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This week's episode is a continuation of last season's Behind the Shield series. Michelle McDaniel, CEO of Crisis Connections, is being honored as a Community Hero as part of the Behind the Shield series, a partnership between Regence BlueShield and Sounders FC. The content series, profiling both Sounders players and community leaders, celebrates humans showing extraordinary grit and determination in their everyday lives. Obed Vargas is this edition's featured player, and also joins the pod.
TOD LEIWEKE Tod is a remarkable human being, full stop. His journey's genesis is rooted in very humble beginnings in one of the poorest counties in Missouri, punctuated by two tragedies, to becoming one of the most prolific sports executives in the United States over the last four decades. He is currently part-owner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Seattle Kraken and was instrumental in building the world's first carbon neutral stadiums and a beloved institution in the city, Climate Pledge Arena. Before his current roles, he served as NFL as Chief Operating Officer running day-to-day operations of the league including football operations, media, marketing, NFL International, communications and social responsibility. Prior to rejoining the NFL, Tod was Chief Executive Officer of Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, which included the Tampa Bay Lightning and Amalie Arena and in his last season the team was a Stanley Cup Finalist accentuating a remarkable turnaround of the franchise. Prior to joining the Lightning, Tod served as CEO of the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and Vulcan Sports & Entertainment for seven years. During his tenure in Seattle he revived the Seahawks 12th Man brand, and assisted in building one of the NFL's finest 200,000sf waterfront practice facilities including access for fans to attend training camp. Concurrently he also provided oversight of the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) as acting President. Tod also served as first ever team President of the Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) helping set in motion the team that is now regarded as one of the model franchises in Major League Soccer then averaging over 40,000 fans per match. He is part-owner of the Sounders FC. Preceding this, Tod was President of the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. He also held an executive position with the PGA TOUR and held early career positions with the NHL's Vancouver Canucks, the NBA's Golden State Warriors and a short stint as President of the Houston Rockets. TOD RELATED LINKS Wikipedia Kraken's Future Sounders Downtown Seattle Association GENERAL INFO| TOP OF THE GAME: Official website: https://topofthegame-thepod.com/ RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/topofthegame-thepod/feed.xml Hosting service show website: https://topofthegame-thepod.podbean.com/ Javier's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/javiersaade SUPPORT & CONNECT: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/96934564 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551086203755 Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOPOFGAMEpod Subscribe on Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/vLKLE1SKjf6G Email us: info@topofthegame-thepod.com THANK YOU FOR LISTENING – AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS
Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis from Tuesday 3/25/2025 included... Podcasters are playing a significant role in soccer coverage in the U.S., and Kent Malmros from "Founding Futbol" joined Glenn to discuss! USMNT Nations League fail + former players speak out Dynamo thoughts after Sounders FC draw + a look ahead at Timbers FC match
On this week's episode of the Sounders FC PodCast, co-hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans recap a tale of two matches: first, a 5-2 rout of LAFC. This win was made extra special from a Jordan Morris goal in the 77th minute, solidifying Morris as the all-time leading scorer in Sounders FC history. The Rave Green followed with a hard-fought but disappointing exit from CONCACAF Champions Cup on Tuesday at Cruz Azul, and Brad and Zak break it all down. The Sounders next face St. Louis on the road on Saturday, kickoff at 5:30pm. Tune-in on MLS Season Pass, 950 KJR AM, and 1360 El Rey for the Spanish call. Reign FC also begins their season on Saturday, hosting Gotham FC at Lumen Field. Kickoff is at 7pm, and tickets are available here: https://www.reignfc.com/tickets. Have questions for Brad and Steve? Leave a voicemail at 206-867-8545 for a chance to get your voice on the show!
The Sounders officially advanced in the Concacaf Champions Cup with a victory over Antigua on Wednesday, and are set to travel to Sandy, Utah for MLS play against Real Salt Lake. Co-hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans are back to break it all down and preview both the match on Saturday and the upcoming CCC match at Lumen Field against Liga MX side Cruz Azul. Joining the pod is MLS Season Pass PxP voice Keith Costigan, who has a background covering Liga MX and helps the crew scout Cruz Azul. Tune-in on 950 KJR AM starting at 1pm PT tomorrow for the match against RSL (streaming on MLS Season Pass, kickoff at 1:30pm PT).And head to Lumen Field on March 5th for CCC action! For tickets, visit SoundersFC.com/tickets/.
Today on The Furness Show, Ian Furness and Jackson Felts discuss the Sounders FC and MLS television streaming deal with Apple TV, Gregg Bell joins from Indianapolis to talk about John Schneider speaking today at the NFL Combine, Ian holds a Daily Power Play touching on Kraken hockey today before John Lund jumps on to discuss Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles and 49ers quarterback history, then Softy hops on for crosstalk.
The MLS season is finally kicking off, with Sounders FC set to host Charlotte at Lumen Field on Saturday. Co-hosts Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani start with a quick preview of Wednesday's 3-1 CCC victory over Guatemalan side Antigua GFC; a win that included goals from Paul Arriola, Pedro de la Vega, and Albert Rusnak. Brad and Zak also preview a Charlotte side with a proven head coach in Dean Smith, along with new signing Wilfried Zaha, a player Zakuani knows very well... leading into special guest Gaby Zakuani, older brother of Steve and former professional footballer in England's top flight leagues. For tickets to Saturday's thriller, visit SoundersFC.com/tickets/.
Seattle Sounders FC President Hugh Weber joins Dave Softy Mahler and Jackson Felts to talk about natural grass coming to Lumen Field soon, whether or not they still want a soccer specific stadium, building the number of fans, the Apple TV deal, and the Reign.
On this episode of the Sounders FC PodCast, co-hosts Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani discuss the signing of Kim Kee-hee, give some Over / Under predictions for the upcoming season, and give their takes on some Sounders FC superlatives, both for last season and 2025. Have questions for Brad and Steve? Leave a voicemail at 206-867-8545 for a chance to get your voice on the show!
Lots of news to cover on this week's edition of the Sounders FC PodCast, and co-hosts Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani dive right in. Former FC Dallas and stalwarts of the US Men's National Team will now wear the Rave Green this season: forward Jesus Ferreira and midfielder Paul Arriola. Paul joins the pod to talk about his career and move to Seattle -- and fans will love his desire to win trophies. In other news, Sounders FC and Japanese club Vissel Kobe are renewing a partnership that goes back 30 years. Both clubs will collaborate in several ways, including player development, scouting and squad management, and more. Have questions for Brad and Steve? Leave a voicemail at 206-867-8545 for a chance to get your voice on the show!
The postseason magic continues as Sounders FC is set to take on Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday in the Western Conference Final! Co-hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans welcome Sounders assistant Andy Rose to the pod to preview a huge matchup down in Carson, California. Kick-off is this Saturday, November 30th, at 7:30pm PT -- make sure to tune in on MLS Season Pass and listen on the iHeart media app for the local call with Danny Jackson and Brad Evans.
Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about the team's 2-1 extra time win at LAFC, getting over that hump, the team's health going into the West Final, and the L.A. Galaxy team they'll play Saturday.
Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer joins Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain to talk about the team's 2-1 extra time win at LAFC, getting over that hump, the team's health going into the West Final, and the L.A. Galaxy team they'll play Saturday.
In the third hour, Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain talk about the state of the Seahawks sitting at 3-3 with some concerns, then get the scoop on the Falcons with John Michaels down in Atlanta before looking ahead to Sounders FC vs Timbers with Brian Schmetzer.
A quick-hitter this week on the podcast as co-hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans breakdown a solid home victory vs Houston Dynamo, and preview a Cascadia bout between Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps. Huge congrats to the Rave Green for clinching a playoff berth for the 15th time in franchise history!Tune in for matches this week:Oct. 2nd at VAN: 950 KJR AM (English) / 1360 El Rey Spanish; Apple TV - MLS Season PassOct. 5th at COL: 950 KJR AM (English) / 1360 El Rey Spanish; Apple TV - MLS Season Pass
Macklemore is pulling back on words regarding America. The Seattle rapper sparked controversy when he proclaimed, “Yeah, f*** America” at a pro-Palestinian concert on Saturday. Macklemore is an investor in the Seattle Kraken and Sounders FC, and the two teams released a joint statement reading, “We are aware of Macklemore's increasingly divisive comments, and they do not reflect the values of our respective ownership groups, leagues, or organizations. We are currently evaluating our collective options on this matter.” Macklemore uploaded a response on Instagram on Wednesday. “My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely,” Macklemore wrote on Instagram. “Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. Saturday night was one of those times.”
On this edition of Behind the Shield, Zak and Brad get back to Washington's roots, sitting down with native Washingtonians doing great work for their community and following their dreams: Jackson Ragen and Paul Rothrock, and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Regence BlueShield, Celicia Yeoman. Jackson and Paul grew up playing youth soccer together, and are now living a shared dream of playing for their hometown squad. Celicia manages volunteer and giving opportunities for Regence employees, truly giving back to the place she's always called home. From elite athletes who proudly wear our SFC crest, to community members who have shown extraordinary grit and determination in their everyday lives, ‘Behind The Shield' pulls back the curtain and honors these individuals, reminding us that we are all capable of greatness. Learn more at SoundersFC.com/Behind-the-Shield.
On this episode, co-hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans recap a fortunate but still impressive road victory at Columbus Crew. They then take a deeper dive into US Soccer: first, on the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach of the men's side; then, to celebrate a legend of the women's game, Alex Morgan, as she retires from the sport. And of course a preview of Sunday's matchup vs Sporting Kansas City, set for 4pm at Lumen Field. Make sure to check out all the Youth Day activities pre-match, and for tickets visit Soundersfc.com/TICKETS. Tune in on Apple TV - Watch Free, FS1, or on the radio via 950 KJR AM (English) and 1360 El Rey (Spanish).
In the third hour, Dave Softy Mahler and Brian Nemhauser, Hawkblogger, talk to Jon Wilner about the future of WSU and OSU, plus Michigan's situation, then Hawkblogger Brian Nemhauser rejoins to talk Seahawks before Brian Schmetzer talks Sounders FC.
The episode we've all been waiting for -- hometown kid Paul Rothrock joins co-hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans to discuss his recent run of form, his soccer journey from youth to college and now the pros, and what he's learned about resiliency along the way. Fans can see Paul and the rest of the Rave Green in Leagues Cup action on Sunday, August 4th at Lumen Field (SoundersFC.com/Tickets) or tune-in on Apple TV - Watch Free, FS1, and Unimas for Spanish language television. Local Spanish radio partner of Sounders FC, 1360 El Rey, will also be broadcasting this matchup against Liga MX side Necaxa.
Big series against the Astros out of the break, how confident are you in the Mariners holding this lead? Mariners position group comparison with Houston and Texas. Fantasy Football preferances, do you like the superflex? Radio GM: Mariners corner outfield. Radio GM: Mariners corner outfield continued. Sounders FC legend Will Bruin joins the show to talk about the Sounders hot streak lately. Pat Daugherty of NBC Sports RotoWorld joins the show to talk some Fantasy Football heading into the NFL Season.
The suddenly surging Seattle Sounders will host St. Louis City on Wednesday, an opponent very much going in the opposite direction. St. Louis have gone just 1-8-3 in their past 12 games, which includes a 2-1 loss at home to the Sounders in their previous meeting. Since then, St. Louis has fired their head coach and doesn't appear to be much closer to getting out of their injury woes that have dogged them for much of this season. To help us get a better understanding of the opponent, we welcome back Matt Baker of the podcast Flyover Footy. Jeremiah also appeared on their podcast if you're interested in listening to that. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
The suddenly surging Seattle Sounders will host St. Louis City on Wednesday, an opponent very much going in the opposite direction. St. Louis have gone just 1-8-3 in their past 12 games, which includes a 2-1 loss at home to the Sounders in their previous meeting. Since then, St. Louis has fired their head coach and doesn't appear to be much closer to getting out of their injury woes that have dogged them for much of this season. To help us get a better understanding of the opponent, we welcome back Matt Baker of the podcast Flyover Footy. Jeremiah also appeared on their podcast if you're interested in listening to that. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
Adam Moffat only spent part of a season with the Seattle Sounders, but the MLS veterans still remembers that 2013 season fondly even if it didn't end quite as everyone had hoped. Now a color commentator for the Sacramento Republic, we caught up with Moffat to get some insight into Tuesday's opponent in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
Adam Moffat only spent part of a season with the Seattle Sounders, but the MLS veterans still remembers that 2013 season fondly even if it didn't end quite as everyone had hoped. Now a color commentator for the Sacramento Republic, we caught up with Moffat to get some insight into Tuesday's opponent in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
On this edition of Behind the Shield, Zak and Brad talk to two true caregivers in the community: Sounders forward Jordan Morris, and Customer Service Professional at Regence BlueShield, Buffy Anderson. Jordan has exemplified being a caregiver for himself and others through his own Type 1 diabetes TD1 diagnosis, and through the work his charitable foundation has accomplished, and is now learning the fundamentals of a new caregiver role: becoming a Dad. Buffy helps thousands of Regence members navigate an often-complicated health care system and meet the health care needs of themselves and their loved ones. From elite athletes who proudly wear our SFC crest, to community members who have shown extraordinary grit and determination in their everyday lives, ‘Behind The Shield' pulls back the curtain and honors these individuals, reminding us that we are all capable of greatness. Learn more at SoundersFC.com/Behind-the-Shield.
The New England Revolution got off to one of the worst starts in MLS history, but have since improved dramatically with five wins in their past six matches. To help us understand what is going on with Caleb Porter's new team, we enlisted the help of Sam Minton, who runs The Blazing Musket. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
The New England Revolution got off to one of the worst starts in MLS history, but have since improved dramatically with five wins in their past six matches. To help us understand what is going on with Caleb Porter's new team, we enlisted the help of Sam Minton, who runs The Blazing Musket. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
A big 7-point week to recap on this week's edition of the Sounders FC PodCast. Co-hosts Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani discuss the two Texas comebacks; first, a road draw against Houston, followed by a thrilling come-from-behind home victory versus FC Dallas. Zak and Brad also go back to June 15th's 50th Anniversary celebration, and memories they share with Sounders FC alumni. Sounders FC kicks off Saturday night at Lumen Field, 7:30 kick as they host visiting side Chicago Fire.
The Chicago Fire are mired in last place of the Eastern Conference, but don't let that fool you. Ever since Xherdan Shaqiri left for the Euros, the Fire have been playing pretty decent soccer. In five games without their “captain”, the Fire are 2-1-2, which includes a home win over the LA Galaxy and a road win over Toronto FC. To get a better idea of what kind of opponent we should expect, we talked to Alex Calabrese of Men in Red. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
The Chicago Fire are mired in last place of the Eastern Conference, but don't let that fool you. Ever since Xherdan Shaqiri left for the Euros, the Fire have been playing pretty decent soccer. In five games without their “captain”, the Fire are 2-1-2, which includes a home win over the LA Galaxy and a road win over Toronto FC. To get a better idea of what kind of opponent we should expect, we talked to Alex Calabrese of Men in Red. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
The Sounders FC Pod-Cast is celebrating the club's 50th Anniversary on this special episode. Co-hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans talk shop with some of your favorite former Sounders players and staff:Peter Hattrup (0:34 - 9:10)Randy Noteboom (9:12 - 21:58)Chris Eylander (22:03 - 29:19)Erik Friberg (29:29 - 36:31)Sounders kickoff against Minnesota United on Saturday, June 15th at 7:30 from Lumen Field. Tune in on Apple TV, on 950 KJR AM (English) / 1360 El Rey (Spanish), or get your tickets now at SoundersFC.com/tickets.
Jon Wilner joins the show to talk about the board of regents meeting and the financial situation with UW athletics. Possible ways for athletic departments to create revenue streams. Sounders FC coach Brian Schmetzer joins the show to talk about the loss to SKC, Pedro De La Vega's status, and much more.
Jimmy Mack of KC Soccer Journal and No Other Pod joins us to provide some insight into Saturday's opponent, Sporting KC. Just like the last time these two teams faced, Sporting KC comes in on a 10-game winless run. Unlike last time, the underlying numbers suggest Sporting is just as bad as their record suggests. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
Frequent guest Matt Montgomery of Wasatch Soccer Sentinel is back to give us an insider's look at Real Salt Lake, the best and hottest team in the Western Conference. He explains what's behind RSL's surge to the top of the standings but is sure to give us a glimmer of hope about their vulnerabilities. Sponsors Full Pull Wines Nos Audietis is the flagship podcast for Sounder at Heart, which became a reader-supported website on Aug. 21. You can support us by becoming a paid subscriber, learn more: https://www.sounderatheart.com/about/ You can also support the show by checking out our line of merch including every past YachtCon design and our latest skull-and-crossbones logo. "Diversions" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/
On this week's episode, co-hosts Steve Zakuani and Brad Evans breakdown a stretch of Sounders FC results, the highlight of course being the Rave Green's 2-1 US Open Cup victory over USL-side Phoenix Rising. Zak and Brad discuss what players need to step up on the attacking side, and how Pedro De La Vega can help the offense flip a switch through the rest of the regular season (and hopefully beyond). Brad also previews his own return to the pitch as a participant in the 2024 TST -- June 5-9 from Cary, North Carolina. Tune-in to watch Brad and his teammates from Sneaky Fox FC try and win a million dollars. Sounders take on St. Louis City on May 25th, kickoff at 5:30 PT. Tune-in on Apple TV - MLS Season Pass and on the radio on 93.3 KJR FM / 1360 El Rey for Spanish language.
In this first episode of Behind The Shield, presented by Regence BlueShield, co-hosts Brad Evans and Steve Zakuani are joined by Stefan Frei to discuss finding balance with his health. Frei goes into his career, and how fully balanced health care has evolved for professional athletes. Then, Community Hero and Regence BlueShield Executive Medical Director Dr. Nicole Saint Clair joins the pod to continue the thread of fully balanced health, giving advice and support to the next generation of Sounders athletes and fans.Make sure to check out the full series at SoundersFC.com!