The AFTN football/soccer podcast primarily about Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and the Canadian Premier League with lots of interviews and fun segments thrown in.
Episodes
Thursday Jan 28, 2016
Thursday Jan 28, 2016
Vancouver Whitecaps hit the training pitch for the first time in 2016 and AFTN was there to bring you all the action! Well, all the audio.
As players new and old try and make a lasting impression on 'Caps coach Carl Robinson, he'll just be hoping that one or more of his strikers can put the ball in the back of the net on a more consistent basis. We chat with two of those strikers, both of whom have been linked with moves away to pastures new this offseason, Jamaican international Darren Mattocks and Erik Hurtado.
Mattocks talks about those transfer rumours, finding his international form at club level and his new found maturity and perspective as a soon to be father, while Hurtado tells us about his loan period in Norway and trying to come back and crack the 'Caps gameday squad.
If both players hang around, they'll have a new striker's coach, with former Welsh international Robert Earnshaw announcing his retirement to take that position along with becoming head coach of the U14 Residency team.
We chat with Earnie about his decision to retire, his coaching path, the challenges ahead, what he hopes to bring to the U14 team and a lot more.
And there's still time to hear from Christian Dean about trying to unseat the centre back pairing of Waston and Parker and making an impression of his own, along with some of the big stories from the first week of preseason camp.
Have a listen!
Friday Jan 22, 2016
Friday Jan 22, 2016
The boys are back in town! Well for some of them it was for the first time, as was the case with Vancouver Whitecaps new Japanese striker Masato Kudo.
Friday was Media Day in Whitecapsland as the team headed back for day one of their 2016 preseason camp.
We hear from Kudo as he meets the Whitecaps media for the first time and we chat to him about making the move to MLS from the J League, the challenges ahead, what kind of player the 'Caps fans can expect to see and a lot more.
Keeping the Kudo and Japanese flavour, we speak to journalist Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo on Twitter). Dan is an American based in Tokyo and he covers the J League, the Japanese national team and international soccer for Football Channel. Dan tells us the impact he expects Kudo to make in Vancouver, what kind of player we'll see, how the two leagues compare, the interest his move will create amongst fellow players and what it might mean for the future of the J League.
From a player who is coming to a player that was rumoured to be going - Gershon Koffie. We ask Gersh about the rumours of a move to Belgium or elsewhere in Europe, whether he's looking for a new challenge, how he spent his offseason and the fast tracking of his Canadian citizenship application.
And there's still time to hear from 'Caps coach Carl Robinons about future roster moves and the camp invitees he's having a look at, while Russell Teibert tells us about what making an impact at the stacked DM position and Jordan Harvey talks about the battle he faces once again from Sam Adekugbe for the left back role.
Have a listen!
Monday Jan 18, 2016
Monday Jan 18, 2016
Another week, another MLS draft, but this was the big one!
The 2016 MLS SuperDraft took place in Baltimore on Thursday. Vancouver Whitecaps ended it with three new players, and we chat with all of them on our latest podcast.
We have post draft conference calls with Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson and Georgetown defender Cole Seiler and exclusive one on ones with Lynn University's German striker Chris Hellman and Princeton University forward Thomas Sanner.
And there's still time to hear from Robbo about one player who wasn't selected on Thursday, Whitecaps Residency graduate, Callum Irving.
Have a listen!
Tuesday Jan 12, 2016
Tuesday Jan 12, 2016
With less than two weeks till Vancouver Whitecaps start their preseason training camp, we look at all the latest news and rumours from Whitecapsland.
It's been a busy time and we chat with 'Caps coach Carl Robinson about how the signing of Masato Kudo came about and tapping into the Asian market, re-signing Cristian Techera, the TAM mechanism, his draft priorities and how he will approach Thursday's SuperDraft in terms of possible trades and moving up, and more.
We then also look at the imminent signing of Christian Bolaños, what holes that leaves the 'Caps to fill and who might fill them, and the latest goalkeeping situation.
And there's still time to look at the 'Caps 2016 schedule.
Have a listen!
Friday Jan 08, 2016
Friday Jan 08, 2016
With the MLS schedule out and the signings starting to take shape, it's already getting exciting in Whitecapsland, two months before First Kick.
In the last of our three end of season roundtable discussions, AFTN writer Jay Duke, and Curva Collective's Zachary Meisenheimer and Steven Lamothe join your regular podcast co-hosts to look at what Vancouver Whitecaps need to do next, after their best season in MLS so far, to take that next step and raise some silverware.
Carl Robinson now has two years under his belt as head coach. We cast a critical eye over his performance and his tactics, formations and man management.
Robbo likes his youth but is the team missing some players in their late 20s to add that bit more experienced heads and calming influence at key times? Is there real leadership on the team from captain Pedro Morales?
Do the 'Caps need to splash the cash to challenge with the big spenders in the league or risk getting left behind? And with the roster now taking shape, who won't be here come First Kick, are the team too heavy with DMs and how do you get the young homegrowns regular minutes in a pretty set starting line-up?
Where will, and what should, the Whitecaps priorities lie for this year ahead and are modern day footballers too pampered and whiny?
We chat about all of this and more. Have a listen!
Monday Jan 04, 2016
Monday Jan 04, 2016
Happy New Year!
As the hangovers clear and you wonder if that turkey belly will ever reduce again, we thought we'd bring you something fun and light-hearted to kick off 2016. And that something is a special gameshow episode of the podcast, as we welcome in the new year with '30 Seconds To Mars'.
We're joined by AFTN writer Jay Duke and Curva Collective's Zachary Meisenheimer and Steven Lamothe to ponder over which Vancouver Whitecaps player was the best addition in 2015 and who was the worst? Which young player offers the most potential going forward, what were the most disappointing defeats, high and low points of the year, which MLS players should the 'Caps sign and a lot more!
It's chaotic, it's pointless, it's childish, it's heated (as you'd expect when there's a mars bar and a copy of a 1974 Scorcher annual at stake) and hopefully it's a fun listen too. And just a warning - this podcast contains horns!
Wednesday Dec 23, 2015
Wednesday Dec 23, 2015
Ho Ho Ho everyone!
It wouldn't be Christmas without AFTN's Christmas Special podcast and aptly, we have a veritable cracker in store for you this year.
There's a lot of magical things about Christmas, but let's be honest, the best part is the presents! And if they're football related pressies, then all the better!
I'm sure we've all had a few over the years. Vancouver Whitecaps players and managers certainly have and there's some they'd still like to get this year as Carl Robinson, Alan Koch, Kendall Waston, Tim Parker, Pa Modou Kah, Kekuta Manneh, Pedro Morales, Mauro Rosales and Octavio Rivero share with us.
Also in the show, Kekuta tells us about the first pair of proper football boots he ever received, Robbo talks Boxing Day games back in blighty, and Mauro and WFC2 player Victor Blasco tell us what Christmas is like in Argentina and Spain.
And no special podcast would be complete without hearing what Pedro and Mauro's favourite jam is!
Have a listen!
Sunday Dec 20, 2015
Sunday Dec 20, 2015
2015 is nearly at an end. Of course for Vancouver Whitecaps, their competitive year came to a shuddering halt in the second week of November.
In the second of our three end of season roundtable discussions, AFTN writer Jay Duke, and Curva Collective's Zachary Meisenheimer and Steven Lamothe join your regular podcast co-hosts to look back the 'Caps 2015 season and their first five years in Major League Soccer.
This season was the 'Caps best one in the MLS era in many areas. In such a strong Western Conference, did Vancouver punch above their weight or did they finish where they deserved? And despite the successes, was this year a missed opportunity for the Whitecaps?
There was a first Voyageurs Cup, a first Champions Leagues campaign and a Western Conference semi-final appearance. But with our Cascadian rivals winning the whole shebang, how much pressure does this and the club's achievements this year put on the Whitecaps going forward?
Portland Timbers entered MLS the same year as the Whitecaps, in 2011. Both clubs are now five years into their new eras. The Timbers have won both a Western Conference title and a MLS Cup so far, with the Whitecaps left trailing and trophyless in the league. Just how have those first five years been for Vancouver and what will the next five years hold in store?
We chat about all of this and more. Have a listen!
Sunday Dec 13, 2015
Sunday Dec 13, 2015
It's December, it's the offseason, so that can only mean one thing - AFTN's annual pre Christmas "State of the Whitecaps" chat with 'Caps coach Carl Robinson.
As always, Robbo is very open and honest with us about the season past and what lies ahead for 2016 and beyond.
How busy will the 'Caps be in the transfer market this offseason and where is Robbo looking to strengthen? How will the new TAM be used and will this see at least one more DP come to Vancouver? Where will the goals come from next year?
We cover all this and a lot more in our half hour chat, as we talk tactics and formations, the value of MLS experience, the complexities of moving players within the league, developmental pathways and find out the latest on David Ousted, Cristian Techera, Callum Irving and some other titbits.
And we also ask the big question - what would it take to tempt Robbo away from the Whitecaps right now?
As an added extra this year, we also have a chat with WFC2 head coach Alan Koch about what he's learned from the club's first USL season, preparations for year two, and the upcoming MLS SuperDraft.
Have a listen!
Thursday Dec 10, 2015
Thursday Dec 10, 2015
The 2015 MLS season is over. The less said about exactly how it ended, the better. But that all now means that the silly season is upon us and we're not talking about Christmas festive frolics.
As 19 teams look back as to why the didn't win the MLS Cup and Portland work on how they can retain it, let the magic roundabout of player movement begin with drafts and trades galore.
The Whitecaps have been fairly quiet so far, but we kick off the first of three special end of season roundtables with a look at the players the Whitecaps have released from their roster and who they may like to acquire from the upcoming MLS Re-Entry draft, free agents and trades.
We also have a look at what the new TAM agreement may mean to the 'Caps moving forward.
Regular AFTN roundtablers Jay Duke, Steven Lamothe and Zachary Meisenheimer join regular hosts Michael McColl and Steve Pandher to look back at, and ahead to, all of the latest happenings.
Have a listen!
Saturday Nov 14, 2015
Saturday Nov 14, 2015
The future is looking very bright if you're a fan of Vancouver Whitecaps or the Canadian national team. If you're a fan of both, well then, you're being spoiled right now aren't you?!
Canada's current crop of talent got the latest round of their World Cup qualification quest off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win over Honduras in Vancouver on Friday night.
We look back at the highs and the lows from the victory and ponder what may lie ahead in the group and in terms of where the next home games will be played.
It's exciting times for both Voyageurs and players alike and we catch up with one of the latest to commit to Canada, Glasgow Rangers right winger/right back Fraser Aird. We chat about his tough decision on his international future and about life at one of the Old Firm giants.
Turning our attention from country to club, we look at the offseason plans and moves for the Whitecaps? Can they keep their top talent like goalkeeper David Ousted? Will some veterans move on? How can the new pieces fit in to the current make up of the team?
We chat with veteran midfielder Mauro Rosales and second year centre back Christian Dean about the season just past and what may lie in the future for both of them.
Have a listen!
Monday Nov 09, 2015
Monday Nov 09, 2015
Well that's it all over for another season. Exciting along the way but disappointing at the very end. That was Vancouver Whitecaps year.
A 2-0 loss to Portland Timbers in their Western Conference Semi-final second leg match at BC Place on Sunday evening brought the 'Caps season to a sudden stop.
We look back at the game, the few highs and the larger woes, and hear from both coaches, Vancouver's Carl Robinson and Portland's Caleb Porter.
Just what went wrong, which players simply didn't rise to the occasion and what does this season do to set the 'Caps up moving forward and what changes do they need to make to take that next step?
But there's still another game to come at BC Place this week. The Canadian men's national team are in town to face Honduras on Friday. We take a quick look ahead to that World Cup qualifier and hear the thoughts for Whitecaps President, and former Canadian player and manager, Bobby Lenarduzzi.
And there's still time for a quick look at some more successful Canadian sides this weekend - the Ottawa Fury and the UBC Thunderbirds. Even Steve Nash has a few things to say to us.
Have a listen!
Saturday Nov 07, 2015
Saturday Nov 07, 2015
The hours are slowly, very slowly, ticking down until Sunday's Western Conference semi-final second leg between Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers. So let AFTN help you kill some time while you're waiting for kick off with all the pregame build up you need for the clash between the Cascadian rivals.
We hear from both coaches, Vancouver's Carl Robinson and Portland's Caleb Porter, ahead of the game. What did they learn from last week's first leg? Who's fit and ready to go? And can there be any surprises between two teams that know each other so well?
Robbo also chats to us about the excitement of knockout Cup ties throughout his career and shares his thoughts on two legged semi-final series.
One of the men who looks fit, ready and raring to go is Whitecaps captain Pedro Morales and he updates us on how he's feeling with less than two days to go.
But one player who is definitely ruled out of Sunday's game is Vancouver centre back Pa Modou Kah. We sit down with the Gambian for a lengthy chat about his first season with the 'Caps and his current injury status. Kah talks about making the move and settling into Vancouver, his fellow centre backs Kendall Waston and Tim Parker, what he brings to the locker rooms, his recent gift of rings to all staff, his future plans and more.
We also hear from Robbo on his veteran defender and what he feels he brings to the Whitecaps, whether he's playing or not.
And there's still time to hear from Morales and Kekuta Manneh about their favourite jam.
Have a listen!
Tuesday Nov 03, 2015
Tuesday Nov 03, 2015
It's POvember!
PlayOff November. Get it? Ok, that's pretty bad, but we've thought of it and we're sticking with it. Anyhoo, it's the playoffs baby!
Vancouver Whitecaps are hopefully 90 minutes away from their first MLS Western Conference final following a semi-final first leg 0-0 draw in Portland on Sunday. With everything still to play for, we look back at the game and hear from both coaches - Vancouver's Carl Robinson and Portland's Caleb Porter.
The Whitecaps season has most definitely been built on a solid defensive footing and one player who has certainly played his part in that is rookie centre back Tim Parker. We talk with the American about his debut season in MLS, his development, his first playoff experience and his hopes of playing for the US national team.
And talking of rookies, there's still time to hear from Canadian international, and likely MLS Rookie of the Year, Cyle Larin, who chats about his first season as a pro in MLS, what he's learned with Orlando City and looking ahead to next week's big World Cup qualifier in Vancouver, as Canada take on Honduras.
Have a listen!
Tuesday Oct 27, 2015
Tuesday Oct 27, 2015
The regular season is finally over and Vancouver Whitecaps have finished second in the West and third overall in MLS. Not bad, but all the focus is now on what they can do in the playoffs.
We're joined by Harjeet Johal to look back on the 'Caps 3-0 win over Houston and what we can take from it going forward in terms of form, momentum and injuries.
We hear from both coaches, Vancouver's Carl Robinson and Houston's Owen Coyle, with the latter making a bold guarantee to AFTN listeners.
We also catch up with goalscorer Robert Earnshaw to talk about his super quick goal after coming on as sub, his season in Vancouver so far, how he feels the 'Caps will fare in the postseason and his overall thoughts on the playoffs.
Then we head into the Houston locker room to get some very honest end of season thoughts from Giles Barnes and possible Vancouver target, Will Bruin.
And there's still time to look ahead to the MLS playoffs. Who will get through the first round? Who with the Whitecaps face? And who will win the whole shebang?
Have a listen!
Wednesday Sep 30, 2015
Wednesday Sep 30, 2015
Happy International Podcast Day everybody!
A special day, so we're bringing you a special podcast. One which we've been wanting to do for a while. It's our podcast within a podcast, as we bring you Episode 129 of "There's Still Time", which is also Episode 1 of "Wavelength".
To us, football and music go hand in hand. Away From The Numbers is named after a 1977 song by The Jam after all. So we're wanting to bring you a series of special podcasts bringing you some of our favourite (sometimes for all the wrong reasons) football related songs.
To kick things off, we bring you ten songs. Ten, well, we can't even say classics, so let's just with tunes. Yup, ten tunes covering Vancouver Whitecaps, East Fife, West Ham United, Cardiff City, Accrington Stanley, Altrincham and Columbus Crew.
Have a listen and don't forget to let us know some of your favourites!
Monday Sep 28, 2015
Monday Sep 28, 2015
Back to back home losses for Vancouver Whitecaps now as the MLS season gets down to the wire.
It was a tale of two penalties at BC Place on Saturday night, both horrible awards, and some woeful finishing from the 'Caps as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat to New York City FC.
We pick over the bones of the defeat with the help of Harjeet Johal.
What was with the officiating? What was with the finishing? What's with the inability to get some breathing space at the top of the table? Did any Whitecaps players stand out or did they all just freeze in front of their big name opponents? We look at these talking points and more.
We also hear from the victorious NYC locker room and get the thoughts of head coach Jason Kreis, goalscorer Frank Lampard and US international Mix Diskerud.
We'll also chat about fawning over the names in town, the decision to keep the capacity at 21,000 and disrespecting the Supporters' Shield.
And there's still time to bring back an old segment to lighten the mood, as we look at some of the more offbeat stories in the world of soccer this past week.
Have a listen!
Thursday Sep 24, 2015
Thursday Sep 24, 2015
It's all over for Vancouver Whitecaps 2's inaugural season.
Michael and Steve are joined by Curva Collective's Zachary Meisenheimer and AFTN photographer Tom Ewasiuk to look at WFC2's first season in USL.
Can it be deemed a success?
Well the club finished second bottom in the table but got some vital development minutes not just for their talent coming through, but the fringe guys from the MLS team. What were the highs? The lows? Who made the grade and could move on up and who disappointed? And what about the venue itself up at UBC and the crowds they attracted?
We look at all this and more.
Have a listen!
Monday Sep 21, 2015
Monday Sep 21, 2015
The weekend started off so brightly for us here at AFTN Towers. Both East Fife and Wimbledon got big victories in their respective leagues, but then the Whitecaps took to the pitch.
It was a double losing weekend for the 'Caps, with Seattle claiming this year's Cascadia Cup with a 3-0 victory on Saturday and then Austin Aztex coming back from two goals down to beat WFC2 3-2 in USL action on Sunday.
That's what you call a bad weekend. We've been playing the Art Brut song of the same name on repeat as a result.
Michael and Steve are joined by AFTN writer Jay Duke to look back at the Seattle loss. What went wrong? Were there any positives to take from it? And what does it mean, if anything, for the rest of the season.
We also look ahead to the next clash between the two sides, Wednesday's winner takes all CONCACAF Champions League group game.
The USL season wrapped up on Sunday and we chat with WFC2 head coach Alan Koch about the successes of the team's inaugural season and what lies in store for the team and the players moving forward.
And there's still time to catch up with Austin Aztex head coach Paul Dalglish about his return to Texas, the club moving up from PDL to USL and the impact on the Whitecaps of former Aztec, Kekuta Manneh.
Have a listen!
Monday Sep 14, 2015
Monday Sep 14, 2015
We were going to call this episode "Wind Assisted". Recording in a field in Cloverdale at a Residency match on a windy morning is never the best idea. As you'll hear here! So apologies in advance for the crappy sound quality at times in this one.
It was an other bye weekend for the Whitecaps. The second straight in MLS. What a weird schedule.
Still lots to talk about as we look back at Vancouver Whitecaps win over Colorado Rapids and ahead to the two big games coming up this week - Wednesday's Champions League clash with CD Olimpia and Saturday's game with so much on the line against Seattle.
How will Robbo manage this balancing act? Will the previously suspended Waston and Laba see some game time in the CCL? Can the 'Caps take control in both league and cup play?
We also look at the weekend's action in MLS. A great weekend for the 'Caps that saw them stay top of the Supporters' Shield standings without even playing. Can they keep it up?
And there's still time to muse over the future of 'Caps coach Carl Robinson.
Have a listen!