Episodes
Thursday Jan 29, 2015
Episode 92 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (New Faces)
Thursday Jan 29, 2015
Thursday Jan 29, 2015
It's the most wonderful time, of the year. Vancouver Whitecaps preseason camp is open.
That means the new MLS season isn't too far away (CBA pending!) and it's a time we genuinely love here at AFTN. You get far more interesting stories and narratives as veterans return, new signings show what they've got and draft picks and trialists want to show that they belong and have a place in the squad.
New faces are everywhere and we have exclusive chats with a lot of them on this episode of "There's Still Time, the AFTN podcast, and discussions about the rest.
The center back stable has been the biggest roster readjustment of this offseason, we talk to one of the three new additions, MLS SuperDraft selection Tim Parker, about settling in to MLS and Vancouver, what he hopes to achieve this season and what he needs to do to impress Carl Robinson.
Vancouver's second round draft pick was forward Kay Banjo. Described by Robinson as a "project", we talk to Kay about making the step up to MLS, his college career and what he can bring to the Whitecaps.
The Whitecaps kept it local with their next SuperDraft pick, BC boy and SFU Clan forward Jovan Blagojevic. We chat with Jovan on the day of his selection as his childhood dreams of becoming a professional footballer has been realised.
Another local lad joining the MLS fold is Residency alumni Ben McKendry. Ben's new homegrown contract was announced on Monday and we caught up with the midfielder after his first training session as a professional footballer to talk about leaving college early to make the move to MLS, his footballing journey so far, and much more. We also hear coach Carl Robinson's thoughts on his new homegrown signing.
And there's still time to catch up with a wily veteran, birthday boy Jordan Harvey, fresh from an ice bath. He tells us about the pleasures and pitfalls of having a birthday during football season!
Have a listen!
Friday Jan 09, 2015
Episode 91 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Vancouver Whitecaps vs The World)
Friday Jan 09, 2015
Friday Jan 09, 2015
After the trials and tribulations of a year ago, 2015 has got off to a more stable start for Vancouver Whitecaps, although the same can't really be said for MLS itself with all the Frank Lampard nonsense.
While others in Major League Soccer are foolishly courting the big names on big salaries, the Whitecaps are going for the more low key approach of lesser known difference makers and developing their homegrown talent and team harmony.
New striker Octavio Rivero has been the only addition to the 'Caps squad so far this offseason. Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson and Club President Bobby Lenarduzzi share their thoughts on the new DP, the importance of developing their own conveyor belt of players and what new additions may still be to come from South America and the UK.
On the subject of youth, we look at the impact that the Whitecaps are having on the Canadian national youth teams and hear from Canadian U20 head coach Rob Gale ahead of the start of the World Cup qualifiers. With nine of the 20 man squad coming through Vancouver's Residency program, it really is the Whitecaps versus the world in Jamaica.
And there's still time for Carl Robinson to kick off the new year with a new feature on the podcast, as he tells us about his football firsts. The matches, the goal and more.
Have a listen!
Sunday Jan 04, 2015
Episode 90 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (End of Year Review - Part Two)
Sunday Jan 04, 2015
Sunday Jan 04, 2015
A new year. New hope. New dreams. Out with the old, in with the new, and all that jazz. But just before we look ahead, we look back with part two of our End of Year Review.
The 2014 MLS season got underway in March and we look at the first four months of it for Vancouver Whitecaps.
An undefeated March, a winless April, goalscoring galore before the World Cup break and then the flatness following it. It's all covered here, along with all the major talking points both on and off the pitch.
From the introduction of Pedro Morales to the career ending injury to Jay DeMerit. From giving youth a chance to Nigel Reo-Coker's interpretive mime. Steve Pandher and myself are joined by Steven Lamothe and Zachary Meisenheimer to look at it all.
Have a listen and re-live some of the highs and lows of 2014 in Whitecapsland.