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