Since our last episode, the Sounders have completed both Leagues Cup group stage games - and it was a mixed bag to say the least. Despite leaving things late the Sounders looked comfortable against Minnesota United, but it was a different story against Necaxa as a promising start turned into a worst-case scenario of soft goals, little attacking threat, and potentially disastrous injuries.  Aaron and Mark discuss the ups and downs of the games against Minnesota United and Necaxa, what those performances mean in the larger context of the season, how some of the less frequently featured Sounders fared, and the outlook heading into the Round of 32 clash with the Galaxy on Thursday. They also discuss the rapidly approaching close of the transfer window, the Sounders roster spending habits, and the risk of slipping into mid-table mediocrity.  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", "Observed without knowing" audio provided by Sounder at Heart subscriber Lars; find more of their music: https://despatchesfromseattle.com/