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Seahawks legend Cliff Avril joins the show to talk about his thoughts on the preseason, and more. Fun with Audio and we hear from Mike McDonald after practice. Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer joins the show to talk about the Leagues Cup action, Stefan Frei's injury status, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seahawks legend Cliff Avril joins the show to talk about his thoughts on the preseason, and more. Fun with Audio and we hear from Mike McDonald after practice. Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer joins the show to talk about the Leagues Cup action, Stefan Frei's injury status, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer joins the show to talk about the Leagues Cup action, Stefan Frei's injury status, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're headed to the Northwest, on the shore of Lake Washington, to chat with Alexa Coyle, Marketing Manager for Seattle Seahawks, Lumen Field, and WAMU Theater + Co-founder of The Female Edge. Alexa oversees event marketing for Lumen Field (concerts, dirt events, WAMU Theater, and conventions), branding and marketing for food and beverage, Seahawks retail marketing, and more. She tells us about many of the unique things about their stadium, which includes the most just-walk-out concession stands of any venue in the world. We talk about innovation within more seasoned venues, elevating premium spaces, and how they are inspired and driven by the technology-forward market of Seattle. As a former professional soccer player, we talk about what it means to her to work at one of the host venues for the 2026 World Cup, as well as early preparations and planning currently underway as they look ahead to next summer. Alexa tells us about her career, from an interest in analytics and creative, and finishing her MBA and co-founding The Female Edge (which provides recruiting support and mentoring to female athletes) while playing professional soccer at Hibernian WFC in Edinburgh, Scotland. You'll love this fun, interesting episode, which is full of interesting strategy and great discussion.Alexa Coyle: Instagram | LinkedInLumen Field: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each Behind the Shield Community Hero is honored for their dedication to improving the health and wellness of their community. Brittany Blue will be featured on the Sounders website and was honored recently at a Sounders FC home match and met her Behind the Shield player, forward Pedro de la Vega, after the game. Brittany is Chief Marketing and Philanthropy Officer at Sound Generations, where she has dedicated more than 16 years to building relationships and community connections to ensure older adults facing barriers in King County have access to a safety net of services, so they too can lead full and connected lives. Pedro sits down with Brad and Steve to talk his transition from Argentina to Seattle, overcoming injuries and obstacles, and his desire to win trophies with the Rave Green.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Seattle Sounders are back home taking on the Austin! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We cover the 8 top stories of the week in the OCHO and deal with a little breaking news as well. 1. Pacers stay alive and force a Game 7 2. CWS could be decided this weekend 3. Mariners at Wrigley 4. The return of Luke Raley and some breaking news… 5. Kraken trade for Marchment 6. Sounders face global powerhouse 7. Seahawks one series 8. It's Tacoma Day! :30- EVERETT FITZHUGH (Kraken PxP) joins the show to give his thoughts on the addition of Mason Marchment. :45- RYLEE PAY (Tacoma Rainiers PxP) makes her debut on our turf as Chuck heads to Tacoma for the 2nd week in a row. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the third hour, Dave Softy Mahler and Dick Fain chat with Jon Wilner about the new NIL rules, then listen and react to Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald before talking to Sounders FC coach Brian Schmetzer and Huskies' basketball coach Danny Sprinkle.
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).
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.