AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 580 - The AFTN Soccer Show (What A Difference A Week Makes)

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

We were originally planning to bring out an episode last Monday, but what a difference a week makes. The Whitecaps were sitting pretty after a win against TFC. If they won their last seven matches, they'd finish first in the West. In the week since, they've lost twice as the long road stretch starts to take its toll and have dropped to 7th but with other results going their way they could be 4th by midweek.

It's crazy in the wild, wild MLS West just now. We look at those three Whitecaps matches, the current lie of the land, and some of the big stories coming out of the Eastern Conference.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we look at wild weekend there too as Cavalry FC win the regular season title and book a berth in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup, Vancouver FC make it back-to-back wins, the playoff race goes down to the wire, and some teams are in a battle to hit their U21 minutes threshold.

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

01.24: Intro
05.45: The highs and lows of a turbulent 8 days for the Whitecaps
42.17: Hoilett joins but how long will he and Laryea be Whitecaps?
51.40: The wild, wild MLS West battle for the playoffs
67.40: It's getting Messi in the MLS East
77.36: Bruce Arena departs under a cloud
82.22: Matko Miljevic kicked out of Montreal after amateur natch fracas
87.05: Cavalry secure first as CPL playoff battle goes down to wire
97.10: Vancouver FC go back to back!
128.10: Are U21 minutes detrimental to CPL?
142.25: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - From Mullets To Gullits

Episode 579 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Knowing Who We Are with special guest Sam Adekugbe)

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

The Whitecaps have a bye week for some much needed rest in the middle of their grueling seven-game road spell. They head into it after being crowned Cascadian Cup champions and bolstering their playoff push with a good road point at NYCFC. We delve into that match, the inadequacy of Yankee Stadium for soccer, and look at the lie of the land for the 'Caps in their battle for a postseason place.

We also chat about the initial impact Messi has had on the league both on the pitch and media landscape off it, and ponder whether the growing Saudi league will impact MLS and whether South American teams are wanting a piece of the North American pie.

Our feature interview this episode is with returning Whitecaps star Sam Adekugbe. We chat with some about his return to Vancouver, his hopes for the team, his club career in-between the 'Caps, and some Canadian national team highs, from his jump into a snowbank to his first goal for his country and, of course, playing in his first World Cup. We also chat about the departure of John Herdman, what's next for Canada, and the off-field battles with Canada Soccer.

Plus we chat about the week in the Canadian Premier League, as Vancouver FC lose again, the battle for the five playoff places heats up, and the plan to bring the CPL to Saskatchewan falters, for now. All of this plus Fontaines D.C. begin their residency as our Artists of the Month.

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

01.29: Intro 10.00: The Whitecaps are Kings of Cascadia once again
19.34: Whitecaps playoff push continues after another good road point
48.48: Messi, Miami, MLS, and Media
59.15: Will the Saudi league and South American clubs impact MLS?
80.37: Sam Adekugbe interview
116.57: The Week in the CPL and Vancouver FC chat
138.49: Saskatchewan CPL plans "adjourned"
152.50: Wavelength - Le Man Avec Les Lunettes - Don't Get Fooled By the Football Players Summery Outfit

Episode 578 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Blowing Up A Storm)

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

The Whitecaps mammoth seven-game road spell is well underway now with two games down and five to go until they see BC Place again. They kicked things off with a hard fought 3-2 Cascadian derby victory in Portland at the weekend, making things much harder than they should have done in the end. That was followed up by 1-0 win in Chicago, and all of a sudden the 'Caps are challenging at the top of the table. We look back at the main talking points coming out of both matches and the road ahead.

It's been an eventful couple of days in Canadian soccer, with national team head coach John Herdman leaving his post to take up the reigns in Toronto. We look at the move to TFC and what it might mean for both Herdman and the future of the national team.

Plus we chat Canadian Premier League, that is tight as tight can be going down the stretch, Zach shares his experiences at a LAFC match, and Mog ends his residency as our Artist of the Month.

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

01.30: Intro - 'Hollywood' Zach is back after watching LAFC
15.07: Whitecaps kick off mammoth road spell with two victories
46.28: John Herdman departs Canadian national team for Toronto FC
82.55: The worldwide search for the next CanMNT boss
98.00: Canadian Premier League chat
115.30: Wavelength - The Holy Roman Army - Royston Flies Into The Heart of Darkness

Episode 577 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Different Foes, Familiar Foes)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian Premier League, and women's World Cup chat and interviews. And back from down under to chat about it all with us is Harjeet Johal.

Har chats about her time at the World Cup in Australia, her thoughts on the tournament, the final, the fans, and the growth of the women's game in the four years since France 2019. Plus we look ahead to Canada's crunch Olympic qualifying playoff with Jamaica next month and the latest in the seemingly never-ending back and forth between the national team players and Canada Soccer.

Turning our attention to the club game, we catch up with new Vancouver FC signing, former TSS Rovers standout Ivan Mejia about his journey from Columbia to the pros, and we chat Whitecaps after their disappointing weekend loss to San Jose ahead of a grueling seven game road stretch.

All of this plus Mog continues his residency as our Artist of the Month and we have a song about Scottish female footballing legend Rose Reilly from Lynnie Carson in this episode's Wavelength.

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

01.19: Intro - guess who's back from down under?!
08.15: Spain triumph in best Women's World Cup so far
19.35: Wavelength - Lynnie Carson - She Rose
27.35: Canada and women's soccer post World Cup
47.25: Ivan Mejia interview (and CPL round-up)
73.58: Whitecaps lose to San Jose ahead of grueling road spell

Episode 576 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Put It All Together It’s The Perfect Ten)

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

The Whitecaps have had some much needed time off ahead of a tough MLS season run-in coming up. It's also given them the chance to fully integrate new signings Sam Adekugbe and Richie Laryea into the team. We hear from both of them as they arrive in Vancouver and look at the excitement that Axel Schuster is building with this current 'Caps squad.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer as we chat about his four years with the first team, his growth and development, the back-up battle he has right now with Thomas Hasal, and more.

Plus we talk Leagues Cup drama, Vancouver FC and the CPL, Halifax Wanderers expansion into League1, a Faroes football fairytale, and another very eventful week at the women's World Cup. And there's still time to bring you some great music too, as Glasgow rapper Mog continues his residency as our Artist of the Month and Juice Menace features in this week's Wavelength.

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

01.05: Intro - a Faroes footballing fairytale and a Greek tragedy
13.05: Laryea and Adekugbe introduced and raring to go
37.00: Isaac Boehmer interview and Whitecaps goalkeeper discussion
49.10: Leagues Cup serves up drama galore
61.04: Women's World Cup the gift that keeps giving
74.34: Wavelength - Juice Menace - For Her
85.15: Vancouver FC and CPL round-up
95.45: HFX Wanderers put teams into League1 Atlantic
102.12: Zach delighted by Kane heading to Bayern!

Episode 575 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Window Shopping with Axel Schuster, Vanni Sartini, and Ranko Veselinovic)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, Leagues Cup, League1 BC, and women's World Cup chat and interviews.

It's been a week to remember in Whitecapsland with two momentous new signings, one re-signing, two championships lifted, and another barnstorming encounter with a Mexican giant. In fact, we'd have called this episode that if we hadn't already done one titled that way back in number 202!

The 'Caps bowed out of the Leagues Cup with a penalty shootout loss to Tigres. We look back at the talking points coming out of that match and hear from Vanni Sartini about how much he's loved the competition and how he'd improve it next year.

The Whitecaps certainly showed they can compete with the best and with two big new additions to the squad this week, that competitiveness is only going to get better. We delve into the signings of Canadian internationals Richie Laryea and Sam Adekugbe and chat with both Vanni and Sporting Director Axel Schuster about the additions, how they came about, and what it means for the team.

Aside from the new additions, the 'Caps also locked up one of their defensive stalwarts, Serbian centre-back Ranko Veselinovic, to a new multi-year deal. Our feature interview this episode is with Ranko as we chat about his new deal, his growth as a player since coming to the 'Caps, and life in Vancouver.

The 'Caps rounded off a good week by winning both the men's and women's League1 BC championships, we look back at both matches, hear from head coaches Katie Collar and Rich Fagan and chat with the only man to become a two-time L1BC winner, Nik White.

All of this and there's still time to talk about Vancouver FC and the CPL, a very eventful week at the women's World Cup, and bring you some great music too, as Glasgow rapper Mog takes up residency as our Artist of the Month.

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

01.05: Intro - Vancouver FC need Michael!
13.05: Katie Collar interview and L1BC women's championship
23.00: Rich Fagan interview and L1BC men's championship
28.50: Nik White interview
34.25: Axel and Vanni on the importance of L1BC
47.05: Whitecaps bow out of Leagues Cup to Tigres
83.13: MLS Cup betting odds
91.00: Ranko Veselinovic interview and discussion
108.32: Laryea and Adekugbe are blue and white
124.35: Vanni on the new signings
130.04: Axel on the new signings
150.35: Shocks galore at women's World Cup
164.50: Wavelength - Stan Boardman - Stan's World Cup Song

Episode 574 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Moving On Up, Moving On Out)

We’re back with another packed AFTN Soccer Show. Once again there's something for everyone as we chat Vancouver Whitecaps, Leagues Cup, Major League Soccer, Vancouver FC, Canadian Premier League, League1 BC, and the big taking point of the week, Canada's exit at the women's World Cup.

We kick things off by looking at the Whitecaps late, late show in LA as they score two goals late on to beat the Galaxy and advance to the knockout round of the Leagues Cup and the tournament so far, as a battle with Mexican giants Tigres awaits this Friday.

We also look back at the good weekend for the Whitecaps two League1 BC teams, with both sides making it to next weekend's championship games, and chat with head coaches Katie Collar and Rich Fagan.

Turning our attention to the international scene, Canada disappointingly crashed out of the women's World Cup at the group stage. Our woman on the ground Harjeet Johal joins us from down under to analyse the poor performance against Australia, the tournament as a whole, and ask what's next for this Canadian team as the rest of the world catches up quick.

Plus we delve into the continued labour dispute between Canada's two senior national teams and Canada Soccer that isn't painting either side in a good light, and chat with former men's international Scott Arfield about his move to MLS and whether a return to the Canadian national team could be on the cards for him now that he's in North America.

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

01.28: Intro
03.50: Whitecaps advance in Leagues Cup
34.15: Harjeet Johal interview on women's World Cup so far
71.15: Canada exit World Cup at group stage
87.20: The continuing fight between the national teams and CSA
105.55: Scott Arfield comes to MLS - is a return to Canada on the cards?
120.33: Katie Collar interview and League1 BC women's division chat
126.50: Rich Fagan interview and League1 BC men's division chat
131.35: Vancouver FC and CPL discussion
143.20: Wavelength - BENEE feat Mallrat - Do It Again

Episode 573 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Dramas and Disappointments)

We’re back with another packed AFTN Soccer Show. When we say it's a bumper episode we mean it, and there's something for everyone as we chat Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Leagues Cup, Vancouver FC, Canadian Premier League, League1 BC, and the women's World Cup.

We kick things off with the Whitecaps as we look back at their exciting and ultimately heartbreaking Leagues Cup loss to Mexican side Club Leon in a penalty shootout on Friday night. It was a great game on the pitch and a fantastic atmosphere off it. We also chat with 'Caps coach Vanni Sartini to get his thoughts on both the new tournament and the MLS All-Star game.

The other big Whitecaps news this week was the departure of Julian Gressel. We break down the trade to Columbus Crew and chat with Vancouver's Sporting Director and GM Axel Schuster about the transfer and what's next.

One man tipped to move into the Gressel-shaped hole in the side is Ali Ahmed and in our feature interview this episode we catch up with Ali to chat about a whirlwind year that's seen him sign a MLS deal, score his first Whitecaps goal, break into the national team, and that scare incident in the Pacific FC game.

We also look at the dramatic end of the regular League1 BC season, chat with TSS Rovers women's head coach Chelsey Hannesson after her side book their place in the playoffs, and talk to Victoria Highlanders head coach Steve Simonson after his side topped the regular season standings and booked their place in next year's Canadian Championship.

All of that plus Vancouver's FC's latest loss, the new signing mechanism for young players in the CPL, and look at the early games in the 2023 women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the battle ahead for Canada to get out of their group.

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

01.28: Intro
04.52: Whitecaps' Leagues Cup excitement and heartbreak
31.50: Vanni Sartini on what the Leagues Cup means to him
38.28: MLS All-Star game shellacking does league no favours
48.44: Julian Gressel traded to Columbus
62.30: Axel Schuster on Gressel trade
86.23: Ali Ahmed interview and discussion
108.45: Chelsey Hannesson interview and L1BC women's division chat
119.08: Steve Simonson interview and L1BC men's division chat
132.05: Vancouver FC and CPL discussion
158.14: Disappointing start for Canada at women's World Cup
168.32: Wavelength - Brian Clough and JJ Barrie - You Can't Win Them All

Episode 572 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Heroes Fall and Passion Follows with Patrice Gheisar, Rob Friend, and Alejandro Diaz)

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

The Whitecaps won two big MLS matches this past week, seeing off Austin and the LA Galaxy, although they certainly didn't make it easy for themselves. We look back at the two games, the highlights and low points, where it leaves the 'Caps in the standings heading into the Leagues Cup break, and oh, there's some kid called Messi that's joined the league.

Turning our attention to the CPL, Vancouver FC lost in Ottawa to stay bottom of the standings but they added two big signings for the second half of the season to help with their playoff push. We hear from one of them, reigning CPL Golden Boot winner Alejandro Diaz, along with club owner Rob Friend.

Our feature interview this episode is with HFX Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar, as we chat about him taking over in Halifax, transition from League1 and the college game, giving Canadian coaches a chance, and more.

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

01.31: Intro - camping, fires, Messi, and bells
16.22: Whitecaps up to 5th after wins over Austin and LA
44.40: Vancouver FC bottom in CPL but add two big signings
65.55: Alejandro Diaz audio
73.00: Rob Friend Audio
84.20: Patrice Gheisar interview
119.32: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - The Perpetual Disappointment of the Caretaker Manager

Episode 571 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Isn’t It Funny How It Always Happens)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Vancouver FC, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian national team chat, and Felipe Vallejo joins us to talk about it all.

It was penalty shootout heartbreak for Canada in their Gold Cup quarter-final against the US at the weekend. We look back at the highs and lows of both the match and the tournament and ponder whether Canada has actually taken a step back in terms of their recent growth.

Turning our attention to the Whitecaps, it was a disappointing derby day defeat at the hands of Seattle Sounders on Saturday night. We delve into the match, the main talking points coming out of the game, and where it all leaves the 'Caps now with two almost must win home games coming up this week against two in-form teams.

Vancouver FC are at the midway point of their inaugural CPL season, sitting bottom of the standings but just three points off the playoff places. We look back at the season so far, what's needed for the second half of their season, and get the thoughts of head coach Afshin Ghotbi. We also look at the rest of the CPL so far this year and hear from Pacific head coach James Merriman and Forge head coach Bobby Smyrniotis about what they've made of their teams.

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

01.28: Intro
04.20: Canada's Gold Cup shootout heartbreak against the US
39.00: Whitecaps derby day disappointment against Sounders
82.57: Vancouver FC - a midseason review
118.02: James Merriman gets new contract and Pacific FC chat
126.15: Rest of the CPL season so far
138.10: Wavelength - Keshco - Penalty Shot

Episode 570 - The AFTN Soccer Show (The thought of you still leaves me crying)

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

It's not been a fun week of football for many Vancouver based fans. The Whitecaps lost, Vancouver FC lost, and Canada struggled at the Gold Cup. We'll delve into all of that and little bit more this episode, as we ponder the highs and lows of being a football supporter.

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

01.30: Intro
09.40: Whitecaps back down to earth with a bump
40.00: Vancouver FC and CPL chat
75.35: Canada struggling in Gold Cup
120.45: Wavelength - Stage Bottles - Kick Out The Parasites

Episode 569 - The AFTN Soccer Show (When The Hoodoo Comes... To An End)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian national team, and League1 BC chat, and we're joined this week by Harjeet Johal to do it all.

It's been an eventful week for the Whitecaps after being rained out in Colorado before it was raining goals in LA for their first away victory in over a year.

We chat about the farcical scenes in Colorado that led to the postponement of Wednesday's match with the Rapids and hear from a philosophical Vanni Sartini about the whole thing. Then we delve into that famous win for the 'Caps at LAFC with a new formation, some players playing in strange positions, and a far more aggressive approach on the road than we've seen in the past.

Turning our attention to the international stage, we look at the latest financial woes facing Canada Soccer and chat about Canada at the recent CONCACAF Nations League and the upcoming Gold Cup, and bring you some audio from the recently retired Atiba Hutchinson.

All of this plus we round up the action around MLS this past week, including the sacking of TFC coach Bob Bradley, and we talk League1 BC, with interviews with TSS Rovers men's head coach Darren Russcher and Whitecaps Girls Elite head coach Katie Collar.

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

01.28: Intro
02.49: Weather wins in Colorado
10.38: Whitecaps beat LAFC for first away win of season
32.35: MLS and MLS NEXT Pro round-up
51.28: Darren Russcher interview and L1BC men's division chat
59.52: Katie Collar interview and L1BC women's division chat
73.40: Canada Soccer's financial woes
113.07: CMNT Nations League and Gold Cup chat
138.45: Atiba Hutchinson chat and audio
147.17: Wavelength - Frank Sidebottom - Guess Who's Been On Match of the Day?

Episode 568 - The AFTN Soccer Show (A Whitecaps Midseason Special with special guest Axel Schuster)

We’re back with another packed show and it's all Vancouver Whitecaps chat this episode.

The 'Caps are at the halfway point of the MLS season, sitting two points above the playoff line and playing a more easy on the eye brand of football than last season. They've scored more goals, conceded less, but they need to be more clinical in front of goal and still feel a few pieces away from being real playoff contenders. We're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo to discuss the 'Caps first half of the season and what could lie in store in the second.

Carrying on the discussion, our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps Sporting Director Axel Schuster, as we discuss the season so far both on and off the pitch, strengthening the squad in the summer, contracts, scouting new markets, Messi, and more.

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

02.20: Whitecaps midseason review - Part 1
33.41: Whitecaps midseason review - Part 2
66.38: Axel Schuster interview
108.36: Wavelength - Knuckle MC and Nature Reserve - Big Man Up Front

Episode 567 - The AFTN Soccer Show (An Ode To Joy)

We’re back with another bumper packed show of Canadian soccer chat. As the feast of footballing action continues across the country, we'll be talking Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, the Canadian Championship, and the Canadian national teams in this episode.

Any week that sees you winning some silverware is a good week! The Whitecaps lifted back-to-back Voyageurs Cups with a 2-1 victory over Montreal in the Canadian Championship on Wednesday. We look back at the win, what it means to the club, and where that puts Vanni Sartini in terms of successful 'Caps coaches in both MLS and previously. Plus we hear postgame audio from Vanni Sartini, Ryan Gauld, and Julian Gressel after the win and we also hear from Montreal head coach Hernan Losada.

The 'Caps were back in MLS action at the week, playing out a 1-1 draw at home to the Supporters Shield leading FC Cincinnati. We delve into that match, round up the action this weekend in the MLS West, chat about some player news hitting the headlines this week, and the huge news of Lionel Messi finally coming to MLS to play with Miami.

All of this plus we look at Canada's upcoming chance to win silverware of their own at this week's CONCACAF Nations League finals, congratulate the women's U20 side for making the World Cup, look at some of the other football played around the world this past week, and there's music from Therapy?, Super Furry Animals, Mog, and Cockney Rejects.

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

01.31: Intro - another amazing week of football
15.25: Whitecaps win back-to-back Canadian Championships
36.53: Does final win cement Vanni as best manager in Whitecaps MLS era
46.00: Vanni Sartini Voyageurs Cup audio
56.13: Whitecaps trophy winning coaches discussion
62.20: Canadian player rules in the Canadian Championship
70.17: Ryan Gauld Voyageurs Cup audio
75.48: Julian Gressel Voyageurs Cup audio
79.27: Hernan Losada Voyageurs Cup audio
93.35: Whitecaps draw with Supporters Shield leading Cincinnati
105.55: MLS round-up and transfer news of the week
120.45: Messi to Miami
141.07: Canada get set to begin quest for summer of silver
155.30: Wavelength - Cockney Rejects - Farewell Upton Park

Episode 566 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Through Gritted Teeth)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat. As the feast of footballing action continues across the country, we'll be talking Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, the Canadian Championship, and the Canadian Premier League in this episode.

The Whitecaps had two home MLS matches in the space of four days, taking four points but providing two very different talking points coming out of them. We delve into both the history-making win over Houston and the refereeing drama that surrounded the draw with Sporting Kansas City, two games which highlight that there is still a bit of work needing to be done if the 'Caps want to be considered serious postseason contenders.

We also look ahead to the Canadian Championship final with Montreal on Wednesday, delve into the latest loss for Vancouver FC in the BC derby with Pacific FC, and chat about some of the other dramatic games around the world this past week as leagues and cups wrap up for the summer break over in Europe.

Plus Irish band Therapy? make their debut as our >Artists of the Month.

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

01.35: Intro - playoffs and finals frenzy
15.50: Whitecaps make history with Houston win
32.17: VAR dominates in 'Caps draw with KC
69.15: Whitecaps going for back-to-back Voyageurs Cups
85.28: Vancouver FC lose latest BC derby
108.25: Wavelength - Glasnevin - Albert Kidd

Episode 565 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Down in the basement, listening to the rain)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat. As the feast of footballing action continues across the country, we'll be talking Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, the Canadian Championship, and the Canadian Premier League in this episode.

The Whitecaps busy schedule continues with another pair of games in a four day period. We look back at the highs of their Canadian Championship win over Pacific FC on Wednesday, chat about the scary Ali Ahmed injury, and look ahead to the final against Montreal, where the 'Caps have a great chance to win their first back-to-back Voyageurs Cups. But then we look at the low that was their league loss in St Louis, the terrible mistakes that cost them dear, and delve into Vanni Sartini's postgame refereeing rant, with audio from the man himself.

We also round-up the latest action around MLS and the CPL, and talk about the early concerns we have about Vancouver FC's attendance, which already appears to be dwindling every match.

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

01.32: Intro - exciting ends to seasons in Europe
15.42: Whitecaps' Canadian Championship joy and anguish
39.50: Whitecaps masters of own downfall in St Louis
70.37: Vanni rants about refereeing
83.50: MLS round-up
94.05: Vancouver FC crowd concerns
108.13: CPL round-up
117.35: Wavelength - Sir Robert Orange Peel - Old Safe Hands

Episode 564 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Feelings That I Can’t Disguise with guest Levonte Johnson)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat. As the feast of footballing action continues across the country, we'll be talking Vancouver Whitecpas, Major League Soccer, and the FIFA World Cup in this episode.

Vancouver Whitecaps got back to winning ways on Saturday evening with a well deserved derby win over Seattle Sounders at BC Place, after their midweek loss in Dallas. We look back at both of those matches and the main talking points coming out of them around the team and individual players. Plus we delve into the Whitecaps and MLS salaries that were released this week and ponder the good, the bad, and the ugly amongst them.

Our feature interview this week is with WFC2 forward Levonte Johnson who is having a great season in MLS Next Pro and has already been called up and scored with the first team in the Canadian championship. Plus we talk the Whitecaps Girls cup success in Zurich, the FIFA U20 World Cup, and the awfulness that is the newly revealed logo for the 2026 World Cup here in North America.

All of this plus music from Ash, Grian Chatten, Goldie Lookin' Chain, and P. Way.

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

01.30: Intro
09.30: Whitecaps derby day delight
47.36: Whitecaps player chat
58.12: Levonte Johnson interview
67.40: Whitecaps Girls win FIFA Youth Cup in Zurich
73.05: Whitecaps and MLS salaries analysis
114.20: 2026 World Cup logo revealed and it's awful!
125.13: FIFA U20 World Cup chat
128.05: Wavelength - P. Way - Copa Mundial

Episode 563 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Our Appetite Is Limitless with guests Jay Herdman and Will Cromack)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat. As the feast of footballing action continues across the country, we'll be talking Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, the Canadian Championship, and the FIFA U20 World Cup in this episode.

Vancouver Whitecaps MLS unbeaten run came to an unceremonious end in Portland on Saturday night. We chat about the main talking points coming out of the match, the areas of concern with the team right now, the busy schedule, and round up the weekend's action in the MLS Western Conference and the CPL. Plus we look back at the 'Caps Canadian Championship win over York United, along with the other eventful three quarter-finals.

We've two interviews for you this episode. Will Cromack joins us for his last chat as TSS Rovers head coach to look back at the team's Canadian Championship adventure, how far the team has come, and how the game at this level needs to develop and grow moving forward.

We also chat with WFC2 midfielder Jay Herdman as he heads off to Argentina to play for New Zealand in the FIFA U20 World Cup about the excitement of playing the hosts, how the opportunity came about, what he learned from being in Qatar with his dad, and his future hopes and plans.

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

01.31: Intro
03.47: Whitecaps fall to Timbers
27.45: MLS round-up
38.30: Canadian Championship chat
86.10: Will Cromack interview and TSS chat
113.45: Canadian Premier League round-up
133.05: Jay Herdman interview and U20 World Cup chat
141.18: Wavelength - Tropical Horses - Sunday Soccer Fuck Your Mother

Episode 562 - The AFTN Soccer Show (What A Tale My Thoughts Could Tell with guests Rob Friend and Will Cromack)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat. As the feast of footballing action continues across the country, we'll be talking MLS, CPL, and the Canadian Championship in this episode.

Vancouver Whitecaps extended their unbeaten MLS run to eight games at the weekend with a crucial win over Minnesota United. We look back at the main talking points coming out of the match, talk attendances again, round-up the weekend's action in the MLS West, and Sporting Director Axel Schuster addresses the Diego Lainez transfer rumours with Har.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we look at the historic match in Langley on Sunday as Vancouver FC played their first home game in their new stadium. We delve into the controversial game against Cavalry and give a first hand account of what the initial stadium and supporter experience was like. We also chat with VFC co-owner Rob Friend about the long journey to get this team off the ground, the difficulty in attracting more local players to the side, continuing to build upon a strong start off the pitch, the sustainability of the league, and more.

It's also a week of Canadian Championship action. We preview the only two quarter-finals that matter and look ahead to the big one, the BC derby between Pacific FC and TSS Rovers. We hear the thoughts of Pacific head coach James Merriman and we chat with TSS head honcho Will Cromack. Is another cupset on the cards? Plus while we're loving cup football and the lower leagues, we chat about MLS Commissioner Don Garber seemingly dissing those things south of the border.

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

01.29: Intro
06.50: Whitecaps extend unbeaten run to eight with win over Minnesota
25.35: MLS round-up
35.25: Whitecaps crowd woes
38.00: Axel Schuster addresses the Diego Lainez rumours
44.25: Vancouver FC's first home supporter and stadium experience
70.33: Vancouver v Cavalry game analysis
84.37: Rob Friend interview and discussion
111.10: Canadian Championship chat
124.15: Will Cromack interview
131.52: Don Garber disses lower leagues
138.25: Wavelength - Funky Red Pandas - KarlHeinz Rummenigge

Episode 561 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Talking Too Long As The Night Came On)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat for what was a veritable feast of footballing action across the country, as we talk MLS, CPL, League1 BC, and football books in this episode with lots of great chat, interviews, and audio.

The Whitecaps extended their unbeaten league run with a goalless draw against Colorado on Saturday. We pick over the bones of that one and dissect the positives and negatives around the team right now. They've turned it around defensively, but can they get the goals flowing or is further help required? Plus we look at some other talking points around MLS.

Our feature interview is with author Farhan Devji whose biography of Canadian superstar Alphonso Davies came out today. We chat to Farhan about Phonzie's rise, his early life in Africa, his time at the Whitecaps, the move to Bayern Munich, and more.

Plus we round up the action across the opening weekend in League1 BC, hear from TSS Rovers head coaches Darren Russcher and Chelsey Hannesson, chat CPL, hear from Vancouver FC head coach Afshin Ghotbi after his side's latest point, and look ahead to the club's first ever home game in Langley this Sunday.

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

01.30: Intro
06.45: Whitecaps extend unbeaten MLS run to seven
28.13: MLS chat
36.25: Farhan Devji interview about his Alphonso Davies book
69.30: League1 BC chat
83.45: CPL chat with Afshin Ghotbi
117.15: Vancouver FC's home opener is finally here
124.15: Wavelength - The Choice - Sunday Soccer