Goals five, four, six goals.
Speaker 6 (23:06):
But they're also now coming up against the defensive team
in Seattle that they haven't seen in these playoffs. Right,
and the Sounders have been pretty good against the Galaxy
this year. Right, you had you had a.
Speaker 5 (23:18):
One nil loss in like a flooded.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
Dignity Health Sports Park. It was a game you almost
have to kind of throw away because it was just
there was no rhythm to it.
Speaker 8 (23:28):
You know.
Speaker 6 (23:29):
It was weird game with the ball kind of not moving,
you know, in a flooded field.
Speaker 8 (23:33):
Uh.
Speaker 6 (23:33):
He then had a scoreless draw at Loomenfield that we
called and it wasn't that great. But what I remember
most of that game is it was the debut of
Georgie Manonku and we found out like when we got
to the stadium, like he's on a short term low
or short term agreement from coming to finance, we kind
of figure out about him, comes into the game and
it's flying right, and and that now what we know
is this kind of signature confidence from a guy who
(23:55):
didn't have that level first team experience. We saw for
the first time in that game and then leaks, and
that's a game that I'm sure is going to give
the Sounders a lot of confidence. Now, can they get
too set piece goals from center backs within ten minutes?
Probably not right. If they do well, things will be
looking really good for Seattle, So that helps, and that
changes the game. But they've only allowed two goals in
(24:15):
three games to this high power at LA Galaxy attack
this year, so certainly they'll feel good about that. But yeah,
I agree, they're going to need another masterful defensive performance
against the team that is by far the best attacking
team at least on paper left in these playoffs.
Speaker 4 (24:34):
Jake, let's just and this is just going to be
throwing out a wild assumption here. Let's just take a
while assumption that you knew who doesn't get back, or
Paul Doerflock doesn't get back, and maybe yam ars I
am able to go and you have to rely on
guys like Jonathan Bell and like Nathan Who I think
both of them had great performances against ALFC. Yeah, and
throw read Baker. Why can you can you replicate the
(24:55):
three five to two five three two? Can you replicate
that again here against the Galaxy and try to pull
the same trick or do you got to play them
with kind of more of a you know, your normal
you know back four, you know, can you load up
defensively and get away with it against the Galaxy and
just say all right, we're going to counter you and
seed possession.
Speaker 6 (25:15):
It's interesting because I think the Galaxy are a lot
more comfortable with now. They're incredibly dangerous in transition, just
like LAFC with Poohs and pain so Unpack and Yovolic,
but I think they're also much more comfortable on the ball,
right with with Ricky and if Marco Royce, who started
against So, they started him again. That's that's really going
with five attacking players and defending with five, And that's
(25:37):
kind of been Greg Vanny's choice, I think, is if
you throw Royce in there with the killer PE's and Jovolch,
you're giving up something defensively in the midfield. You might
do that again, especially against the Seattle team, right that
has been more defensive, but that will be more comfortable,
I think in trying to figure out how to break
into that house so to speak, than LAFC were on
the weekend putting it, you know, so it's the question, right,
(26:00):
I mean that we said that on the broadcast second half,
like how do they break in the South l AFC
And ultimately they can only do it once? So ye
look at as branch Mesters. I think, you know, his
kind of problem to solve this week. Obviously the availability primarily.
I think if mr and and knew who both of
them right, will well might play into that.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
But but man, I'm.
Speaker 6 (26:20):
Glad you brought that up because to me, maybe the
most impressive part of that win over Seattle or over LFC,
and something that to me has just been so impressive
from the Sounders for years, is it just feels like
everybody's ready, you know, like young players who haven't played
a lot. Re Baker Whiting, nineteen year old kids thrown
into the starting lineup for this game, and it's every
(26:40):
time he's been thrown into one eleven, he's looked ready. Right,
got the Cody Baker, he's looked ready. Ten Coo and
Bargas went early on for them, right, they look ready.
Jonathan Bell, he's a little older, but he's ready. You know,
Nathan's barely played and he's a veteran, but still, you know,
these guys are are ready, everybody up and down the roster,
(27:01):
and they don't look overwhelmed by the moment, no matter
what their experience is, no matter their age. It's just
just so impressive. And it's kind of always been that
way for the Seattle team, and I'm sure it'll be
that way regardless, you know of who's in it, who's not,
who's unavailable, and who ends up, you know, starting for
the Sounders and branch Metzer. By the way, that that
(27:23):
number I gave on the Galaxy fifteen goals second most
in a single postseason. The record they're chasing is seventeen
goals from Greg Vanny's Toronto FC. It was the twenty
sixteen Toronto FC team. They scored seventeen goals in six games. Well,
they scored seventeen goals in their first five games of
that postseason, and it were the Sounders who stopped them
(27:43):
an MLS Cup right after a clean seat and penalty.
So hey, maybe there's a good omen there for the
Sounders and Schemets are running into this attacking juggernaut in
the conference.
Speaker 4 (27:54):
That's a tremendous statistic. I'll definitely credit you with that
on the broadcast. That's amazing that they shut there the
number one down in sixteen. So we have to do
it again here in twenty twenty four, just like we
did eight years ago. Jacob, let's wrap it quickly with this.
I know you have an eye on the Eastern Conference
as well, Orlando New York Red Bulls. That is a
I think a very interesting game that probably zero people
(28:16):
in America expected to be an Eastern Conference final, considering
Columbus and Miami and everything there. You know, So for
Orlando New York, how do you even handicap that series
in a game that nobody even looked at.
Speaker 6 (28:29):
It's not going to be a pretty game. You know.
The Red Bulls are play their style, their Red Bull way.
They are such a better team with Emil Forestburg healthy,
They're a different team in these playoffs, and their numbers
with them without Forsburg this year are staggering. With Forsburg,
they're no doubt a top four Eastern Conference team, and
I think they're right there with Cincinnati Columbus you not
(28:51):
quite Miami, right, but just kind of holistically over the
course of the season for how good they can be
and compete without him, they're more like the seventh seed
in the East, just where they ended up. But they've
got him now, so they're they're really good. Orlando have
been great since the midway point, like the Sounders, terrible
start to the season for them, coming off of a
great twenty twenty three where they finished second in the
(29:13):
Supporter Shield race. But Oscar Pray has figured it out
mid season and it have been them and Seattle and
Miami that I think kind of had by far the
best records in the second half of the year. They are,
to me have the best defensive midfield pairing in Major
League Soccer and wielder carts Hana and saser A Ujo.
(29:34):
They're so difficult to break down there. It's gonna be
a tough game, and that's why I say I think
it's it's gonna be not a pretty game because you've
got two teams that are not afraid to get stuck
in so to speak, and to kind of muck it
up and make it ugly from a founder's perspective, right,
the good thing for them is they don't need to
worry about who wins that game as far as hosting, right,
(29:56):
And the Sounders know if they beat the Galaxy, they're
hosting MLS Cup. MLS Cup will be on the West
Coast regardless of who wins out East, regardless of who
wins out West, so they'll be you know, I'm sure
the Sounders will have a little bit of maybe a
quarter of an eye on that result, but you know,
ultimately to focus on the Galaxy, right, Yeah, I think
(30:16):
the Western Conference Final will maybe be a little prettier
than the Eastern Conference Final, though maybe if Brian Smesterer
has his way, it won't, you know what I mean.
And it'll be kind of a similar affair to what
we saw last weekend in downtown LA.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
Well, it was just about five years ago that we
saw a master class shocker of a defensive performance from
the Sounders at LAFC in the twenty nineteen West Final,
and I think, you know, we're looking at, you know,
the same kind of big task of having another master
needing another master class defensively to get by the Galaxy,
especially if the m r's out, it's going to be
(30:51):
it's me a tall task. But I think either way,
I think we're gonna have a fun game to call.
You know, even even defensive games can be real fun.
And I think the Sounders have shown that even you know,
the two one over LAFC, excluding maybe the first forty minutes,
very very fun game there.
Speaker 5 (31:06):
I agree goal kind of opened that. Yeah, exactly, bring.
Speaker 6 (31:11):
That tension right, because yeah, at halftime I went to
the prep ruck, I was talking with Jeremiah O'shan of founder.
Speaker 5 (31:17):
Yeah, of course, fuck yeah, yeah.
Speaker 6 (31:19):
That wasn't a pretty minutes.
Speaker 4 (31:22):
Yeah we called it. We called it stale on the
halftime show. So yeah, I hear you on that. But
hopefully we have hopefully we have a less stale, full
ninety minutes, maybe one twenty against the Galaxy. I'll see
you down in Los Angeles. Safe flight to you.
Speaker 6 (31:35):
Absolutely great to chat with you, Jackson, Happy Thanksgiving, Yes, and.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
To you and years as well. Thank you all right, Jake,
we will see on Saturday. Have a great call.
Speaker 5 (31:44):
We'll talk soon, perfect buddy, Take care, enjoy the week
Jake's living there.
Speaker 4 (31:48):
Wonderful to have him on the show here tonight once again,
same time and same place here in this segment from
last week before LAFC, and hopefully he can call a
similar Sounders win against the Galaxy this Saturday. Once again,
We're gonna have the game for you here KJR side.
Not on Trustory Radio. We're gonna have it on the
Sounders FC stream channel on iHeartRadio. We'll have a six
(32:10):
to thirty provident Swedish prematch show and a seven o'clock kickoff.
Jake will have the game calling for you on MLS
Season Pass on Apple TV of course. So those are
the ways that you can take in this Saturday's match.
Before we break, I'll tell you that twenty twenty five
season memberships are on sale now for the Sounders. You
can join the Sounders FC Legacy and secure your spot
(32:31):
with the best fans in MLS. Becoming a member is
the best way to gain access to the club World Cup.
We're working closely with FIFA to get our season members
access to tickets, including three Sounders matches. Members also have
access to MLS Season Pass ticket flexibility, our new training
facility and clubhouse, plus more. Learn more at SOUNDERSFC dot
com Backslash tickets, Backslash memberships. We'll get a break and
(32:54):
we'll continue breaking down Sounders Galaxy. You can hear the
nerves in my voice. I am I'm on edge. It's
only Tuesday, and I'm only gonna get more on edge
between right now and Saturday night. We'll continue talking through
it with ARILILLIONWALLFMLS soccer dot com and the podcast Lobbing Scorches.
Aria is next on Sports Radio ninety three point three KJLI.
Speaker 1 (33:14):
Now back to Sounders Weekly on your home for sunders
fc CL's Sports Radio ninety three point three KJR FLM.
Speaker 4 (33:23):
Welcome back, Sounders Weekly. Jackson felt good to have you
here with us on this Tuesday night. Thanks to Jake
Zivin for joining us there in that previous segment to
look all ahead to Sounders La Galaxy look back at
the LAFC Win East Final. We're gonna continue all that
conversation and get to the two cents of one of
our absolute favorite guests. He's joined us all year, and
(33:43):
he joins us again here. It's Ari Lillianwall from MLS
Soccer dot com and check out his podcast Lobbing Scorches
wherever you get your podcasts, including the iHeartRadio app. Ari
How you doing, my friend, I'm.
Speaker 8 (33:56):
Doing great, Jackson. What a game that was that we
have to talk about we do.
Speaker 4 (34:02):
Indeed, let's start with the good and then we'll get
to the thing that's bringing me a lot of nerves,
and that's the Galaxy game. But let's start on LAFC.
That was spectacular in one hundred and twenty two minutes.
Let's start on the defensive side. That's where Jake and
I started a few minutes ago, and I want to
talk to you on the defensive side.
Speaker 5 (34:18):
First. Obviously, there was a plan coming in with the.
Speaker 4 (34:21):
Back three, slash blat back five to shut down that
potent LAFC attack. It seems to do that pretty well.
I thought, what did you see from the Sounders on
the defensive side?
Speaker 8 (34:32):
Oh? I mean, I thought the performance defensively was phenomenal.
You got an LAFC team that has some of the
two of the better attacking players in the league right
now in Denny Blonga as the reigning MVP and the Tvaspogus,
who had a great year for them. We've seen how
good those guys can be in the playoffs last year
and in all the matchups leading up to this between
these two teams this year, So to hold them to
(34:56):
that one goal, but really to have the game state
where was for most of that game, where la that
LAFC attack wasn't that threatening for long stretches of the game.
I thought, that's a great credit to the midfield in
the back line. But I think, really this game when
we look back on it, for me, is good and
it is going to be all about Stephan Fry and
the staves that he made. Because as good as that
(35:17):
performance was defensively, la FC had their chances and that
was one of the more heroic performances in goal that
year you'll ever goe to see. So I think there's
a lot of things in factors that you have to
credit for that result, but the defense and the goalkeeper
right up there certainly exactly.
Speaker 4 (35:32):
And you know, Jake was just talking about it too,
and I spoke with Jonathan Bell in the locker room
and the next man up approach of you know, knew
who you know not being able to be in here
for the game, and then you had Yamar getting hurt,
Nathan coming in and Jonathan Bell the job he did,
read Baker Whiting having to to step up and play
one of those back five. It just seemed like the
next man up approach really worked on all levels. And
(35:55):
then you know, Steph just as you said, you know,
heroic there on the back line, he was. He was
absolutely magical. But already on the offensive end, that's where
for me, you know, it was sort of one of
those things where you know, it was a stale first half,
didn't able, didn't create too awfully much other than the
own goal there in the second half until Jordan's winner
in the one hundred and ninth. On the offensive end,
(36:17):
I think I would end up saying that it's kind
of what we've seen all season, you know, with the
little wrinkle that Pedro had a lot more freedom in
this game playing the two at the top alongside of
Jordan on the offensive end, was just a product of
the system change to be a little bit more defensive,
or did you see anything different on the offensive end
that should maybe give us hope or give us a
(36:38):
little bit of different feelings at least going into the
Galaxy game.
Speaker 8 (36:42):
Well, I think number one is you've got some attacking
production from a source that you didn't really expect going
into the game, which is Max.
Speaker 6 (36:49):
Seems to know.
Speaker 8 (36:50):
I mean, I thought that was a great goal. It
was a beautifully executed finish. He put it right where
the goalkeeper, who in a world class goalkeeper goal hors
by the way, I put it right where the goalkeeper
couldn't get it, And so I think that's not necessarily
something you work into the game plan going into the game,
but in this case they really benefited from that. But
(37:11):
in all seriousness, I mean, I think that old goal,
you know, it's a situation of creating your own luck.
You know, both Albert Rusnak and Obed Vargas, they made
good plays to put the ball in a dangerous area
and you get rewarded for that sometimes just from putting
it in the mixer. So I don't really look at
that as like a fluke. I look at that as
a product of good attacking play from Seattle. And then
(37:33):
and then you had a match winner come through an
extra time with Jordan Morris, which I mean, I don't
know about you, but for me, that was the best
goal of his career when you take into account the
circumstances of it going into the game and what was
on the line with the storyline of LAFC dominating Seattle
going into the game and it being the West semifinals,
and also the quality of the finish. I think those
(37:56):
two factors combine. I think that's the best goal he's
ever scored and for the Sounders. And there's a lot
that are up there. You know, there's a sc Dallas
hat trick a few years ago. Uh, there's the La Galaxy,
Jordan Morris ran Murray by him. I could keep going.
So yeah, I mean that was another thing that I
would came out out of this game thinking about as well.
Speaker 4 (38:16):
That I hadn't thought about that in that context. That's
brilliant though you think obviously about Colorado in his rookie
year to descend Sounders.
Speaker 5 (38:23):
Denois.
Speaker 4 (38:24):
I believe that was the West Final. I don't think
that was the deciding goal though. I think it was
kind of just the exclamation point in that series. I
could be wrong about that, but you know, even then,
I don't think that goal was as impressive as it was,
you know, turning to the left and then just firing
that rocket.
Speaker 5 (38:40):
Pasted again. You mentioned it.
Speaker 4 (38:42):
Hugo Larisse, you know, legend for the French national team,
for Tottenham, and he just you know, flies it past him.
So with all of that said, I'm gonna start, you know,
kind of died digesting that. And and I'll credit you
if I agree, because that I hadn't thought about it
the greatest goal of Jordan Morris's career. That's a a
really interesting comment. You might be right about that. Ariy
(39:03):
Lillian was our guest MLS Soccer dot com. He's a
writer and editor there. He also hosts the podcast Lobbing Scorches.
Check it out wherever you get your podcasts. Ari, let's
talk about the Galaxy game. And we watched on Sunday
night as the Galaxy hung six on Minnesota, two of
them after they went a man up, but still every
(39:23):
Ford for the Galaxy got two goals. Ricky pooshe pulled
the strings. I guess the basic question is how do
the Sounders, while having question marks for New Rothrock and
Yamar they are question marks, how do they get it
done against that attack?
Speaker 8 (39:39):
Yeah, I mean it's definitely a tough matchup. The Galaxy
look absolutely scary right now in these playoffs. They just
scored six goals against Minnesota United in the semifinals after
scoring nine in their first round series. Across two games
against the Colorado Rapids, And you know, all credit myself
(40:00):
a little bit here. I don't usually do this, but
I've been saying all year that this is the best
attack in MLS outside of interer Miami, and I included
Columbus and LAFC in those comparisons when I was making them,
and I think I've been validated in that it's definitely
the most loaded front four left in the playoffs. It's
arguably the most loaded front four in the league when
(40:22):
you take inter Miami out of the discussion. So and
you have to play him on the road, so it's
going to be a difficult game. But at this point
in the playoffs, anybody you play, you're going to have
to overcome opponents like this. And I think also, as
we saw in this last game, sometimes when the odds
are stacked against you and you have to go on
the road and play a juggernaut opponent like this, it
(40:43):
makes it more legendary if you can pull off the wins.
So I think while it's a very difficult matchup against
a great team with some of the best players in
the league, with Ricky Pooje and Joey Paints and Gabriel
Peck and Deanyovilch. It's also a great opportunity for this
team to add another kind of great run to this
this run they've been on the last for this last era.
Speaker 5 (41:06):
I think that was really well put.
Speaker 4 (41:08):
You know, they have an opportunity in front of them
to have a historic, legendary something that Sounder fans will
talk about one hundred years from now, you know, or
I guess however long they live, you know, about this performance.
If they have to throw in some backups, well, Jonathan
Bell and Nathan had great games against ALAFC. We just
need him to have perfect games against you know, the
Three P's and Djovilch too, Because yeah, I think you're right.
(41:31):
And listen, I have had my doubts about the LA Galaxy,
and I still have my doubts about John McCarthy and
about you know, I think they've they've you know, had
some defensive mistakes in the past, so I still have
my doubts. But at the end of the day, offensively,
I think you are validated. I think you are right.
That attack, I mean, watching that ninety minutes yesterday was
just like, oh my god, but here we go. Saturday
(41:54):
at seven PM down there at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Speaker 1 (41:57):
Ari.
Speaker 4 (41:58):
Last thing I want to do is get your thoughts,
because you always, you know, take us around the league
and get your thoughts on the East where I don't
think a single person in America, no soccer fan ever
expected it would be the New York Red Bulls the
seventh seed against Orlando in Orlando, the four seed. Nobody
expected it. So how do you handicap that East Final?
Speaker 8 (42:18):
Well, I think the first thing is that if you
want to make a deep run in the MLS playoffs,
apparently all you have to do is sign Nico Ldero
because he's got Orlando City. I don't really honestly know
if he's played that big a run a role for
them in the playoffs, but seriously, I fully believe that,
like his influence in leadership probably has helped spearhead their
(42:39):
run that they've been on for a lot of the
second half of the season and in the playoffs. And
it doesn't surprise me at all to see them at
this point, given how they were one of the hotter
teams in the league down the stretch. But the Red
Bulls is the one that's the one that really surprises me.
Like you said, I don't think anyone thought that they
would be still standing, and it's like they're kind of
just always a factor. They've made the playoffs for fifteen
(43:03):
straight years, never won MS Cup, but have a couple
of supporter shields in their history, so they're always like
a contending team. And the storyline for them is that
they can finally get over that hurdle and add the
MLS Cup to their trophy case, which is something Sounderstands
can relate to because that was the storyline with Seattle
up until twenty sixteen. So that's definitely not the matchup
(43:23):
that people necessarily expected with Inner Miami and Columbus in
the East, but I think that makes it pretty fun
and it'll be interesting to see exactly how this Cup
matchup ends up shaping out.
Speaker 4 (43:34):
Are You've made me laugh twice tonight, and I don't
think i've laughed since the plane ride home with the
team from LA back on Saturday night, So thank you
for allowing me to smile and laugh. I will go
back pretty much immediately to being on edge until Saturday
at seven pm, and then probably for the following ninety minutes.
It's been great to have you again, I'm not sure
if we'll be looking back at the season or if
(43:56):
we'll be previewing MLS Cup next week, but we'll talk
to you in a week to talk about everything that
we just watched and hopefully it's on the positive end.
But just I'll say this again next week, but we
appreciate all of your insight all this year. You're awesome
to have on the show, and thank you so much
again for your time.
Speaker 8 (44:14):
Absolutely, Jackson, I got you have a good one.
Speaker 4 (44:17):
Ari Lellin Wall great stuff there, and right after he
says goodbye, I'm already back to nerves. Sounders Galaxy seven
pm this coming Saturday down at Dignity Health Sports Park. Yeah,
we are going to have nerves all the way up
until then because as we just talked about, six goals there,
fifteen goals. As Jake mentioned in their three playoff games,
(44:38):
they are a behemoth and it will take a massive
legendary performance to get done from the Sounders. A couple
quick notes tonight before we end tonight's show, and that
will be first that Sounders FC Soccer is presented by
Providence Swedish, the official healthcare partner of Sounders FC, and
also broadcast details one more time. We will have the
game on the Sounders FC stream channel on iHeartRadio. We're
(45:01):
gonna send that link out. I'll send it through almost
every single day. I'll be sending it on my socials
at Jackson on Radio. I'm now on Blue Sky Jackson
Radio as well, but Twitter and everything else. It'll be
the Sounders FC stream channel on iHeartRadio six thirty Providence,
Swedish prematch show seven o'clock kickoff for Sounders La Galaxy.
You know also watch at MLS Season Pass on Apple
(45:23):
TV where Jake Zivin who joined us, will be on tonight.
Are will be on the call there Saturday night. Check
out the podcast in case you miss Jake or Ari
or Jonathan Bell earlier for tonight show. We will talk
to you on the stream channel on Saturday night. For
Sounders Galaxy. We pulled off a I wouldn't even say miracle.
We pulled off a phenomenal performance at LAFC this last weekend.
(45:46):
Can the Sounders have another phenomenal performance? Can they pull
it out and host MLS Cup. We will see. We'll
talk to you on Saturday. Have a good rest of
your evening, everybody, and Fox Sports Radio is coming up
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