Episode 673 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Pleasures and Pitfalls - Axel Schuster interview, Caps comeback at RSL, international call-up decimation)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, and international football chat.

It was back to two-game weeks for Vancouver Whitecaps and that meant getting back to their winning ways. After being made to work hard to come away with a draw in Winnipeg at Valour in the Canadian Championship, the 'Caps produced a stunning comeback victory to take three points in MLS action at Real Salt Lake, giving themselves some breathing space at the top of the table for the rough weeks to come.

We delve into both of those matches and chat with Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster about what the club's run to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final means both on and off the pitch in terms of financial, recruitment, attendance, and global recognition. Plus we chat about preparing for the final, adding to the squad, and discuss the future of Pedro Vite.

We also look at the upcoming international absences that will decimate the Whitecaps squad for a five to six week period and get the view of 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and Canada's Jesse Marsch around it. Plus we hear from one of those call-ups, Sebastian Berhalter, and his proud dad Gregg Berhalter.

All of this plus music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos continue their residency as our Album of the Month, and we've more Britpop and Wavelength songs.

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

01.25: Intro
03.45: Whitecaps made to work hard in Valour draw
15.10: Whitecaps get back to winning ways with comeback victory at RSL
38.42: Axel Schuster interview
82.41: Whitecaps set to be decimated by international call-ups
96.35: Jesse Marsch talks Whitecaps' Canadians
103.00: Sebastian and Gregg Berhalter on Seba's USMNT call-up
108.30: Wavelength - Chas and Dave with Tottenham Hotspur's 1981 FA Cup Final Squad - Ossie's Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley)