AFTN Soccer Show (Vancouver Whitecaps/MLS)

Episode 555 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Ten Years Of Tears with guests Axel Schuster and Gloire Amanda)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat, and not only that, it's our three hour 10th anniversary special! Ten years to the day that episode 1 dropped, we're back with number 555.

Once again we're covering a lot of bases in the four parts of the show. If you want to skip the somewhat self indulgent look back at the last ten years of the podcast in the first part and just get into the football chat, just skip ahead to the 45.20 mark where we delve into the Whitecaps latest match, a 1-1 draw in Minnesota.

We pick over the bones of that one, look at the concerning issues surrounding the 'Caps as they look for their first win of the season, and delve into how crucial April is for Vanni Sartini and the team. Plus we look around the rest of the weekend's action in the MLS West.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps General Manager and Sporting Director Axel Schuster. In a 35 minute chat, we talk to Axel about the 'Caps' start to the season, is there concern around the team's performance and are changes on the horizon, the departure of Director of Recruitment Nikos Overheul and what that means for the future direction of scouting at the club, and the important of WFC2 to that.

We also look at WFC2's season opening win on Sunday and chat with one of the academy alumni that has returned to the Whitecaps fold, striker Gloire Amanda about coming back to Vancouver, his MAC Hermann trophy success at college, and his recent two year stint in the Austrian Bundesliga.

All of that plus we talk Vancouver FC's new kits, Canada qualifying for the Gold Cup, find out if Tristan Blackmon fancies a chocolate digestive, see what Julian Gressel's favourite jam is, talk take out food with Vanni Sartini, and music-wise The Skinflicks continue as our Artists of the Month and Goldie Lookin' Chain return to Wavelength.

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

01.32: Intro - 10 years of the podcast
20.30: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Tristan Blackmon
24.25: Christmas/Anniversary gift opening - they are football related!
45.20: Whitecaps snatch point at the death in Minnesota
71.35: MLS round-up
85.10: Take Me Out - Vanni Sartini
90.53: Axel Schuster interview and discussion
130.00: Nikos Overheul leaves the 'Caps
134.55: Julian Gressel's Favourite Jam
139.12: WFC2 win season opener
141.05: Gloire Amanda interview
148.25: MLS Next Pro v CPL discussion
154.10: Vancouver FC kit launch and chat
160.50: Canada qualify for the Gold Cup!
166.30: Wavelength - Goldie Lookin' Chain - Unofficial 2002 World Cup anthem

Episode 554 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Shaky Shaky, Sweaty Sweaty)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat.

We're covering a lot of bases in this show, both on the domestic and international stage. The Whitecaps were in action in both and we look back at their midweek loss in Honduras that saw them advance in the Champions League, their draw at the LA Galaxy that still sees them searching for their first MLS win of the season, we hear from Vanni Sartini on trying to fix the team's defensive frailties, and we look at the injury to new DP striker Sergio Cordova.

We also look around the rest of the action last weekend in MLS, including the late drama and controversy in Montreal, plus we talk Canadian national teams, and ponder what the new format for World Cup 2026 might mean for Canada and Vancouver in terms of hosting extra games.

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

01.35: Intro
05.22: Whitecaps move on in Champions League despite dire defending
25.40: Whitecaps still looking for first MLS win after LA draw
44.25: Sergio Cordova injury
48.43: MLS round-up
63.55: Vancouver FC - 4 weeks out from their first game
83.10: New CPL playoff format
93.00: Canadian national team news
101.35: More games for Vancouver at 2026 World Cup under new format?
117.20: Wavelength - Head Up - Stop Football Violence

Episode 553 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Every Day Is Like A Bygone Age with special guest Ryan Gauld)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat.

What a busy week it's been. The Whitecaps were in action twice, in two different competitions, and we pick over the bones of both matches - against Real Espana in CONCACAF Champions League action and FC Dallas in MLS. There were highs, there were lows, there were continued frustrations, and we still don't really know how good this Whitecaps team are or aren't this year.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps captain and playmaker Ryan Gauld. We chat to Ryan about preseason preparedness, the start to the season for both the team and himself, and the exciting battles ahead in four competitions for the team this year.

All of that and there's still time for a one hour discussion about the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage in Ottawa on Thursday that saw four Canadian women's national team players give testimony against Canada Soccer and the mess the game is in here. A meeting that was insightful, infuriating, disappointing, and at times farcical with the severe lack of knowledge and proper understanding of the politicians asking the questions.

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

03.33: Whitecaps' come alive in CCL action
33.02: Whitecaps back down to earth after Dallas draw
50.00: MLS West round-up and the week ahead
62.20: Ryan Gauld interview and discussion
84.45: Canadian players take battle with Canada Soccer to parliament
145.45: Wavelength - The Skinflicks - Terrace Terror

Episode 552 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Shaken, But Can They Stir?)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat.

Another week, another Whitecaps halftime lead given up, another loss. After all the talk about the need to get off to a fast start, it's all gone a bit wrong for the 'Caps to start the new MLS season. There's been two good halves of football and two horrible ones. Which showed the real Whitecaps? Can they turn things around quickly with two big games coming up this week and how much pressure is Vanni under after these two losses?

We pick over the bones of all of that, talk to Vanni about the form of Brian White and zonal marking and take a deep dive in the Whitecaps' CONCACAF Champions League opponents Real Espana. Plus we look around the action in week 2 of MLS and Football Violence Awareness Month returns in Wavelength!

01.35: Intro - it's our anniversary month!
03.25: Earthquakes v Whitecaps analysis
36.30: Brian White's form and the striker situation
40.20: Vanni and Michael disagree on zonal marking
45.25: How much pressure is Vanni under after poor start?
56.31: A deep dive into Real Espana and the CCL
78.08: MLS Week 2 round-up
96.50: Wavelength - Violent Affair - Hooligan

Episode 551 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Zoned Out)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat and we're joined by Harjeet Johal again this week to talk about it all.

It's big breaking news to kick things off as we look at the resignation of Nick Bontis as Canada Soccer President as the pressure mounted from the provincial associations, media, players, and fans. Where does this leave the CSA now and what does the future hold in store? Who will replace him, is it time for a new approach by appointing a former national team player, and can they be a unifying figure?

We entered the new MLS season full of confidence, hope, and expectations for the Whitecaps, and it only took 90 minutes of football to have us reconsidering all of that after a 2-1 home loss to RSL in the season opener! It wasn't a great start to the season and we pick over the bones of the match - the good, the bad, and the ugly, the latter of which just sees us screaming "zonal marking, aaarrrggghhhh". Plus we see who knows the most about the first Whitecaps goals of the season over the MLS years so far.

All of this and there's still time to look over the rest of the weekend's action around the MLS Western Conference and the Canadian teams out east, look at how the MLS Season Pass experience was on Apple TV, talk some Vancouver FC and TSS Rovers, and The Meffs are in this week's Wavelength.

02.16: Bontis gone from Canada Soccer!
26.03: Whitecaps v RSL analysis
81.43: MLS Week 1 round-up
106.15: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV - first thoughts
121.23: Vancouver FC and TSS Rovers News of the Week
126.30: Wavelength - The Meffs - Football

Episode 550 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Calm Before The Snowstorm)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat.

It's the second part of our 2023 MLS season preview. We'll take a look around the Western Conference and give some predictions for both the Whitecaps and the rest.

Plus we'll look at the official announcement of the the 'Caps' new DP striker Sergio Cordova, hear some thoughts about him from Vanni Sartini and Axel Schuster, and we pay tribute to John Motson in this episode's Wavelength.

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

01.25: Intro
03.30: Cordova is finally an official Whitecap
12.50: Whitecaps season predictions
19.45: MLS 2023 season predictions
57.10: Wavelength - John Motson - FIFA 97 track

Episode 549 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Trip To A Dream Dragon with Vanni Sartini, Axel Schuster, and Yohei Takaoka))

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat.

The new MLS season is just days away. Excited yet? Well you should be because this feels like it could be a good year for the Whitecaps. We look at how ready the team feels heading into it's season opener at home to RSL and chat with head coach Vanni Sartini and Sporting Director Axel Schuster to gauge how they're feeling ahead of the new campaign.

Their final two preseason signings have finally been announced and we hear from new Japanese goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka about why he's chosen to make the move to MLS, why Vancouver is a great landing spot for him, and how excited he is to get this new chapter of his career underway. We also hear from Axel Schuster about why they were so keen to bring the J1 champion to the Whitecaps.

All of this plus we look at the Whitecaps new jersey and the announcement of a new shirt sponsor, take a look at the best and worst of the 2023 jerseys around MLS, and ponder whether the new Apple TV deal is going to be beneficial or detrimental to the Whitecaps in the short term.

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

01.30: Intro - RIP Christian Atsu, Whitecaps STH package, Hot Chocolate Festival is over
09.57: Vanni Sartini chats as Whitecaps preseason wraps up
22.56: How ready are the Whitecaps for 2023 season ahead?
46.02: Yohei Takaoka talks about coming to the Whitecaps and MLS
54.40: Whitecaps goalkeeping discussion with audio from Axel Schuster
68.38: Axel Schuster looks ahead to the 2023 season
79.40: Is Apple TV deal beneficial or detrimental to the Whitecaps?
95.12: The 'Caps have a new jersey and a new shirt sponsor
108.25: 2023 MLS jerseys discussion
129.20: Wavelength - Jackdaw4 - The Beautiful Game

Episode 548 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Spreading The Love)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat. We are spreading the love this Valentine's week and we're joined by Harjeet Johal to help us do it.

The big talking point in Canadian soccer this past weekend has been the continuing battle between the women's national team and Canada Soccer. The players' fight for equality and better working conditions has turned quite ugly. We delve into the raft of statements that have been coming out from both sides and try and make what we can from what has become a giant mess and an embarrassment for the governing body.

On the domestic front, the Whitecaps have three more preseason matches under their belt down in Palm Springs and are still unbeaten. We delve into those and the other Whitecaps news of the week from new signings still not yet announced to the appointment of Ricardo Clark as new WFC2 head coach. Plus we chat to head coach Vanni Sartini about the form of Cristian Dajome and what he would ideally like to see the MLS playoff format be amidst rumours that 62% of teams will make it to the postseason this year.

We also hear from Canadian men's national team players Sam Adekugbe and Atiba Hutchison in the horrific aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, as they try and raise awareness of the relief efforts. You can donate to Sam and Atiba's Red Cross appeal for the victims HERE.

Plus there's still time to chat to Vanni Sartini about his Love of Football, find out what the Whitecaps' Ryan Raposo is watching on his TV, look at the Vancouver FC news of the week, talk the Canadian Championship, and take another trip to the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

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

01.06: Intro and a love poem for football
07.55: Sam Adekugbe and Atiba Hutchison on the Turkish/Syrian earthquake disaster appeal
19.45: Hot Chocolate Boy - Butter Baked Goods
25.21: 2023 MLS playoff format rumours
31.40: Vanni Sartini's ideal MLS playoffs
39.40: Whitecaps still unbeaten in Palm Springs!
50.00: TVOD - Ryan Raposo in 2023
53.13: Ricardo Clark appointed WFC2 head coach
59.20: My Love Of Football - Vanni Sartini
67.31: Canadian Championship dates set
77.20: Vancouver FC News of the Week
84.58: The Canadian national teams' players take on Canada Soccer
117.00: Wavelength - Kunt and the Gang - Female Referee

Episode 547 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Sitting By The River Drinking Lemon Tea with guests Tosaint Ricketts and Ryan Raposo)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat and this episode is part of the CiTR Radio Fundrive week.

After the lack of news last week, there's a lot to chat about in Whitecapsland this time around as the team continue their preseason prep down in Palm Springs, California. They've got two more games under their belts and there's two new players set to join them very soon - striker Sergio Cordova and goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka. We chat about all of that and hear the thoughts of how things are looking as the new season approaches from 'Caps head coach Vanni Sartini.

We've two feature interviews for you this episode with two Whitecaps Canadians. We kick things off with a in-depth chat with Ryan Raposo. About to enter his fourth season with the team, Ryan is now one of the veterans on the side, despite his young age. We chat with him about his MLS journey so far, his standout 2022, and what lies in store for him in the season to come. We also chat with Vanni Sartini about what role he sees for the young Canadian in 2023.

From a player still in his fledgling career, to one hanging up his boots after a stellar 14 year one for clubs and country - Tosaint Ricketts. We chat to Tos about his decision to retire from playing, the highlights of his career, his front office role with the 'Caps, his recent punditry work at the World Cup and more.

Plus there's still time to chat about the new Apple TV MLS season pass that's been launched, take another trip in the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, and there's music from new Artists of the Month, Television Personalities, Werd (SOS), and Arema Arega.

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

01.28: Intro and CITR fundrive info
09.07: Christian Atsu and the Turkish/Syrian earthquake disaster
13.05: Hot Chocolate Boy - Honolulu Coffee
18.22: Cordova and Takaoka signings incoming
41.10: Whitecaps unbeaten in Palm Springs!
47.22: Vanni Sartini talks preseason and more
60.25: Vanni on the role of Ryan Raposo in 2023
64.20: Ryan Raposo interview and discussion
92.58: Tosaint Ricketts interview and discussion
128.50: Apple TV's MLS season pass is live
130.45: Wavelength - Arema Arega - Always In The Air (Are You Ready?)

Episode 546 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Naked Ambition with guests Colin Elmes and Sian Bagshawe)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian, and North American football chat!

It's been pretty quiet on the western front when it comes to the Whitecaps (should we be concerned yet?), but there's been other stuff to talk about to make up for it, a lot of which we'll discuss in this episode.

The draw for the 2023 Canadian Championship has been made, we delve into that and look at the paths ahead for the three BC sides, one of those being TSS Rovers. We sit down for a chat with TSS head honcho Colin Elmes about the club's stellar 2022 on and off the pitch, what lies ahead in 2023, and the team's first ever shot at the Voyageurs Cup.

We also sit down for an in-depth chat with League1 BC General Manager Sian Bagshawe about the league's successful inaugural season, expansion, the upcoming season, and future plans.

Plus there's still time to chat about the new strategic partnership between CONCACAF and CONMABOL, we wrap up our musical tribute to Terry Hall, and take another trip in the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

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

01.28: Intro
06.33: Hot Chocolate Boy - Doughgirls
10.10: Whitecaps News of the Week, or lack of
22.40: Canadian Championship draw
35.55: Colin Elmes interview and TSS discussion
70.52: There's only one Minister of Defence
74.35: Sian Bagshawe interview and L1BC discussion
108.27: CONCACAF and CONMEBOL sign strategic partnership
117.51: Wavelength - Flacid Palms - Soccer Mum

Episode 545 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Reach For The Sky)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer chat!

The Whitecaps preseason is in full flow and the Spanish part of it has now wrapped up with a couple of games under their belt against good quality European opposition. We look at the two matches and performances, talk about the continuing transfer rumours, and chat with head coach Vanni Sartini about the team's time in Spain, the Tai Baribo and Salif Sane transfer rumours, and the 'Caps Leagues Cup draw.

We have two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is 2022 draft pick Simon Becher, who recently signed his first MLS deal with the club. We chat about his year with WFC2, his goalscoring MLS debut, signing his first pro deal, and his hopes for the season ahead. We also chat with this year's first round draft pick J.C. Ngando about his journey to Vancouver and hear from the Whitecaps' Julian Gressel about his US national team call-up.

All of this plus Fatt Father features in this episode's Wavelength, we continue paying tribute to the legend that was Terry Hall, along with the recently passed Jay Briscoe and Anton Walkes, we find out if Simon Becher fancies a chocolate digestive, and take another trip in the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

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

01.27: Intro and Jay Briscoe/Anton Walkes tributes
09.35: Hot Chocolate Boy
13.38: Whitecaps wrap up Spain trip with two tough tests
30.25: Whitecaps Baribo and Sane transfer rumours
50.48: Julian Gressel on USMNT call-up
69.55: Simon Becher interview and striker discussion
90.51: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Simon Becher
99.22: Jean-Claude Ngando interview and discussion
112.55: Vanni on Whitecaps' Leagues Cup draw
117.43: Wavelength - Fatt Father - Soccer Dad (explicit lyrics)

Episode 544 - The AFTN Soccer Show (It Ain’t What You Do, It’s The Way That You Do It)

We're back with another packed episode of the AFTN Soccer Show as we chat Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Major League Soccer, and the Canadian Premier League.

The Whitecaps are in Spain and getting set for the first of what is now going to be two preseason matches in Espana against European opposition. We look ahead to those games and chat about the new man in camp, Senegal international centre back, Salif Sane. Is there a real chance he could sign or is this just a win-win situation for both club and player? Would he need to be a DP if he did? And what about those injury concerns?

We also look at some of the news coming out of Montreal as Kei Kamara looks to move on and they look to move on Kamal Miller. Could either or both end up in Vancouver? One man that was in Vancouver this past week was MLS Commissioner Don Garber. But why?!

Turning our attention to the Canadian Premier league, we bring you a quick 2022 season in review, as we sum up each club's year in one to three words, look at the demise of FC Edmonton and ahead to some future expansion plans, including a third team here in BC. This year sees Vancouver FC take to the pitch for their inaugural season. We look at their slow offseason build, chat with head coach Afshin Ghotbi, and hear from their first ever signing, goalkeeper Callum Irving.

All of this and Armchair Loyal are back in this episode's Wavelength and we continue paying tribute to the legend that was Terry Hall.

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

01.28: Intro and Mailbag on rules of the game
15.05: Whitecaps and MLS talking points from the past week
30.22: Why was Don Garber in Vancouver?
44.27: 2022 Canadian Premier League season in review
61.30: The demise of FC Edmonton and future expansion
71.25: Vancouver FC are coming, but are they ready?
84.33: Afshin Ghotbi chat Vancouver FC work in progress
91.47: Callum Irving audio and discussion
110.10: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - The Goalie's Faux Pas

Episode 543 - The AFTN Soccer Show (New Car Smell)

The boys are back in town! Vancouver Whitecaps 2023 preseason camp is underway and we've got your covered with all the news, rumours, and chat on this episode of the AFTN Soccer Show.

We hear from head coach Vanni Sartini as he talks about the preseason ahead and getting the team ready for the tough season to come, where the 'Caps will be fighting on four fronts. How many more players does he see coming, what will he do with the ones he has, where does new signing Mathias Laborda fit in, can the club avoid the Champions League hangover that many others suffer?

We delve into all of that and more, including the search for a new shirt sponsor, plus we bring you two interviews with two of the new Canadian faces in the squad - defender Karifa Yao and forward Levonte Johnson. We chat about their journey to Vancouver, their careers so far, and their hopes for the season to come. Plus we find out the burning question - do either of them fancy a chocolate digestive?

Plus we talk about the rise of Wrexham FC and is it a good or a bad thing for lower league football in the UK, chat about some possible rule changes we'd like to see implemented in the game, and pay tribute to another footballing legend gone way too soon, Gianluca Vialli.

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

01.30: Intro and Gianluca Vialli tribute
17.12: The Rise of Wrexham - good or bad for lower league UK football?
28.05: The Whitecaps preseason has begun
42.50: Vanni Sartini talks preseason and the campaign ahead
54.41: Bell ends
61.17: Unpacking Vanni - 22 man rosters, formations, Laborda
70.07: Karifa Yao interview and discussion
80.26: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Karifa Yao
85.12: 'Caps Chat - the goalkeeping situation, Tai Baribo rumours
96.25: Levonte Johnson interview and discussion
109.26: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Levonte Johnson
113.17: Talking Point -changes to the rules of football
127.58: Wavelength - Chelsea 2000 FA Cup Squad - Blue Day Tomorrow

Episode 542 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Out With The Old and In With The New)

Happy New Year everybody! The AFTN Soccer Show is back with our first show of 2023, so there's no better time to kick off our year end reviews and year to come previews, starting with a Vancouver Whitecaps focused show.

2022 was certainly a bit of a mixed bag for the Whitecaps both on and off the pitch. It felt in many ways a season of regression. Can they advance again in 2023 and can they take the great leap forward that they really need to do after 12 fairly mediocre MLS seasons to date? We look at all the highs and all the lows and ponder what may be in store for them this year as they fight for glory in MLS, the Canadian Championship, the CONCACAF Champions League, and the new Leagues Cup.

With the team back in training at the end of this week, we take a look at the new season that's coming up fast, delve into the schedule, the transfer rumours, and chat about the players selected in last month's MLS SuperDraft, getting some thoughts from head coach Vanni Sartini and Sporting Director Axel Schuster along the way.

Plus we pay tribute to the legend that was Pele, find out if Stephanie Labbe fancies a chocolate digestive, and reveal the top three in AFTN's 2022 Festive Fifteen.

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

01.53: Intro
05.19: Pele tribute
19.05: Whitecaps Year in Review (Part One) - Canadian Championship success and the CCL path ahead
45.20: Whitecaps Year in Review (Part Two) - MLS, WFC2, and L1BC
69.54: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Stephanie Labbe
71.53: Hopes for the 2023 Whitecaps
82.09: Whitecaps 2023 schedule discussion
92.35: Prioritizing the six trophies the Whitecaps will play for
102.20: Whitecaps transfer news and rumours
107.26: Whitecaps draft picks discussion with Vanni and Axel audio
132.08: Wavelength - Luis Alberto del Parana - O Rei Pele

Episode 541 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Dig Out The Orange Ball - 2022 Christmas Special)

It's Chriiiiiisssssstmaaaaaassssss!

The weather outside may be truly frightful, but fear not because we've got a bumper AFTN Soccer Show Christmas special to keep you entertained. There's fun, there's games, there's music, and there's lots of football and Christmas chat. You can play along with all the games during the show, including our latest Jeopardy rounds, which you can find the questions for HERE.

We talk about the proposed expanded club World Cup coming in 2025. Could we see it held in the US and Canada? And with that in mind we have an early look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. Plus we delve into our all-time favourite World Cup mascots and shock results.

All of that and we hear what Christmas is like in the Axel Schuster and Stephanie Labbe households, we talk about our favourite Christmas movies, and bring you three more songs from AFTN's 2022 Festive 15.

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

01.36: Intro
07.15: Football Jeopardy
31.55: An Axel Schuster Christmas
44.23: Outburst - Football Edition (part one)
54.05: An extended Club World Cup for 2025
70.47: Christmas Movies Flash Five
91.27: Outburst - Football Edition (part two)
106.22: A Stephanie Labbe Christmas
111.13: An early look ahead to the 2026 World Cup
118.55: World Cup Shock Results Flash Five
135.53: 20 Questions - World Cup players
149.30: World Cup Mascots Flash Five
167.15: Wavelength - The Whitehawk Isolators - Christmas For All

Episode 540 - The AFTN Soccer Show (It’s All Gotten A Bit Messi)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian soccer and World Cup chat.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is over and Argentina have won a third title in what was an absolute classic final against France with Lionel Messi finally becoming a World Cup winner. Will this finally put an end to the boring Messi v Ronaldo debates? How will the tournament be remembered, where will it rank amongst the others, and how was it actually to be at it on the ground?

We chat about all of that and a lot more, as Zach gives us some insight as to what it was like to be at the tournament in aspects like ticketing, transportation, the weather, the stadiums, atmosphere, and merchandise as he regales us with tales of Arabian nights.

Plus a Flash Five of our favourite World Cup mascots, we round up the Whitecaps, MLS, and CPL News of the Week, and we continue our 2022 Festive Fifteen.

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

01.30: Intro
02.35: Argentina are World Cup champs again
20.09: Does this finally clear up the Messi v Ronaldo nonsense?
26.18: Where does this World Cup rank in the tournament's history?
34.35: Canada's World Cup - an on the ground perspective
64.50: Zach's Qatari tales - getting there, accommodation, conditions, opening ceremony
105.35: Zach's Qatari tales - getting around, ticketing, the stadiums, merch
134.12: How to go viral with a German flag
152.55: MLS and Whitecaps News of the Week
161.47: CPL News of the Week
168.16: Wavelength - USA Soccer Guy - Kick That Soccer Ball

Episode 539 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Koné ＞ Kane)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian soccer and World Cup chat.

The 2022 World Cup is down to four teams. We look back at an exciting weekend of quarter-final action and the main talking points coming out of the four matches, where win or lose, no-one seemed to like the referees! Plus we look ahead to this week's semi-final action.

Turning our attention back to the domestic game, we look at rumours that Vancouver Whitecaps' Derek Cornelius is moving to Malmo in Sweden and chat about a move that has been confirmed, CF Montreal's Ismael Koné to English Championship side Watford, plus we hear from the man himself about his time at the World Cup in Qatar, his time at CF Montreal, the move to the Hornets, and his development with CS Saint-Laurent.

Plus Goldie Lookin' Chain make a return to our Wavelength feature and we continue our 2022 Festive Fifteen.

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

01.30: Intro
03.12: Grant Wahl RIP
14.00: World Cup chat - Brazil v Croatia
23.40: World Cup chat - Argentina v Netherlands
35.32: World Cup chat - Morocco v Portugal
44.15: World Cup chat - England v France
62.45: World Cup chat - a look ahead to the semis
77.20: Whitecaps' Cornelius going to Malmo?
79.30: Ismael Koné media call and discussion
95.55: Wavelength - Goldie Lookin' Chain - Football, Football, Football

Episode 538 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Shooting For The Stars with special guest Stephanie Labbe)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian soccer and World Cup chat.

The World Cup is into the knockout stages and only eight teams remain. We look at the action and talking points since the last show and ponder some more about what's next for Canada, their players, and head coach John Herdman.

Back here in Canada the exciting, and long overdue, announcement that a domestic women's league is finally coming to the country in 2025 was made on Monday. We're joined by Harjeet Johal to talk about what we know about it all so far and how we hope things will play out.

Right now there's two clubs named as founding members, Vancouver Whitecaps and Calgary Foothills, and we sit down for an in-depth chat with the 'Caps General Manager of Women's Soccer, national team legend Stephanie Labbe to talk about the new league, her role with the club, and her golden career.

All of this and there's still time to chat Whitecaps transfer rumours, the continuing exodus in Montreal, and we kick off our 2022 Festive Fifteen.

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

01.28: Intro
03.10: Whitecaps and CF Montreal News of the Week
14.49: Canada three and done in Qatar as thoughts turn to the future
30.00: Chris Jones makes Michael angry
45.15: World Cup 2022 chat
81.10: Stephanie Labbe interview
114.17: A new professional women's league is coming to Canada
147.20: Wavelength - New Order - World In Motion

Episode 537 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Group Effed)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian national team and World Cup chat.

After the promise and excitement of the Belgium game and the raised expectations that came with that excellent performance, Canada crashed and burned at the World Cup in their second match against Croatia and have been eliminated with one group game remaining.

There's a lot to be proud of from a team that wasn't supposed to be in Qatar, rose in the rankings at a phenomenal pace, and ignited a whole new interest in and respect for the Canadian men's national team. They deserved to be there and they showed they belonged, performing tremendously in three of the four halves of football they've played so far. But there's also rightful criticism that can be levelled at the team for their team selection, tactics, and questionable off field decisions.

We delve into all of that and a lot more and pose the question, what now for Canada? Not just in their one remaining match in Qatar but as they move forward and build, both on and off the pitch, heading into 2026.

Plus we look back at all of the action so far in Qatar as the second round of group games come to a close and chat about some of the main talking points making the headlines.

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

01.30: Intro
04.05: Canada eliminated after Croatia loss
29.43: Supporter and media postgame takes
47.52: What now for Canada now and heading into 2026?
71.35: The 2022 World Cup - Groups A and B recaps
84.35: Wavelength - Kunt and the Gang - Let's Have A Wank For England
89.40: The 2022 World Cup - Groups C, D, and E recaps
102.00: The 2022 World Cup - Groups G and H recaps

Episode 536 - The AFTN Soccer Show (A New Generation Calling with special guest Axel Schuster)

We're back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, World Cup, and Canadian soccer chat.

The 2022 World Cup is in full flow and after a wait of 13,316 days, Canada were back playing a group game at the finals. We talk about their battling performance against one of the world's best teams, Belgium, the disappointment in not taking all three points, and look at the huge positives they can take into their remaining matches.

Plus we look back at all of the action so far in Qatar in Groups A to F and chat about some of the main talking points making the headlines off the pitch.

Turning our attention to the club game, we sit down for a 37 minute chat with Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster to chat about the season past, the offseason work in progress, and look at what the team needs to do to be a top four side in the MLS West next year. How did he view this season? Where does he see the club's progression taking them to? What are the pressing positions needing filled to get them there? We talk all of this and much more, including the rebranding of WFC2 and the club's plans for the women's game.

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

01.30: Intro
10.08: Canada's battling loss to Belgium
48.30: The 2022 World Cup so far
92.05: Alex Schuster interview
131.55: Unpacking Axel
155.50: Wavelength - Beekeeper - Howler Group of Death - Black World Cup Winter