AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 711 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Sitting On Doorsteps, Playing Games)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, and Canadian men's national team chat.

The preseason is underway for the Whitecaps. They've headed off to Marbella after another week of Tristan Blackmon brouhaha, with the addition of a new player and murmurs of another Peruvian starlet on the way. We delve into all the main talking points of the week in Whitecapsland, hear some thoughts from CEO Axel Schuster, and look at the 2026 Canadian Championship draw and the path ahead for an unprecedented Whitecaps fivepeat.

On the international stage, Whitecap Ralph Priso shone at Camp Poutine for Canada against Guatemala. What does this mean for his World Cup chances and who else put themselves in the mix? We hear some thoughts from Jesse Marsch on Priso and also chat about the AFCON final shenanigans and the insane demand for World Cup tickets.

All of this plus we talk Vancouver FC coaching appointments, SixFive's response and counterclaim to former coach Afshin Ghotbi's court proceedings, move onto the letter C in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, and music-wise, Television Personalities continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Soup Dragons are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we have another World Cup themed song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.27: Intro - AFCON drama, Copa Del Rey shock, World Cup ticket requests
24.45: Hot Chocolate Boy - Kafkas
29.25: Tristan Blackmon remains a Whitecap despite US media reports
56.15: Whitecaps News of the Week - Larraz arrives, another Peruvian incoming?, WFC2 coach search
68.25: Whitecaps' Canadian Championship fivepeat path revealed
88.05: Nash and Daso confirmed as Vancouver FC management team
96.05: SixFive file Ghotbi court response and counterclaim
118.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - C
126.05: Priso impresses at Camp Poutine
151.30: Wavelength - Neil Brophy - Football Rock and Roll

Episode 710 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Filling Up The Spaces Inside My Happy Head - Whitecaps reject Miami's Blackmon bid, Camp Poutine, Canadian Soccer A to Z, Vancouver FC add five)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, and Canadian men's national team chat.

The big Whitecaps news of the week was them turning down a somewhat aggressive play from Inter Miami for MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon. We chat about the bid, Axel Schuster revealing that Miami wanted to pay for him in instalments, how it all seemed to play out in internet whispers, and what it means for the 'Caps going forward. Plus we talk about WFC2 looking for a new head coach as Ricardo Clark heads south to become an assistant at Seattle.

Camp Poutine has kicked off in California for the Canadian men's national team, with three Whitecaps attending. We look at the squad and ponder who from it are still on the bubble to make the World Cup squad and who have the greatest opportunities to impress and break into that squad before June.

All of this plus we talk Vancouver FC additions, move onto the letter B in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, and music-wise, Television Personalities continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Mighty Lemon Drops are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we have another World Cup themed song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.30: Intro - FA Cup drama, logging matches, calendar shoot
15.50: Canadian Soccer A to Z - B
26.30: CanMNT Camp Poutine and the battle for World Cup places
48.30: Whitecaps shun Miami's Blackmon advances
74.00: WFC2 looking for a new coach
83.40: Vancouver FC confirm coaching staff and add three
102.35: Wavelength - The Pathetics - World Cup 2010

Episode 709 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Ball's In Your Court - Ali Ahmed sold to Norwich, footballing court cases, CanMNT and Vancouver's World Cup preparedness)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, and World Cup 2026 chat and interviews in our first podcast of 2026. A new year, new hopes, new dreams, but the same fantastic podcast content!

The Whitecaps finished last year and started this one with a couple of big stories. Another player has moved on, with winger Ali Ahmed being sold to English Championship side Norwich City. Certainly not the sale of the century, we look at the transfer and what it means to both the 'Caps and to Ali. Plus we delve into the announcement that the Whitecaps have agreed a proposed settlement to a class action lawsuit around Messi's no-show in the Vancouver in 2024.

Talking of court cases, we also look at former Vancouver FC head coach Afshin Ghotbi suing the club's owners SixFive Sports and Entertainment, plus we look at how Zach is feeling about the side as they head into the new year, both on and off the pitch.

It's an exciting World Cup year, even more so with both Canada and Scotland being in the tournament and Vancouver and Toronto hosting matches. We've a lot of World Cup 2026 chat in this episode as Vancouver organizing committee lead Jessie Adcock talks about Vancouver's preparedness for welcoming the world to the city for the tournament and gives us some details on the Fanfest. Plus BC Place GM Chris May talks about the stadium's renovations to get ready to host matches and we look at who we think should be in Canada's starting XI come their first match in June.

All of this plus we talk New Year hopes and predictions, kick off our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, and music-wise, Television Personalities begin their residency as our Artists of the Month with a couple of songs, we start our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and we have the first of many World Cup songs this year in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.46: Intro - New Year hopes and predictions, mailbag
25.26: Canadian Soccer A to Z - A
34.29: Who's in your CanMNT starting XI heading into the World Cup
56.34: Jessie Adcock on Vancouver's preparations to host the World Cup
78.14: Vancouver's World Cup Fanfest will be free to attend
85.16 Chris May on getting BC Place ready for the World Cup
96.54: Whitecaps settle ridiculous class action lawsuit
107.09 Ali Ahmed sold to Norwich City
126.24: C86 40th anniversary
134.34: Afshin Ghotbi take SixFive Sports & Entertainment to court
157.47: How Vancouver FC are looking heading into 2026
166.35: Wavelength - Del Amitri - Don't Come Home Too Soon

Episode 708 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Living The Good Life with guests Vanni Sartini, Asa Rehman, and Kian Gadsby)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Rise, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and general football chat and interviews in our last podcast of 2025.

A momentous and unforgettable year of Vancouver football is coming to an end. What a year it was and we look back on a lot of it in our last show of 2025 with the help of Global TV's Asa Rehman, who joins us to talk Vancouver Rise's success in the inaugural Northern Super League season, and Kian Gadsby, who joins us to talk Whitecaps and more.

We also catch up with former Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini in our in-depth feature interview this episode to look back at his time at the helm of the 'Caps and the new adventure that awaits him in the CPL with Halifax Wanderers.

Plus we hand out our final fun AFTN awards of the year, talk Christmas football presents, and music-wise, our countdown of our favourite tracks of the year wraps up with the songs at the top three positions, plus we have a retro Christmas gift themed football song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.26: Intro - Christmas football gifts and reflections on the year that's been
23.16: 2025 Football In Memoriam
26.22: AFTN Awards - Hero, Villain, Disgrace, Embarrassing moment, rule changes we want to see
45.37: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #3 Sleaford Mods - The Good Life
50.15: Asa Rehman on Vancouver Rise's wonderful NSL winning first season
69.00: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #2 Crazy and the Brains - Catatonic Youth
73.50: Vanni Sartini interview and discussion
126.08: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #1 Kneecap - The Recap
130.25: Kian Gadsby reflects on experiencing Vancouver's exciting footballing year
169.10: Wavelength - The Everly Pregnant Brothers - Scalextric

Episode 707 – The AFTN Soccer Show (2025 Christmas Special - Axel Schuster talks Whitecaps, a Jesper Sorensen Christmas, our Whitecaps awards, Festive Fun with the 'Caps)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer chat, and it's our 2025 Christmas special so there's lots of added festive fun, cheer, music, and games along the way.

Even with Christmas approaching the news didn't let up in Whitecapsland as Jayden Nelson was traded to Austin, Yohei Takaoka re-signed with the club, and there were some fresh additions to the roster from WFC2 and the MLS SuperDraft. We delve into all of the week's big talking points and we get thoughts on all of them from Whitecaps GM and Sporting Director Axel Schuster.

It's also finally time to hand out our AFTN Whitecaps awards for the year. What were the best game and best goal? Who were the best players and the ones to watch across the Whitecaps teams at all levels? What was the best save of the year? We chat about all of those and more! Let us know if you agree!

Our Christmas chats this year sees us find out what the festive period is like in the Jesper Sorensen, Emmanuel Sabbi, Tate Johnson, and Jayden Nelson households, and we talk Whitecaps Secret Santa and Christmas dinner invites with Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter.

Music-wise, it's December, so you know what that means - the return of AFTN's Festive Fifteen! Our countdown of our favourite tracks of the year continues with the songs at positions 4 to 6, plus we have a Christmas themed football song in Wavelength and our favourite Christmas song of the year rounds off the show.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.31: Intro - ready for Christmas? Let us know what football gifts you get
11.10: A Jesper Sørensen Christmas
18.05: Whitecaps News - Takaoka re-signs, Nelson traded, thoughts of Axel
45.15: Whitecaps Secret Santa - Brian White
48.30: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #6 Pulp - Spike Island
55.28: Christmas Countdown - round one
61.55: Whitecaps add two from WFC2 to a stacked defence (+ thoughts from Axel)
70.50: Whitecaps add four in MLS draft (+ thoughts from Axel)
83.23: A Tate Johnson Christmas
86.45: Axel Schuster talks more on Whitecaps' stadium issues
94.00: Whitecaps will play 2026 Leagues Cup - Axel explains it's to reward players
101.45: Whitecaps Secret Santa - Sebastian Berhalter
105.20: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #5 Strange Neighbors - Hate Me Less
109.15: Christmas Countdown - round two
114.30: AFTN 2025 Whitecaps awards - Player, Young Player, WFC2, Academy Player of the Year
131.45: An Emmanuel Sabbi Christmas
133.25: AFTN 2025 Whitecaps awards - Best Addition, Unsung Hero, One to Watch
145.40: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #4 Camille Schmidt - Cult In Denver
148.55: Christmas Countdown - round three
154.10: AFTN 2025 Whitecaps awards - Game, Goal, and Save of the Year
169.50: A Jayden Nelson Christmas
171.27: AFTN 2025 Whitecaps awards - Haircut, International Performance, Quote, and Awayday of the Year
181.30: Wavelength - Lions Out Loud - Christmas Tree Formation
183.51: A Christmas Goodbye and The Dead Milkmen

Episode 706 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Let The Silly Season Begin - Whitecaps sign stadium MOU, transfer rumours, 2026 schedule, World Cup ticket price furore increases)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and World Cup 2026 chat.

The Whitecaps' offseason certainly didn't get off to a slow start, with a lot to talk about already. That's exactly what we do in this episode as we look at the potentially momentous signing of a MOU to develop a new stadium for the club, hear some thoughts from GM Axel Schuster about the road ahead, and delve into the challenges the club now face to get this deal over the line and the stadium built. We also take a look at how the 2026 schedule is shaping up for the 'Caps and look at the transfer rumours swirling around some of the club's players right now.

Plus, with the 2026 World Cup now six months away, the furore around ticket prices has increased, but do FIFA care and will they bow to any of the pressure? Music-wise, it's December, so you know what that means - the return of AFTN's Festive Fifteen! Our countdown of our favourite tracks of the year continues with the songs at positions 7 to 9, plus we have a Sutton United themed song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.29: Intro - weather woes, getting ready for Christmas, Traitors talk, NZ football drama
13.20: MLS Cup draws huge numbers
16.30: Whitecaps transfer rumours abound!
50.33: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #9 Vlure - Feels Like Heaven
54.53: Whitecaps and the City of Vancouver sign stadium MOU
60.25: Axel Schuster on the Whitecaps' stadium situations
71.10: The challenges ahead for the Whitecaps to get stadium deal done
102.12: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #8 Ist Ist - I Am The Fear
106.11: Whitecaps 2026 schedule sets up another exciting year ahead
133.50: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #7 Idles - Rabbit Run
138.25: World Cup ticket prices drawing increased worldwide outrage
154.30: Wavelength - Tim Vine - U Army (I Am U)

Episode 705 – The AFTN Soccer Show (A Season For The Ages Comes To An End - Whitecaps' MLS Cup heartbreak, stadium issues and roster decisions, World Cup draw)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and World Cup draw chat. And I think this might be our longest episode so far!

Vancouver Whitecaps' 2025 season came to a heartbreaking end against Inter Miami in Saturday's MLS Cup. It was a battling performance but they were beaten by Messi and themselves in the end, leaving a bitter tinge of what could have been, but it shouldn't overshadow what has been the club's best season ever. We pick over the bones of the game, chat about how the Whitecaps take that next step now after the bar has been set so high, and hear from head coach Jesper Sorensen about that.

We also chat about the Whitecaps end of season roster decisions, managing the squad and the salary cap next season, and the big talking point that will carry on over the offseason, the club's stadium issues both at their current home at BC Place and their desire to build a new stadium up at the Hastings Racecourse. The latter seems closer, with a possible announcement of a MOU coming this week, but the former still doesn't appear to have both sides close to an agreement. We also hear from Whitecaps GM Axel Schuster about it all and BC Place GM Chris May.

And there's time to delve into the farcical 2026 World Cup draw that feels like it still might be going on! We look at the paths ahead for Canada, Scotland, and the matches we'll host here in Vancouver.

Music-wise, it's December, so you know what that means - the return of AFTN's Festive Fifteen! Our countdown of our favourite tracks of the year continues with the songs at positions 10 to 12, plus we have a World Cup themed song in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.32: Intro - Christmas in the searing heat isn't right!
10.25: The end of a great Whitecaps season and taking that next step
29.25: Whitecaps MLS Cup heartbreak against Miami
74.52: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #12 I See Orange - Feebleness
79.15: How the initial Whitecaps offseason shapes up
85.00: The Whitecaps' current and future stadium issues
114.23: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #11 Kneecap - Sayōnara
118.20: Whitecaps roster decisions
158.16: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #10 Mog - Voices
162.00: World Cup draw analysis
202.25: Wavelength - Stari Most - Group of Death

Episode 704 – The AFTN Soccer Show (For a second, I hold nostalgia's hand - Whitecaps are MLS Cup bound!)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and World Cup chat. And apologies in advance for Zach's echoey sound in this one, we're not sure what's happened there!

The Whitecaps are heading to the MLS Cup! A dominant and controlled victory in San Diego saw the 'Caps win their first ever Western Conference title and set up a showdown in Florida against a flying Inter Miami side in Saturday's final. We look back at the main talking points coming out of the victory against San Diego, the threat Miami pose, what can be taken from the team's previous two meeting this year, and delve into all of the history-making and milestone moments from Vancouver's 2025 so far.

We also look ahead some more to Friday's World Cup draw, one which clearly will be like no other with extra teams, weird regulations, and a "pre-determined random draw" that will see the full schedule with venues and kick off times not known until the day after.

Music-wise, it's December, so you know what that means - the return of AFTN's Festive Fifteen! Our countdown of our favourite tracks of the year and we kick things off with the songs at positions 13 to 15, plus we have another rousing number in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.29: Intro - more traitors talk
07.25: A history-making season of milestones for Vancouver Whitecaps
31.53: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #15 The Cords - Fabulist
38.20: Whitecaps dominate San Diego to reach MLS Cup final
77.48: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #14 Crazy and the Brains - All Saints
82.20: MLS Cup preview - another match-up with Miami
112.32: 2025 Festive Fifteen - #13 Vlure - Better Days
117.47: A World Cup draw like no other coming up
137.35: Wavelength - Reducers S.F. - Ole

Episode 703 – The AFTN Soccer Show (One Step Beyond - Whitecaps send LAFC packing, the demise of Valour, World Cup 2026 chat)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and World Cup chat.

Vancouver Whitecaps are heading to a MLS Western Conference Final showdown with San Diego after a momentous victory over LAFC in their semi-final this past weekend. We delve into all of the highs, the lows, and the drama of that match and the shootout win, the fallout from it, and look ahead at what's to come, with a MLS Cup final at BC Place still a possibility.

We also look at the demise of Winnipeg CPL side Valour FC, who announced this week that they are folding after seven years in the league, and what it might mean going forward. Plus we look at an exciting latest round of World Cup qualifiers and speculate on the pots and what the best draw for Canada and Scotland at next year's tournament would look like.

Music-wise, Camper van Beethoven continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Pulp, a song from The Stone Roses to pay tribute to Mani and one in Wavelength to mark the 20th anniversary of George Best's death.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.26: Intro - a week to remember, traitors talk
10.55: Wasteful LAFC pay the penalty against nine-man Whitecaps
61.55: Whitecaps-LAFC fallout and what's next
85.25: The Death of a Football Club - the demise of Valour FC
114.55: World Cup qualifiers bring drama to very end
133.30: What's your ideal World Cup draw?
143.00: Wavelength - The Devoted - I Love George Best

Episode 702 – The AFTN Soccer Show (A Single Goal - Whitecaps vs LAFC, YP Lee, Sebastian Berhalter, Emmanuel Sabbi, Don Garber, and Asa Rehman)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer chat and interviews and we're joined by special guest co-host Global TV and CKNW's Asa Rehman.

The countdown to the big Whitecaps-LAFC MLS Western Conference semi-final continues. We look ahead to the match with Asa and hear the thoughts of LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo ahead of the game, and he's already trying to put pressure on the referee! We also chat with Whitecaps Sebastian Berhalter and Emmanuel Sabbi about the match, and former Whitecap and Korean national team legend Lee Young-Pyo drops by to talk about his time in Vancouver, the game with LAFC, the threat and impact of Son Heung-min in the league, and how MLS is seen in South Korea.

We also talk some more on the big changes coming to the MLS schedule and we bring you the full press conference from MLS Commissioner Don Garber about the changes to the schedule and the Apple TV deal.

Music-wise, Camper van Beethoven continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop songs from Autopop, and on a momentous week for the Scottish national team, a song to match it in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.17: Intro
05.33: Whitecaps vs LAFC preview with Asa Rehman
39.25: Sebastian Berhalter interview and discussion
45.22: Emmanuel Sabbi interview and discussion
49.57: LAFC's Steve Cherundolo talks Whitecaps vs LAFC
60.50: YP Lee talks Whitecaps, MLS, and the threat of Son
74.10: MLS schedule change chat with Asa Rehman
88.45: Don Garber's media call on MLS schedule change
114.55: Wavelength - Randolph's Leap - They Never Saw Us Coming

Episode 701 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Into The White - LAFC preview, Brian White, Sarita Patel, MLS schedule change, World Cup 2026)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and World Cup chat and interviews.

The long wait is almost over for the big MLS Western Conference semi-final between the Whitecaps and LAFC. We set the scene for the match-up and hear thoughts from Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen, Whitecaps centre-back Tristan Blackmon, MLS studio analyst Dax McCarty, and MLS match analyst Maurice Edu about the game and the playoff rivalry. We also sit down for a chat with a man who's been through these games for the last two years and is back fit and ready to go in this one, Whitecaps striker Brian White.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps club reporter Sarita Patel. We chat with Sarita about her broadcasting journey so far, her time in Vancouver, and the wild year that 2025 has been, with hopefully more to come!

In a monumental week for the league, we look at the MLS schedule change, the move to a fall to spring season, and the changes to MLS' Apple TV deal. Plus we talk World Cup 2026 qualifiers, more anger-inducing ticket releases, and Canada crashing out of the U17 World Cup in an epic, but ugly, penalty shootout.

Music-wise, Camper van Beethoven continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've two Britpop songs from Powder and Soda, and a Siberian post punk techno band feature in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.27: Intro - Rise win NSL championship, SFU women threepeat
11.35: MLS schedule change official and full of benefits
36.15: MLS and Apple TV deal tweak better for all concerned
44.25: Whitecaps vs LAFC preview with Sorensen and Blackmon
64.05: Brian White interview
73.35: MLS analysts Dax McCarty and Maurice Edu talk Whitecaps vs LAFC
84.50: More Whitecaps vs LAFC chat
100.00: Interview with Whitecaps club reporter Sarita Patel
137.10: Exciting weekend of World Cup qualifiers
149.55: The 2026 World Cup ticket farce seemingly getting worse
157.37: Canada crash out of U17 World Cup in ugly shootout loss
167.00: Wavelength - Kapitalifting 38 - War Is Not A Football Match

Episode 700 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Whiteouts - Don Garber roundtable, the future of the Whitecaps, CPL snowmageddon)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat, and it's a landmark episode - our 700th one for the main show, the longest running soccer podcast in Canada.

To mark it, we've a lot of talk about Vancouver Whitecaps' future - particularly when it comes to issues around their current and potentially new stadiums. MLS Commissioner Don Garber was in town last week. We bring you his media roundtable in full and chat about the main talking points coming out of it as it was confirmed that the Whitecaps haven't signed a lease to play at BC Place next year and they won't be unless they get a better deal.

The MLS conference semi-finals are all set after a wild weekend wrapped up the first round of playoff matches. We look at how they played out and have an initial look ahead to Whitecaps vs LAFC. The CPL also wrapped up this weekend and the North Star Cup final was played in whiteout conditions in Ottawa. The scenes went around the world, but should the game have gone ahead and will the league see any actual long-term benefit from all the virality or was it just an in-the-moment buzz? Has this turned people on to watch and attend the league next year? Plus we look at the CPL awards that were handed out for the season.

Music-wise, Camper van Beethoven begin their residency as our Album of the Month, we've two Britpop songs from Blur and Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, and Halftime Oranges are back in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.28: Intro - landmark episodes, college soccer, Rise move on to final
16.55: MLS conference semi-finals set after wild weekend
60.20: Don Garber Vancouver media roundtable
99.15: The future of Vancouver Whitecaps and the club's stadium issues
132.45: Snowy CPL final goes viral, but will the league see a real benefit?
156.10: CPL award winners announced
166.45: Wavelength - Halftime Oranges - Theme From Orange

Episode 699 – The AFTN Soccer Show (All Part of the Masterplan - Whitecaps set up LAFC semi showdown, Vancouver's defensive strengths, FIFA U17 World Cups)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and FIFA Under 17 World Cups chat and interviews.

It wasn't the prettiest victory, but the Whitecaps got the job done in Dallas on Saturday night, winning a penalty shootout in game two of their playoff series to book their berth in the Western Conference semi-finals and setting up a mouthwatering clash with LAFC. It's the Müller v Son showdown so many around MLS wanted. We look back at the game, look ahead to that semi-final, and round-up the rest of the MLS (and CPL) playoff action.

One of the Whitecaps many strengths this year has been their defence. We look at what's made it so successful with the help of some thoughts from Jesper Sorensen and chat with MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon. Plus we sit down with rookie defender Tate Johnson to talk about his season so far, his first playoff experience, and enjoying life in Vancouver.

We also talk Canada at the men's and women's U17 World Cup and hear from both head coaches, Mike Vitulano and Jen Herst, plus music-wise, Camper van Beethoven begin their residency as our Album of the Month, we've two Britpop songs from Oasis and Wavelength with features a song about Arsenal centreback Tony Adams.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.28: Intro - college nationals set to begin, Rise missing out on BC talent
10.35: Whitecaps beat Dallas on penalties to advance in MLS playoffs
47.45: Müller v Son semi showdown awaits
58.15: MLS playoff round-up
90.25: Whitecaps defence discussion
109.00: Tate Johnson interview
117.40: Cavalry knock off Forge and head to CPL championship game
121.00: Canada U17 men set to get their World Cup underway
136.30: Canada U17 women pay the penalty in heartbreaking World Cup loss
144.30: Wavelength - The A Team - Ooh Ooh Tony Adams

Episode 698 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Guys Are Lethal - Dallas destroyed, MLS and CPL playoff round-ups, Vancouver FC end of season review)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat.

Vancouver Whitecaps kicked off their quest for the 2025 MLS Cup with a dominant home playoff win against FC Dallas on Sunday. We look at the many highs coming out of that one, plus hear from both head coaches, Jesper Sorensen and Eric Quill. We look ahead to what's next in the best-of-three series, round-up the rest of the MLS playoff action so far, and say congratulations to the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year - Tristan Blackmon.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we round-up the playoff action there too, chat about the sacking of Halifax head coach Patrice Gheisar, talk once again about refereeing in the league, and we bring you our Vancouver FC end-of-season review.

All of that plus music-wise, Kneecap wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Echobelly and 60ft Dolls, and Cousin Feo returns to Wavelength with a song about Danish legend Brian Laudrup.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.25: Intro - UBC march on, Scottish football gets exciting
10.00: Whitecaps dominate Dallas in playoff win
47.30: Tristan Blackmon named MLS Defender of the Year
52.40: Coaches Corner - Jesper Sorensen and Eric Quill
60.20: MLS playoffs round-up
76.10: CPL chat - playoff round-up, Gheisar out in Halifax
108.45: Vancouver FC end of season review
147.15: Wavelength - Cousin Feo - B. Laudrup

Episode 697 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Drop Ya Like Jenga - Whitecaps vs Dallas playoff preview, Jayden Nelson and Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson interviews)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League playoff chat and interviews.

It's the business end of the season and the room for error is minimal. Vancouver Whitecaps face off against FC Dallas in game one of a best of three playoff series on Sunday. We set up the match and get the thoughts of both head coaches, Vancouver's Jesper Sorensen and Dallas' Eric Quill, plus Sebastian Berhalter and Thomas Müller talk playoffs, winning championships, and making the city fall in love with the team.

We've two interviews for you this episode and first up is Whitecaps winger Jayden Nelson, as we chat about the playoff match-up with Dallas and what the team can learn from their Champions Cup run earlier in the year. We also chat with Forge FC stalwart Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson about winning another trophy, the legacy the club has built, whether the team can do the first ever CPL double, and his own footballing journey from Sweden to Canada.

All of that plus we round-up the end of the CPL regular season and look at the playoffs ahead, and music-wise, Kneecap continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Blessed Ethel and Swedish band Perkele feature in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.16: Intro - MLS playoffs off and running
05.15: Jesper Sorensen sets up Whitecaps vs Dallas
23.20: Dallas coach Eric Quill on how they plan to beat the Whitecaps
36.12: Thomas Müller and Sebastian Berhalter talk playoffs and making city proud
48.55: Jayden Nelson interview
58.45: CPL regular season round-up and playoff preview
112.10: Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson interview
139.40: Wavelength - Perkele - Yellow and Blue

Episode 696 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Something's Happening Round Here - Axel Schuster roundtable, Joedrick Pupe and Rayan Elloumi interviews, MLS playoffs and awards)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer chat and interviews.

It was a heartbreaking weekend for the Whitecaps, who battled valiantly for 80 minutes down a man at home to Dallas but couldn't find the point they needed to finish top of the MLS Western Conference. Great defending, a lack of finishing, and some questionable refereeing saw the 'Caps fall to second in the standings, setting up a more difficult playoff path ahead, ironically kicking off against that same Dallas side. We delve into all of that and a lot more, plus ponder what Whitecaps might be in the running for the end of year MLS awards.

We also bring you a media roundtable with Whitecaps GM and Sporting Director Axel Schuster. A new stadium, ownership, Thomas Müller's future, Axel's future, end of year roster decisions, player pathways, the FIFA takeover of BC Place, and the club's relationship with the Canadian Premier League are all covered in the 46 minute discussion.

Our feature interview this week is with a new Whitecaps signing that arrived with an injury but is ready to go for the playoffs, Belgian defender Joedrick Pupe. We chat with Joedrick about coming to Vancouver and MLS, his footballing journey, playing style, and more, plus as a co-owner of a coffee shop, we find out if he fancies a chocolate digestive. We also chat with rising Whitecaps homegrown Rayan Elloumi about his time away with Tunisia's U23 side, his experiences in the country, and is the door still open for playing for Canada.

Music-wise, Kneecap continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Longpigs and Heavy Stereo, and MC Devil feature in Wavelength with a song about the Belgian national team.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.26: Intro - mazes and the undeniableness that is UBC soccer
08.40: A discussion on refereeing, accountability, and communication
22.00: Dallas destroy Whitecaps dreams of finishing first in MLS West
52.30: The Whitecaps playoff redemption arc set to begin
69.37: Axel Schuster media roundtable
125.40: Jesper Sorensen reflects on the regular season
130.25: Which Whitecaps players deserve MLS season honours?
138.00: Jesper Sorensen - MLS coach of the year, but will he get it?
158.00: Joedrick Pupe interview
167.37: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Joedrick Pupe
171.15: Rayan Elloumi on his Tunisia U23 experience
177.00: Wavelength - MC Devil - Deviltime

Episode 695 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Feeling Heaven - Müller magic sends Whitecaps top, Isaac Boehmer interview, World Cup tickets and qualifiers)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and FIFA World Cup chat and interviews.

Some late drama and some Thomas Müller magic saw the Whitecaps hit the summit once again in the MLS Western Conference with one game of the regular season to go. With first place and the number one seeding on the line for the 'Caps on Decision Day, we look back at the dramatic late win in Orlando and who shone in the Floridian heat, hear some postgame thoughts from Jesper Sorensen and Nelson Pierre, and look at what lies in store in the final week of the regular season and the potential playoff path ahead.

Our feature interview this week is with Whitecaps goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer. We chat with the stopper about the season that's been, what's still to come, his eventful year off the pitch, goalkeeping rule changes, and taking Thomas Müller fishing. Plus we look at what the goalkeeping situation might look like in Vancouver next year with both Boehmer and current number one Yohei Takaoka at the end of their contracts and becoming free agents. Plus we find out if Whitecaps assistant coach Michael D'Agostino fancies a chocolate digestive.

The Whitecaps successful weekend was also good news for Vancouver FC of Langley who have now booked their berth in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup as Canadian Championship runners-up. We look at what that will mean for the club and their controversial ending this weekend in Ottawa.

All of that plus we talk FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets and qualifiers, and music-wise, Kneecap continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Ash and Marion, and Halftime Oranges return to Wavelength with a song about what could have been.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.27: Intro - giving thanks, flying worms, and U20 World Cup chat
14.30: Müller magic sends Whitecaps top after last-gasp win in Orlando
54.55: Orlando v Vancouver postgame chat with Sorensen and Pierre
65.00: How Decision Day shapes up in the MLS West
70.15: Vancouver FC confirmed for CONCACAF Champions Cup
94.40: Isaac Boehmer interview
105.47: Whitecaps 2026 goalkeeping discussion
119.20: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Michael D'Agostino
125.20: More World Cup ticket talk
140.20: Will winter World Cup become the norm?
145.50: This week in international football
162.15: Wavelength - Halftime Oranges - Occupations

Episode 694 – The AFTN Soccer Show (A Little Charm and a Lot of Style - Ryan Gauld interview, Whitecaps roll on, World Cup tickets and kick off times)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, and FIFA World Cup chat and interviews.

The Whitecaps roll on, lifting their fourth-straight Voyageurs Cup and controlling their own fate in the race to be best in the MLS West. We chat about the 'Caps wins over Vancouver FC and San Jose Earthquakes and what the season run-in looks for the team and those around them. Plus we look at the celebratory night for BC Soccer that was the Canadian Championship final and ponder what next year's tournament might look like in a crowded footballing schedule.

For the 'Caps a big boost to their postseason aspirations is having captain Ryan Gauld back on the pitch. We catch up with the talismanic Scot for an in-depth interview to talk about his return from injury, what the last few months have been like on the sidelines, the success of the team this season and what may be to come, impending fatherhood, and a little bit on the Scottish national team in a week of key World Cup qualifiers for them.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is less than nine months away and as the excitement builds, so does the annoyance when it comes to ticket prices and availability. We look at what it will cost to go to a game in Vancouver, what we've learned from the initial batch of tickets going on sale, and whether the real fans will be priced out. Plus we talk kick off times. Is Vancouver set for a slate of afternoon matches to save people baking elsewhere?

Music-wise, Kneecap kick off their residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from The Bluetones and Northern Uproar, and My Brother Woody return to Wavelength with a song about the 1994 World Cup and the clash between Ireland's John Aldridge and the man in the yellow hat.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.30: Intro
03.55: Whitecaps' Canadian Championship fourpeat, trophy presentation, and what will the 2026 tournament look like?
52.50: The race to be best in MLS West
58.55: Whitecaps crush San Jose as Berhalter shines
84.10: Ryan Gauld interview
109.45: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Rayan Elloumi
115.45: 2026 World Cup kick off times being reviewed
125.55: World Cup tickets set to price out your average fan
159.10: Wavelength - My Brother Woody - Aldo vs Yellow Hat

Episode 693 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The One With All The Cups - Whitecaps Kings of Cascadia again, Martin Nash, Mark O'Neill, Can Champ preview)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Championship chat and interviews.

The Whitecaps may be down to the bare bones in terms of squad selection, especially on the defensive side, but that didn't stop them claiming an 8th Cascadia Cup following draws with Portland and Seattle. We pick over the bones of those two matches, look at the lie of the land for the race to be the best in the MLS West, and have a chat with Whitecaps centre back Mark O'Neill about signing his first MLS deal, his footballing journey, and coming from a three-code footballing family.

We also look ahead to the Canadian Championship final and preview the all-Vancouver match-up by having an in-depth chat with Vancouver FC head coach, and former Whitecaps legend, Martin Nash. We chat with Marty about the final, whether this cup run will help him lose the interim tag, what fans can expect from the team, the players to watch, and Whitecaps memories. It's also a final that will pit brother against brother and we chat with both the Whitecaps Ralph Priso and his brother Huge Mbongue at VFC about what will be a very emotional night for the pair, and get 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen's thoughts on the match-up.

Plus we hear from Thomas Müller after lifting the Cascadia Cup and hopefully soon the Voyageurs Cup, talk more FIFA shenanigans and music-wise, Hazel O'Connor wraps up her residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Sleeper and Pulp, and The Abs feature in Wavelength with a song about footballer Ralph Coates' hair.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.25: Intro - FIFA doing FIFA things
25.20: Whitecaps win record-breaking 8th Cascadia Cup
54.55: Thomas Müller talks Can Champ and Cascadia Cup
63.40: The race to be best in MLS West
72.20: Mark O'Neill interview
90.30: Martin Nash interview
118.40: Canadian Championship preview
133.45: Brother vs Brother - Ralph Priso vs Hugo Mbongue
148.00: Wavelength - The Abs - Grease Your Ralph

Episode 692 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Way The Future's Meant To Feel - Whitecaps dominant in KC, all-BC Can Champ final set, Mathias Laborda, Devon Kerr, Pacific FC for sale)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, and Canadian Premier League football chat and interviews.

What a week it's been for Vancouver and BC soccer. The Whitecaps and Vancouver FC of Langley set up a first ever meeting between the two teams in next week's Canadian Championship final after semi-final wins over Forge and Ottawa respectively. We chat about the games and the match-up to come, the showcase of soccer in the province, and hear some thoughts from Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen and VFC's Martin Nash and Matteo Campagna.

Heading back to league business, the Whitecaps went to Kansas City at the weekend and left with a comfortable victory that broke a multitude of club records along the way and left them controlling their own destinies in the race for first place in the MLS West and the Supporters' Shield. We chat with MLS Apple TV analyst Devon Kerr about the match and the season run-in for the 'Caps.

We also chat with one of the (many) standout players for the Whitecaps this year, Uruguayan centre-back Mathias Laborda, about the season so far, what's to come, the Canadian Championship final, life in Vancouver, and find out if he fancies a chocolate digestive.

Plus we talk about CPL side Pacific FC being put up for sale this week and the unsavoury public spat with the City of Langford that followed, and music-wise, Hazel O'Connor continues her residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Smaller and Pulp, and a Dutch band features in Wavelength.

Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:

01.26: Intro - a little bit of politics, freedom of speech, 3I/Atlas & the end of days
14.17: It's an all-BC Canadian Championship final!
72.56: Whitecaps control own destiny after record breaking win in KC
97.25: Mathias Laborda interview
108.00: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Mathias Laborda
113.26: Interview with MLS Apple TV analyst Devon Kerr
142.55: Pacific FC up for sale and in public spat with the City of Langford
171.30: Wavelength - The Nits - J.O.S. Days