AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 722 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Trying To Save The World with guests Asa Rehman and Murray Mollard)

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

We've two guests to cover everything on this week's show and first up is Global TV and Whitecaps radio play-by-play man Asa Rehman. Asa returns to the show to look at the Whitecaps season so far, what's gone well, what needs improving, and what may lie in store for the rest of the season to come and beyond.

Next up is Vancouver author Murray Mollard to chat about his new book Winning Pitch about the history and the highs and lows of the Canadian men's national team these past 40-odd years and we chat about what needs to happen in the country to make Canada a true soccer nation.

All of this plus we chat with Whitecaps FC 2 head coach Rich Fagan and before we move onto the letter N in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, we bring you a couple of omissions from the last two letters. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis wrap up their residency as our Artists of the Month, Miaow are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength with Cork band Easy Company.

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

01.21: Intro chat
08.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - Some We've Missed!
13.45: Rich Fagan talks WFC2
22.00: Asa Rehman on the Whitecaps season so far, needs, and what lies ahead
97.10: Author Murray Mollard on how does Canada become a true soccer nation?
157.30: Wavelength - Easy Company - Barclays Generation

Episode 721 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Detours and Speed Bumps with guests CPL Commissioner James Johnson, Mihail Gherasimencov, and Sebastian Schonlau)

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

It's not been a very good week in Whitecapsland. Defeats to Seattle in the Champions Cup and San Jose in MLS play has taken a little bit of the wind out of everybody's sails and raised some questions about what the team needs to improve on, what players need to contribute more, and Jesper Sorensen's line-up selections. We pick over the bones of both matches, hear from Quakes coach Bruce Arena, and round-up the weekend's action in the MLS West. Plus we catch up for a chat with two Whitecaps defenders - Mihail Gherasimencov and Basti Schonlau.

Our feature interview this episode is with new CPL Commissioner and CEO of Canadian Soccer Media Entertainment James Johnson. We talk with James about his footballing background, what attracted him to Canada, World Cup legacies, the financial viability of the league, television deals, innovations in the league, expansion, footballing pyramids, and the new business deal with Canada Soccer.

All of this plus we move onto the letter M in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, Close Lobsters are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength and in California!

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

01.25: Intro chat
04.15: Canadian Soccer A to Z - M
18.00: Whitecaps crash out of Champions Cup to Seattle
39.40: Whitecaps can't find the way to San Jose's goal
68.45: San Jose postgame with Bruce Arena
79.33: MLS West round-up
92.05: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one
100.10: MLS release first details of 2027 sprint season
108.10: Mihail Gherasimencov interview
118.10: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Mihail Gherasimencov
120.30: Sebastian Schonlau interview
138.40: Interview with CPL Commissioner James Johnson
175.05: Trouble flares at Sacramento US Open Cup game
179.30: Wavelength - Killroy - Fighting In The Stands

Episode 720 – The AFTN Soccer Show (From The Sublime To The Ridiculous - Whitecaps rout Minnesota, 'Caps need epic Champions Cup comeback, Iran's World Cup future)

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

What a week of highs and lows it's been for the Whitecaps. A heavy defeat at home to Seattle in the CONCACAF Champions Cup leaves them needing to stage an epic comeback in this week's second leg, and it left a wounded Whitecaps side to take their anger out on visiting Minnesota United in a six goal rout on Sunday. We pick over the bones of both matches and the main talking points coming out of them, hear from Minnesota head coach Cameron Knowles, and round-up the weeks action across the Champions Cup and MLS.

All of this plus we talk more about Iran's participation at this year's World Cup, the Canadian kits for the tournament, and move onto the letter L in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, Shop Assistants are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength and on the pitch in Brazil!

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

01.29: Intro chat
07.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - L
21.30: Whitecaps have mountain to climb in Champions Cup
50.10: Whitecaps bounce back to demolish Minnesota
82.00: Minnesota musings with Cameron Knowles
92.06: MLS West round-up
106.14: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one
112.05: Iran's World Cup participation in doubt?
122.15: Canada's World Cup kits and injury updates
126.45: Wavelength - The Business - Boys Are Out Tonight

Episode 719 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Men Against Boys – Ali Ahmed interview, Whitecaps thrash Timbers again, World Cup issues abound)

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

It was another derby day out for the Whitecaps this weekend and another victory as the Timbers were cut down to size in Portland. We pick over the bones of the game, the big talking points coming out of it, and hear some interesting postgame comments from Portland head coach Phil Neville. We also round-up the weekend's action around the MLS West, see how the battle of the Canadian keepers played out this week, and look ahead to the Whitecaps' big Champions Cup clash with Seattle this week.

Our feature interview this week is a special one as we catch up with former Whitecaps winger Ali Ahmed to chat about his move to Norwich, settling in with the Canaries and into English football, and look back fondly at his time in Vancouver and the excellent season both he and the team had last year.

All of this plus we talk about some of the big questions hanging over this year's World Cup, look at the recently announced travel and FanFest logistics in Vancouver, and we move onto the letter K in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Age of Chance are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength and on the pitch in Scotland!

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

1.27: Intro - FA Cup drama, VAR chat
10.30: Canadian Soccer A to Z - K
22.06: Whitecaps thrash Timbers in another demolition derby
61.05: Phil Neville publicly criticizes players after loss
70.20: MLS West round-up
90.50: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one
103.05: Ali Ahmed interview
137.40: Middle East crisis raises serious World Cup questions
153.27: Vancouver World Cup FanFest and travel logistics revealed
161.15: Old Firm violence erupts during Football Violence Awareness Month!
166.25: Wavelength - Condemned 84 - We Will Never Let You Down

Episode 718 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Breaking Lines and Breaking Time - Tristan Blackmon and Mihail Gherasimencov interviews, Whitecaps beat TFC)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and general football chat.

It was a another two-game week for the Whitecaps, with two victories in two different competitions and two clean sheets to boot. The 'Caps dispatched a tough test in Costa Rican side Cartagines on Wednesday night in Champions Cup action to set up a Cascadian clash with Seattle in the next round. They followed that up with a Canadian derby win against Toronto on Saturday. We pick over the bones of both matches and the main talking points coming out of them. Plus we round up this week’s action around MLS West and look at how the battle to be the Canadian number one goalkeeper is playing out down in Florida between Max Crepeau and Dayne St Clair after their derby.

It was a good week in Whitecapsland all round, with two key pieces signing contract extensions and some new corporate deals announced. We chat with one of those key pieces, MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon, about last year's heroics, his very eventful and headline-making offseason, his new deal, what the club and city mean to him, and the season to come. We also chat with a player starting out his Whitecaps journey, homegrown defender Mihail Gherasimencov, about joining the first team, his time in the CPL with Cavalry, playing internationally for Moldova, and his footballing journey so far.

All of this plus we move onto the letter J in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series and music-wise, Scottish band Bis begin their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Pastels are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month begins again in Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - gold tier thankyous, CiTR fundrive
08.15: Canadian Soccer A to Z - J
13.26: Whitecaps beat Cartagines to advance in Champions Cup
24.05: Whitecaps continue Canadian supremacy with win over Toronto
53.10: TFC postgame audio - Robin Fraser and Raheem Edwards
64.55: MLS West round-up
87.50: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one
109.00: Blackmon and Cubas sign contract extensions
124.12: Tristan Blackmon interview
141.40: Mihail Gherasimencov interview
157:00 Wavelength - Crazy and The Fog - Blood On The Terraces

Episode 717 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Some Questions Answered - VANvRSL, Sorensen extended, Whitecaps stadium chat, MLS round-up and season predictions)

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

The Whitecaps got their 2026 MLS season off to a winning start with a narrow win over Real Salt Lake at the weekend. We pick over the bones of that one and the main talking points coming out of the game, hear some postgame thoughts from RSL's Pablo Mastroeni and Ariath Piol on the match and the Whitecaps, and look ahead to the midweek clash with Cartagines in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

We also delve into some Whitecaps off the pitch news from the week around Jesper Sorensen's contract extension, talk of building a training centre and maybe even a new stadium out in Surrey, and look at some of MLS Commissioner Don Garber's latest comments about the Whitecaps stadium situation. Plus we round up the first week's action around MLS West, look at how the battle to be the Canadian number one goalkeeper is playing out down in Florida, and bring you our fun predictions for the Whitecaps and MLS for the season to come.

All of this plus we move onto the letter I in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series and music-wise, Syd Barrett continues his residency as our Artist of the Month, A Witness 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, this time from the German national team with some interesting singings friends!

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

01.26: Intro - CanMNT injuries, online abuse to footballers, Scottish Premier drama
15.50: Canadian Soccer A to Z - I
28.00: Whitecaps beat RSL in MLS season opener
60.05: RSL postgame audio from Pablo Mastroeni and Ariath Piol
70.10: MLS West Week 1 round-up
94.10: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one
110.45: Our Whitecaps and MLS season predictions
149.45: Whitecaps News of the Week - Jesper extends, Surrey stadium chatter, Sabaly arrives, WFC2 coach
171.30: Wavelength - The Village People and the German National Team - Far Away In America

Episode 716 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Please Keep On The Track - Whitecaps draw in Costa Rica, Keith Costigan and Favian Renkel interviews, MLS season preview)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup chat and interviews, in the first of two podcasts we have for your listening pleasure this week.

The Whitecaps kicked off their 2026 campaign in Costa Rica on Wednesday evening, in a goalless draw with Cartagines in Champions Cup action. We delve into the main talking points from and coming out of the match, look at how ready the 'Caps feel to begin their MLS season on Saturday, and preview that first match against Real Salt Lake with MLS Apple TV commentator Keith Costigan.

We also chat with journalist Favian Renkel from Kickbase USA to look at the Whitecaps' chances this year, preview the MLS Western Conference, and look at the new MLS fantasy football app.

All of this plus we move onto the letter H in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series and music-wise, Syd Barrett continues his residency as our Artist of the Month, Bogshed 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, this time around some non-qualifying heartbreak.

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

01.26: Intro - the good, the bad, and the ugly of football around the world
08.21: Canadian Soccer A to Z - H
23.20: Whitecaps start season off with goalless draw in Costa Rica
45.00: MLS Western Conference preview with Favian Renkel
99.20: Keith Costigan interview
123.50: Burning questions around the Whitecaps ahead of RSL opener
146.30: Wavelength - HEyap - I Am Human

Episode 715 – The AFTN Soccer Show (We Go Again - AZ Jackson interview, Jesper Sorensen on season ahead, MLS kits, Champions Cup preview, Canadian U17s flop)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Canadian football chat and interviews, in the first of two podcasts we have for your listening pleasure this week.

It was a short offseason, which is always great because it means you've had a great previous year! The Whitecaps return to competitive action this week with two matches in two competitions. How ready are they? Head coach Jesper Sorensen shares some thoughts on the preseason prep, players' availability, and we preview the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round first leg match-up against Cartagines in Costa Rica.

Our feature interview this week is with one of the newest Whitecaps, American attacker Aziel Jackson. We chat with AZ about his return to MLS from Poland, his loan to Vancouver, his time over in Europe, and his footballing journey, and find out if he fancies a chocolate digestive. Plus Jesper Sorensen shares his thoughts on the addition of the player.

All the new MLS kits for the 2026 season were revealed this past week, including the Whitecaps' new away jersey, the Coastal Kit. We look at it flying off the shelves and what that might mean for the club's finances. Plus the fashionistas that we are, we cast our eyes of what we feel are the best and the worst of the current crop of kits for this year.

All of this plus we move onto the letter G in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, Hot Chocolate Boy is back for a final outing, and music-wise, Syd Barrett continues his residency as our Artist of the Month, Stump 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, this time a cover of an all-time classic.

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

01.27: Intro - TV, VAR, this week in the world of football
16.27: Hot Chocolate Boy - Boketto and festival faves
21.40: Whitecaps' new kit sets sales records
37.50: MLS kits - the best and worst of 2026
70.30 Aziel Jackson interview and discussion
103.35: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - AZ Jackson
109.20: How ready are the Whitecaps for the season? - Jesper muses
125.05: CONCACAF Champions Cup preview
144.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - G
153.00: Canada men U17's fail to qualify for World Cup
163.50: Wavelength - Running For Drugs - World In Motion

Episode 714 – The AFTN Soccer Show (You Know How To Leave Me Reeling - Whitecaps finances and future, Ranko Veselinovic interview, growing Vancouver FC)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and general football chat and interviews.

So who else's head was left in a spin after all the Whitecaps, PavCo, and BC government back and forth this past week around the club's future at BC Place and beyond? We delve into all of the main talking points around stadium deals, finances, how they can fill their revenue shortfall, and the Whitecaps' future in the city in general. On the pitch, the 'Caps have wrapped up preseason in Spain. How are they looking with their season set to begin next week?

We've got another great feature interview for you this week as we catch up with Whitecaps centre back Ranko Veselinovic to chat about his rehab and road to recovery after tearing his ACL in July. We look back on his 2025, the tough journey to getting back on the pitch, when we could maybe see him back in action, and more.

All of this plus we talk about Vancouver FC's Champions Cup game against Cruz Azul this past Wednesday and ponder how they can turn the large numbers in attendance into more regular attendees, and we bring you an update on the Vancouver World Cup Fanfest, move onto the letter F in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, Hot Chocolate Boy is back, and music-wise, Syd Barrett continues his residency as our Artist of the Month, Mighty Mighty 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, this time from Serbian DJ and rapper Marko Gojković & Yoda.

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

01.27: Intro - Winter Olympics, Vancouver World Cup Fanfest
10.00: Hot Chocolate Boy - ONDA
17.55: Whitecaps end time in Spain with two losses
28.00: Whitecaps and PavCo finally agree on BC Place deal for 2026
51.00: Finances and the future of the Whitecaps - what exactly do they need and how do they get there?
93.55: Ranko Veselinovic interview
118.45: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Ranko Veselinovic
125.45: Canadian Soccer A to Z - F
136.50: Can Vancouver FC build on their Champions Cup debut
161.15: Wavelength - Marko Gojković & Yoda - All As One (Serbia To Qatar)

Episode 713 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Up Down, To and Fro - Whitecaps stadium issues cast doubts over future, Jesper Sorensen and Kyle Bekker interviews)

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

What a week it's been in Whitecapsland. Captain Ryan Gauld has undergone surgery, players have been added, players have departed, and the stadium issues the 'Caps have been having came very much to the fore on Friday, casting concern and doubt over the club's future in Vancouver. We delve into all of that and hear from CEO Axel Schuster.

We've two feature interviews for you this episode and first up is Whitecaps gaffer Jesper Sorensen in our first chat with him of 2026. We look back at the wonderful year that was 2025, the successes, what's been learned, that difficult second album, and 2026 preparations. We also chat with Forge FC captain Kyle Bekker about his career, Forge's dominance in Canadian football, and their preparations for this week's CONCACAF Champions Cup game against Mexican powerhouse, Tigres.

All of this plus we talk about the Vancouver World Cup fanfest, move onto the letter E in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, Hot Chocolate Boy is back, and music-wise, Syd Barrett kicks off a residency as our Artist of the Month, The Bodines 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, this time from Danish singer/songwriter Cleeman.

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

01.27: Intro - Vancouver Fanfest no longer free for all?
15.26: Hot Chocolate Boy - Union Market
20.37: Whitecaps News of the Week - Gauld surgery, transfer comings and goings, preseason
53.45: Whitecaps stadium issues cast concern and doubt over future
116.25: Jesper Sorensen interview
151.15: Canadian Soccer A to Z - E
160.20: Kyle Bekker interview
186.40: CONCACAF Champions Cup preview
198.35: Wavelength - Cleeman - Princes of Denmark

Episode 712 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Some Kind Of Happening with special guests Ralph Priso and Oliver Larraz)

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

Not a lot of happenings in Whitecapsland this past week, but some transfer rumours both inwards and outwards. We delve into all of it in this week's show, plus bring you two feature interviews with a couple of Whitecaps.

First up is a chat with midfielder turned centre back Ralph Priso. We chat about last season with Ralph, a year that could prove to be a pivotal one in his career, his change of position, his recent call up to the Canadian national team, the season ahead for club and country, and those possible World Cup dreams.

Next up we chat with the newest Whitecap, free agent midfield addition Oliver Larraz. We chat with Oli about his move to Vancouver, the wrench of leaving his homegrown club Colorado, learn about his footballing journey so far in the US and Germany, his hopes for the season, and what fans can expect from him as a Whitecap. It's a great chat as we get to know him and of course, yes, we do ask him if he fancies a chocolate digestive!

All of this plus we talk about the CPL trialing Arsene Wenger's new offside law, we delve into some other IFAB rule changes, ponder if there could be a World Cup boycott, we move onto the letter D in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series, Hot Chocolate Boy is back, and music-wise, Television Personalities wrap up their residency as our Artists of the Month, The Wolfhounds 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, this time a very topical one from Irish band The Ginnels.

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

01.27: Intro - Burns Night, Traitors UK, World Cup boycott gains traction
12.05: Hot Chocolate Boy - Gem Chocolates and Mah's Milk Bar
20.10: Whitecaps News of the Week - transfer rumours both in and out
41.55: Ralph Priso interview
69.20: Oliver Larraz interview
95.47: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Oliver Larraz
101.50: Canadian Soccer A to Z - D
119.40: CPL to trial Arsene Wenger's new offside rule
129.00: IFAB rule changes to be implemented at the World Cup
135.20: Wavelength - The Ginnels - Come Back To Saipan

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