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