AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 675 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Cruz Control - Champions Cup heartbreak and outbreak, Jesse Marsch, Dayne St Clair, Michael Boxall, Giuseppe Bovalina)

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

Vancouver Whitecaps' trip to Mexico City was not a happy one. A heavy 5-0 loss to Cruz Azul in the Champions Cup final saw the 'Caps outclassed and look a shadow of the team that got them to that point. A tough one to take, but it shouldn't fully be allowed to cloud what was a fantastic and galvanising cup run and the season so far. The worry is that there could be some lasting psychological damage in the coming weeks and we hear from head coach Jesper Sorensen about lifting the team up after this and getting back to winning ways.

We also look at Michael's experience in CDMX both at the match and in the city, plus the breaking news that the 'Caps didn't come home with a trophy, but they did come home with gastrointestinal illness. We look at what went down, what it means for the game against Seattle at the weekend, and hear from Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster.

We've also got four interviews to bring you this episode as we turn our attention to the international game. With Canada preparing for the Gold Cup later this month, we chat with the man who is, for us, the current number one goalkeeper for the national team, Minnesota United's Dayne St Clair and talk with head coach Jesse Marsch about the development pathway in Canada and the role of League1.

Nine Whitecaps are off to represent their country this international window. We talk with one of them, Giuseppe Bovalina, who is off to play for Australia's U23 side, about his move to Vancouver, life in MLS, what he misses about back home, and playing with the Olyroos. Plus we chat with another antipodean, former Whitecap Michael Boxall, about New Zealand's qualification for the World Cup and his international career.

All of this plus music-wise, a solo Pete Shelley begins his residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from The Bluetones, and Armchair Loyal are back in Wavelength.

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

01.36: Intro - a cursed episode, the end of the lucky hat, and Club World Cup ticket prices slashed
09.28: VFC derby chaos as CPL refs take centre stage again
25.12: Heartbreak and humiliation for Whitecaps in Champions Cup final loss to Cruz Azul
59.25: Michael's trip to Mexico City - the highlights and lowlights
87.25: Will heavy final defeat affect Whitecaps' psyche?
96.33: Whitecaps hit by gastrointestinal illness following return from Mexico
121.40: Dayne St Clair interview
139.27: Michael Boxall interview
153.30: Giuseppe Bovalina interview
164.30: Jesse Marsch talks Canada's development pathway and the role of League1
172.20: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - Chairman of the Bored

Episode 674 – The AFTN Soccer Show (La Historia Espera - Champions Cup final preview, Kevin Egan, Jayden Nelson, Daniel Rios, Minnesota stalemate)

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

The Whitecaps got the last of their league business done and dusted on Wednesday night in an uneventful 0-0 draw with Minnesota United and now their full attention can turn to Sunday's Champions Cup final against Cruz Azul down in Mexico City. We pick over the bones of a Minnesota match that didn't bring the fireworks a top of the table clash would perhaps usually bring, before we also turn our attention to the final. What threat do the Mexicans pose, who are their dangermen, and how has their season been? We delve into all of that and get some thoughts from Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen and Canadian men's national team head coach Jesse Marsch about the final.

We've a slew of interviews for you this episode. First up is Whitecaps winger Jayden Nelson. We chat with Jayden about Sunday's final, his first season with the 'Caps, and his return to the national team for the upcoming Canadian Shield and Gold Cup matches. Next up is a chat with Whitecaps striker Daniel Rios. The Mexican's experience will be crucial as they look to secure a historic victory over Cruz Azul and we chat with Daniel about the match, football in Mexico, and what brought him to Vancouver.

We also chat with MLS 360 host Kevin Egan about the Cruz Azul match and the Whitecaps season so far. What has he made of them, what does he feel are their chances in the final, and how important is this tournament to MLS in global terms?

All of this plus music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month, and we've a Spanish language Wavelength song!

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

01.29: Intro - what a time to be alive!
04.05: Whitecaps frustrated by Minnesota in latest draw
28.00: Jesper Sorensen looks ahead to the Champions Cup final
38.00: Jesse's Marsch's thoughts on the Whitecaps cup run
42.30: Jayden Nelson interview
56.05: Daniel Rios interview
68.32: Kevin Egan MLS analyst interview
82.58: Whitecaps v Cruz Azul Champions Cup final preview
93.52: Wavelength - Cruz Azul Canta

Episode 673 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Pleasures and Pitfalls - Axel Schuster interview, Caps comeback at RSL, international call-up decimation)

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

It was back to two-game weeks for Vancouver Whitecaps and that meant getting back to their winning ways. After being made to work hard to come away with a draw in Winnipeg at Valour in the Canadian Championship, the 'Caps produced a stunning comeback victory to take three points in MLS action at Real Salt Lake, giving themselves some breathing space at the top of the table for the rough weeks to come.

We delve into both of those matches and chat with Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster about what the club's run to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final means both on and off the pitch in terms of financial, recruitment, attendance, and global recognition. Plus we chat about preparing for the final, adding to the squad, and discuss the future of Pedro Vite.

We also look at the upcoming international absences that will decimate the Whitecaps squad for a five to six week period and get the view of 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and Canada's Jesse Marsch around it. Plus we hear from one of those call-ups, Sebastian Berhalter, and his proud dad Gregg Berhalter.

All of this plus music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos continue their residency as our Album of the Month, and we've more Britpop and Wavelength songs.

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

01.25: Intro
03.45: Whitecaps made to work hard in Valour draw
15.10: Whitecaps get back to winning ways with comeback victory at RSL
38.42: Axel Schuster interview
82.41: Whitecaps set to be decimated by international call-ups
96.35: Jesse Marsch talks Whitecaps' Canadians
103.00: Sebastian and Gregg Berhalter on Seba's USMNT call-up
108.30: Wavelength - Chas and Dave with Tottenham Hotspur's 1981 FA Cup Final Squad - Ossie's Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley)

Episode 672 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Glad All Over - Whitecaps draw in Austin, Bjorn Inge Utvik, Can Champ preview, troubled times for BC's CPL sides, FIFA Congress)

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

The Whitecaps put in their worst performance of the season, but still came away with a battling point in a scoreless draw down in Austin. We delve into the main talking points coming away from a match that was an off day for many and unfortunately all in the same game. A mere blip or some cause for concern that the brutal schedule is catching up with the 'Caps ahead of their CONCACAF Champions Cup final?

That schedule continues apace as the 'Caps kick off their quest for a Canadian Championship fourpeat in Winnipeg. We preview the Valour game and hear from their head coach Phillip Dos Santos. Plus we sit down for a chat with the man whose penalty in last year's Voyageurs Cup final clinched the vital victory that set up this year's historic Champions Cup run, Bjorn Inge Utvik. We chat with Bjorn about that spot kick, the tournament, the cup run, having a fellow Scandinavian as head coach, and life in Vancouver.

Plus we round up all the week's action in MLS and the CPL, look at the FIFA Congress coming to Vancouver next year, and music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop classic from Pulp, and we celebrate Crystal Palace's historic and joy-inducing FA Cup win in Wavelength.

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

01.27: Intro - East Fife are going up and a lot to make us glad
12.10: FIFA Congress coming to Vancouver in 2026
18.05: Whitecaps fail to impress in scoreless Austin stalemate
39.46: MLS round-up as results good for Vancouver
57.07: CPL review - record crowd and teams in trouble
108.51: Britpop discussion - Pulp
114.40: Whitecaps face Valour in Canadian Championship
129.30: Bjorn Inge Utvik interview
140.50: Crystal Palace's FA Cup win a joy for fans of unfashionable teams
151.06: Wavelength - Doc Brown - OMG (One More Game)

Episode 671 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Superpowered Comeback)

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

It was just a one game week for the Whitecaps. Did that affect them, as they got off to a slow start before coming back to draw 2-2 with LAFC? We look into that and delve into the talking points coming out of the match. Plus we get the thoughts of head coach Jesper Sorensen.

We also delve into our travels to two Canadian Championship matches this past week as Zach took in Vancouver FC's first ever win in the competition and Michael headed to Winnipeg with TSS Rovers for a close, but ultimately heartbreaking, narrow defeat. We also hear the postgame thoughts from Rovers' head coach Brendan Teeling.

Plus we round up all the week's action in MLS, the CPL, and the NSL, talk superpowers with Sebastian Berhalter, Ranko Veselinovic, Tate Johnson, and Ralph Priso, and music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've another two Britpop songs, and another fun Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - Spotify issues, spectacles, VHS movies
08.05: Comeback 'Caps battle to LAFC draw
43.13: Are the Whitecaps stronger in two game weeks?
50.15: MLS round-up
72.20: Whitecaps Superpowers - Seba, Ranko, Tate, and Ralph
81.51: Vancouver FC get first ever Canadian Championship win
100.30: Heartbreak for TSS Rovers in Winnipeg
117.10: Radiohead discussion
123.35: CPL and NSL review
145.05: Wavelength - Everton 1995 FA Cup Squad - All Together Now

Episode 670 – The AFTN Soccer Show (All Aboard The Vancouver Express - Whitecaps Champions Cup final bound, VAN v RSL, Ranko Veselinovic interview)

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

All aboard the Vancouver Whitecaps runaway train. There's no stopping it and the final destination is unknown! What another fantastic week it's been in Whitecapsland. The team booked their berth in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final with a 5-1 aggregate win over Inter Miami. They are now 90 minutes away from winning a major trophy and qualifying for both the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Inter-continental Cup. Crazy times and we break it all down in this episode and ponder where this ranks both now and potentially in the club's history compared to the 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl win and what impact it could have on the club and football in the city.

We bring you an interview with Whitecaps defender Ranko Veselinovic about the victory, the season, his defensive partnership, and the reaction he's had back home in Serbia. Plus we chat with Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster, head coach Jesper Sorensen, and Ranko's centreback partner Tristan Blackmon.

Plus we look at the Whitecaps' latest MLS win against Real Salt Lake, round up all the week's action in the CPL and Canadian Championship, talk football superstitions with Ranko Veselinovic and Tate Johnson, and music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos begin their residency as our Album of the Month, we've another Britpop song from Supergrass, and another fun Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro
04.25: What time is it? Five past Miami - the 'Caps are Champions Cup final bound
59.05: Football Superstitions - Ranko Veselinovic and Tate Johnson
66.15: A chat with Jesper Sorensen
72.35: Axel Schuster audio
77.12: The Whitecaps are 90 minutes away from TWO Fifa tournaments
81.57: Where does/can this rank in Whitecaps history?
99.08: An early look ahead to the Champions Cup final
111.05: Ranko Veselinovic interview
118.45: A chat with Tristan Blackmon
123.10: No hangover for Whitecaps in dominant RSL victory
144.35: CPL and Canadian Championship Week in Review
180.45: Wavelength - Ralph McTell - The Winners Song

Episode 669 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Maximum Highs - Whitecaps beat Miami and Minnesota, Kaylyn Kyle, Sebastian Berhalter, Ralph Priso)

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

The Whitecaps keep on rolling on two fronts in what is already proving to be a season of amazing highs and it's not even the end of April yet. First the 'Caps dominantly dispatched Lionel Messi and his star-studded Miami side on Thursday in their Champions Cup semi-final first leg and then they followed that up by heavily rotating their starting line-up and going and getting a result in their top of the table clash in Minnesota on Sunday. We look back at two huge victories, the unsavoury incident at the end of the Minnesota match with Emmanuel Sabbi, and look ahead to Wednesday's second leg of the semi in Florida.

We've three interviews for you in this episode. First up is one of the men of the hour, the man who's now scored in back-to-back matches, Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. We chat with Seba about his goal and his experience in that Miami match, and the performances of the team so far this season. We also chat with 'Caps midfielder Ralph Priso about the Miami game, the team, and his move to Vancouver.

We also have a great chat with MLS Apple TV host, and former Whitecaps and Canadian women's national team player, Kaylyn Kyle about the Whitecaps great start to the season, the win over Miami and what to expect in the second leg, her love for the club, and her excitement at the launch of the Northern Super League.

Plus we round up all the weekend's action in the CPL, talk football superstitions, find out if Ralph Priso fancies a chocolate digestive, and music-wise Camille Schmidt rounds off her residency as our Album (and Artist) of the Month, we've two Britpop songs, and a fun Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - Lapu Lapu Day tragedy
06.10: Whitecaps send Miami and Messi packing
33.46: Football superstitions
42.15: Second Leg hopes and expectations
51.32: Sebastian Berhalter interview
57.00: Whitecaps rotate heavily in Minnesota win
68.52: Emmanuel Sabbi incident in Minnesota
86.18: Kaylyn Kyle interview
100.48: Ralph Priso interview
107.35: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Ralph Priso
111.30: CPL Week in Review
138.25: Wavelength - Funny Football Songs - Old Man Suarez

Episode 668 – The AFTN Soccer Show (#FM Mode - Whitecaps' St Louis stalemate, Miami preview, JC Ngando, CPL and NSL chat)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Canadian Premier League, and Northern Super League chat. Another veritable footballing feast.

Vancouver Whitecaps' huge month continues apace, but is it starting to catch up with them? We chat about Saturday's somewhat flat goalless draw in St Louis and look ahead to this week's Champions Cup semi-final with Inter Miami and the Messi circus it will bring with it. Plus we chat with Whitecaps midfielder J.C. Ngando about his and the team's excellent start to the year and defender Sam Adekugbe talks to us about his ownership stake in NSL side Calgary Wild and the importance of that league and the CPL to the continued growth of the game here in Canada.

Zach regales us with tales of his trip to Calgary to see Vancouver FC take on Cavalry in CPL action, plus we look at another tumultuous week behind the scenes at VFC that saw four key staff members unceremoniously fired. We also chat about the inaugural match in the NSL that saw Vancouver Rise come away with their first ever win, we hear some postgame thoughts from Anja Heiner-Moller and Quinn, and we chat with NSL President Christina Litz about the relationship between the NSL and the CPL and how she'd like that to look moving forward.

We also round up all the weekend's action in the MLS and CPL, and music-wise Camille Schmidt continues her residency as our Album (and Artist) of the Month, Oasis feature in our Britpop segment, and Cousin Feo is back in Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - premature celebrations, World Cup posters, and more football dating
09.51: Stalemate in St Louis
17.33: MLS round-up
30.45: J.C. Ngando interview
40.47: Miami preview - let the Messi mayhem begin
55.15: Zach's joy and heartbreak in Calgary
77.00: More Vancouver FC turmoil off the pitch
93.05: CPL Week in Review
107.00: Vancouver Rise win first ever NSL match - with Heiner-Moller and Quinn audio
119.55: Sam Adekugbe talks Calgary Wild ownership and the importance of the NSL and CPL
123.06: Christina Litz on the relationship between the NSL and CPL
131.40: Wavelength - Cousin Feo ft Flashius Clayton - Messi

Episode 667 – The AFTN Soccer Show (What time is it - the time for champions?)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, Northern Super League, and League1 BC chat.

The Whitecaps are on fire right now and are showing no signs of slowing up. Top of the MLS Western Conference, first in the Supporters Shield race, Champions Cup semi-finalists, and all while missing some key players. Their latest triumph was a 5-1 shellacking of Austin FC on Saturday. We delve into all the highs of that one, the standout performance from four-goal Brian White, and hear some postgame thoughts from Austin head coach Nico Estevez.

We also ask Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen if his start in Vancouver has exceeded all expectations, talk to Tristan Blackmon about THAT goal in Mexico City, and our feature interview is with the 'Caps rookie playing well beyond his years right now, Tate Johnson. Plus we look at MLS still considering, but delaying, a switch to a schedule more aligned to elsewhere in the world.

As the NSL kicks off its historic inaugural season this week, we chat about the league with Vancouver Rise Sporting Director Stephanie Labbe and Janine Sonis, and talk takeout food with Quinn. Plus we round up all the weekend's action in the CPL and L1BC, and music-wise Camille Schmidt continues her residency as our Album (and Artist) of the Month, Powder feature in our Britpop segment, and Generation 69 are in Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - Gold Cup and football dating
10.10: Whitecaps' 5-star performance against Austin
56.05: Tristan Blackmon talks THAT goal and more
63.22: Jesper Sorensen on the rise of Tate Johnson
66.12: Tate Johnson interview
73.20: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Tate Johnson
74.44: MLS schedule change pushed back for more talks
83.45: Stephanie Labbe interview
100.38: Take Me Out - Quinn
102.40: Janie Sonis (nee Beckie) talks NSL
111.05: CPL Week in Review
144.40: L1BC Week in Review
150.10: Wavelength - Generation 69 - Oi and Football

Episode 666 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Mark of Beasts - Whitecaps stun Pumas, CPL review, Holly Ward, Casey Stoney)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Canadian Soccer League, Northern Super League, and Canadian national team chat.

Are you still recovering from the Whitecaps beating Pumas to reach the Champions Cup semi-finals? We are and our voices can testify to that! We look at the historic night in Mexico City, how everything played out, and look ahead to facing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the semis. Plus we hear from the Great Dane himself, 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and Axel Schuster tells us if Vancouver might still be active before the MLS transfer window shuts.

We also recap all the action from the first weekend of the 2025 CPL season, chat with Canadian women's head coach Casey Stoney about her time in charge so far and the launch of the NSL, and our feature interview this episode is with Vancouver Rise forward Holly Ward about her career so far, coming to her new hometown team, the NSL, and her first involvement with Canadian senior women's team. Plus music from Sinergy, Got Got Need, and Cousin Feo.

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

01.57: Intro - lucky hats and items in the mail
06.52: Whitecaps stun Pumas to set up Miami semi showdown
40.25: Axel Schuster on Whitecaps transfer window plans
48.55: Unpacking Mark Noonan from Ep664
63.40: CPL Week in Review
109.55: Casey Stoney audio
114.38: Holly Ward interview
122.45: Wavelength - Cousin Feo - Maradona

Episode 665 – The AFTN Soccer Show (White Noise, Schadenfreude - Whitecaps new stadium plans, Rapids navigated, Sinead King and Julia Grosso interviews)

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

What a week it's been for the Whitecaps. They dominated Colorado Rapids to stay top of the MLS West, they gave themselves a great chance of advancing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Pumas, and news broke on Friday that a new, soccer-specific stadium to call their own was in the works. We delve into all the action on and off the pitch and hear from Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster about the stadium news.

We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is a chat with Vancouver Rise President Sinead King about getting the new team up and running in a new league, the challenges faced and those to come, and where her love of football came from.

We also chat with Vancouver's Canadian women's national team hero Julia Grosso about being back in the city, her career, that gold winning penalty, and lots more. Plus we look at Canada's win over Argentina and the U17 women qualifying for this year's World Cup in Morocco.

Music-wise The Bees Band feature in Wavelength with a song featuring the legend that was Stan Bowles, Camille Schmidt continues her residency as our Album of the Month, there's Britpop songs from Menswear and The Boo Radleys.

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

01.29: Intro - rainy days, L1BC, US Open Cup
13.50: Axel Schuster on Whitecaps new stadium plans
27.00: A new Whitecaps stadium - the merits and pitfalls for a PNE plan
53.40: Whitecaps impress in Colorado victory
79.50: Sinead King interview
111.30: CanWNT win against Argentina
119.00: Julia Grosso interview
135.00: Wavelength - The Bees Band - Somebody Give Me The Ball

Episode 664 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Kicks Keep You Down - Whitecaps tie Pumas, Mark Noonan and Marco Bustos interviews, CPL Season Preview)

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

It was late agony at BC Place for Vancouver Whitecaps as they conceded an away goal against Pumas UNAM with just three minutes remaining in a game they bossed. Still, they got a draw and it's all to play for next week in Mexico City as we pick over the bones of the first leg.

We've two feature interview for you in this episode. First up is a 25 minute chat with Canadian Premier League Commissioner Mark Noonan ahead of the 7th season of the CPL. We chat with Mark about the state of the league, expansion, the TV deal with TSN, capitalizing on the 2026 World Cup, and more.

Next up is former Whitecaps midfielder Marco Bustos who returns to the CPL for a second stint with Pacific FC. What brought him back, can they recapture the glory days of their championship season, how is a turned over Pacific side looking, and how was life in Sweden? We chat about all of this and more, plus we preview all eight CPL teams and look at how their offseason rebuilds have gone and their chances for the season ahead.

Music-wise feature in Wavelength, Camille Schmidt kicks off her residency as our Album of the Month, and there's a couple of Britpop songs from Nilon Bombers and Kingmaker.

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

01.27: Intro - US Open Cup drama
07.12: Whitecaps concede late in agonizing draw with Pumas
28.35: CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan interview
64.35: Pacific FC season preview
75.23: Marco Bustos interview
106.50: Vancouver FC season preview
128.20: Calgary FC season preview
135.53: Valour FC season preview
141.03: Forge FC season preview
149.06: York United season preview
157.35: Atletico Ottawa season preview
163.38: HFX Wanderers season preview
169.55: Wavelength - Babybird - Football

Episode 663 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Mascara Bleeds The Blackened Tear - Whitecaps draw in Toronto, Phonzie's injury, Sacha Kljestan, James Merriman, Nelson Pierre)

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

The Whitecaps didn't get back to winning ways in Toronto but they took a point on the road and that's rarely a bad thing. We delve into the goalless draw against TFC and the main takeaways from the match, that sadly saw injuries to Andres Cubas and Mathias Laborda. Can we read much into the recent blips? Will the team be hampered now against Pumas in the Champions Cup? And how does the weekend's results leave the 'Caps in the lie of the land in the MLS West? We talk about all of that and more and chat with WFC2 standout Nelson Pierre, who made it three goals in three games on Saturday.

We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is a chat with MLS Apple TV analyst, and former scourge of MLS defences everywhere, Sacha Kljestan. We get Sacha's thoughts about the Whitecaps start to the season, their key players, and the MLS West, plus we talk about his continuing US Open Cup run with Des Moines Menace, switching to punditry, and the US national team woes and whether Brian White can save them.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we chat with Pacific FC head coach James Merriman ahead of the new season that gets underway next weekend. We look back at last season, the offseason rebuild, the season ahead, plans for youth players and L1BC, and more. Plus we find out if new Pacific addition, Whitecaps loanee goalkeeper Max Anchor, fancies a chocolate digestive!

And after another eventful week for Canada Soccer we talk about the blame game and fingerpointing around Alphonso Davies' injury by Bayern Munich and his agent against the CSA, plus Zach regales us will tales of his trip to the CONCACAF Nations League finals and we look at the admonishment handed out to former men's national team coach John Herdman.

Music-wise Athena feature in Wavelength, Sleeper wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month, there's a Britpop song from Joyrider, and special song from Franz Ferdinand that we're dedicating to Lorenzo Insigne.

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

01.25: Intro - football galore and spring break
15.06: Whitecaps goalless and with more injury concerns after Toronto stalemate
33.40: The lie of the land in the MLS West
42.55: Nelson Pierre interview and WFC2 chat
56.10: Sacha Kljestan interview
83.43: James Merriman interview
110.05: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Max Anchor
117.10: Zach's trip to the Nations League finals
133.53: Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich, and the Canada Soccer blame game
155.30: Herdman admonished by disciplinary hearing
162.15: Wavelength - Athena - Holigan

Episode 662 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Bubbles Burst - Canada's Nations League rollercoaster, Whitecaps no longer perfect, Max Anchor interview)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and CONCACAF Nations League chat and we're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo this week to talk about it all.

Canada went into the CONCACAF Nations League finals with real hope of lifting their first trophy in 25 years, but a semi-final loss to Mexico shattered those dreams, before a feelgood win over the US end the tournament on a high for Les Rouges. We pick over the bones of both matches, the lessons that can be learned from them, and what some of the performances of individual players may mean for the future. Is Alphonso Davies still trying to do too much? Are some of the old guard needing to step aside? Do we have a number one goalkeeper at the moment? We chat about all of that and more.

Turning our attention to the club game, Vancouver Whitecaps lost their first MLS match of the season, when a short-handed and disjointed side fell at home to Chicago. A mere blip to their good start, some real concerns about depth, or a mixture of both? We look back at the game, what can be taken from it, and look ahead to getting back on track in the Canadian derby against a poor Toronto side.

Our feature interview this episode is with a Whitecaps first-teamer that's gone out for loan to the CPL for the season, goalkeeper Max Anchor. We chat to Max about his move to Pacific FC, his footballing journey so far, some of the new goalkeeper rules, and more.

It's also Football Violence Awareness Month at AFTN Towers and we review the Netflix Polish football hooligan drama Kibic, while Antisocial feature in Wavelength. Plus Sleeper continue their residency as our Album of the Month, there's another Britpop song from Ash, and we talk World Cup qualification, the US Open Cup, and the new UK Ballers League.

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

01.27: Intro - World Cup qualifiers, US Open Cup
12.45: Canada's Nations League rollercoaster
51.50: Whitecaps depth tested in Chicago loss
79.06: Max Anchor interview
102.40: Pacific FC chat
110.45: TVOD - Kibic (Hooligan)
116.00: Wavelength - Antisocial - Official Hooligan

Episode 661 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Exploring Our Darkest Dreams - Whitecaps stun Monterrey and stay perfect in MLS; Sebastian Berhalter and Dax McCarty interviews)

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

The Jesper Juggernaut rolls on in Vancouver, with the Whitecaps putting in a tremendous performance to make history against Monterrey in Champions Cup action, then following that up with another victory in MLS play to stay top of the table. We look back at both matches, the main talking points coming out of them, and the key performances. Plus we hear Jesper Sorensen's first thoughts of playing through an international break, chat with Brian White about that night in Mexico and heading off to play for the USMNT, and chat with J.C. Ngando about breaking into the 'Caps first team after going out on loan last season.

We have two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is new Apple TV MLS analyst Dax McCarty. We chat with the 19-year MLS veteran about (primarily) hanging up his boots and moving into TV-land, get his thoughts so far on Vancouver Whitecaps this season, chat about him playing US Open Cup next week with Des Moines Menace, Brian White's US national team call-up, and more.

Our second feature interview is with the man who has started every match for the Whitecaps so far this season, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. We talk with Seba about the 'Caps start to the year, next week's Berhalter derby with his dad Gregg as Chicago come to town, his free kick prowess, and more. Plus we kick off a new food feature with him and have a pizza party!

It's Football Violence Awareness Month at AFTN Towers and we look back at the movie The Football Factory and feature a very NSFW song in Wavelength that samples lines from the film! All of that plus Sleeper continue their residency as our Album of the Month and there's another Britpop song from Supergrass.

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

01.40: Intro - border crossing for football, stadiums that fit team needs
13.42: Whitecaps' monumental night in Mexico against Monterrey
46.40: Vancouver remain perfect in MLS play after dominant Dallas win
62.51: J.C. Ngando audio
69.57: Another short-handed international window next vs Chicago
73.30: Brian White audio
78.05: Chicago preview and more MLS chat
89.20: Interview with MLS analyst Dax McCarty
120.25: Sebastian Berhalter interview
134.10: Sebastian Berhalter's Pizza Party
139.32: TVOD - The Football Factory
145.30: Wavelength - DJ Paul Elstak - You're A Hardcore Hooligan

Episode 660 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Ready Or Not, Here They Come - Vancouver top after Montreal win; Whitecaps set up Monterrey showdown; Victor Loturi interview; FIFA shenanigans)

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

The Whitecaps keep rolling with a very strong performance against Mexican powerhouse CF Monterrey in Champions Cup action, followed by a victory over CF Montreal in MLS action in their Canadian derby that saw them go top of the Western Conference standings.

We pick over the bones of both matches and the main talking points coming out of them. We look at the standout performances, chat about Jesper Sorensen's early enforced use of his squad depth, and ponder just how much Ryan Gauld's knee injury could derail the 'Caps excellent start depending on how severe it is and how quickly the club act to bring in another piece.

We also chat with Montreal's Canadian midfielder Victor Loturi about coming back to Canada to play in MLS, his time in Scotland, and how playing in the CPL shaped him as a player.

It's also been a newsworthy week for FIFA with the 2026 World Cup countdown continuing apace and we talk halftime shows, government taskforces, bitcoin, weather concerns, further expansion to 64 teams, and Canada's latest plans.

All of this, plus Sleeper kick off their residency as our Album of the Month, there's another Britpop song, and it's Football Violence Awareness Month in Wavelength.

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

01.28: Intro - CPL preseason, extra podcasts, jersey chat
12.30: Will Whitecaps' blistering start be derailed by Gauld injury?
22.28: Whitecaps very much in the hunt against Monterrey
60.05: Dominant Vancouver dispatch Montreal
100.41: Victor Loturi interview
110.15: FIFA World Cup 2026 chat - halftime shows, bitcoin, 64 team expansion, weather concerns
150.20: Wavelength - Slaughter and the Dogs - Where Have All The Bootboys Gone?
157.20: Goodbyes - Bayern are 125, East Fife back to winning ways, Clyde Only Fans controversy!

Episode 659 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Drinking The Elixir - Axel Schuster roundtable; Whitecaps beat Portland and Saprissa)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup chat, and we're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo again to do it all this episode.

It's been a good start to the Jesper Sorensen era in Vancouver. Advancing in the Champions Cup with an aggregate win over Saprissa and a dominant dismantling of Portland in MLS action has certainly put a spring in the steps of those of a blue and white persuasion. We take a look at the takeaways from both matches and look ahead to the visit of the LA Galaxy in MLS action and Mexican giants CF Monterrey in the next round of the cup next week.

Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster held a media roundtable on Wednesday. We bring you that in full and unpack some of the main talking points around the make up of the roster, new additions, the latest on the sale, the MLS schedule, and more.

All of this, plus Pop Will Eat Itself wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month, there's Norwegian Oi in this episode's Wavelength, and another Britpop song.

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

01.26: Intro
06.57: Whitecaps see off Saprissa in Champions Cup
31.15: Tough Monterrey test now awaits in Round of 16
44.15: Whitecaps destroy Timbers in MLS season opener
82.10: Axel Schuster media roundtable
128.00: Unpacking Axel
145.40: Wavelength - Premier League - Kick Off Time

Episode 658 – The AFTN Soccer Show (And So It Begins)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup chat, and we're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo to do it all this episode.

The Whitecaps finally played their first competitive game of 2025, and while the end result of the Champions Cup clash with Saprissa wasn't what they were hoping for down in Costa Rica, there were a lot of positives and and an away goal to take from the tie. We delve into the match, look ahead to the MLS season opener in Portland and hear from 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and Timbers boss Phil Neville.

As the new MLS season gets underway, we preview what is shaping up to be an interesting and unpredictable Western Conference, with some clear standout teams, some movers and shakers, and some teams that we just don't know what to expect from them yet this season. We cast our eyes over the Whitecaps' 14 Western rivals and bring you a special collaboration piece we did previewing Vancouver themselves on the Soccerwise podcast.

All of this, plus former Whitecaps captain Kendall Waston runs through our infamous food segments, Pop Will Eat Itself continue their residency as our Album of the Month and feature again in this episode's Wavelength, there's another Britpop song, and we pay tribute to the recently departed Jam drummer Rick Butler.

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

01.25: Intro
05.35: Whitecaps lose late to Saprissa
28.34: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? Or Jam? Or Takeout food? - Kendall Waston edition
32.40: Portland preview with Phil Neville audio
48.10: MLS West Season Preview - Austin, Colorado, Dallas, Houston, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Minnesota
91.00: MLS West Season Preview - Portland, RSL, San Jose, San Diego, Seattle, SKC, St Louis
132.10: Michael's Whitecaps season preview on Soccerwise podcast
167.30: Wavelength - Pop Will Eat Itself - Reclaim The Game Funk FIFA

Episode 657 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Give Me Pleasure, Give Me Thrills with guests Kendall Waston, Jesper Sorensen, and Emmanuel Sabbi)

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

The wait is almost over, with the first competitive matches of the season coming up thick and fast this week for the Whitecaps in both league and cup action. The 'Caps have added two players to bolster their roster, with another key piece, experienced Mexican forward Daniel Rios, set to join on loan for the season any day now. Are the team ready to go? We chat with 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and ask just that, plus talk tactics, transfers, and more in the first of three one-on-one interviews this episode.

Our feature interview is spread over two parts, as we sit down with former Whitecaps captain Kendall Waston in an extensive 50-minute interview to chat about his time in Vancouver, his love for the city, his successes here, the truth about his controversial departure, his footballing career and journey, playing at two World Cups, and now facing his former side in Champions Cup action.

As if all of those interviews weren't enough, we bring you a third one this episode as we chat with new Whitecaps winger Emmanuel Sabbi for the first time to talk about his move to Vancouver and MLS, his footballing journey so far, what he brings to the team, going up against Jesper Sorensen's sides in Denmark, does he fancy a chocolate digestive, and more.

All of this, plus Pop Will Eat Itself continue their residency as our Album of the Month and feature in this episode's Wavelength, there's another Britpop song, a prog rock number to explain a few things, and it's our final Hot Chocolate Boy of the year.

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

01.26: Intro - 'Caps looking sharp, Cavs fall just short, new Peak kit
09.07: Whitecaps add two as season set to begin
14.20: Jesper Sorensen talks tactics, transfers, and the season ahead
26.25: Daniel Rios set to be newest Whitecap
31.25: Hot Chocolate Boy - La Saison de Patisserie and Top 3
45.25: Kendall Waston interview - part one
83.55: Kendall Waston interview - part two
119.10: Emmanuel Sabbi interview
129.25: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Emmanuel Sabbi
130.45: Wavelength - Pop Will Eat Itself - Touched By The Hand of Cicciolina

Episode 656 – The AFTN Soccer Show (A Starring Role in the Perfect Dream with special guest Jesper Sorensen)

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

As the Whitecaps wrap up their preseason in Spain, we've a special feature interview for you this episode as we sit down for our first one-on-one chat with new 'Caps coach Jesper Sørensen. We chat for 30 minutes with Jesper about his footballing journey so far, both on and off the pitch, his influences, his inspirations, and what this season might hold in store for both him and the team. It's a new era and the Whitecaps will look a little different out there.

We also wrap up the last preseason match, look at the impact Trump will have on travelling Whitecaps supporters this season, and ponder what the turbulent offseason will mean for attendances at BC Place. Plus we look at Cavalry FC doing Canada proud in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, hear from head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr, and look at the rumoured Canadian Premier League expansion in 2026 in BC and Ontario.

All of this plus we talk Alphonso Davies re-signing at Bayern Munich, a weekend of cup drama in England and Scotland, characters in football crowds, our Hot Chocolate Boy and Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? segments are back, Pop Will Eat Itself continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've another Britpop song, and Wavelength features a song about Danish legend Michael Laudrup.

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

01.28: Intro - Phonzie re-signs, cup drama and upsets, characters in the crowd
14.15: CITR Radion's 2025 Fundrive
17.40: Whitecaps wrap up preseason in Spain with another win
22.42: Whitecaps fans shun Portland and US travel
36.47: Hot Chocolate Boy - To Live For and Eternal Abundance
49.05: Jesper Sørensen one-on-one interview
86.28: Unpacking Jesper - will the fans be patient?
106.30: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Jesper Sørensen
112.30: Cavalry FC do Canadian soccer proud
131.55: CPL expansion coming to BC and Ontario?
141.00: Wavelength - Cousin Feo - M. Laudrup