AFTN Soccer Show

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

Episode 582 - The AFTN Soccer Show (The Flame Keeps Burning)

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

It's Thanksgiving weekend in Canada and we've all got a lot to be thankful for as Canadian football fans. The Whitecaps are having quite the season, the CPL is coming to an exciting conclusion, and you've got another fun-filled podcast to talk about it all! We pay thanks for the exciting year and so does Vancouver head coach Vanni Sartini.

The 'Caps clinched a MLS playoff place and guaranteed a top seven finish after a four point week. We look back at the game against St Louis and Seattle, the uptick in their away form that got them over the line, the importance of the Ryan/Brian connection and what makes them works so well together, the first year play with the team from goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka. Plus there's audio from Takaoka, along with Vanni Sartini, Ryan Gauld, and Ranko Veselinovic.

Turning our attention to the CPL, the playoffs are all set. We look back at the weekend's action and what's to come, chat about what's next for Vancouver FC with head coach Afshin Ghotbi, and talk with Whitecaps loanee Vasco Fry about his time in the league and the future.

All of that, plus there's still time to chat about FIFA's controversial plans for the 2030 World Cup, Australian band The Curls feature in this episode's Wavelength, and Italian post punk goths They Die are our new Artists of the Month.

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

01.24.: Intro - Vanni gives thanks and so do we
09.15: Whitecaps book playoff place after 4 point week
35.05: Yohei Takaoka's up and down season
43.10: The Brian/Ryan connection doing the business
55.00: Whitecaps away form turnaround discussion
68.11: MLS playoff picture ahead of Decision Day
89.07: CPL playoffs set as VFC inaugural season ends with a loss
104.44: Afshin Ghotbi on what now for Vancouver FC
110.43: Vasco Fry interview
123.13: FIFA's controversial 2030 World Cup plans
134.52: Wavelength - The Curls - Everybody Loves Steph Catley

Episode 581 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Dreams Of Yesterday Far Behind with special guest Tommy Wheeldon Jr)

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

Vancouver Whitecaps have gone from unbeaten in four to winless in four as the limp their way into MLS playoffs. Felipe Vallejo joins us to chat about the last two 'Caps games, what's not clicking right now and how to solve it, and look around the MLS West and plot the Whitecaps path to the postseason. Surely they can't miss out? Plus we look at the top 25 MLS jersey sales this season and the price gouging of fans by Inter Miami.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we sit down with Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr for an in-depth half hour chat about his side winning the regular season title, booking a spot in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup, and looking ahead to the playoffs to come. Plus we also round up the weekend's action across the league that saw HFX Wanderers book a place in the playoffs, the last BC derby of the season, and Forge's Kyle Bekker and Bobby Smyrniotis go off on CPL refereeing.

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

01.25: Intro
03.04: Whitecaps limping into playoffs
33.57: The Return of Robbo - revisionist history?
39.37: Plotting the Whitecaps postseason path in the wild, wild MLS West
55.24: Tim Parker sells jerseys!
58.50: Miami price gouge longtime fans
68.47: Tommy Wheeldon Jr interview
104.55: CPL round-up
120.40: Forge fume at refs as need for VAR in CPL shown again (with audio)
131.30: Wavelength - David Gordon - The Bees Knees

Episode 580 - The AFTN Soccer Show (What A Difference A Week Makes)

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

We were originally planning to bring out an episode last Monday, but what a difference a week makes. The Whitecaps were sitting pretty after a win against TFC. If they won their last seven matches, they'd finish first in the West. In the week since, they've lost twice as the long road stretch starts to take its toll and have dropped to 7th but with other results going their way they could be 4th by midweek.

It's crazy in the wild, wild MLS West just now. We look at those three Whitecaps matches, the current lie of the land, and some of the big stories coming out of the Eastern Conference.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we look at wild weekend there too as Cavalry FC win the regular season title and book a berth in next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup, Vancouver FC make it back-to-back wins, the playoff race goes down to the wire, and some teams are in a battle to hit their U21 minutes threshold.

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

01.24: Intro
05.45: The highs and lows of a turbulent 8 days for the Whitecaps
42.17: Hoilett joins but how long will he and Laryea be Whitecaps?
51.40: The wild, wild MLS West battle for the playoffs
67.40: It's getting Messi in the MLS East
77.36: Bruce Arena departs under a cloud
82.22: Matko Miljevic kicked out of Montreal after amateur natch fracas
87.05: Cavalry secure first as CPL playoff battle goes down to wire
97.10: Vancouver FC go back to back!
128.10: Are U21 minutes detrimental to CPL?
142.25: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - From Mullets To Gullits

Episode 579 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Knowing Who We Are with special guest Sam Adekugbe)

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

The Whitecaps have a bye week for some much needed rest in the middle of their grueling seven-game road spell. They head into it after being crowned Cascadian Cup champions and bolstering their playoff push with a good road point at NYCFC. We delve into that match, the inadequacy of Yankee Stadium for soccer, and look at the lie of the land for the 'Caps in their battle for a postseason place.

We also chat about the initial impact Messi has had on the league both on the pitch and media landscape off it, and ponder whether the growing Saudi league will impact MLS and whether South American teams are wanting a piece of the North American pie.

Our feature interview this episode is with returning Whitecaps star Sam Adekugbe. We chat with some about his return to Vancouver, his hopes for the team, his club career in-between the 'Caps, and some Canadian national team highs, from his jump into a snowbank to his first goal for his country and, of course, playing in his first World Cup. We also chat about the departure of John Herdman, what's next for Canada, and the off-field battles with Canada Soccer.

Plus we chat about the week in the Canadian Premier League, as Vancouver FC lose again, the battle for the five playoff places heats up, and the plan to bring the CPL to Saskatchewan falters, for now. All of this plus Fontaines D.C. begin their residency as our Artists of the Month.

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

01.29: Intro 10.00: The Whitecaps are Kings of Cascadia once again
19.34: Whitecaps playoff push continues after another good road point
48.48: Messi, Miami, MLS, and Media
59.15: Will the Saudi league and South American clubs impact MLS?
80.37: Sam Adekugbe interview
116.57: The Week in the CPL and Vancouver FC chat
138.49: Saskatchewan CPL plans "adjourned"
152.50: Wavelength - Le Man Avec Les Lunettes - Don't Get Fooled By the Football Players Summery Outfit

Episode 578 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Blowing Up A Storm)

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

The Whitecaps mammoth seven-game road spell is well underway now with two games down and five to go until they see BC Place again. They kicked things off with a hard fought 3-2 Cascadian derby victory in Portland at the weekend, making things much harder than they should have done in the end. That was followed up by 1-0 win in Chicago, and all of a sudden the 'Caps are challenging at the top of the table. We look back at the main talking points coming out of both matches and the road ahead.

It's been an eventful couple of days in Canadian soccer, with national team head coach John Herdman leaving his post to take up the reigns in Toronto. We look at the move to TFC and what it might mean for both Herdman and the future of the national team.

Plus we chat Canadian Premier League, that is tight as tight can be going down the stretch, Zach shares his experiences at a LAFC match, and Mog ends his residency as our Artist of the Month.

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

01.30: Intro - 'Hollywood' Zach is back after watching LAFC
15.07: Whitecaps kick off mammoth road spell with two victories
46.28: John Herdman departs Canadian national team for Toronto FC
82.55: The worldwide search for the next CanMNT boss
98.00: Canadian Premier League chat
115.30: Wavelength - The Holy Roman Army - Royston Flies Into The Heart of Darkness

Episode 577 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Different Foes, Familiar Foes)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian Premier League, and women's World Cup chat and interviews. And back from down under to chat about it all with us is Harjeet Johal.

Har chats about her time at the World Cup in Australia, her thoughts on the tournament, the final, the fans, and the growth of the women's game in the four years since France 2019. Plus we look ahead to Canada's crunch Olympic qualifying playoff with Jamaica next month and the latest in the seemingly never-ending back and forth between the national team players and Canada Soccer.

Turning our attention to the club game, we catch up with new Vancouver FC signing, former TSS Rovers standout Ivan Mejia about his journey from Columbia to the pros, and we chat Whitecaps after their disappointing weekend loss to San Jose ahead of a grueling seven game road stretch.

All of this plus Mog continues his residency as our Artist of the Month and we have a song about Scottish female footballing legend Rose Reilly from Lynnie Carson in this episode's Wavelength.

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

01.19: Intro - guess who's back from down under?!
08.15: Spain triumph in best Women's World Cup so far
19.35: Wavelength - Lynnie Carson - She Rose
27.35: Canada and women's soccer post World Cup
47.25: Ivan Mejia interview (and CPL round-up)
73.58: Whitecaps lose to San Jose ahead of grueling road spell

Episode 576 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Put It All Together It’s The Perfect Ten)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Leagues Cup, Canadian Premier League, and women's World Cup chat and interviews.

The Whitecaps have had some much needed time off ahead of a tough MLS season run-in coming up. It's also given them the chance to fully integrate new signings Sam Adekugbe and Richie Laryea into the team. We hear from both of them as they arrive in Vancouver and look at the excitement that Axel Schuster is building with this current 'Caps squad.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer as we chat about his four years with the first team, his growth and development, the back-up battle he has right now with Thomas Hasal, and more.

Plus we talk Leagues Cup drama, Vancouver FC and the CPL, Halifax Wanderers expansion into League1, a Faroes football fairytale, and another very eventful week at the women's World Cup. And there's still time to bring you some great music too, as Glasgow rapper Mog continues his residency as our Artist of the Month and Juice Menace features in this week's Wavelength.

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

01.05: Intro - a Faroes footballing fairytale and a Greek tragedy
13.05: Laryea and Adekugbe introduced and raring to go
37.00: Isaac Boehmer interview and Whitecaps goalkeeper discussion
49.10: Leagues Cup serves up drama galore
61.04: Women's World Cup the gift that keeps giving
74.34: Wavelength - Juice Menace - For Her
85.15: Vancouver FC and CPL round-up
95.45: HFX Wanderers put teams into League1 Atlantic
102.12: Zach delighted by Kane heading to Bayern!

Episode 575 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Window Shopping with Axel Schuster, Vanni Sartini, and Ranko Veselinovic)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, Leagues Cup, League1 BC, and women's World Cup chat and interviews.

It's been a week to remember in Whitecapsland with two momentous new signings, one re-signing, two championships lifted, and another barnstorming encounter with a Mexican giant. In fact, we'd have called this episode that if we hadn't already done one titled that way back in number 202!

The 'Caps bowed out of the Leagues Cup with a penalty shootout loss to Tigres. We look back at the talking points coming out of that match and hear from Vanni Sartini about how much he's loved the competition and how he'd improve it next year.

The Whitecaps certainly showed they can compete with the best and with two big new additions to the squad this week, that competitiveness is only going to get better. We delve into the signings of Canadian internationals Richie Laryea and Sam Adekugbe and chat with both Vanni and Sporting Director Axel Schuster about the additions, how they came about, and what it means for the team.

Aside from the new additions, the 'Caps also locked up one of their defensive stalwarts, Serbian centre-back Ranko Veselinovic, to a new multi-year deal. Our feature interview this episode is with Ranko as we chat about his new deal, his growth as a player since coming to the 'Caps, and life in Vancouver.

The 'Caps rounded off a good week by winning both the men's and women's League1 BC championships, we look back at both matches, hear from head coaches Katie Collar and Rich Fagan and chat with the only man to become a two-time L1BC winner, Nik White.

All of this and there's still time to talk about Vancouver FC and the CPL, a very eventful week at the women's World Cup, and bring you some great music too, as Glasgow rapper Mog takes up residency as our Artist of the Month.

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

01.05: Intro - Vancouver FC need Michael!
13.05: Katie Collar interview and L1BC women's championship
23.00: Rich Fagan interview and L1BC men's championship
28.50: Nik White interview
34.25: Axel and Vanni on the importance of L1BC
47.05: Whitecaps bow out of Leagues Cup to Tigres
83.13: MLS Cup betting odds
91.00: Ranko Veselinovic interview and discussion
108.32: Laryea and Adekugbe are blue and white
124.35: Vanni on the new signings
130.04: Axel on the new signings
150.35: Shocks galore at women's World Cup
164.50: Wavelength - Stan Boardman - Stan's World Cup Song

Episode 574 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Moving On Up, Moving On Out)

We’re back with another packed AFTN Soccer Show. Once again there's something for everyone as we chat Vancouver Whitecaps, Leagues Cup, Major League Soccer, Vancouver FC, Canadian Premier League, League1 BC, and the big taking point of the week, Canada's exit at the women's World Cup.

We kick things off by looking at the Whitecaps late, late show in LA as they score two goals late on to beat the Galaxy and advance to the knockout round of the Leagues Cup and the tournament so far, as a battle with Mexican giants Tigres awaits this Friday.

We also look back at the good weekend for the Whitecaps two League1 BC teams, with both sides making it to next weekend's championship games, and chat with head coaches Katie Collar and Rich Fagan.

Turning our attention to the international scene, Canada disappointingly crashed out of the women's World Cup at the group stage. Our woman on the ground Harjeet Johal joins us from down under to analyse the poor performance against Australia, the tournament as a whole, and ask what's next for this Canadian team as the rest of the world catches up quick.

Plus we delve into the continued labour dispute between Canada's two senior national teams and Canada Soccer that isn't painting either side in a good light, and chat with former men's international Scott Arfield about his move to MLS and whether a return to the Canadian national team could be on the cards for him now that he's in North America.

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

01.28: Intro
03.50: Whitecaps advance in Leagues Cup
34.15: Harjeet Johal interview on women's World Cup so far
71.15: Canada exit World Cup at group stage
87.20: The continuing fight between the national teams and CSA
105.55: Scott Arfield comes to MLS - is a return to Canada on the cards?
120.33: Katie Collar interview and League1 BC women's division chat
126.50: Rich Fagan interview and League1 BC men's division chat
131.35: Vancouver FC and CPL discussion
143.20: Wavelength - BENEE feat Mallrat - Do It Again

Episode 573 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Dramas and Disappointments)

We’re back with another packed AFTN Soccer Show. When we say it's a bumper episode we mean it, and there's something for everyone as we chat Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Leagues Cup, Vancouver FC, Canadian Premier League, League1 BC, and the women's World Cup.

We kick things off with the Whitecaps as we look back at their exciting and ultimately heartbreaking Leagues Cup loss to Mexican side Club Leon in a penalty shootout on Friday night. It was a great game on the pitch and a fantastic atmosphere off it. We also chat with 'Caps coach Vanni Sartini to get his thoughts on both the new tournament and the MLS All-Star game.

The other big Whitecaps news this week was the departure of Julian Gressel. We break down the trade to Columbus Crew and chat with Vancouver's Sporting Director and GM Axel Schuster about the transfer and what's next.

One man tipped to move into the Gressel-shaped hole in the side is Ali Ahmed and in our feature interview this episode we catch up with Ali to chat about a whirlwind year that's seen him sign a MLS deal, score his first Whitecaps goal, break into the national team, and that scare incident in the Pacific FC game.

We also look at the dramatic end of the regular League1 BC season, chat with TSS Rovers women's head coach Chelsey Hannesson after her side book their place in the playoffs, and talk to Victoria Highlanders head coach Steve Simonson after his side topped the regular season standings and booked their place in next year's Canadian Championship.

All of that plus Vancouver's FC's latest loss, the new signing mechanism for young players in the CPL, and look at the early games in the 2023 women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the battle ahead for Canada to get out of their group.

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

01.28: Intro
04.52: Whitecaps' Leagues Cup excitement and heartbreak
31.50: Vanni Sartini on what the Leagues Cup means to him
38.28: MLS All-Star game shellacking does league no favours
48.44: Julian Gressel traded to Columbus
62.30: Axel Schuster on Gressel trade
86.23: Ali Ahmed interview and discussion
108.45: Chelsey Hannesson interview and L1BC women's division chat
119.08: Steve Simonson interview and L1BC men's division chat
132.05: Vancouver FC and CPL discussion
158.14: Disappointing start for Canada at women's World Cup
168.32: Wavelength - Brian Clough and JJ Barrie - You Can't Win Them All

Episode 572 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Heroes Fall and Passion Follows with Patrice Gheisar, Rob Friend, and Alejandro Diaz)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Vancouver FC, and Canadian Premier League chat.

The Whitecaps won two big MLS matches this past week, seeing off Austin and the LA Galaxy, although they certainly didn't make it easy for themselves. We look back at the two games, the highlights and low points, where it leaves the 'Caps in the standings heading into the Leagues Cup break, and oh, there's some kid called Messi that's joined the league.

Turning our attention to the CPL, Vancouver FC lost in Ottawa to stay bottom of the standings but they added two big signings for the second half of the season to help with their playoff push. We hear from one of them, reigning CPL Golden Boot winner Alejandro Diaz, along with club owner Rob Friend.

Our feature interview this episode is with HFX Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar, as we chat about him taking over in Halifax, transition from League1 and the college game, giving Canadian coaches a chance, and more.

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

01.31: Intro - camping, fires, Messi, and bells
16.22: Whitecaps up to 5th after wins over Austin and LA
44.40: Vancouver FC bottom in CPL but add two big signings
65.55: Alejandro Diaz audio
73.00: Rob Friend Audio
84.20: Patrice Gheisar interview
119.32: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - The Perpetual Disappointment of the Caretaker Manager

Episode 571 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Isn’t It Funny How It Always Happens)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Vancouver FC, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian national team chat, and Felipe Vallejo joins us to talk about it all.

It was penalty shootout heartbreak for Canada in their Gold Cup quarter-final against the US at the weekend. We look back at the highs and lows of both the match and the tournament and ponder whether Canada has actually taken a step back in terms of their recent growth.

Turning our attention to the Whitecaps, it was a disappointing derby day defeat at the hands of Seattle Sounders on Saturday night. We delve into the match, the main talking points coming out of the game, and where it all leaves the 'Caps now with two almost must win home games coming up this week against two in-form teams.

Vancouver FC are at the midway point of their inaugural CPL season, sitting bottom of the standings but just three points off the playoff places. We look back at the season so far, what's needed for the second half of their season, and get the thoughts of head coach Afshin Ghotbi. We also look at the rest of the CPL so far this year and hear from Pacific head coach James Merriman and Forge head coach Bobby Smyrniotis about what they've made of their teams.

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

01.28: Intro
04.20: Canada's Gold Cup shootout heartbreak against the US
39.00: Whitecaps derby day disappointment against Sounders
82.57: Vancouver FC - a midseason review
118.02: James Merriman gets new contract and Pacific FC chat
126.15: Rest of the CPL season so far
138.10: Wavelength - Keshco - Penalty Shot

Episode 570 - The AFTN Soccer Show (The thought of you still leaves me crying)

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

It's not been a fun week of football for many Vancouver based fans. The Whitecaps lost, Vancouver FC lost, and Canada struggled at the Gold Cup. We'll delve into all of that and little bit more this episode, as we ponder the highs and lows of being a football supporter.

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

01.30: Intro
09.40: Whitecaps back down to earth with a bump
40.00: Vancouver FC and CPL chat
75.35: Canada struggling in Gold Cup
120.45: Wavelength - Stage Bottles - Kick Out The Parasites

Episode 569 - The AFTN Soccer Show (When The Hoodoo Comes... To An End)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian national team, and League1 BC chat, and we're joined this week by Harjeet Johal to do it all.

It's been an eventful week for the Whitecaps after being rained out in Colorado before it was raining goals in LA for their first away victory in over a year.

We chat about the farcical scenes in Colorado that led to the postponement of Wednesday's match with the Rapids and hear from a philosophical Vanni Sartini about the whole thing. Then we delve into that famous win for the 'Caps at LAFC with a new formation, some players playing in strange positions, and a far more aggressive approach on the road than we've seen in the past.

Turning our attention to the international stage, we look at the latest financial woes facing Canada Soccer and chat about Canada at the recent CONCACAF Nations League and the upcoming Gold Cup, and bring you some audio from the recently retired Atiba Hutchinson.

All of this plus we round up the action around MLS this past week, including the sacking of TFC coach Bob Bradley, and we talk League1 BC, with interviews with TSS Rovers men's head coach Darren Russcher and Whitecaps Girls Elite head coach Katie Collar.

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

01.28: Intro
02.49: Weather wins in Colorado
10.38: Whitecaps beat LAFC for first away win of season
32.35: MLS and MLS NEXT Pro round-up
51.28: Darren Russcher interview and L1BC men's division chat
59.52: Katie Collar interview and L1BC women's division chat
73.40: Canada Soccer's financial woes
113.07: CMNT Nations League and Gold Cup chat
138.45: Atiba Hutchinson chat and audio
147.17: Wavelength - Frank Sidebottom - Guess Who's Been On Match of the Day?

Episode 568 - The AFTN Soccer Show (A Whitecaps Midseason Special with special guest Axel Schuster)

We’re back with another packed show and it's all Vancouver Whitecaps chat this episode.

The 'Caps are at the halfway point of the MLS season, sitting two points above the playoff line and playing a more easy on the eye brand of football than last season. They've scored more goals, conceded less, but they need to be more clinical in front of goal and still feel a few pieces away from being real playoff contenders. We're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo to discuss the 'Caps first half of the season and what could lie in store in the second.

Carrying on the discussion, our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps Sporting Director Axel Schuster, as we discuss the season so far both on and off the pitch, strengthening the squad in the summer, contracts, scouting new markets, Messi, and more.

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

02.20: Whitecaps midseason review - Part 1
33.41: Whitecaps midseason review - Part 2
66.38: Axel Schuster interview
108.36: Wavelength - Knuckle MC and Nature Reserve - Big Man Up Front