AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 699 – The AFTN Soccer Show (All Part of the Masterplan - Whitecaps set up LAFC semi showdown, Vancouver's defensive strengths, FIFA U17 World Cups)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and FIFA Under 17 World Cups chat and interviews.

It wasn't the prettiest victory, but the Whitecaps got the job done in Dallas on Saturday night, winning a penalty shootout in game two of their playoff series to book their berth in the Western Conference semi-finals and setting up a mouthwatering clash with LAFC. It's the Müller v Son showdown so many around MLS wanted. We look back at the game, look ahead to that semi-final, and round-up the rest of the MLS (and CPL) playoff action.

One of the Whitecaps many strengths this year has been their defence. We look at what's made it so successful with the help of some thoughts from Jesper Sorensen and chat with MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon. Plus we sit down with rookie defender Tate Johnson to talk about his season so far, his first playoff experience, and enjoying life in Vancouver.

We also talk Canada at the men's and women's U17 World Cup and hear from both head coaches, Mike Vitulano and Jen Herst, plus music-wise, Camper van Beethoven begin their residency as our Album of the Month, we've two Britpop songs from Oasis and Wavelength with features a song about Arsenal centreback Tony Adams.

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

01.28: Intro - college nationals set to begin, Rise missing out on BC talent
10.35: Whitecaps beat Dallas on penalties to advance in MLS playoffs
47.45: Müller v Son semi showdown awaits
58.15: MLS playoff round-up
90.25: Whitecaps defence discussion
109.00: Tate Johnson interview
117.40: Cavalry knock off Forge and head to CPL championship game
121.00: Canada U17 men set to get their World Cup underway
136.30: Canada U17 women pay the penalty in heartbreaking World Cup loss
144.30: Wavelength - The A Team - Ooh Ooh Tony Adams

Episode 698 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Guys Are Lethal - Dallas destroyed, MLS and CPL playoff round-ups, Vancouver FC end of season review)

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

Vancouver Whitecaps kicked off their quest for the 2025 MLS Cup with a dominant home playoff win against FC Dallas on Sunday. We look at the many highs coming out of that one, plus hear from both head coaches, Jesper Sorensen and Eric Quill. We look ahead to what's next in the best-of-three series, round-up the rest of the MLS playoff action so far, and say congratulations to the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year - Tristan Blackmon.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we round-up the playoff action there too, chat about the sacking of Halifax head coach Patrice Gheisar, talk once again about refereeing in the league, and we bring you our Vancouver FC end-of-season review.

All of that plus music-wise, Kneecap wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Echobelly and 60ft Dolls, and Cousin Feo returns to Wavelength with a song about Danish legend Brian Laudrup.

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

01.25: Intro - UBC march on, Scottish football gets exciting
10.00: Whitecaps dominate Dallas in playoff win
47.30: Tristan Blackmon named MLS Defender of the Year
52.40: Coaches Corner - Jesper Sorensen and Eric Quill
60.20: MLS playoffs round-up
76.10: CPL chat - playoff round-up, Gheisar out in Halifax
108.45: Vancouver FC end of season review
147.15: Wavelength - Cousin Feo - B. Laudrup

Episode 697 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Drop Ya Like Jenga - Whitecaps vs Dallas playoff preview, Jayden Nelson and Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson interviews)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League playoff chat and interviews.

It's the business end of the season and the room for error is minimal. Vancouver Whitecaps face off against FC Dallas in game one of a best of three playoff series on Sunday. We set up the match and get the thoughts of both head coaches, Vancouver's Jesper Sorensen and Dallas' Eric Quill, plus Sebastian Berhalter and Thomas Müller talk playoffs, winning championships, and making the city fall in love with the team.

We've two interviews for you this episode and first up is Whitecaps winger Jayden Nelson, as we chat about the playoff match-up with Dallas and what the team can learn from their Champions Cup run earlier in the year. We also chat with Forge FC stalwart Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson about winning another trophy, the legacy the club has built, whether the team can do the first ever CPL double, and his own footballing journey from Sweden to Canada.

All of that plus we round-up the end of the CPL regular season and look at the playoffs ahead, and music-wise, Kneecap continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Blessed Ethel and Swedish band Perkele feature in Wavelength.

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

01.16: Intro - MLS playoffs off and running
05.15: Jesper Sorensen sets up Whitecaps vs Dallas
23.20: Dallas coach Eric Quill on how they plan to beat the Whitecaps
36.12: Thomas Müller and Sebastian Berhalter talk playoffs and making city proud
48.55: Jayden Nelson interview
58.45: CPL regular season round-up and playoff preview
112.10: Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson interview
139.40: Wavelength - Perkele - Yellow and Blue

Episode 696 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Something's Happening Round Here - Axel Schuster roundtable, Joedrick Pupe and Rayan Elloumi interviews, MLS playoffs and awards)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer chat and interviews.

It was a heartbreaking weekend for the Whitecaps, who battled valiantly for 80 minutes down a man at home to Dallas but couldn't find the point they needed to finish top of the MLS Western Conference. Great defending, a lack of finishing, and some questionable refereeing saw the 'Caps fall to second in the standings, setting up a more difficult playoff path ahead, ironically kicking off against that same Dallas side. We delve into all of that and a lot more, plus ponder what Whitecaps might be in the running for the end of year MLS awards.

We also bring you a media roundtable with Whitecaps GM and Sporting Director Axel Schuster. A new stadium, ownership, Thomas Müller's future, Axel's future, end of year roster decisions, player pathways, the FIFA takeover of BC Place, and the club's relationship with the Canadian Premier League are all covered in the 46 minute discussion.

Our feature interview this week is with a new Whitecaps signing that arrived with an injury but is ready to go for the playoffs, Belgian defender Joedrick Pupe. We chat with Joedrick about coming to Vancouver and MLS, his footballing journey, playing style, and more, plus as a co-owner of a coffee shop, we find out if he fancies a chocolate digestive. We also chat with rising Whitecaps homegrown Rayan Elloumi about his time away with Tunisia's U23 side, his experiences in the country, and is the door still open for playing for Canada.

Music-wise, Kneecap continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Longpigs and Heavy Stereo, and MC Devil feature in Wavelength with a song about the Belgian national team.

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

01.26: Intro - mazes and the undeniableness that is UBC soccer
08.40: A discussion on refereeing, accountability, and communication
22.00: Dallas destroy Whitecaps dreams of finishing first in MLS West
52.30: The Whitecaps playoff redemption arc set to begin
69.37: Axel Schuster media roundtable
125.40: Jesper Sorensen reflects on the regular season
130.25: Which Whitecaps players deserve MLS season honours?
138.00: Jesper Sorensen - MLS coach of the year, but will he get it?
158.00: Joedrick Pupe interview
167.37: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Joedrick Pupe
171.15: Rayan Elloumi on his Tunisia U23 experience
177.00: Wavelength - MC Devil - Deviltime

Episode 695 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Feeling Heaven - Müller magic sends Whitecaps top, Isaac Boehmer interview, World Cup tickets and qualifiers)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and FIFA World Cup chat and interviews.

Some late drama and some Thomas Müller magic saw the Whitecaps hit the summit once again in the MLS Western Conference with one game of the regular season to go. With first place and the number one seeding on the line for the 'Caps on Decision Day, we look back at the dramatic late win in Orlando and who shone in the Floridian heat, hear some postgame thoughts from Jesper Sorensen and Nelson Pierre, and look at what lies in store in the final week of the regular season and the potential playoff path ahead.

Our feature interview this week is with Whitecaps goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer. We chat with the stopper about the season that's been, what's still to come, his eventful year off the pitch, goalkeeping rule changes, and taking Thomas Müller fishing. Plus we look at what the goalkeeping situation might look like in Vancouver next year with both Boehmer and current number one Yohei Takaoka at the end of their contracts and becoming free agents. Plus we find out if Whitecaps assistant coach Michael D'Agostino fancies a chocolate digestive.

The Whitecaps successful weekend was also good news for Vancouver FC of Langley who have now booked their berth in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup as Canadian Championship runners-up. We look at what that will mean for the club and their controversial ending this weekend in Ottawa.

All of that plus we talk FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets and qualifiers, and music-wise, Kneecap continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Ash and Marion, and Halftime Oranges return to Wavelength with a song about what could have been.

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

01.27: Intro - giving thanks, flying worms, and U20 World Cup chat
14.30: Müller magic sends Whitecaps top after last-gasp win in Orlando
54.55: Orlando v Vancouver postgame chat with Sorensen and Pierre
65.00: How Decision Day shapes up in the MLS West
70.15: Vancouver FC confirmed for CONCACAF Champions Cup
94.40: Isaac Boehmer interview
105.47: Whitecaps 2026 goalkeeping discussion
119.20: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Michael D'Agostino
125.20: More World Cup ticket talk
140.20: Will winter World Cup become the norm?
145.50: This week in international football
162.15: Wavelength - Halftime Oranges - Occupations

Episode 694 – The AFTN Soccer Show (A Little Charm and a Lot of Style - Ryan Gauld interview, Whitecaps roll on, World Cup tickets and kick off times)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, and FIFA World Cup chat and interviews.

The Whitecaps roll on, lifting their fourth-straight Voyageurs Cup and controlling their own fate in the race to be best in the MLS West. We chat about the 'Caps wins over Vancouver FC and San Jose Earthquakes and what the season run-in looks for the team and those around them. Plus we look at the celebratory night for BC Soccer that was the Canadian Championship final and ponder what next year's tournament might look like in a crowded footballing schedule.

For the 'Caps a big boost to their postseason aspirations is having captain Ryan Gauld back on the pitch. We catch up with the talismanic Scot for an in-depth interview to talk about his return from injury, what the last few months have been like on the sidelines, the success of the team this season and what may be to come, impending fatherhood, and a little bit on the Scottish national team in a week of key World Cup qualifiers for them.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is less than nine months away and as the excitement builds, so does the annoyance when it comes to ticket prices and availability. We look at what it will cost to go to a game in Vancouver, what we've learned from the initial batch of tickets going on sale, and whether the real fans will be priced out. Plus we talk kick off times. Is Vancouver set for a slate of afternoon matches to save people baking elsewhere?

Music-wise, Kneecap kick off their residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from The Bluetones and Northern Uproar, and My Brother Woody return to Wavelength with a song about the 1994 World Cup and the clash between Ireland's John Aldridge and the man in the yellow hat.

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

01.30: Intro
03.55: Whitecaps' Canadian Championship fourpeat, trophy presentation, and what will the 2026 tournament look like?
52.50: The race to be best in MLS West
58.55: Whitecaps crush San Jose as Berhalter shines
84.10: Ryan Gauld interview
109.45: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Rayan Elloumi
115.45: 2026 World Cup kick off times being reviewed
125.55: World Cup tickets set to price out your average fan
159.10: Wavelength - My Brother Woody - Aldo vs Yellow Hat

Episode 693 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The One With All The Cups - Whitecaps Kings of Cascadia again, Martin Nash, Mark O'Neill, Can Champ preview)

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

The Whitecaps may be down to the bare bones in terms of squad selection, especially on the defensive side, but that didn't stop them claiming an 8th Cascadia Cup following draws with Portland and Seattle. We pick over the bones of those two matches, look at the lie of the land for the race to be the best in the MLS West, and have a chat with Whitecaps centre back Mark O'Neill about signing his first MLS deal, his footballing journey, and coming from a three-code footballing family.

We also look ahead to the Canadian Championship final and preview the all-Vancouver match-up by having an in-depth chat with Vancouver FC head coach, and former Whitecaps legend, Martin Nash. We chat with Marty about the final, whether this cup run will help him lose the interim tag, what fans can expect from the team, the players to watch, and Whitecaps memories. It's also a final that will pit brother against brother and we chat with both the Whitecaps Ralph Priso and his brother Huge Mbongue at VFC about what will be a very emotional night for the pair, and get 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen's thoughts on the match-up.

Plus we hear from Thomas Müller after lifting the Cascadia Cup and hopefully soon the Voyageurs Cup, talk more FIFA shenanigans and music-wise, Hazel O'Connor wraps up her residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Sleeper and Pulp, and The Abs feature in Wavelength with a song about footballer Ralph Coates' hair.

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

01.25: Intro - FIFA doing FIFA things
25.20: Whitecaps win record-breaking 8th Cascadia Cup
54.55: Thomas Müller talks Can Champ and Cascadia Cup
63.40: The race to be best in MLS West
72.20: Mark O'Neill interview
90.30: Martin Nash interview
118.40: Canadian Championship preview
133.45: Brother vs Brother - Ralph Priso vs Hugo Mbongue
148.00: Wavelength - The Abs - Grease Your Ralph

Episode 692 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Way The Future's Meant To Feel - Whitecaps dominant in KC, all-BC Can Champ final set, Mathias Laborda, Devon Kerr, Pacific FC for sale)

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

What a week it's been for Vancouver and BC soccer. The Whitecaps and Vancouver FC of Langley set up a first ever meeting between the two teams in next week's Canadian Championship final after semi-final wins over Forge and Ottawa respectively. We chat about the games and the match-up to come, the showcase of soccer in the province, and hear some thoughts from Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen and VFC's Martin Nash and Matteo Campagna.

Heading back to league business, the Whitecaps went to Kansas City at the weekend and left with a comfortable victory that broke a multitude of club records along the way and left them controlling their own destinies in the race for first place in the MLS West and the Supporters' Shield. We chat with MLS Apple TV analyst Devon Kerr about the match and the season run-in for the 'Caps.

We also chat with one of the (many) standout players for the Whitecaps this year, Uruguayan centre-back Mathias Laborda, about the season so far, what's to come, the Canadian Championship final, life in Vancouver, and find out if he fancies a chocolate digestive.

Plus we talk about CPL side Pacific FC being put up for sale this week and the unsavoury public spat with the City of Langford that followed, and music-wise, Hazel O'Connor continues her residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Smaller and Pulp, and a Dutch band features in Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - a little bit of politics, freedom of speech, 3I/Atlas & the end of days
14.17: It's an all-BC Canadian Championship final!
72.56: Whitecaps control own destiny after record breaking win in KC
97.25: Mathias Laborda interview
108.00: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Mathias Laborda
113.26: Interview with MLS Apple TV analyst Devon Kerr
142.55: Pacific FC up for sale and in public spat with the City of Langford
171.30: Wavelength - The Nits - J.O.S. Days

Episode 691 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Wie spät ist es? - Whitecaps destroy Union, Forge preview, Thomas Muller, Rayan Elloumi, Belal Halbouni, Tristan Borges, BC derby day)

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

The Whitecaps sent a message to the rest of MLS with a 7-0 thumping of the Supporters Shield leading Philadelphia Union on Saturday. We delve into the many highs from that one and look at how it leaves the MLS run-in with just weeks of the regular season remaining. There were a lot of great moments from that big win, but one of the best was the first MLS goal for Whitecaps Homegrown Rayan Elloumi on his home debut. We talk with Rayan about signing his MLS deal, that goal, his family's reaction, and what he needs to work on now that he's moved up a level.

Turning our attention to the Canadian Championship, we look ahead to the Whitecaps-Forge semi-final second leg and hear from both head coaches, while Thomas Müller talks about what cup football means to him. We also chat with Whitecaps centreback Belal Halbouni about the club's and his own season so far and the semi-final, and we have an in-depth interview with Forge's talismanic midfielder Tristan Borges about the game, Forge's season, the club's success in the CPL, and his own footballing journey.

Plus we talk about the weak sanctions imposed on Inter Miami by MLS after their Leagues Cup disgrace and we talk about the latest BC derby in the CPL after the first game played in downtown Victoria. And music-wise, Hazel O'Connor continues her residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Smaller and Cast, and a German band features in Wavelength.

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

01.30: Intro - what a week as the goals fly in!
06.15: Whitecaps pick Philadelphia apart
48.30: The lie of the land in the MLS West
61.40: MLS punish Miami, but only barely
73.55: Rayan Elloumi interview
80.40: Thomas Müller talks Canadian Championship and cup football
87.26: Whitecaps v Forge coach preview Canadian Championship semi
93.10: Belal Halbouni interview
103.00: Tristan Borges interview and Forge FC chat
131.20: BC derby day in the CPL
155.30: Wavelength - The Voice - Give Us A Goal
161.00: The good and the bad of fly on the wall football documentaries

Episode 690 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Playing On - Kevin Egan, Whitecaps-Philly, Jayden Nelson, Anja Heiner-Moller, Heidi Smith)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Vancouver Rise, international and women's football chat and interviews.

There's so much football on at the moment, we just had to bring you a second episode this week ahead of the big clash between the Whitecaps and Philadelphia Union. We preview the match with Apple TV's MLS360 host Kevin Egan and talk about how the last few months have looked for the 'Caps from afar, what might be in store in the season run-in, and the exciting action this weekend across the league.

We also chat with Whitecaps winger Jayden Nelson about his time away with Canada, the run-in, learning from a great like Thomas Muller, and talk next week's Canadian Championship semi-final with Forge.

The other pro team in the city, Northern Super League side Vancouver Rise, are making a strong push for a championship themselves. We chat with head coach Anja Heiner-Møller about the highs and lows of the season so far, the learning curves of a new league, travel, injuries, star performers, and more. Plus keeping on the subject of women's soccer, we chat with author Heidi Smith about her new book Play On, which takes a look at the struggles, challenges, and rise of the women's game over the last 140 years.

Music-wise, Hazel O'Connor continues her residency as our Album of the Month, we've 'Britpop' song from Spare Snare and the late, great Kirsty MacColl features in Wavelength.

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

01.25: Intro - World Cup qualifiers and Whitecaps internationalists
19.02: Jayden Nelson interview
31.20: Anja Heiner-Møller interview and NSL chat
62.35: Interview with author Heidi Smith
99.55: MLS 306's Kevin Egan talks Whitecaps v Philly
126.45: Wavelength - Kirsty MacColl - England 2 Columbia 0

Episode 689 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Travelled Near and Travelled Far - Jesper Sorensen, Jeevan Badwal, Rayan Elloumi, MLS run-in, CanMNT impress, World Cup 2026 qualifiers and tickets)

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

The Whitecaps have wrapped up week two of their three weeks off and everyone's getting itchy week, just wanting to get back at it. We have a chat with Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen about the difficulties of getting any work done in this period, the season run-in, bolstering the midfield again, and the impact Thomas Muller has had on the team. We also look at the Whitecaps season run-in and how the MLS West might shake out in terms of points and positioning.

We also chat with two young guns that have come through the 'Caps academy. It's been a great 2025 so far for Jeevan Badwal. We talk to him about his breakthrough season with the first team, what Whitecaps players he admired growing up, being an inspiration for the next generation, and being a sponge around Thomas Muller. For Rayan Elloumi, he hopes to emulate Badwal's rise and we talk to the WFC2 player about his excellent season so far, his journey from Edmonton with the BTB Academy, and his hopes for moving into the first team.

Plus we look at how the eight Whitecaps players have fared in the early stages of this international break, talk Tristan Blackmon's performance in the US' loss to South Korea, and delve into Canada's impressive win over Romania and the excellent outing from Ali Ahmed. We also talk World Cup 2026 tickets and the good and bad of the currently system for getting hold of them.

Music-wise, Hazel O'Connor continues her residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Menswear and Fluffy, and a song about the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in Wavelength from Declan McKenna.

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

01.27: Intro - Vancouver FC, Vancouver Rise, overseas league games in US
24.15: Jesper Sorensen interview
44.30: The Whitecaps regular season run-in
51.30: The math to win the MLS West
68.50: Rayan Elloumi interview and discussion
80.40: Jeevan Badwal interview and discussion
96.05: World Cup tickets set to go on sale - but at what cost?
112.35: World Cup qualifiers round-up at the battle for 2026 in full flow
134.35: How the Whitecaps internationlists fared
144.40: Canada win big in Romania
157.05: Wavelength - Declan McKenna - Brazil

Episode 688 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Melees and Malaise with guests Sebastian Schonlau and Michael D'Agostino)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Leagues Cup chat and interviews.

The Whitecaps may have three weeks off, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to talk about! We delve into the 'Caps news of the week including the transfer speculation around Ali Ahmed, the injury to Brian White, and the striking issues and needs for the team right now. Turning our attention to MLS in general, we look at the lie of the land in the MLS West, the Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min effect on the league since their signings, and we delve into the Miami melee down in Seattle.

We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is the Whitecaps new German centre-back Sebastian Schonlau. We chat with Basti about the move to Vancouver and MLS, the emotions and memories in leaving Hamburger SV, his own footballing journey, and more. Plus, does he fancy a chocolate digestive?

We also sit down with Whitecaps assistant coach Michael D'Agostino about his playing and coaching journey, four years with the first team, the dynamics under new head coach Jesper Sorensen, what it's like to coach Thomas Müller, his favourite jam, and more!

Music-wise, Hazel O'Connor starts her residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Salad, and a song about Mansfield Town in Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - Costa Rica soccer tales
20.00: Whitecaps News of the Week - Ahmed, White, striker needs
44.10: The lie of the land in MLS West
53.10: Miami Melee - Leagues Cup final ends in disgrace
77.22: Sebastian Schonlau interview and discussion
107.10: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Sebastian Schonlau
113.45: Michael D'Agostino interview
144.37: Michael D'Agostino's Favourite Jam
150.55: The Müller and Son Effect in the growth of MLS
162.30: Wavelength - Apocalypse Babys - Yellows

Episode 687 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Doing Great Things with guests Axel Schuster and Asa Rehman)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer chat and interviews and this episode we're joined again by special guest co-host, Global TV and CKNW's Asa Rehman.

The football gods giveth and the football gods taketh away. Thankfully for Vancouver Whitecaps, they were in a generous mood on Saturday in the Whitecaps' last gasp win over St Louis. Thomas Müller got his first Whitecaps goal, Vancouver got the win, and everything is right with the world. Right?! We delve into the main talking points from the dramatic game and the aftermath from it all.

It's been an incredible last month both on and off the pitch in Whitecapsland, so it felt like the perfect time for another one of our in-depth chats with Whitecaps GM and Sporting Director Axel Schuster. We sit down with Axel for a 35 minute chat about the Thomas Müller signing, the other new additions this past transfer window, scouting, a new stadium, the latest on the sale of the club, multi club ownership, and just how they'll keep the team sharp with three weeks off. Then Michael and Asa unpack it all.

Music-wise, The Wonderstuff continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Echobelly, and we continue our German themed songs in Wavelength.

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

01.24: Intro - Asa's back, college action underway, Leagues Cup quarters
09.10: Müller scores in Whitecaps dramatic win over St Louis
51.55: Axel Schuster interview
93.30: Unpacking Axel
115.05: Wavelength - Neeskens - Gerd Muller song

Episode 686 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Müllermania with guests Ali Ahmed, Asa Rehman, Liam Mackenzie, and Oliver Schusser)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Championship chat and this episode we're joined by special guest co-host, Global TV and CKNW's Asa Rehman.

All the focus this week was on Thomas Müller's arrival in Vancouver, but it was also a week of two very important matches for the Whitecaps. We chat about the German's arrival and introduction, the first impressions he made, and his first steps onto the pitch as a Whitecap, plus we hear from the man himself after his MLS debut. We also delve into that draw with Houston on Sunday, that saw Vancouver lose what could be two very important points in stoppage time, and look at some of the questions swirling around the squad with the transfer window set to close.

One player who made a welcome return in that match against Houston was Whitecaps winger Ali Ahmed. We sit down with Ali for our feature interview this episode to talk about his return from injury, the last few weeks, the season run-in, and his excitement of playing in attack with Thomas Müller. Plus we sit down with the latest Whitecaps homegrown signing Liam Mackenzie to chat about his first MLS contract and his growth through the academy.

We also chat with Apple TV Vice President for Media and Sports Oliver Schusser about the company's partnership with MLS, how it's all going, future innovations, and how players like Müller coming to the league help the growth worldwide.

All of this plus we look at the two Canadian Championship semi-finals and hear from three of the head coaches involved, including Jesper Sorensen, and music-wise, The Wonderstuff continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Oasis, and we continue our German theme songs in Wavelength.

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

01.24: Intro - welcome newbies!
07.00: Müllermania running wild in Vancouver
26.25: Whitecaps drop two huge points at home to Houston
64.05: Ali Ahmed interview and discussion
79.30: Whitecaps defensive help imminent
93.16: Liam Mackenzie interview
105.15: Could we be getting an all-Vancouver Canadian Championship final?
141.47: Apple TV's Oliver Schusser talks about partnership with MLS and what's to come
163.55: Wavelength - Suzuki - Group of Death

Episode 685 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Horror Clown Show - AKA The Tim Ford Experience)

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

Podcasts can be cathartic. It's better than screaming in to the void. And after the weekend we had in Whitecapsland, there's a lot to say! The emotional rollercoaster that was Vancouver Whitecaps match at San Jose Earthquakes is delved into here and of course, the main talking point coming out of it was the performance of "referee" Tim Ford. Will there be investigations? The 'Caps almost battled to a point despite everything thrown at them in this one and we hear some thoughts from head coach Jesper Sorensen about how it all played out.

We also look ahead to this week's Canadian Championship semi-finals, hear from Vancouver and Forge's coaches, and Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster talks about more additions coming in this MLS transfer window, this time on the defensive side.

All of this plus we round-up the weekend's CPL action and talk the BC derby, and music-wise, The Wonderstuff continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Blur and The Business return in Wavelength.

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

01.27: Intro
10.00: Whitecaps almost grab a point in San Jose despite everything
42.17: Jesper Sorensen on Quakes game and refereeing
52.35: Tim Ford is a ____ (fill in your own blank)
77.10: Canadian Championship semi-final preview
89.40: Whitecaps look to add two more in transfer window
105.10: CPL round-up and the BC derby
135.20: Wavelength - The Business - Southgate (Euro 96) [NSFW - Parental Advisory!]

Episode 684 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Heart Is On Fire - Thomas Müller officially a Whitecap, Schuster and Sorensen on Müller signing, Ralph Priso interview, MLS schedule changes coming)

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

Thomas Müller's signing by Vancouver Whitecaps is now official and we've got you covered all the way. We delve into the ins and outs of how the deal played out and got done, we look at how the German legend might be introduced in Vancouver and speculate on what shirt number he might wear, and we hear the thoughts of Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster and head coach Jesper Sorensen on the signing, how it all came together, where he'll fit in to the team, and the impact he'll have both on and off the pitch.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps midfielder Ralph Priso. We chat with Ralph about the Whitecaps exciting season so far, what's still to come, his brother coming to town to join Vancouver FC, growing up in a football mad household with competitive brothers, and his new jersey number with Müller now being number 13. We also chat with Whitecaps Sebastian Berhalter and Jayden Nelson about Müller's signing and what it could mean to the team down the stretch.

Turning our attention to MLS in more general terms, we delve into the League's Commissioner Don Garber's comments at the recent State of the League address around changing the timing and the format of the MLS schedule and revamping the roster rules to make the league's teams more competitive on the global stage.

All of this plus it was a good BC Day for the two BC teams in the CPL, and music-wise, The Wonderstuff kick off their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from The Charlatans and there's a German football song in Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - new car smell and new end theme
06.50: The ins and outs of Thomas Müller's move to Vancouver
30.56: Mailbag
52.07: Axel Schuster on Müller's signing
65.51: Jesper Sorensen on how Müller will slot into the Whitecaps
71.08: Thomas Müller talks MLS and coming to Vancouver
74.25: Sebastian Berhalter and Jayden Nelson on Müller's signing
77.48: Ralph Priso interview and discussion
93.35: MLS Commissioner Don Garber talks schedule and roster changes
142.05: CPL round-up after a good BC Day for BC teams
165.00: Wavelength - Plastic Toys - Fussball Im TV

Episode 683 – The AFTN Soccer Show (A Thousand Sounds In My Head - Thomas Müller to Vancouver, Sebastian Berhalter interview, Vancouver stadium talk ignited & more)

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

It's been a dramatic week in the Vancouver football world and we have you covered with it all here on the podcast. The two biggest Whitecaps stories came off the pitch, with German legend Thomas Müller set to head to Vancouver in a shock transfer that would be the biggest signing in the club's history. Elsewhere, MLS commissioner Don Garber set tongues wagging when he said the Whitecaps' stadium situation was "not viable". We delve into both of those big stories on the show.

On the pitch, the Whitecaps were back at home after five games on the road and came away with a dominant win over Sporting KC. We chat about the main talking points coming out of the match, Ranko Veselinovic being confirmed with a season-ending ACL injury, and Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen talks to us about the All Star festivities, defensive cover for Ranko, and the well-needed break coming up for everyone.

Our feature interview this week is with Sebastian Berhalter. It's been quite the summer and quite the first half of the year for the Whitecaps midfielder. We talk about his time away with the US national team, becoming a MLS All Star, and the season run in. Plus we hear from new interim Vancouver FC head coach Martin Nash as he takes over the reins of the CPL basement side after Afshin Ghotbi's dismissal.

All of this and music-wise, Frank Black concludes his residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Ash and Perfume, and there's a Thomas Muller song in Wavelength.

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

01.30: Intro - crazy times in Vancouver and L1BC's dramatic finale
08.20: Vancouver dominant in win over Kansas City - now they can rest
39.00: Jesper Sorensen's thoughts on the MLS All Star festivities
42.45: Sebastian Berhalter interview
53.30: Milkshake Man - Sebastian Berhalter
57.10: Don Garber ignites Whitecaps' stadium situation
75.15: Ranko Veselinovic out for season - Sorensen on the need to replace
104.00: Thomas Müller set to become the biggest signing in Whitecaps history
130.30: Afshin Ghotbi out, Martin Nash in at Vancouver FC
173.20: Wavelength - Los Brudalos x Anja Bavaria - Thomas Muller

Episode 682 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Light Beams Disappear - Whitecaps vs San Diego, Vancouver's World Cup contract revealed)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and 2026 FIFA World Cup chat.

The Whitecaps ended a tough five-game road stretch with a fairly decent record of two wins, one draw, and two defeats. The last of those matches saw them miss out on the chance to go back top of the Western Conference after a 1-1 draw at San Diego. We delve into the main talking points coming out of that, look at the lie of the land in the MLS West, chat about the upcoming all-star game, and the now finalised transfer of Pedro Vite.

Details were finally released last week about FIFA's demands on the city of Vancouver for hosting next year's World Cup games here. We look at some of the main things that caught our eye and what locals can expect on and around match days. Plus there's still time to chat CPL, delve into our mailbag, and bring back our TVOD section to talk about a couple of football based television shows.

All of this and music-wise, Frank Black continues his residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop song from Catherine Wheel, and The Logical Hairs feature in Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro - summer camps, AFTN memberships
10.27: Mailbag - DPs, smokers, Canada's World Cup squad
24.20: Whitecaps left ruing missed chances in San Diego draw
50.00: The week in Whitecapsland - All-star game, MLS round-up, Vite's transfer fee
77.21: Vancouver's World Cup contract revealed
101.33: TVOD - Welcome To Wrexham and Last Pundit Standing
113.50: CPL round-up as Vancouver FC's struggles continue
130.30: Wavelength - The Logical Hairs - Footie

Episode 681 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Solving Problems - Whitecaps results rollercoaster, Vite departs, Cabrera arrives, Can Champ semis set, CPL midseason review)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian Championship chat and we're joined this episode by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo.

Football brings highs and lows and if you're a Whitecaps fan, you've had some pretty wild swings of those in the past week as the team scraped by CPL side Valour FC in the Canadian Championship, lost heavily in MLS to Colorado Rapids, then bounced back in style and started to look a little bit like their old selves in a big win at Houston Dynamo four days later.

We delve into the talking points coming out of those three matches and happenings off the pitch, as Pedro Vite gets transferred to Mexico and a new Peruvian is coming to town. Are the 'Caps set up for the season run-in? What are the expectations now? And what help is still needed?

Plus there's still time to look at the upcoming Canadian Championship semi-finals and the tough task facing the Whitecaps, we cast our eyes over the first half of the 2025 CPL season, and talk about the FIFA Club World Cup final. All of this and music-wise, Frank Black continues his residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Longpigs and Heavy Stereo, and My Brother Woody return in Wavelength.

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

01.27: Intro - Vancouver Rise, Club World Cup
10.47: Whitecaps results rollercoaster in full swing in Colorado and Houston
40.00: Whitecaps San Diego preview and the lie of the land in MLS West
56.18: Milkshake Man - Emmanuel Sabbi
58.46: Whitecaps transfer comings and goings
75.25: Canadian Championship semis set
93.30: CPL midseason review
111.00: Wavelength - My Brother Woody - The A to Z of Football

Episode 680 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Still Feeling Alright? - Whitecaps lose badly in LA, Jayden Nelson, Antoine Coupland, Nelson Pierre, DP highs and lows)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, FIFA Club World Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian Championship chat and interviews.

It was a tough Friday night under the lights for the Whitecaps, falling 3-0 to MLS basement team LA Galaxy. What went wrong and is there genuine cause for concern or is this just down to the weakened squad from international duty and injuries? We delve into all of that and chat with the returning winger Jayden Nelson about his Gold Cup experiences with Canada, forward Nelson Pierre about signing his first team deal, and young Canadian Antoine Coupland about his MLS minutes, his first MLS goal, and his hopes for the future.

Toronto FC fans were given a Canada Day gift by MLSE when they announced the release of Italian Designated Players Lorzeno Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. We chat about how much of a bust they were in the grand scheme of things and talk Whitecaps DPs. Who have been the best and the worst DPs to pull on a blue and white jersey in Vancouver?

Plus there's still time to talk about the Gold Cup final, the FIFA Club World Cup, Vancouver FC's loss to Forge in CPL action, and hear from Valour FC head coach Philip Dos Santos about his side's big quarter-final second leg coming up against the Whitecaps. All of this, and music-wise, Frank Black continues his residency as our Album of the Month, we've Britpop songs from Supergrass and Cast, and we pay tribute to Diogo Jota in Wavelength.

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

01.26: Intro
04.20: Whitecaps feel far, far away in Galaxy loss
49.05: Toronto FC and a tale of DP disasters
60.35: Whitecaps best and worst DP signings
93.10: Jayden Nelson reflects on Canada's Gold Cup
99.17: Nelson Pierre interview
106.34: Antoine Coupland interview
118.10: Jesper Sorensen talks Coupland and Pierre
128.25: RIP Diogo Jota
131.55: Whitecaps miss out on Gold Cup glory with US
136.43: FIFA Club World Cup chat
150.40: Canadian Premier League chat
157.25: Phil Dos Santos looks ahead to Whitecaps vs Valour
172.37: Wavelength - Jamie Webster - The Diogo Jota song