AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 93 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Cat and Mouse)

Episode 93 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN podcast, is our first roundtable of the year.

When the cat’s away, the mice will play. Your regular host Michael has gone all Braveheart and is staging a one-man invasion of England. In his absence, Zachary Meisenheimer and Steven Lamothe join your other regular co-host Steve Pandher to look at what was a fairly busy offseason.

The trio look at the main signings of the winter and what, if anything, can be drawn from the first preseason game of the year – a 2-0 win over New England.

There’s WFC2 USL PRO chat and interviews with young ‘Caps striker Caleb Clarke and new Whitecaps FC 2 head coach Alan Koch.

And there’s still time to pick over the bones of the flop that was the Canadian U20’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Episode 92 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (New Faces)

It's the most wonderful time, of the year. Vancouver Whitecaps preseason camp is open.

That means the new MLS season isn't too far away (CBA pending!) and it's a time we genuinely love here at AFTN. You get far more interesting stories and narratives as veterans return, new signings show what they've got and draft picks and trialists want to show that they belong and have a place in the squad.

New faces are everywhere and we have exclusive chats with a lot of them on this episode of "There's Still Time, the AFTN podcast, and discussions about the rest.

The center back stable has been the biggest roster readjustment of this offseason, we talk to one of the three new additions, MLS SuperDraft selection Tim Parker, about settling in to MLS and Vancouver, what he hopes to achieve this season and what he needs to do to impress Carl Robinson.

Vancouver's second round draft pick was forward Kay Banjo. Described by Robinson as a "project", we talk to Kay about making the step up to MLS, his college career and what he can bring to the Whitecaps.

The Whitecaps kept it local with their next SuperDraft pick, BC boy and SFU Clan forward Jovan Blagojevic. We chat with Jovan on the day of his selection as his childhood dreams of becoming a professional footballer has been realised.

Another local lad joining the MLS fold is Residency alumni Ben McKendry. Ben's new homegrown contract was announced on Monday and we caught up with the midfielder after his first training session as a professional footballer to talk about leaving college early to make the move to MLS, his footballing journey so far, and much more. We also hear coach Carl Robinson's thoughts on his new homegrown signing.

And there's still time to catch up with a wily veteran, birthday boy Jordan Harvey, fresh from an ice bath. He tells us about the pleasures and pitfalls of having a birthday during football season!

Have a listen!

Episode 91 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Vancouver Whitecaps vs The World)

After the trials and tribulations of a year ago, 2015 has got off to a more stable start for Vancouver Whitecaps, although the same can't really be said for MLS itself with all the Frank Lampard nonsense.

While others in Major League Soccer are foolishly courting the big names on big salaries, the Whitecaps are going for the more low key approach of lesser known difference makers and developing their homegrown talent and team harmony.

New striker Octavio Rivero has been the only addition to the 'Caps squad so far this offseason. Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson and Club President Bobby Lenarduzzi share their thoughts on the new DP, the importance of developing their own conveyor belt of players and what new additions may still be to come from South America and the UK.

On the subject of youth, we look at the impact that the Whitecaps are having on the Canadian national youth teams and hear from Canadian U20 head coach Rob Gale ahead of the start of the World Cup qualifiers. With nine of the 20 man squad coming through Vancouver's Residency program, it really is the Whitecaps versus the world in Jamaica.

And there's still time for Carl Robinson to kick off the new year with a new feature on the podcast, as he tells us about his football firsts. The matches, the goal and more.

Have a listen!

Episode 90 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (End of Year Review - Part Two)

A new year. New hope. New dreams. Out with the old, in with the new, and all that jazz. But just before we look ahead, we look back with part two of our End of Year Review.

The 2014 MLS season got underway in March and we look at the first four months of it for Vancouver Whitecaps.

An undefeated March, a winless April, goalscoring galore before the World Cup break and then the flatness following it. It's all covered here, along with all the major talking points both on and off the pitch.

From the introduction of Pedro Morales to the career ending injury to Jay DeMerit. From giving youth a chance to Nigel Reo-Coker's interpretive mime. Steve Pandher and myself are joined by Steven Lamothe and Zachary Meisenheimer to look at it all.

Have a listen and re-live some of the highs and lows of 2014 in Whitecapsland.

Episode 89 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Christmas Is Really Fantastic)

It's Christmas time. There's no need to be afraid. And if you're the kind of person to get easily offended then there's probably no need for you to listen to our Christmas special podcast either!

Episode 89 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN soccer podcast, is up for your aural pleasure.

In true UK style festive shows, it's more Christmas and nonsense than soccer and any sensible chat. So if you want some in-depth Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS analysis, wait for episode 90, but if you have 37 minutes to waste as you await to open your presents, then tune in for some chat about football presents, music about war and killer Santas, and some gift buying advice for all.

Nonsense? Festive fun? Sexist claptrap? Have a listen and decide for yourselves!

Episode 88 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Year End Review - Part One)

It's that time again. Snow is on the ground, you can justify being covered in glitter to your wife without her suspecting you've been at the strippers, and fat people feel that they're festively plump. And that can only mean one thing - it's the start of AFTN's end of season roundtables.

Episode 88 reunites your usual co-hosts Michael McColl and Steve Pandher, AFTN writer Jay Duke (briefly), and Curva Collective's Zachary Meisenheimer and Steven Lamothe, to discuss the first two months of 2014 from primarily a Vancouver Whitecaps perspective.

Surprising no-one, we kick off in January and look back on the Camilo saga, Robbo's management team, the SuperDraft, the additions of players like Steven Beitashour and the USL PRO partnership with Charleston Battery. Away from the 'Caps we also look at the CSA's strategic plan and the possible bid for the 2026 World Cup.

Training camp opened and the Caps made a couple of preseason trips in February, first to Arizona and then on to Cascadian rivals Portland Timbers. Playerwise, Nigel Reo-Coker, Omar Salgado, Andre Lewis and Matias Laba got tongues wagging for various reasons.

And there's still time to look at the breaking news of the week, the excellent re-signing of Mauro Rosales and hear from the man himself.

Have a listen!

Episode 87 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (The Vagenas Monologues)

It may be the offseason but it's been one hell of a busy week in Whitecapsland and we bring you all the news and reaction in the latest episode of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast.

Episode 87 reunites your usual co-hosts Michael McColl and Steve Pandher, AFTN writer Jay Duke, and Curva Collective's Zachary Meisenheimer and Steven Lamothe, to discuss the latest Vancouver Whitecaps happenings.

We kick things off with a look at the MLS Expansion Draft. The 'Caps only lost one player, Mehdi Ballouchy, any real loss there apart from an experienced head? We also look at the picks of new boys New York City and Orlando City. Who won the battle? Did Orlando have any clue as to what they were doing? And we ask the question on many people's lips - who the hell is Tony Taylor?

But it's been a week of moving and shaking. Players were re-signed, options were declined, Omar Salgado finally moved on and it looks like Sebastian Fernandez won't be back in the while and blue. We look at the impact of all these decisions and more.

Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson shares some thoughts on the week's movements and what may lie in store as he gets set to jet back home to Wales and take in some matches in Europe over the Christmas period.

And there's still time to continue my Carlton Cole rumours and start a new Robbie Keane one.

Have a listen!

Episode 86 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Carl Robinson and MLS Cup special)

Na, na na, na na na na, na na na na, eight six. Old school.

We're back with another episode of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast.

We're joined for Episode 86 by Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson for an exclusive and extensive 25 minute chat about the season just past, his first year as a head coach, and the ups of acquiring Pedro Morales and the downs of losing Camilo.

But we don't want to dwell solely on what's in the history books, as Robbo tells us about his recent scouting trip to South America, what he feels the team needs to bring in to progress, the upcoming expansion draft, his younger players, what fans can expect from the 2015 Whitecaps and more.

Steve and myself also take a look at what is going to be a very busy week ahead for Vancouver Whitecaps. The MLS trade window is open briefly on Monday, ahead of Wednesday's expansion draft. We look at what deals might go down and give our own thoughts on what 11 players we'd like to see Robbo protecting.

The 2014 MLS Cup takes place in Los Angeles on Sunday, as the Galaxy look to make it a record-breaking five Championships with a win over New England. We hear from LA head coach Bruce Arena, MLS MVP Robbie Keane, defender Omar Gonzalez, Western Conference final goalscoring hero Juninho and the retiring Landon Donovan about the game, the benefit of having a wealth of experience in their ranks and just what makes the Galaxy so successful.

Have a listen!

Episode 85 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Five Have A Mystery To Solve)

So, apparently it's still the offseason for Vancouver Whitecaps. That whole time travelling experiment didn't seem to work. Ah well, don't worry because "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, is back with another roundtable for your aural pleasure.

Episode 85 reunites your usual co-hosts Michael McColl and Steve Pandher, AFTN writer Jay Duke, and Curva Collective's Zachary Meisenheimer and Steven Lamothe, to discuss the latest happenings in Whitecapsland.

Last episode was a look back at the season just past, but this week it's time to take a look to the future, as the Famous Five set out to solve some mysteries that would make Enid Blyton proud.

The Caps will be announcing what's happening with some of the squad pretty soon, so we take a look at which players we feel should stay and which ones need to be set free. Who earned their corn? Who costs too much money? And which players should Vancouver look to protect in the expansion draft?

Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson shares some thoughts on his plans for the upcoming drafts and the chances of Erick Torres landing in Vancouver. With trade talk getting underway throughout MLS, we ponder which players we'd love to see the Caps bring in, and ship out and who has a big part to play in a busy season next year that includes Champions League football for the first time. How will Vancouver fans react to that?

Everyone's / no-one's favourite quiz show "30 Seconds To Mars" returns to ask who should partner Laba, Koffie or Teibert? Which young player will break out for the Caps next season? And who should be inducted into the next Ring of Honour?

And there's still time to ask, "Do you remember your first time?".

All this and more in an innuendo laden episode. Have a listen!

Episode 84 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Five Go Adventuring Again)

Sadly it's now the offseason for Vancouver Whitecaps, but fear not, because "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, will still be with you through these cold, wet and dreary winter months.

Episode 84 is here your aural enjoyment and it's the first of a series of special end of season roundtables that we'll bring you over the next few weeks.

Your usual co-hosts Michael McColl and Steve Pandher are joined by AFTN writer Jay Duke, and Curva Collective's Zachary Meisenheimer and Steven Lamothe, to discuss the latest happenings in Whitecapsland.

We have to start with the playoff loss in Dallas, but we also take a look back at the season past. Is there any way you can't class it as a success for the Caps?

The Whitecaps players faced the media for the last time this week and had their exit interviews, and we bring you audio from Sebastian Fernandez and Darren Mattocks, as they discuss the season and what lies ahead for both of them.

The Caps season may be over but there's still a lot to play for in MLS. We discuss who we think will win the MLS Cup, who we want to win it and who we don't, and Caps' coach Carl Robinson chips in his thoughts too.

And there's still time to share what song we, and some of our listeners, feel sums up the Whitecaps season best, and our "popular" gameshow 30 Seconds To Mars makes it's return.

Have a listen!

Episode 83 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Playoff Bound)

Episode 83 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, is a post playoff clinching special!

It's been some three weeks for the Whitecaps with a unique treble of the Cascadia Cup, a Champions League spot and now a playoff place, kicking off against Dallas on Wednesday.

We look back at the win against Colorado that got them there and the challenge ahead posed by Dallas.

There's postgame audio from a jubilant Whitecaps locker room as we hear from coach Carl Robinson, goalscorer Kendall Waston, goalkeeper David Ousted and young homegrown star Sam Adekugbe.

The Whitecaps headed down to Texas by a charter flight on Monday morning and we were at the airport to get the latest thoughts from Robinson, Ousted, Jordan Harvey, Andy O'Brien and Russell Teibert.

Have a listen!

Episode 82 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (One Down, Two To Go)

Episode 82 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, is a post Thanksgiving show and there's a lot to give thanks for in Whitecapsland.

Now that they've lifted another Cascadia Cup, it's one goal down, two to go for Vancouver Whitecaps.

After a dramatic and critically important win over Seattle Sounders on Friday, the Whitecaps could find themselves just 90 minutes away from both a MLS playoff place and a spot in next year's CONCACAF Champions League when they face San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. Or they may have to wait another week and even face playing catch up.

We look back at the big talking points from the Sounders game, the players that stood out and those that didn't, and what shape the Whitecaps are looking in, in the battle for the postseason.

Moving on to this week's training, we hear the thoughts of head coach Carl Robinson, goalkeeper David Ousted and centreback Andy O'Brien about Seattle, San Jose and the playoff race.

Kekuta Manneh talks about his love for scoring against Seattle, the works he needs to do on his game and his international future, whilst new homegrown signing Kianz Froese chats about his MLS debut.

And there's still time to look ahead to the San Jose game at the weekend. What Earthquakes team will turn up and will the pressure get to the Whitecaps?

Have a listen!

Episode 81 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Vancouver v Dallas postgame show)

Episode 81 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, is a Vancouver Whitecaps v FC Dallas postgame show.

We pick over the bones of the 'Caps back to back home wins, that leaves them still with a narrow one point lead over Portland in the battle for the last playoff place in the West.

There's locker room audio from Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson, David Ousted, Sebastian Fernandez, Kendall Waston and Mauro Rosales, along with Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja.

And there's still time for some Whitecaps news and notes, as we chew the fat on Omar Salgado, USL PRO, Russell Teibert and the Canadian men's national team, and the Whitecaps Residency.

Episode 80 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (That Was The Week That Was)

Episode 80 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, looks back at a very busy, and at times disappointing, week in Whitecapsland.

There was the good - the signing of tow homegrown players. The bad - the failure to convince New Westminster to be the home for the Caps' USL Pro team. And the ugly - Vancouver head to Portland this weekend to face Will Johnson and co.

We bring you all the chatter from training this week in another raw audio heavy episode.

We hear from those homegrown signings, Marco Bustos and Kianz Froese about their new MLS deals and we get the thoughts of Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson on the pair.

Those were the only two signings announced on Monday before the MLS roster freeze and Whitecaps President Bobby Lenarduzzi tells us why and talks about the USL Pro situation, the season run-in and more.

Keeping with the young theme we hear from Christian Dean about his first MLS start in last week's game against Dallas and from the guy that scored Vancouver's goal down there, and who everyone hopes is going to go on another streak, Erik Hurtado.

Turning attention to back to the remainder of the MLS season, we hear from Robinson and some of the players about being in a full playoff mindset already and how each of these remaining six games is already basically a playoff game if Vancouver want to reach the postseason once again.

Robinson also looks ahead to this weekend's big Cascadia Cup clash in Portland and we hear from some of the players - goalkeeper David Ousted, centreback Andy O'Brien and midfielders Matias Laba, Mauro Rosales and Russell Teibert.

A busy show for a busy week!

Episode 79 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Legends of Vancouver)

Episode 79 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, is a 'Legends of Vancouver' special. Past and hopefully future.

The number 79 has special connotations for Whitecaps supporters. 1979 is the year we won the NASL Soccer Bowl and we honour the 35th anniversary of that triumph by speaking with two of the Caps' legends from that era.

First up is Willie Johnston. Wee Willie is enjoying being back in Vancouver for the celebrations and has been doing a lot of media, but we feel we bring you the best, most informative and most fun chat with the Scot that you'll hear this week. We look back at the Soccer Bowl triumph, his time in Vancouver, the infamous stories and other aspects of his long career.

Next up is his old teammate and current Whitecaps President Bobby Lenarduzzi. The Duze talks about the current state of the Caps, will there be any new additions before the roster freeze, what can cure the scoring woes and a lot more.

From days of old to current times, via a former 86ers and Whitecaps player, local lad Mark Watson. Watson is the current San Jose Earthquakes coach, and back in his hometown for a crunch match up between the two sides as they battle for that last playoff place in the West. Watson talks about the race, the challenge the Caps pose his team and the weirdness of this season's MLS schedule.

And there's still time to bring you some audio from the Caps side to preview the San Jose game. We hear from head coach Carl Robinson, goalkeeper David Ousted, defender Andy O'Brien, and striker Erik Hurtado ahead of Wednesday's important match.

Episode 78 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Vancouver v DC Postgame Show)

Episode 78 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, is a Vancouver Whitecaps v DC United postgame special.

The Whitecaps' attack is like an old 78 record at the moment, looking outdated and not relevant to modern surroundings. It was evident again against DC, with Vancouver making it four straight games, 411 minutes and nine halfs of football without finding the back of the net.

We look back at the highs and lows of the game and get locker room audio from coach Carl Robinson, defender Jordan Harvey, midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy and striker Darren Mattocks.

And there's still time to head into the enemy's lair and hear the thoughts on the match from DC coach Ben Olsen and former Whitecaps Residency player Kyle Porter.

Have a listen!

Episode 77 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Figuring Things Out)

Episode 77 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer podcast, might not have as much flair and excitement as Vancouver Whitecaps' number 77 Pedro Morales, but it's jam packed with Caps analysis and training ground audio.

We look back at the Portland horrorshow and try and figure out just what went wrong. Have the Whitecaps simply been figured out and how do they get out of their current funk? Do they need to change formation and will that see Kekuta Manneh played as an out and out striker?

If Pedro Morales doesn't perform, then the Caps don't perform. We wrote about that in an article earlier in the week, and coach Carl Robinson weighs in with his thoughts.

We also have more training ground audio and views from Robinson, David Ousted, Andy O'Brien and Darren Mattocks.

And there's still time to look ahead to this weekend's game with DC United.

Episode 76 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (The Great Unwashed)

Disinfectant at the ready, the Great Unwashed are coming to town.

Portland come a calling to BC Place on Saturday in a crucial Cascadia Cup clash with vital playoff points on the line. A Whitecaps win and they're sitting pretty, A Timbers win and Caps start to lose the momentum in the playoff race.

Episode 76 of "There's Still Time" looks at what lessons, if any, we can take from the Whitecaps' 2-0 loss in LA and ponders whether a change of formation would help with the goalscoring woes. Or will that take a new addition and could he be on the way in the shape of Kei Kamara?

We also look ahead to this weekend's big game hunt against the Timbers. Can the Caps give Will Johnson and co a right good face slapping?

And there's still time for lots of training ground audio from Caps' coach Carl Robinson, goalkeeper David Ousted, defenders Jordan Harvey and Andy O'Brien, and strikers Kekuta Manneh and Darren Mattocks.

Have a listen!

Episode 75 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (More Tales From The Training Ground)

Intense was the word of the day at Whitecaps training on Tuesday and it was also the mood in the air as the players battled hard for over two and a half hours.

There were hard challenges, verbal exchanges and an overall desire to get the team over the final stretch and into the playoffs.

Episode 75 of "There's Still Time" is a special Tales From The Training Ground as we hear from Caps' head coach Carl Robinson, goalkeeper David Ousted, right back Steven Beitashour, midfielder Russell Teibert and striker Omar Salgado about a number of key topics.

We look at the Caps' three clean sheets in a row; the team's current fifth place in the standings and playoff push; the intensity of training and why it's important it doesn't go too far; the upcoming LA game; the Julian Jenner rumours and whether there will be more additions before the roster freeze; and what are the chances of some more homegrown talent being added soon?

All that, and there's still time to look at the Salgado handshake incident that had everyone in a tizzy over the weekend, and we hear from the player and coach themselves in full about it, expanding on my article on MLSsoccer.com.

Have a listen!

Episode 74 - The AFTN Soccer Podcast (Celebrate Good Times)

It's Episode 74 of "There's Still Time", the AFTN Soccer Podcast, and we're in a celebratory mood.

Not just because the Vancouver Whitecaps beat Sporting Kansas City to get back into the playoff places in the MLS Western Conference, but also because this podcast was recorded on the 25th birthday/anniversary of when AFTN first began as a fanzine back in Scotland on August 10th 1989.

So a special day for AFTN and a special day for the Whitecaps, who got back on track and finally stopped drawing.

We pick over the bones and the highs and lows of the game and hear audio from both locker rooms, both coaches and a number of the players.

On the Whitecaps side we hear from head coach Carl Robinson, goalscorer Darren Mattocks and goalkeeper David Ousted.

And from Kansas City, we have a good chat with their head coach Peter Vermes (one of the best coaches to chat to in MLS in our opinion), their penalty-saving goalkeeper Jon Kempin and All-Star defender Matt Besler.

And there's still time to look at whether the Whitecaps should/will make any further additions to the squad before the roster freeze, the USL Pro town forums and Canada's potential World Cup bid for 2026.

Have a listen!