AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 632 – The AFTN Soccer Show (To Live For The Weekend with Jesse Marsch, Ali Ahmed, Sebastian Berhalter, and Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau)

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

The Whitecaps got back to winning ways at the weekend, with a 2-0 win over San Jose, that wasn't pretty but crucially got the job done. We pick over the bones of that one, look at the season run-in and the in-form runners and riders, look at the signing of Jeevan Badwal to a MLS Homegrown deal, and chat with Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau about signing his own first team deal.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. We chat with Seba about his journey to Vancouver, a life spent in football, carving his own path, where he sees his ideal position, the abuse his dad has received when US head coach and how it affects the family, and more.

Turning our attention to the Canadian national teams, we hear from men's head coach Jesse Marsch about the rise of Ali Ahmed, what the rest of the year looks like, and talk to him about his own growth as a coach from when he first to came to Canada in 2011 with Montreal. We also hear from Ali Ahmed himself about his time in the recent Canada camp and coming back to Vancouver, plus we chat about the kickfest that was the Mexico game and look at the women's U20s defeat at the World Cup.

All of this, plus we look at the weekend's CPL action, there's more Britpop chat and music, Big Country continue their stint as our Album of the Month, and Halftime Oranges are back in Wavelength with a song about footballers' hair!

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

01.27: Intro - another busy week, match fixing
14.15: Whitecaps beat San Jose with another clean sheet
33.50: The lie of the land in the MLS West
48.40: Sebastian Berhalter interview and discussion
66.45: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Sebastian Berhalter
75.25: Canada crash out of U20 Women's World Cup to Spain
79.55: Canada kicked off the park in Mexican "friendly"
85.33: What rest of year looks like for the CanMNT
97.17: Jesse Marsch's growth as a coach
107.30: Ali Ahmed talks about being away with Canada
112.50: Jesse Marsch's thoughts on Ali Ahmed's continued rise
117.20: Jeevan Badwal signs a homegrown contract
124.16: Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau earns first team contract
130.50: CPL round-up
138.40: Wavelength - Halftime Oranges - Hair

Episode 631 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Beating Heart Will Never Die - Canada beat US, Whitecaps draw with Dallas, Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau, James Cameron, Rants about refs)

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

It's been another big week for Canadian soccer, at both club and country level, and we kick things off chatting about Canada's men's national team's historic, and dominant, win over the US on Saturday. It was a performance that showed the growth of the side under Jesse Marsch and also tantalizes with this being only just the beginning. We also look at the Canadian women's U20s run at the FIFA World Cup that's seen them reach the knockout stages.

Turning our attention to the domestic game, an undermanned Whitecaps dropped another two points at home in MLS action. We chat about the Dallas game, the continuing costly home form, look at some of the depth players called into this match, and the current lie of the land in the MLS West. Plus we hear and talk about Caleb Porter's all-time epic rant about our least favourite referee, Tim Ford.

We've two interviews in this episode. First up is WFC2 forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau. We chat with Nico about his experiences being called up to the first team, making his MLS debut in Montreal, his home debut against Dallas, and more. Next up is Vancouver FC defender James Cameron, and we chat with the BC boy about signing his first pro deal, his growth, the current season, his Canada experiences, and his hopes for the future.

All of this, plus we look at the weekend's CPL action, there's more Britpop chat and music, Big Country continue their stint as our Album of the Month, and Armchair Loyal are back in Wavelength with a fitting song about referees!

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

01.27: Intro
04.00: Canada dominate US eh in friendly win
21.00: Canada women's U20s advance to World Cup knockout stage
33.50: Ryan Gauld gets his first Scotland caps
42.35: Undermanned Whitecaps drop two big points at home to Dallas
69.50: Caleb Porter loses it with referee Tim Ford
80.45: More Britpop chat!
68.05: Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau interview and discussion
98.15: A look at the Whitecaps' depth and player performances
111.55: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Fafa Picault
114.26: Whitecaps Girls Elite secure historic Champions Cup victory
121.35: James Cameron interview
140.50: CPL round-up
159.35: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - Public Elleray Number One

Episode 630 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Dreams Stay With You with guests Stuart Armstrong, Fafa Picault, Jay Herdman, and Cindy Tye)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, Canadian national team, and international football chat and interviews. It's our international special this episode as we cover the club and national team game from a wide variety of perspectives.

We kick things off with a look at the Whitecaps win in Austin this past weekend. Comfortable and very important, it sets them up nicely for the MLS season run-in after 42 days since their last league match. We take a look at how things are looking the in the MLS West and Vanni Sartini shares some thoughts on the match and the task facing the team now with six players away on international duty for the upcoming match with Dallas.

One of those players that will be away with Canadian international Ali Ahmed. We chat with him about the upcoming friendlies and talk with one of the WFC2 players that could be called up to replace the missing guys, Jay Herdman, about his experiences at last year's U20 World Cup and this year's Olympics with New Zealand. And talking of the U20 World Cup, we look at the great start made by the Canada at the women's one in Colombia and talk with head coach Cindy Tye.

We've two fantastic feature interviews for you this episode. First up is the newest Whitecap, Scottish international DP Stuart Armstrong. We chat with Stuart about his move to Vancouver, his career so far, what the future may hold in store, playing for Scotland at two Euros, and more. It's a great career retrospective for fans of his, new and old.

Next up is Whitecaps winger Fafa Picault. We chat with the forward about life in Vancouver, playing for Haiti, his football playing grandfather, and his deep love of music and food, in a really enjoyable interview that shows Fafa's passions to the fore.

All of this, plus Zach tells tales of his footballing adventures in Costa Rica, we have a way too long, but thoroughly enjoyable, chat about Britpop, and Big Country kick off their stint as our Album of the Month.

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

01.28: Intro - Oasis fever!
06.25: Zach's experiences of football in Costa Rica
25.23: Whitecaps dominate Austin in return to MLS action
43.35: The lie of the land in the MLS West
47.00: Vanni on the Austin win and facing Dallas short-handed
52.02: Ali Ahmed talks Canada's upcoming friendlies
58.37: Jay Herdman interview on his Olympic experience with NZ
69.15: Axel on how the Stuart Armstrong deal came together
76.03: Vanni on how Armstrong will fit into system
81.05: Stuart Armstrong interview and discussion
101.04: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Stuart Armstrong
106.55: Fafa Picault interview and discussion
137.40: Britpop discussion
150.16: Canada U20s kick of 2024 Women's U20 World Cup
157.53: Cindy Tye interview
164.05: FIFA trial of Football Video Support review cards
167.05: Canada's men back in action against US and Mexico
168.47: Wavelength - Damien Quinn - Celtic Medley

Episode 629 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Rise and Shine - Stephanie Labbe and Sinead King talk NSL, Whitecaps reach Can Champ final, Ryan Gauld earns Scotland call-up)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver Rise, Vancouver FC, Canadian Championship, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and MLS Next Pro chat. Phew, that's a lot of bases to cover, but we do it and we're joined by Harjeet Johal to help us along!

We kick things off looking at the Whitecaps Canadian Championship semi-final. The threepeat awaits when they play TFC next month, in a tournament that already needs another revamping. We delve into the win over Pacific and get the thoughts of both head coaches, Vanni Sartini and James Merriman.

Keeping the Whitecaps chat going we look ahead to the return to MLS action, as Vanni shares his thoughts about the season run-in, and we chat with Ryan Gauld about his Scotland call-up. Plus we look at what the injury to Brian White might mean to the Whitecaps and ponder if there will be any cuss words dropped against Austin.

The big news story this week on the women's side was the launch of new Northern Super League side Vancouver FC. We chat with Chief Business Officer Sinead King and Sporting Director Stephanie Labbe and discuss the new name and branding, where the team might play, what kind of crowds they're expecting, when with a head coach and players start to be announced, what quality we can expect from the new league, and more.

All of this, plus we look at WFC2's playoff push and chat with head coach Ricardo Clark, look at Vancouver FC's hugely important and dramatic late win against Valour in the CPL, and chat with VFC's birthday boy match winner Ayman Sellouf and head coach Afshin Ghotbi.

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

01.25: Intro
04.23: The Whitecaps Canadian Championship threepeat is on
20.15: The Canadian Championship format needs to change
31.08: Aussie's swearing upsets MLS!
36.15: The Whitecaps playoff hopes very much in own hands
46.27: Ryan Gauld finally earns Scotland call-up
57.05: Vancouver Rise FC are born - what we know so far
103.20: WFC2's playoff push continues
113.30: 10-man Vancouver FC win at the death
127.37: Wavelength - The LaFontaines - Scotland, Bonnie Scotland

Episode 628 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Fragments of Fiction with guests Thomas Meilleur-Giguère, Sebastian Dzikowski, Eric Lajeunesse, and Keira Martin)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver FC, and Canadian Championship chat and interviews.

No MLS action for the Whitecaps this weekend because of the Leagues Cup final, so it's full steam ahead looking to next week's Canadian Championship semi-final second leg against CPL side Pacific FC. We preview the match and Pacific's huge slump in form, as the Whitecaps will be coming in cold for this one. Plus we hear some thoughts from both head coaches, the 'Caps' Vanni Sartini and Pacific's James Merriman.

In the first of two feature interviews this episode we sit down with Pacific's key defensive piece Thomas Meilleur-Giguère to chat about the match, Pacific's season so far, his own personal footballing journey, and adapting to BC island life from the hustle and busy of city life in Quebec. We also chat with a defender that's left Pacific and gone back to college, Eric Lajeunesse. Eric played in the first leg and looks ahead to the second, as he talks about his time in the CPL so far and transitioning back to the college game with UBC.

Our second feature interview is with a former UBC Thunderbird, and current Vancouver FC player, Sebastian Dzikowski. We chat with the forward about his time at college, transitioning to the pro game, and trying to break into a VFC side that's in a playoff dogfight right now.

All of this plus there's still time to talk about the Whitecaps Girls Elite tough outing in Mexico in CONCACAF Champions Cup action, chat with centre back Keira Martin, and bring you a Wavelength song about a much maligned, and long forgotten, English cup competition.

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

01.26: Intro a decent weekend in MLS for the 'Caps
08.05: Whitecaps v Pacific Canadian Championship preview
17.25: Thomas Meilleur-Giguère interview
39.51: Eric Lajeunesse interview
49.20: Sebastian Dzikowski interview
79.52: Whitecaps Girls Elite go down to heavy loss in Mexico
90.20: Keira Martin interview
96.45: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - The Full Members Cup

Episode 627 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Kites of Chaos Still in Motion with guests Axel Schuster and Katie Collar)

After an unplanned week off, we’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps chat, covering both the men's and the women's teams at the club, and we're joined by Felipe Vallejo to talk about it all.

And what a history making week it's been for the Whitecaps' women's team. Not only did they play in the first ever CONCACAF Women's Champions Cup match, they won it, qualifying for the group stage where they'll host two NWSL sides at BC Place in October. We look at the historic win in El Salvador and what lies ahead in the group stages, plus we sit down for a chat with head coach Katie Collar to chat about it all.

Our second feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster about the summer transfer window, the lack of moves so far and what may be to come, and the club's decision to declare for the 3 DP route under the new MLS roster rules. Is another DP heading to Vancouver? We'll also chat about growing the club's brand, attracting players to the city, changes coming for the boys' academy teams, and the club's new women's team that will be launched very soon.

Plus there's still time to talk about the Whitecaps' forced postponement of their MLS match with LAFC this coming weekend and the worse case scenario that played out for them.

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

01.25: Intro
04.20: Whitecaps break extended with LAFC postponement
20.45: Whitecaps Girls Elite make history and the Champions Cup task ahead
44.25: Katie Collar interview
72.10: Axel Schuster interview
106.15: Unpacking Axel - transfers, DPs, club growth, NSL team
125.35: Vancouver's NSL team brand launch and possible Whitecaps rebranding
129.26: Wavelength - The Tartan Specials - Sex and Drugs and Sausage Rolls

Episode 626 – The AFTN Soccer Show (All Plans Are Golden - Canada's Olympics defence over, Dronegate continues, Leagues Cup, L1BC champs crowned)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Leagues Cup, Canadian national team and Olympics chat, and we're joined once again this week by Harjeet Johal to talk about it all.

The Canadian women's national team's defence of their Olympic gold came to an end at the hands of Germany last week. We look at their fighting spirit on the pitch after a tumultuous two weeks off it, and ask what's next for the team and everyone involved? We also look at the men's Olympic football and Canada's failure to make it to the games since 1984. What's wrong with the youth program here in the country, especially after the men's U20s missed out on next year's World Cup?

Turning our attention to the club game, Vancouver Whitecaps saw off LAFC and Tijuana to top their Leagues Cup group and set up a clash with Mexican giants Pumas. We look at the matches, the highs and the lows coming out of them, and chat with Belal Halbouni, Levonte Johnson, and Fafa Picault about what cup competitions mean to them. Plus we chat with 'Caps head coach Vanni Sartini about what he's learned as a coach playing against Mexican opposition and learn how he'd like the Leagues Cup to expand beyond the current month it's played out over.

And there's still time to look back at this weekend's two League1 BC championship matches, chat with Whitecaps Girls head coach Katie Collar and captain Brianne Reed, talk with TSS Rovers men's head coach Brendan Teeling and history-making defender Nik White, and look at the latest action around the Canadian Premier League. Plus English new-rave band The Klaxons feature as our new Album of the Month.

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

02.17: Intro
04.00: Canada's Olympic title defence is over
19.00: What's next for the Canadian women's national team?
26.12: The spying scandal drones on
47.40: Men's Olympic football - should Canada prioritise it more?
62.05: Canada U20s fail to make the World Cup - how do we fix the system?
78.38: More known about Vancouver's 2026 World Cup games
82.40: Whitecaps top Leagues Cup group
100.33: Whitecaps players excited for cup football
105.47: Vanni on facing Mexican opposition and expanding the Leagues Cup
118.20: This Week in Whitecapsland 1974
128.15: Whitecaps Girls Elite do the L1BC three-peat
133.17: Katie Collar interview
137.25: Brianne Reed interview
143.03: TSS Rovers make history with L1BC double
146.30: Brendan Teeling interview
148.40: Nik White interview
153.00: Wavelength - Baron Nichts - Soccer
159.51: CPL chat

Episode 625 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Lazy Days In Summer Haze - Olympics drone scandal, Ali Ahmed interview, Wrexham v Whitecaps, Leagues Cup)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Wrexham A.F.C., Canadian national team and Olympics chat, and we're joined once again this week by Harjeet Johal to talk about it all.

The soccer news in Canada this week has been dominated by the women's national team drone scandal at the Olympics and we delve into that in the first two parts as we work through the timeline of news that came out, the subsequent punishments and reactions, and what the future may hold in store for Canada Soccer, the team, and those involved. Plus we also look back at Canada's first two games in the defence of their Olympics title.

Turning our attention to the Whitecaps, our feature interview this episode is with midfielder Ali Ahmed. We chat about Ali's experiences at Copa America with Canada, what he's learned under new head coach Jesse Marsch, and the Whitecaps season so far.

The Whitecaps were in action against Wrexham at the weekend and we have full postgame coverage from that one as we look at whether the 'Caps fully capitalised on all the opportunities presented to them with the whole experience, the much anticipated grass pitch, and what it could mean for future matches like this here in Vancouver. Plus we chat with Wrexham head coach Phil Parkinson, and players Eoghan O'Connell, George Evans, and Steven Fletcher about the League One season to come, what they've learned from this #WrexCoastTour trip, and their thoughts on Vancouver.

And there's still time to look ahead to this week's Leagues Cup matches with Vanni Sartini, Cork band The Frank and Walters wrap up as Album of the Month, we take you back to 1974, and we've a Wrexham themed song in Wavelength for you.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.17: Intro - it's Christmas for Har!
07.20: Canadian drone scandal - the story so far
30.03: CanWNT wins against NZ and France
46.00: FIFA punishment to CanWNT and the fallout
61.15: The media's role in the accelerated unraveling
71.00: What now for Bev Priestman and Canada Soccer?
88.20: Ali Ahmed interview
112.48: This Week in Whitecapsland 1974
118.25: Wrexham v Whitecaps - a success or a wasted opportunity?
142.35: Phil Parkinson talks Wrexham's League One battle ahead
147.35: Leagues Cup preview and the thoughts of Vanni
157.21: A chat with Wrexham's Eoghan O'Connell
162.36: A chat with Wrexham's George Evans
166.37: A chat with Wrexham's Steven Fletcher
172.00: Wavelength - Ratarsed - Elliott Lee

Episode 624 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Don't Try This At Home - Whitecaps win one and lose one, new MLS roster rules, Canada NTs)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian national team, Copa America, and Euro 2024 chat, and we're joined once again this week by Felipe Vallejo to talk about it all.

It was a two-game home stand for the Whitecaps this week and to quote Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine, you win some and you lose some, and I've lost the will to lose. That about sums up how I feel about the 'Caps home form, where they've now dropped 16 points so far this season. We look at the main talking points coming out of the win over Kansas City and the loss in the seven-goal thriller to Houston, including the concerning knee injury to their talismanic captain Ryan Gauld.

The MLS transfer window is open. The Whitecaps rumours haven't been plentiful but the club will definitely be making some additions, but may also be losing some players. We look at the apparent imminent arrival of Colombian defender Edier Ocampo and the possible departures of Fafa Picault and Javain Brown, plus we look at the new MLS roster rules and how they may impact the Whitecaps in this transfer window and beyond.

And there's still time to talk Canadian Premier League, League1 BC, and the Canadian national teams. Plus Cork band The Frank and Walters continue as Album of the Month, we take you back to 1974, and we've an England Euros 2024 song in Wavelength now that they didn't win it and aren't quite as insufferable!

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.08: Intro
05.12: Whitecaps win at home to KC
14.20: Gauld injured as Whitecaps downed by Dynamo
45.33: Home form continues to plague Whitecaps
53.32: This Week In Whitecapsland 1974
59.40: New faces imminent but will Fafa and Javain move on?
78.20: The new MLS DP and U22 roster rules and the Whitecaps
92.00: Edier Ocampo to Vancouver transfer rumours
99.40: League1 BC semis set as Whitecaps women add players
107.12: Devin O'Hea joins Pacific and CPL round-up
129.55: Good start for Canada U20s at CONCACAF qualifiers
133.33: Canadian women set to kick off Olympic defence
136.45: Wavelength - Big Shaq - Like Wot

Episode 623 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Fighting Spirit - CMNT on the rise, Copa Chaos, Whitecaps' road success in league and cup)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian national team, Copa America, and Euro 2024 chat, and we're joined once again this week by Felipe Vallejo to talk about it all.

Canada exceeded all expectations at Copa America, finishing fourth overall after a string of good performances against top opposition that brings a lot of excitement and optimism for the future under new head coach Jesse Marsch. We look at their rise in this tournament and the matches against Argentina and Uruguay. Plus we chat about the absolute chaos at the tournament after Colombia's semi-final and before the final. Amazingly a disaster was averted but lessons need to be learned ahead of the World Cup in 2026.

Turning our attention to the Whitecaps, it's been a good week for them with two road wins, one in the cup and one in the league. We delve into the victories over both Pacific and St Louis, hear from 'Caps coach Vanni Sartini on the Canadian Championship and his suggestion for a possible future format, and Pacific coach James Merriman muses on the second leg at BC Place next month and how the venue may aid his team, who are still very much in the tie.

All of this plus Cork band The Frank and Walters continue as Album of the Month, and we've a Spanish song in Wavelength to commemorate their Euros win and their young wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.10: Intro - another busy week of football
06.15: Canada's successful Copa America and what's been learned
16.19: Uruguay players fighting fans - how was that allowed to happen?
31.30: Canada finish 4th after penalty loss to Uruguay
46.42: Jesse Marsch's impact on the CMNT and his post tournament comments
56.55: Argentina win back-to-back Copas
64.45: Copa chaos outside stadium ahead of final - insanity
77.50: Whitecaps lead Pacific in Canadian Championship semi-final
86.00: James Merriman on Pacific's chances in second leg
94.09: Is gap between CPL and MLS closing?
100.45: Vanni Sartini on Canadian Championship and potential future format
113.32: Can we play you every week? - Another Whitecaps win vs St Louis
141.00: Wavelength - Semir - Lamine Yamal

Episode 622 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Tripping - Canada in Copa semis, Whitecaps draw in Montreal, Can Champ preview, Euros bore)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian national team, Copa America, and Euro 2024 chat, and we're joined this week by Felipe Vallejo to talk about it all.

We start on the international stage and the big story of the week as Canada reached the semi-finals of Copa America. We look at the big win against Venezuela, why they have nothing to fear and nothing to lose against Argentina, and discuss which players' stock has gone up the most with their performances at the tournament.

Keeping the Copa chat going, Felipe tells us about his trip to San Jose to see Colombia take on Brazil, we round up the rest of the action around the tournament, the US media meltdown after crashing out, the bizarre refereeing at the tournament, and get angry at some horrible camera angles.

Moving on to the domestic game, we look at the Whitecaps seven-point week, the latest point gained in Montreal, and the ever-tightening Western Conference standings. Plus we look ahead to the latest BC derby in the Canadian Championship as the Whitecaps head over to the island to take on Pacific in their semi-final first leg.

All of this plus we look at the continued disappointments at Euro 2024, Cork band The Frank and Walters continue as Album of the Month, and we've a Dutch Euros song in Wavelength.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.09: Intro - get better soon Marshall
06.50: Canada's historic march to Copa semis
45.52: Felipe's Copa road trip
54.39: More Copa America chat
79.00: This Week In Whitecapsland 1974
83.50: Whitecaps draw in Montreal as West tightens up even more
107.50: Pacific vs Whitecaps III - a preview
121.10: Wavelength - Football Poet - Hollandse Glorie
124.50: Euro 2024 continues to disappoint

Episode 621 - The AFTN Soccer Show (A New Day Has Come - Whitecaps v St Louis, Canada's historic Copa, Jesse Marsch, Euro 2024)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian national team, Copa America, and Euro 2024 chat. Near, far, wherever you are, the football keeps coming and so do the podcasts, and we're joined by Harjeet Johal this week to talk about it!

The Whitecaps got back to winning ways against St Louis in MLS action on Saturday night. We pick over the good, the bad, and the ugly from a match was an emotional rollercoaster as a tough four-game road spell looms. Plus we look at the likelihood that BC Place is getting grass for the Wrexham friendly, the continuing demise of Canadian media as the Whitecaps seek a new radio deal, and Fafa Picault wants away from the club, or does he?

Turning our attention to the international stage, we chat about Canada's historic qualification for the knockout rounds at Copa America, round-up some of the rest of the action from the tournament, sadly deal with more online abuse for Canadian players, and hear from head coach Jesse Marsch. Plus are the crowds and ticket prices at Copa a concern for the World Cup here in 2026?

All of this plus we look at the drama and the disappointments at Euro 2024, Cork band The Frank and Walters are our new Album of the Month, and on the day that they depart the Euros, we've a Belgium anthem in Wavelength.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.18: Intro
03.43: Whitecaps fight back to see off St Louis
53.40: Does Fafa Picault want away from Vancouver?
61.35: BC Place getting grass pitch for Wrexham game?
69.26: Whitecaps looking for new radio deal as Canadian media crumbles
81.29: This Week In Whitecapsland and the World Cup 1974
86.10: Euro 2024 chat
116.00: Wavelength - Omdat Het Kan & Average Rob - On Met La Patate
121.00: More Euro 2024 chat
130.31: More Canadian players abused online
137.18: Canada's historic advancement at Copa
153.52: Jesse Marsch audio
158.40: Copa America round-up
164.37: Are Copa crowds and ticket prices a cause for concern for WC 2026?

Episode 620 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Tears On Tour)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian national team, Euros 2024, and Copa America chat. The football keeps coming and so do the podcasts, and we're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo to talk about it all.

It was a derby day to forget for Vancouver, who hit the self-destruct button in a 2-0 road loss down in Portland. We pick over the bones of that one, delve into the Whitecaps' current woes as they slide down the standings, and hear the postgame thoughts of Vanni Sartini.

We move on to the international stage and the disappointing travels of Scotland at the 2024 Euros, as they crash out with a whimper. Plus we look at the rest of the tournament so far before turning our attention to Copa America and Canada's starting loss to Argentina. It's not been a great footballing week for our teams, but at least Canada were spirited in defeat!

All of this, plus we look at Vancouver FC big weekend loss in CPL action, take you back to 1974, continue our Album of the Month from Heavenly and bring you another Euro 2024 themed song in Wavelength.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.15: Intro - a tribute to Dylon Powley
11.34: Whitecaps self destruct in Portland
44.15: This Week In Whitecapsland and the World Cup 1974
52.28: Vanni Sartini's thoughts post Portland
59.12: More on the Whitecaps woes
83.42: Scotland's terrible Euros
100.30: Wavelength - Nick Morgan - No Scotland, No Party
105.24: More Euro 2024 chat
121.21: Copa America round-up
142.55: Vancouver FC and CPL chat

Episode 619 - The AFTN Soccer Show (So Much Football, So Little Time - NEvVAN, Copa America, Ricardo Clark and Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau interviews)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian national team, Euros 2024, and Copa America chat. The football keeps coming and so do the podcasts, and we're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo to talk about it all.

The Whitecaps got back into action after a two week break with a less than inspiring performance in New England, going down to a 3-2 loss. We pick over the bones of that one, discuss the help that the 'Caps badly need, look at some transfer rumours, and look ahead to this weekend's match with Portland as the MLS West table tightens up.

Turning our attention to WFC2, we look at their good form of late and bring you two interviews. First up is in-form striker Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau about coming to Vancouver in the MLS draft, his season so far, his hopes for the future, and his somersaulting celebrations. Then we chat with WFC2 head coach Ricardo Clark about his sides good first half of the season, the ethos of the team, and what he's learned in his first 18 months in charge.

There's a lot of football on the international stage too and we preview the 2024 Copa America, with Canada set to kick things off against Argentina on Thursday. Can they compete? What would be seen as a good tournament? And we ask Jesse Marsch ow should they approach games against South American opposition. Plus we look at the rest of the groups and chat Euros 2024 after the early action.

All of this, plus we take you back to 1974, continue our Album of the Month from Heavenly and bring you another Euro 2024 themed song in Wavelength.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.14: Intro
06.49: Whitecaps poor in New England loss
33.48: The Whitecaps need help as MLS West tightens up
57.35: Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau interview and discussion
70.57: Ricardo Clark interview and WFC2 discussion
84.31: This Week In Whitecapsland and the World Cup 1974
94.40: Euros 2024 chat
104.35: Copa America preview - does Canada have a chance?
141.35: Wavelength - PG Ciarletta - From Glasgow To Berlin

Episode 618 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Trophies Not Friendlies featuring Phil Parkinson, Humphrey Ker, and Katie Collar)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Northern Super League, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian national team chat. The football keeps coming and so do the podcasts!

The Whitecaps weren't in action on the pitch in MLS but it's been a busy week in Whitecapsland. We chat about the Canadian Championship dates being set, staying 5th in the MLS standings, and the fallout from the Messi debacle continuing as a class action lawsuit is filed against the club and the league. It was also announced that the upper bowl at BC Place is now open for the Wrexham friendly and we chat with the Welsh club's manager Phil Parkinson and Executive Director Humphrey Ker about their North American tour and the season to come.

Turning our attention to the women's game we look at the Whitecaps' draw in the inaugural CONCACAF Women's Champions Cup, chat with Whitecaps Girls Elite head coach Katie Collar, and look at what we know about the Northern Super League so far, as the new women's league gets set to kick off next year.

All of this plus we look at the Canadian men's national team's friendlies against the Netherlands and France, look ahead to Copa America and the Euros, look back at World Cup 1974, round up the weekend's action in the CPL, and we have our Album of the Month from Heavenly and continue our month of Euro 2024 themed songs in Wavelength.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.25: Intro - TST 7v7, Soccer Aid, L1BC
12.10: Whitecaps News of the Week
32.21: Wrexham's Phil Parkinson and Humphrey Ker chat
51.35: Katie Collar on Whitecaps' Women's Champions Cup draw
61.15: Northern Super League - what we know so far
89.35: Sexy football trophies
95.56: Canadian men's national team's three good halves of football
120.35: This Week In Whitecapsland 1974
128.30: From World Cup 1974 to Euros 2024
140.35: Wavelength - The Tartan Specials - Not Just Here For The Bier
145.26: CPL round-up

Episode 617 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Shut Up and Read Your Nick Hornby)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian national team chat. The football keeps coming and so do the podcasts!

The Whitecaps head into the international break in good spirits after two wins in four days against Western Conference opposition. We delve into both matches and performances, and look at where the 'Caps are right now in terms of tactics, personnel, and positioning, at what is effectively the halfway point of the season. Plus we round-up the weekend's action across MLS.

We also look at the draw for the Canadian Championship semi-finals and the nightmare travel it throws up for the 'Caps, plus we round up the weekend's action in the CPL and have a chat with Colorado's CMNT defender Moise Bombito ahead of Canada's two upcoming friendlies and Copa America.

All of this plus we have a new Album of the Month from Heavenly and kick off a month of Euro 2024 themed songs in Wavelength.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.15: Intro - Project8, Champions League, Phonzie's future
14.15: A six point week for the Whitecaps
43.48: This Week In Whitecapsland 1974
49.25: How the Whitecaps look at halfway point of season
72.32: MLS round-up
103.28: Canadian Champ semis set
106.35: Vancouver FC and CPL round-up
120.45: League1 BC chat
128.00: Moise Bombito interview and CanMNT chat
140.35: Wavelength - The Caledonian Dream - Shot At Glory

Episode 616 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Another Fine Mess, Eh)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, and Canadian Premier League chat. The football keeps coming and so do the podcasts!

It's not been a great week, with two horrible on-pitch performances and a PR nightmare off it with the no-show of Messi and friends for the match against Miami. We delve into how the whole Messi debacle played out and look at all parties that are being blamed for the non-appearance. How justified is it, where should most of the blame lie, and how have the Whitecaps handled the whole situation?

We also look at the actual game itself, where the 'Caps failed to rise to the occasion once again in front of a large crowd and are still struggling to create and score from open play. Plus after scraping through to the Canadian Championship semi-finals against Cavalry, we look at what lies in-store and how Vanni Sartini's postgame comments from both of last week's matches went from one extreme to the other. How much threat is his job under right now?

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.17: Intro
05.10: The Vancouver Messi debacle - who's to blame?
39.15: Messi, the Whitecaps, Plan B's, ticket prices and fan anger
71.15: Understrength Miami pile on Whitecaps' home woes
107.56: This Week in Whitecapsland 1974
115.34: Whitecaps scrape through in Canadian Championship - shameful?
134.50: Vancouver FC go second after derby day win
151.05: Wavelength - Feet-Punk - Diego Maradona

Episode 615 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Da Diddley Qua Qua - Whitecaps' week of penalty drama, Can Champ, Messi Mania, Jesse Marsch)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian national team chat. The football keeps coming and so do the podcasts!

The Whitecaps' two games a week schedule saw them come away with nothing in Colorado, in a game in which they should have gotten something, and then with a point in Seattle, in a game in which they didn't really deserve anything. Football, eh! We pick over the bones of both of those matches, look at what they've taught us about the current state of the 'Caps, round up the latest action across MLS, and look ahead to the circus coming to town this weekend - aka Lionel Messi and his Miami maestros.

Before that Miami game there's the small matter of the Canadian Championship and a quarter-final second leg clash with Cavalry FC. We chat about that, hear from Cavs' head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr, and chat about Vancouver FC first away win of the season in the CPL.

Plus there's a new sheriff in town as Canada Soccer appoint Jesse Marsch as the new Canadian men's national team coach. Was it the right appointment, what does it mean to the program, and how about that funding of the position by the three Canadian MLS clubs? We chat about all of that and more.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.12: Intro - the business end of various seasons
16.30: Whitecaps pay penalty in Colorado
28.53: Whitecaps' highway robbery in Seattle!
51.33: The Whitecaps need fixing
63.17: MLS Round-up
82.41: The circus is coming to town - Messi mayhem awaits
92.30: Canadian Championship and US Open Cup chat
102.30: Tommy Wheeldon Jr audio
115.53: This Week in Whitecapsland 1974
122.25: Jesse Marsch named new CanMNT head coach
146.08: Vancouver FC get first away win of season
159.15: Wavelength - Number 8 - Phoenix Rising
165.25: Goodbyes and German nonsense

Episode 614 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Cracks In The Ground - LAFC v Whitecaps, Can Champ, Messi mania in Montreal, TFC postgame madness)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, and Canadian Premier League chat. The football keeps coming and so do the podcasts!

The Whitecaps busy month of May continues apace with two games a week. It was a case of win one, lose one this past week as they got a Canadian Championship win over Cavalry FC, but fell to a comprehensive defeat at LAFC in MLS action. We pick over the bones of both matches, look at what's gone wrong for the 'Caps and what they need to fix it, and round-up all the Canadian Championship and MLS action, including Messi mania in Montreal and incredible postgame scenes in Toronto.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we round-up the weekend's action and discuss the league's decision to move a Vancouver FC home game to Kelowna, which is proving to be a massive own goal for the club among their supporters.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.22: Intro - Champions League, Phonzie
15.00: Whitecaps see off Cavalry threat in Can Champ - for now
30.30: Canadian Championship and why the Canadian pyramid is prohibitive to existing clubs
45.51: Out of sorts Whitecaps fall to LAFC
60.55: What's wrong with the 'Caps and how do they fix it?
77.23: MLS West round-up
91.35: Messi mania hits Montreal
105.55: Tempers flare and accusations fly after TFC-NYC
118.50: This Week in Whitecapsland 1974
125.32: CPL round-up
147.20: Vancouver FC home game in Kelowna draws fan ire
168.35: Wavelength - Everclear - Volvo Driving Soccer Mom

Episode 613 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Celebrations and Consternations - Whitecaps v Austin, TSS heartbreak, Can Champ, CMNT coaching search, Vancouver and FIFA 2026)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, and Canadian national team chat. The football keeps coming and so do the podcasts!

Vancouver Whitecaps marked the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their first ever match by almost playing out an exact replica of it this past weekend! In 1974 San Jose came to town, the Whitecaps dominated, the visitors offered little in attack, and it ended as a draw with Vancouver unable to find the winning goal. Sound familiar? It was almost deja vu with Austin on Saturday night, except this time the 'Caps didn't lose in a penalty shootout. We pick over the bones of that game, look back at the one from 1974, and look ahead to this week's Canadian Championship clash against Cavalry. Plus we get the thoughts of both head coaches Vanni Sartini and Tommy Wheeldon Jr ahead of the game.

Talking of the Canadian Championship, we talk about TSS Rovers' heartbreak, the success of League1 Quebec side CS Saint Laurent, and discuss how the tournament needs to be opened up to more lower league sides and for it not to have everything skewed against them. Plus we talk about the latest news in the search for a new Canadian men's national team head coach, the increased costs of Vancouver hosting the World Cup here in 2026, and we have a new album of the month, featuring Brooklyn band Habibi.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs.

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

02.15: Intro
06.07: Late heartbreak for TSS at Pacific
18.52: Canadian Championship discussion
41.45: Whitecaps stalemate against Austin
77.00: This Week in Whitecapsland 1974
86.46: Cavalry vs Whitecaps - Round 3
116.05: The search for a new CMNT coach heats up
135.35: Vancouver WC hosting costs spiral
144.50: How long will BC Place have a grass pitch?
149.20: Wavelength - Scotland 1974 World Cup Squad - Back Hame