AFTN Soccer Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Episode 589 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Gardyloo)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!