AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 607 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Ringing The Bell of Hope with guests Kamal Miller, Maxime Crepeau, Zach Verhoven and Moses Dyer)

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

The Whitecaps moved up to second in the MLS West with a dramatic late derby day victory over Portland Timbers on Saturday. We pick over the bones of that one and the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects coming out of it. We also hear from both head coaches, Vanni Sartini and Phil Neville, while Vanni chats to us about liking watching matches from the stands and why he might continue with that, even though his touchline ban is over.

We also chat with two of Portland's Canadian men's national team players, Kamal Miller and Maxime Crepeau about their moves to the Timbers and Canada's qualification for Copa America. Plus we look around the weekend's action in the MLS West and Vanni shares his thoughts on what he's seen from the conference so far.

We've two other feature interviews for you this episode with two recent Vancouver FC additions. First of all we sit down with winger Zach Verhoven to chat about his journey from Surrey United to VFC via UBC, TSS, Pacific, and Ottawa, his growth as a player and a person, and his hopes for the CPL season to come. Next up is Kiwi forward Moses Dyer, who comes back to the CPL, looking to stake a claim to a starting spot and continue his strong goalscoring record in the league.

We also chat about the challenge Afshin Ghotbi has with keeping his stacked side happy at Vancouver FC, plus we talk Whitecaps 1974 and we have the first tracks from 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:

02.14: Intro - Happy Easter!
05.30: Whitecaps go second after derby day win over Timbers
30.12: The Gaffers - Vanni Sartini and Phil Neville
40.40: MLS round-up and Vanni's thoughts on the West
60.00: Will Vanni still spend time in the stands?
64.45: New refereeing CBA agreed and the old refs are back
68.33: Kamal Miller interview
74.45: Maxime Crepeau interview
87.05: Zach Verhoven interview
112.47: This week in 1974
120.30: Keeping everyone happy at Vancouver FC
126.10: Moses Dyer interview
145.40: Wavelength - Slaughter and the Dogs - Manchester Boys
151.45: Goodbyes and German football chat

Episode 606 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Listening To The Raindrops - Whitecaps vs RSL, Canada Copa bound, VFC preseason, sh!t kits)

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

The Whitecaps' unbeaten start to the season came to a shuddering stop on Saturday in a 2-1 loss at home to RSL. We delve into the good, the bad, and the ugly coming out of the match and ponder whether taking just one point from six at home derails the good work from back-to-back road wins. Was this a blip, with some key players missing, or a more concerning need of some important pieces still lacking from the team? What effect will these two poor home performances have on attendances? We chat about all of that and take a look around the rest of the MLS West after a weekend where other results certainly went the Whitecaps' way.

It was at least a good weekend for Canada though, with the men's national team qualifying for Copa America with a win over Trinidad and Tobago. We look at the match, the concerns coming out of it, the unsavoury nature of fans' behaviour at the CONCACAF Nations League final between the US and Mexico, and cast our hurting eyes over some dreadful international kits that have come out in the last couple of weeks.

We also round-up the latest news surrounding Vancouver FC in the CPL, including their latest signings, preseason friendly, and the appointment of an 18-year-old assistant coach. Plus we talk Whitecaps 1974 and have the final tracks from our Album of the Month and from this year's Football Violence Awareness 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:

02.10: Intro - meaning business
11.43: Age isn't just a number in Cameroon!
18.00: Sh!t kits
39.00: Canada book Copa America berth
67.16: Whitecaps lose at home to RSL
104.05: MLS weekly round-up
124.50: This week in 1974
132.13: Vancouver FC news round-up
158.45: Wavelength - Eva Braun - No Violence Football Fans

Episode 605 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Sunlight Through Our Window with guests Matias Laborda, Elage Bah, and Afshin Ghotbi)

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

The Whitecaps remain unbeaten to start the MLS season after a fantastic display down in Dallas that saw them come away with back-to-back road wins to sit second in the Western Conference. We break down the ins and outs of that match, plus we round up this weekend's action in the MLS Western Conference.

We've two feature interviews with you this week. First up is Whitecaps centre-back Mathias Laborda. As he continues to impress this year, we chat with Mati about his first season in Vancouver, finding his feet in the league as the season wrapped up, and his hopes for this year, which could include facing off against former teammate Luis Suarez.

Next up we turn our attention to Vancouver FC as we sit down for a chat with a man who's made the move from WFC2 to the CPL, full-back Elage Bah. We talk with Elage about his interesting journey and career so far, how the ups and downs of football shape a player and a person, and look ahead at what's to come. Plus we hear from VFC head coach Afshin Ghotbi about the club's impressive offseason rebuild.

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

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

02.15: Intro - what a weekend!
12.25: Whitecaps stay unbeaten after destroying Dallas
36.30: Mathias Laborda interview
46.20: MLS weekly round-up
59.30: Elage Bah interview
86.14: This week in 1974
90.50: Afshin Ghotbi on Vancouver FC rebuild
100.21: Wavelength - Maid of Ace - Hooligan Heart

Episode 604 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Set Like Jewels In Eternity with guests Stuart Neely and Belal Halbouni)

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

Vancouver Whitecaps grabbed their first win of the season at the weekend, an important 2-0 away victory at San Jose. It wasn't pretty at times, but the goals were and there were some great performances out there, especially on the defensive side. What's happening with the 'Caps attack so far though? We delve into that and look at the latest Whitecaps addition Ralph Priso.

We've two feature interviews with you this week. First up is another recent Whitecaps addition, Canadian-Syrian centre-back Belal Halbouni. We chat with Belal about his interesting journey to Vancouver, his hopes for this season, and his international future.

Next up is an in-depth discussion with new League1 BC General Manager Stuart Neely It's an important third season coming up for the league and they're under new ownership. We chat about the successes so far, the need to grow, development of the game here in Canada, and a lot more.

Plus we take you back to 1974, it's Football Violence Awareness Month, and we bring you two tracks from our new album of the month for March.

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:

02.13: Intro
09.14: Whitecaps win in San Jose!
30.00: Belal Halbouni interview
53.55: Stuart Neely interview - part one
76.10: This week in 1974
81.00: Stuart Neely interview - part two
98.00: Wavelength - Brigadir - Football Skinheads Anarchy

Episode 603 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Is Blue The Colour Of The Season? with Axel Schuster and Scott Arfield)

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

Vancouver Whitecaps finally kicked off their 2024 MLS season with a 1-1 home draw with Charlotte FC at BC Place on Saturday. Not the best start, not the worst, but certainly a lot of talking points to come out of the match and for the coming weeks ahead, and we'll delve into a lot of them in this week's episode of the podcast.

It's an important season for the 'Caps, with a lot to play for. Do they have the squad for success? Will there be more additions on the way? We hear from Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster about the squad build this offseason and whether he'll be filling that vacant Designated Player spot. Plus as Russell Teibert retires from playing, we ask what's next for the 16-year Whitecap and hear from Axel about what his new front office role will be.

We look around the main action and talking points around the rest of the MLS Western Conference, chat about the farce that MLS have now made the US Open Cup, and get Vanni Sartini's thoughts on the new-look Canadian Championship format.

And there's still time to chat about Canada Soccer's new General Secretary, Kevin Blue, and what it means for the sport here. Plus we take you back to 1974, the latest Football Violence Awareness Month kicks off, and we bring you two tracks from our new album of the month for March.

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:

02.11: Intro
04.43: The Whitecaps kick off their MLS season with a draw
32.15: Scott Arfield interview
50.45: Axel Schuster talks DPs, transfers, and depth
95.37: Russell Teibert retires - what's next for him?
115.20: MLS West Week in Review
134.25: US Open Cup shambles
139.28: Vanni on the new-look Canadian Championship
143.40: This week in 1974
148.54: Canadian Soccer has a new General Secretary and CEO
160.55: Wavelength - Sir Robert Orange Peel - Casuals

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