AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 602 - The AFTN Soccer Show (I Lay On My Bed With My Hands On My Head)

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

Vancouver Whitecaps will finally kick off their 2024 MLS season next weekend when Charlotte FC come to town. We look at how the 'Caps are looking heading into the new season, how competitive they can be, what's still missing, and how we feel they will fare. We also chat about the now known Canadian Championship draw and what it means for the Whitecaps and the rest.

So how will the 'Caps fare in the 2024 MLS West? AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo joins us as we take a deep dive into the comings, goings, needs, and prospects of the other 13 teams in the Western Conference.

It's starting to feel that a week doesn't go by without some off the pitch controversy in Canadian soccer and this week was no different as the union representing the Canadian women's national team filed a $40 million lawsuit against current and former board members of Canada Soccer. Local lawyer and referee Darnell Smith joins us once again to try and make some sense of what it all means and chat about the dangers of being a volunteer on such boards if issues like this then arise.

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 - wind, an apology, Alberth Elis, and RIP Chris Gauthier
10.38: Canadian Championship draw
26.02: How the Whitecaps are looking ahead of their MLS First Kick
43.46: A deep dive into the 2024 MLS Western Conference (Austin to Minnesota)
89.20: A deep dive into the 2024 MLS Western Conference (Portland to St Louis)
119.16: This week in 1974
123.12: CanWNT sue Canada Soccer board members
151.28: Wavelength - The Others - Stan Bowles
156.22: RIP Stan Bowles and Andreas Brehme

Episode 601 - The AFTN Soccer Show (It's All About To Kick Off)

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

Vancouver Whitecaps' CONCACAF Champions Cup dreams are over for another year after a good performance, but ultimately a defeat against Tigres. We look back at the second leg, the takeaways from both matches heading into the league campaign, and get some postgame thoughts from Vanni Sartini.
The 2024 MLS season kicks off this week, sans Whitecaps, and there's a lot to talk about.

We look at the brand new kits that will be worn this season, starting with the Whitecaps' navy and gold 50th anniversary kit, and we pick our five best and worst jerseys from the new crop. We also look at the new initiatives that we'll see implemented in the league this season and find out whether goal-line technology is on the league's radar. But who will implement these new initiatives? Well a bunch of replacement officials to begin with it appears as MLS and PRO lock out the current group of referees. What impact will this have in the first round of matches?

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
06.30: Whitecaps' Champions Cup dreams over
23.48: What's happening with this year's Canadian Championship?
39.35: Whitecaps launch 50th anniversary kit
49.25: The rest of MLS 2024 new kits discussion
86.10: This week in 1974
93.25: MLS' new initiatives for the season
105.30: MLS refs locked out
126.50: Wavelength - The Old Firm Casuals - Never Say Die

Episode 600 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Here Until The Whistle Blows with guests Vanni Sartini and Gabriel Bitar)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian football chat. And not only that, it's our sexcentenary episode!

The Whitecaps played their first competitive match of the year midweek, putting in a battling performance and almost getting a win over Mexican giants Tigres in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. We look back at the main talking points coming out of the game, what it might mean for the 'Caps MLS season to come, and hear from Ryan Gauld, Damir Kreilach and Brian White.

We've two featured interviews for you this episode and first up is Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini. Fresh off his 100th game in charge of the club, we chat with Vanni about the state of the team three weeks out from the MLS season, how the new additions have fitted in, the existing guys taking the next step, what the team might look like this year, what he's allowed to do in his upcoming suspension, how his therapy is going, and a lot more in a 40-minute interview.

Next up is Vancouver FC midfielder Gabriel Bitar. We chat with Gabi about his first season at VFC, his hopes for his second one, his career journey to this point, and his Asian Cup experience with Lebanon.

All of this, plus we look at another week in Canadian soccer that just leaves you shaking your head and wondering where the game is going in the country, as the much respected Dino Rossi departs from the CSA board with a scathing attack and the U17 women fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time. Plus we look back at this week for the Whitecaps in 1974, and there's a fine splattering of music to boot including our Album of the Month from Marion.

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 - 600 shows, AFCON, Asian Cup
14.29: Whitecaps v Tigres analysis
33.42: Gauld, Kreilach, and White talk Tigres game
53.12: The State of the Whitecaps with Vanni Sartini
103.03: Gabriel Bitar interview
128.56: Have CSB and Mediapro kissed and made up?
133.40: This week in 1974
145.08: Another bad week for Canadian soccer - where is the game going here?
162.31: Wavelength - Danny Holland - Accrington Stanley?

Episode 599 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Let The Fun Begin with David Norman and Vanni Sartini)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and FIFA World Cup chat. It's been another crazy week with so much to cover!

We start off with the Whitecaps News of the Week as they get set to kick off their 2024 season with a Champions Cup match against Mexican giants Tigres. We look ahead to the game and hear from Vanni Sartini as he chats about the task ahead and what he's seen from the team in preseason so far. Plus we look at the latest additions to the squad, Tristan Blackmon's contract extension, the announced TV schedule on TSN, and a disappointing Leagues Cup draw.

Our feature interview this week is with a former Whitecaps player who has returned to play in his hometown with CPL side Vancouver FC - David Norman. We chat with David about his time away, his career year in 2023 that saw him win promotion with Northampton Town and an Irish Cup with St Patrick's Athletic, his decision to return to Vancouver, and more in an entertaining half hour chat.

But we've saved the best till last and the biggest news of the week as the schedule for the FIFA 2026 World Cup was announced and Vancouver will be hosting seven matches and two of Canada's group games. We break down the highs and lows of the schedule and chat about the excitement this news will bring to football lovers in the city.

All of this, plus Hot Chocolate Boy, a look back at this week for the Whitecaps in 1974, and there's a fine splattering of music to boot including our new Album of the Month.

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 - CiTR fundrive, this week in football
11.36: Hot Chocolate Boy - 49th Parallel Coffee
16.05: Whitecaps News of the Week - building for the future, TV games, Leagues Cup
39.12: The season begins! Ours and Vanni's thoughts on the 'Caps facing Tigres
62.40: David Norman interview and VFC discusssion
102.05: This week in 1974
107.54: Vancouver hosts 7 matches as FIFA 2026 schedule revealed
132.30: Wavelength - Sidiku Buari - Disco Soccer

Episode 598 - The AFTN Soccer Show (The Effects Unknown - CSB v Mediapro court battle, Gauld re-signs, Paris Gee, TJ Tahid)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and general football chat. It's been a crazy week with so much to cover!

We start off with the Whitecaps News of the Week as Ryan Gauld signs a three-year contract extension with the club. We chat about the deal and hear some thoughts on it from Ryan himself and Whitecaps' CEO Axel Schuster. We also look at some transfer rumours swirling around players maybe coming and maybe leaving the 'Caps, look at their latest preseason match, and chat about the leaked 50th anniversary kit.

We've two feature interviews with you this episode, both with a Vancouver FC flavour. First up is latest addition, versatile defender Paris Gee. We chat about Paris' career so far, his return to the lower mainland to play, his very personal reasons for needing a return home, and his hopes for the season to come. We also chat with VFC young starlet T.J. Tahid about his first year as a pro, playing at a World Cup with Canada, and his recent training stint over in Holland.

And in news that shocked the soccer landscape in Canada, Canadian Soccer Business and Mediapro are heading to court as both sides want out of their 10-year agreement. What does this mean for the Canadian Premier League? What does it mean for broadcasting the game here in Canada? What do the legal filings mean? How long could this drag on for? There are so many questions in a fast moving story and we wanted to try and do it justice, so we have a lengthy chat about it all and are joined by local lawyer and local referee Darnell Smith to try and make sense of it all.

All of this, plus Hot Chocolate Boy, a look back at this week for the Whitecaps in 1974, and there's a fine splattering of music to boot.

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 - what a week!, FA Cup drama
09.34: Hot Chocolate Boy - Caffe Artigiano and Honolulu Cafe
16.30: Ryan Re-signs - with Gauld and Schuster audio
26.46: Whitecaps News of the Week - Bjørn Inge Utvik, a preseason loss, 50th anniversary kit
41.22: Paris Gee interview
76.38: This week for the Whitecaps in 1974
90.35: TJ Tahid interview
114.22: CSB vs Mediapro court battle - with guest Darnell Smith
171.15: Wavelength - Public Toys - Oh Fortuna

Episode 597 - The AFTN Soccer Show (He Moves Like a Generator with special guests Fafa Picault and Grady McDonnell)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and general football chat. Plus lots of non-football chat, as we're about 25 minutes into this episode before we actually start talking about soccer! So use the timestamps if you don't want to hear our wonderful takes on snow and hot chocolate!

We've two feature interviews with you this episode. First up is a fantastic chat with the newest Whitecaps, winger Fafa Picault. We talk with Fafa about why he chose Vancouver as his new team, his career so far and the highs and lows of playing in Europe, coming from a footballing family, switching to play for the Haiti national team and more.

Next up, from a veteran to a newbie, as we talk with the youngest player to sign a CPL contract, new Vancouver FC midfielder Grady McDonnell. We chat with Grady about leaving the Whitecaps academy to join VFC, his hopes for this season and the future, his footballing inspirations, the international choice he faces between Canada and Ireland, and more.

Plus we look at the latest Whitecaps News of the Week as they win one and lose one against Hungarian opposition in preseason, say an official goodbye to Simon Becher and Caio Alexandre, and bring veteran goalkeeper into their training camp in Spain. And there's still time to look at the international scene as we talk about Mauro Biello continuing to be in charge of Canada ahead of a huge Copa America qualifier, the US debut of Brian White, as we hear from the man himself, and the week's action in the African Cup of Nations and the AFC Asian Cup.

All of this, plus Hot Chocolate Boy, a look back at this week for the Whitecaps in 1974, and there's a fine splattering of music to boot.

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

01.29: Intro - let it snow!
11.24: Hot Chocolate Boy - The Pie Hole and Broyé Cafe & Bakery
25.00: Whitecaps News of the Week - 'Caps win one and lose one, Bendik trialing, Becher and Caio depart, ticket sales booming
53.25: Fafa Picault interview
79.35: Grady McDonnell interview and discussion
106.01: This week for the Whitecaps in 1974
120.38: International News of the Week - Canada, USA, AFCON, Asian Cup
134.40: Wavelength - Angelic Upstarts - The Streets of St Pauli

Episode 596 - The AFTN Soccer Show (So Many Colourful Rays with special guests Damir Kreilach and Ben Fisk)

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

The busy North American soccer offseason continues apace and the Whitecaps are making moves and getting their preseason underway over in Marbella. We delve into the Whitecaps News of the Week as we talk about the addition of veteran Haitian winger Fafa Picault, camp trialists, and look at the announced kick off times for the 'Caps MLS matches this coming season and some good ticket sales.

We have two featured in-depth interviews for you this episode, both with experienced midfielders looking to shine with their new clubs in Vancouver. One new to the city and one making a return.

First up is Whitecaps offseason signing Damir Kreilach. We chat with the Croatian about his career so far, making the switch to Vancouver, his hunger after a couple of years derailed by a back injury, his Kreilach's Corner initiative, and more.

Next up is a Whitecaps academy alumni, Ben Fisk. We chat with Ben about coming home to play for Vancouver FC in the CPL, his journey between leaving the 'Caps in 2013 to returning to the city over a decade later, his hopes for the season, playing with his childhood friend Callum Irving, and more.

All of this, plus we say goodbye to a true footballing legend, 'The Kaiser' Franz Beckenbauer, look back at this week in 1974, and feature a fine splattering of music to boot.

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

01.32: Intro - cold weather, continental cups, sponsor an episode
08.58: Hot Chocolate Boy returns! - Glenburn Soda
14.28: Whitecaps News of the Week - Picault signs, Marbella, kick off times, ticket sales
41.50: Damir Kreilach interview
73.00: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Damir Kreilach
77.05: Ben Fisk interview
121.11: This week in 1974
130.50: RIP Franz Beckenbauer - The Kaiser in Vancouver
149.00: Wavelength - Bownik - Franz Beckenbauer

Episode 595 - The AFTN Soccer Show (If Words Could Make Wishes Come True with special guest Axel Schuster)

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

We kick off our first show of the new year with our annual offseason interview with Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster. We talk with Axel about the highs and lows of last season, building on those in 2024 and taking the next step, and discuss how the club gets there. We touch on the Andres Cubas transfer rumours, Ryan Gauld extension talks, is a return possible for Richie Laryea, and how did the signing of Damir Kreilach come about, plus much more in a 37 minute chat.

It's been a busy MLS offseason so far and we look at some of the bigger and wilder stories affecting the Canadian teams, Canadian players, and the 'Caps Western Conference rivals. Plus we kick off our Whitecaps 50th anniversary celebrations and party like it's 1974, and introduce our new Album of the Month feature.

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

01.30: Intro - Cup games and AFTN plans for the year
13.25: Party like it's 1974
23.52: It's been a busy MLS offseason so far
53.55: Axel Schuster interview - Part One
78.30: Axel Schuster interview - Part Two
102.27: Unpacking Axel
137.15: Wavelength - Hotel Lux - National Team
144.25: Bring back printed programs!

Episode 594 - The AFTN Soccer Show (New Year, New Hope)

We’re back with our final AFTN Soccer Show off 2023 and it's another episode packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian soccer chat. As the new year beckons, we look ahead to what could be an exciting 2024 for the Whitecaps, the CPL, and football in Canada in general.

The Whitecaps head into the new year with a new signing, MLS veteran and 'Cap killer Damir Kreilach. We look at what the signing might mean for the team and make some bold Whitecaps predictions for 2024.

We also hand out our final end of year AFTN awards. What was the best awayday? The most embarrassing moment? The biggest disgrace of the year? The quote of the year? And who were the heroes and villains for us in 2023? Find out and let us know yours!

CPL commissioner Mark Noonan came out guns blazing this week, defending the league and the CSB from unfair criticism. We look at his comments, how the CPL looks to grow, how it could get there, and make some bold predictions in that regard for the new year. Plus we conclude AFTN's 2023 Festive Fifteen with our top three tracks of the year and this week's Wavelength tune is Subbuteo related!

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

01.46: Intro - Christmas is over and so is 2023
08.16: What a year 2024 promises to be in Canadian football
15.38: Release the Kreilach! Damir is a Whitecap
35.18: Festive Fifteen #3
41.00: Whitecaps Bold Predictions For 2024
54.25: More AFTN End of Year awards - awaydays, quotes, embarrassments, and disgraces
72.50: Festive Fifteen #2
78.02: Even more AFTN End of Year awards - heroes and villains
90.48: What we'd like to change in MLS, CPL, Canadian and world football
121.16: Festive Fifteen #1
127.03: Noonan bullish ahead of big year for CPL
159.00: Wavelength - Sir Robert Orange Peel - Youbutteo

Episode 593 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Have Yourself A Messi Little Christmas)

We’re back with our 2023 Christmas special! Another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian soccer chat, but this time with added festive fun and games! It'll all get a bit messy or maybe it's just a cheese dream.

The Whitecaps' 2024 schedule dropped this week and forget Santa Claus, it's Lionel Messi that's coming to town in May. Barring injury, Christmas has come early for 'Caps fans who want to spend their cash gifts on some football fun. We delve into the good and the bad aspects of the schedule, chat about the Messi circus, and look at the two latest Whitecaps additions - draft picks Eliot Goldthorp and Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau.

Our feature interview this episode is a player that will be well known to Whitecaps, TFC, Pacific FC, and Vancouver FC fans, Canadian defender Kadin Chung. We chat with Kadin about the highs and lows of his career so far, coming to play for his new hometown team, and look ahead at what's to come. Plus we find out what Christmas is like with the Chung family and with his teammate Callum Irving's family.

We also look at the US Soccer Federation standing up to MLS in the US Open Cup row, chat with Canadian Players of the Year Jesse Fleming and Stephen Eustáquio about their busy year and Christmas plans, find out if Canadian women's national team head coach Bev Priestman is able to get a break this Christmas, whether Whitecaps midfielder Ali Ahmed fancies a chocolate digestive, and just what is Tristan Blackmon's favourite jam?

Harjeet Johal joins us for the fun and chat and play 20 Questions, plus we continue AFTN's 2023 Festive Fifteen with numbers 6 to 4.

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

01.45: Intro - getting ready for Christmas aka buying too much cheese
11.55: A Callum Irving Family Christmas
14.36: Messi coming to town as MLS schedule drops
36.45: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Ali Ahmed
38.11: 20 Questions - Whitecaps edition
44.26: Festive Fifteen #6
48.29: Whitecaps add two intriguing draft picks
59.35: USSF stand up to MLS in US Open Cup row
74.46: Tristan Blackmon's Favourite Jam
76.45: 20 Questions - CPL edition
86.01: Festive Fifteen #5
90.25: Kadin Chung interview and discussion
121.40: A Kadin Chung Family Christmas
123.45: Festive Fifteen #4
129.00: Jessie Fleming and Stephen Eustáquio on a busy year and Christmas plans
135.55: 20 Questions - Canadian national team edition
144.40: Bev Priestman's Christmas plans
146.00: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit

Episode 592 - The AFTN Soccer Show (There’s Quicksand on the Battlefield with guest Renan Garcia)

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

There's no such thing as a quiet offseason in North American soccer it feels and this past week has been somewhat of a controversial one.

The draw was made for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, throwing up tough ties for the three Canadian sides, but now both the Whitecaps and Cavalry FC can't play their home matches at their usual stadiums. We delve into the whys and hows, look ahead to the 'Caps content in the MLS SuperDraft, the new competition guidelines in the league next season, and MLS' controversial decision to withdraw its teams from next year's US Open Cup.

Turning our attention to the CPL and Vancouver FC, we look back at the club's first year highs and lows, hand out our first ever AFTN VFC awards, look at the club's two draft picks, and bring you our feature interview with Brazilian midfielder Renan Garcia.

Plus we continue AFTN's 2023 Festive Fifteen with numbers 9 to 7.

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

01.28: Intro - last live game of the year, Wonka sticker shock, and the darts are back
11.30: Whitecaps and Cavalry forced to move their CONCACAF Champions Cup matches to Langford
38.48: Whitecaps academy alumni in MLS SuperDraft
43.07: Festive Fifteen #9
47.36: A bad PR week for MLS as they devalue US Open Cup
74.52: New MLS competition guidelines
83.21: Festive Fifteen #8
88.32: Vancouver FC - a year in review and a look ahead to 2024
111.40: AFTN Vancouver FC End of Season awards
129.40: Festive Fifteen #7
133.32: Renan Garcia interview
152.06: Vancouver FC add two in CPL draft
162.35: Wavelength - The Whitehawk Isolators - Not About The Football

Episode 591 - The AFTN Soccer Show (I Can Taste The Mood In My Mouth featuring Vanni Sartini, Don Garber, and Bev Priestman)

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

We're joined by special guest Vanni Sartini in this episode for our 11th annual end season chat with the man at the helm of the Whitecaps. We have a frank half hour chat about the 2023 season, look ahead to 2024, talk about his personal growth and what he needs to learn, and chat about his six-match suspension to start the new campaign.

It's been another busy week on both the club and international front. The 2023 MLS Cup champions have been crowned. We look back at Columbus Crew's win, what it means to the league, and look at a bad week for LAFC both on and off the pitch. Plus it was the latest MLS State of the League address from Commissioner Don Garber. We hear a bit from the address and chat about selected highlights, the nightmare that is going to be the 2024 schedule, and could we be seeing Messi in Vancouver in 2024 or 2025?

It was also the week we said farewell to Christine Sinclair on the international stage. We look back at an emotional night at BC Place, hear from Bev Priestman, look at the nominees for the 2023 Canadian male and female players of the year, and what the Copa America draw hopefully threw up for Canada. Plus we continue AFTN's 2023 Festive Fifteen with numbers 10 to 12.

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

01:35 Intro - it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas
10.00: Vancouver Whitecaps are 50!
12.20: What a week to be a Columbus fan
30.55: LAFC and supporters punished for flare display
40.32: Festive Fifteen #12
44.00: Vanni Sartini end of year interview
83.40: Festive Fifteen #11
88.25: Don Garber talks MLS scheduling issues
98.10: MLS State of the League - the key talking points
118.40: Is Messi heading to Vancouver?
132.55: Festive Fifteen #10
137.00: A special farewell to the GOAT at BC Place
157.33: Canadian male and female Players of the Year
164.10: It's Messi vs Canada at Copa America - hopefully
169.35: Wavelength - Sir Robert Orange Peel - A Soccer Ball Is Worth More Than 100 Rifles

Episode 590 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Building A Different World)

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

Vanni Sartini and the Whitecaps learned their disciplinary fates this past week after all the LAFC playoff shenanigans. We delve into what was handed out, what is means to the 'Caps coach and the club going forward, and whether it was fair punishment. Plus we look at Russell Teibert's potential future in Vancouver and the weekend's action in the two MLS Conference finals.

On the international stage, the legend that is Christine Sinclair hangs up her international boots, we look at the emotional farewell matches against Australia and ponder who can step up to fill her very big boots as the face of Canadian women's football.

We also chat about more ways to try and fix the broken Canadian soccer system, the purchase of League1 BC by League1 Canada, look at the UEFA 2024 draw, and kick off AFTN's 2023 Festive Fifteen with the first three entrants.

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

01.27: Intro - feeling festive, wild weather, FA Cup
08.55: Canada v Australia - goodbye GOAT
27.55: FIFA U17 World Cup wraps up in style
32.15 UEFA 2024 draw throws up an AFTN derby!
41.43: Festive Fifteen #15
45.55: Vanni banned for 6 games as Whitecaps learn their DisCo fate
63.25: Is Teibert's time done with the 'Caps?
78.19: Festive Fifteen #14
82.50: It's Columbus v LAFC for the MLS Cup
114.39: Festive Fifteen #13
119.48: How to fix Canadian Soccer - part 2
143.55: League1 Canada buy League1 BC
151.35: Wavelength - Mad Jocks and Englishmen - Just Like Kenny

Episode 589 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Gardyloo)

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

It's not been a great year for the Canadian national teams. There's been some highs, but ultimately a lot of lows on the international stage with the building upon winning an Olympic gold on the women's side and the first World Cup appearance in 32 years on the men's side simply not coming to fruition. We look at the reasons why, the lack of success on the youth side, why the country seems to have fallen behind up and coming nations, and are there any easy solutions to fix the situation? Plus we delve into one of the things that's triggered this whole discussion, Canada's Nations League loss to Jamaica.

At least the women's team have two feelgood matches coming up as the legend Christine Sinclair hangs up her boots on the international stage. We hear from head coach Bev Priestman about balancing the emotions of the matches with preparing for a big 2024 and chat to her about development pathways in the women's game in Canada.

Our feature interview this episode is with one of the top Canadian prospects who's just had her first call-up to the senior national team - Whitecaps midfielder Jeneva Hernandez-Gray. We chat with Jeneva about her rise, her career so far, and her hopes for the future.

And there's still time to hand out the second batch of our 2023 End of Season Awards. We continue with some more Whitecaps ones as we look at the Game of the Year, Goal of the Year, Save of the Year, and the Biggest Disappointment. Plus we cast our eyes over the weekend's controversial MLS playoff conference semi-finals.

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

01.05: Intro - fog, medieval toilet habits, FIFA U17 WC
07.25: Canada v Jamaica - WTF happened?
40.29: Who should be the next CMNT manager?
51.15: Why has Canadian football fallen behind others in the world and how do you fix it?
77.05: CWNT balancing emotion and preparation with Australia games
87.10: Jeneva Hernandez-Gray interview
96.10: Canadian women developmental discussion with Bev Priestman
106.20: AFTN 2023 awards Part 2 - Game, Goal, Save, and Biggest Disappointment of year
129.55: Controversy reign in MLS playoffs
150.25: Wavelength - The Curls - Daphne Van Domselaar

Episode 588 - The AFTN Soccer Show (That Was The Whitecaps Year That Was)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps chat and it's our 'Caps end of season review episode.

The Whitecaps had an interesting season, fighting on four fronts, winning two cups, making the playoffs, and improving in many aspects. But the old flaws and woes didn't fully go away and the season ended by leaving somewhat of a sour taste in many people's mouths in more ways than one.

Felipe Vallejo joins us as we look back at the 'Caps 2023 season - the highs, the lows, what went well, what didn't, and what needs to happen to see the club take that next step

We also hear some season takeaways from Head Coach Vanni Sartini, Sporting Director Axel Schuster, captain Ryan Gauld, and leading scorer Brian White, play a little game of Blankety Blank along the way, and bring you the latest news from the club as more roster decisions are made.

And there's still time to hand out the first of our 2023 End of Season Awards. We kick things off with the Whitecaps players ones - Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Academy Player of the Year, Female Player of the Year, and the Whitecap to Watch in 2024.

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

01.40: Intro - occupying ourselves in the offseason
10.20: The Whitecaps' 2023 season - what went well and what didn't?
54.55: Season takeaways from Axel, Vanni, Ryan, and Brian
65.30: Whitecaps Blankety Blank
77.55: Whitecaps News of the Week
90.00: AFTN 2023 awards - part one
118.20: Wavelength - The Devoted - I Love George Best

Episode 587 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Bobbing Along with Vanni Sartini, Axel Schuster, Sam Adekugbe, Ali Ahmed, and Mauro Biello)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Canadian soccer chat.

The Whitecaps end of season moves have started as they announced their roster decisions for moving into 2024. We delve into who's coming back and who's not and ponder whether these were the correct choices. Plus we chat with Whitecaps Sporting Director Axel Schuster about the decisions made and what this means for the team moving forward.

The fallout from Vanni Sartini's comments about and reaction to referee Tim Ford continued this past week. Both Vanni and Axel addressed how last Sunday's playoff loss to LAFC played out off the pitch, while we chat about the overblown reaction and what suspension may be coming to the way of the 'Caps head coach.

Turning our attention to the international stage, Canada's roster for the Jamaica Nations League quarter-final was announced and it features four Whitecaps. We chat with two of them, Sam Adekugbe and Ali Ahmed, about the games ahead the Whitecaps' season, plus we hear from Canada head coach Mauro Biello about some of his squad decisions and what the future may hold in store.

All of this plus we review the football film Next Goal Wins that comes out this week and New Zealand lo-fi punk band Dick Move and Scottish legends The Yummy Fur continue their residencies as our new Artists of the Month.

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

01.40: Intro - what a week for BC college soccer, U17 World Cup
15.16: Axel Schuster on the Whitecaps end of season roster decisions
31.55: Whitecaps roster discussion
63.33: The Tim Ford fallout continues - what suspension will Vanni get?
97.47: Mauro Biello announces Canada squad for Jamaica
119.00: Sam Adekugbe interview on Canada and the 'Caps
131.55: Ali Ahmed interview on Canada and the 'Caps
147.20: TVOD - Next Goal Wins (a review)
164.20: Wavelength - Jamine Man - Japanese Football Team

Episode 586 - The AFTN Soccer Show (The One With All The Controversy featuring Harjeet Johal, Vanni Sartini, Giorgio Chiellini, and TJ Tahid))

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

Vancouver Whitecaps 2023 season came to a controversial end on Sunday in a 1-0 home playoff loss to LAFC. A number of contentious decisions on the pitch and some fireworks off it have certainly seen the game set tongues wagging. We look back at the main talking points, chat about Vanni Sartini getting sent off and then going off at the referee after the game, and hear some postgame thoughts of Vanni, Ryan Gauld, and Brian White. Plus we look at the rest of the MLS playoffs in the MLS Western Conference, hear from Italian legend, LAFC's Giorgio Chiellini.

We also look back at a good weekend for sporting crowds in Vancouver. Are bumper attendances back and will this have an impact on Whitecaps kick off times next season? We ask Axel Schuster. And we look ahead to the FIFA U17 World Cup that kicks off this week and chat with Vancouver FC's TJ Tahid as he gets set to represent Canada at the tournament.

All of this plus New Zealand lo-fi punk band Dick Move and Scottish legends The Yummy Fur both kick off their residencies as our new Artists of the Month.

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

01.34: Intro - Christmas is cancelled, a fun Halloween, cup fever
09.45: Whitecaps' season is over in controversial playoff loss to LAFC
48.03: Vanni, Gauld, and White postgame thoughts
55.00: Vanni Sartini loses it at the ref!
74.41: Quick MLS playoff round-up
80.05: Giorgio Chiellini interview and discussion
90.30: Are bumper Vancouver sports crowds back and will it impact kick off times?
112.25: FIFA give millions to the CPL!
118.07: TJ Tahid audio and FIFA U17 World Cup discussion
131.30: Wavelength - Vic Blackwell - Red Machine

Episode 585 - The AFTN Soccer Show (The One With All The Horror with guest Callum Irving)

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

The MLS playoffs are underway and the Whitecaps will be very glad it's a best of three series after self-destructing defensively at set pieces to be on the wrong end of a 5-2 defeat at LAFC. We look back at the game, the positives Vancouver can very much take from it, and look ahead at what is to possibly come between the two teams.

Our feature interview this episode is with Vancouver FC captain Callum Irving, as we talk about the difficult first season for the club in the CPL, Callum's journey from the Whitecaps academy to where he is today, that MLS draft day, winning his first championship, and more.

Keeping the CPL chat going, we look at the League's end of season awards, where Cavalry pretty much swept the board. Should the Whitecaps be swooping in for Daan Klomp? Plus we look back at Saturday's dramatic CPL championship game and chat about the offseason rebuild of Vancouver FC, where some players are on their way out and some exciting trialists were given a look last week in a couple of friendly matches.

All of that and Italian gothic post-punk band They Die wrap up their residency as our Artists of the Month.

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

01.55: Intro - a Saturday to forget apart from UBC, hairy weiners, RIP Matthew Perry
14.05: Whitecaps ship five in LA but they're only 1-0 down!
60.08: Callum Irving interview and discussion
96.52: Cavalry dominate CPL awards - should the 'Caps swoop in?
110.13: CPL Commissioner talked VAR and expansion
115.17: Forge are CPL champions - again
131.20: Vancouver FC already in 2024 preparation mode
146.12: Wavelength - Neil Grant - We're LA!

Episode 584 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Playing With A Passion with special guest Richie Laryea)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chats and interviews and soundbites galore!

The Whitecaps learned their playoff path on Saturday after their home draw with LAFC set up another three games series against the defending MLS champs in the first round of the postseason. We look back on that draw, look ahead at the matches to come, and hear the thoughts of both head coaches, Vancouver's Vanni Sartini and LAFC's Steve Cherundolo. We also hear from the villain of the piece, LA goalkeeper Max Crepeau.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps wingback, and Canadian international, Richie Laryea. We chat with Richie about his career so far, coming to Vancouver, playing at a World Cup, and what the future may hold in store for him.

Plus we talk Whitecaps and MLS salaries and where Vancouver sits amongst it all, look at the other playoff match-ups around the league after an exciting Decision Day, and ponder who should play Vanni Sartini and Axel Schuster in any upcoming Whitecaps movie!

Turning our attention to the CPL, we chat with Vancouver FC's Rob Friend and Afshin Ghotbi about attendances, marketing, and the challenges of a tough inaugural season.

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

01.28: Intro - busy weekend, spicy food, Sinc retires
14.03: Whitecaps playoff path set after LAFC Decision Day draw
31.05: Max Crepeau audio and discussion
41.55: Decision Day and MLS playoffs round-up
50.41: A look ahead to Whitecaps-LAFC playoff series
60.27: Vanni Sartini and Steve Cherundolo on playoffs
67.37: Who will play Vanni and Axel in the Whitecaps movie?
75.48: Richie Laryea interview and discussion
107.36: Whitecaps and MLS salary latest - money doesn't equal success
135.15: Rob Friend on VFC's attendance and marketing issues
156.45: Friend and Ghotbi talk VFC's challenging first season
171.09: Wavelength - Resistance 77 - You Reds

Episode 583 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Living Day To Day, Each Must Find Their Way)

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

With the Whitecaps having a bye week for the international break it gives us the chance to delve into a few issues. Their playoff path has become a little clearer after the two matches that were played this past weekend. We look into that and ponder whether the success on the pitch will lead to a boost in attendance off it. The fans tell us why they're coming back and why they're not.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we look at the weekend's drama-filled playoff games and take an end of season dive into Vancouver FC's attendance issues this year. Why are fans not coming out in larger numbers? We also delve more into the league's U21 rule and hear the thoughts on it from Halifax head coach Patrice Gheisar, Vancouver head coach Afshin Ghotbi, and Cavalry head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

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

01.31: Intro - Canada get gubbed in Japan
09.06: News of the World - World Cup 2030/2034, Euros 2024/2028, Messi
20.50: Whitecaps playoff path clearer after weekend's matches
34.00: Will Whitecaps on-pitch success see rise in crowds?
72.15: Trying to solve the Vancouver FC's attendance issues
131.15: CPL U21 rules need fixing
151.10: Feisty CPL playoffs produce drama galore
160.50: Wavelength - Saints Alive - Dancing In The Streets Of TNS