AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 562 - The AFTN Soccer Show (What A Tale My Thoughts Could Tell with guests Rob Friend and Will Cromack)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat. As the feast of footballing action continues across the country, we'll be talking MLS, CPL, and the Canadian Championship in this episode.

Vancouver Whitecaps extended their unbeaten MLS run to eight games at the weekend with a crucial win over Minnesota United. We look back at the main talking points coming out of the match, talk attendances again, round-up the weekend's action in the MLS West, and Sporting Director Axel Schuster addresses the Diego Lainez transfer rumours with Har.

Turning our attention to the CPL, we look at the historic match in Langley on Sunday as Vancouver FC played their first home game in their new stadium. We delve into the controversial game against Cavalry and give a first hand account of what the initial stadium and supporter experience was like. We also chat with VFC co-owner Rob Friend about the long journey to get this team off the ground, the difficulty in attracting more local players to the side, continuing to build upon a strong start off the pitch, the sustainability of the league, and more.

It's also a week of Canadian Championship action. We preview the only two quarter-finals that matter and look ahead to the big one, the BC derby between Pacific FC and TSS Rovers. We hear the thoughts of Pacific head coach James Merriman and we chat with TSS head honcho Will Cromack. Is another cupset on the cards? Plus while we're loving cup football and the lower leagues, we chat about MLS Commissioner Don Garber seemingly dissing those things south of the border.

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

01.29: Intro
06.50: Whitecaps extend unbeaten run to eight with win over Minnesota
25.35: MLS round-up
35.25: Whitecaps crowd woes
38.00: Axel Schuster addresses the Diego Lainez rumours
44.25: Vancouver FC's first home supporter and stadium experience
70.33: Vancouver v Cavalry game analysis
84.37: Rob Friend interview and discussion
111.10: Canadian Championship chat
124.15: Will Cromack interview
131.52: Don Garber disses lower leagues
138.25: Wavelength - Funky Red Pandas - KarlHeinz Rummenigge

Episode 561 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Talking Too Long As The Night Came On)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat for what was a veritable feast of footballing action across the country, as we talk MLS, CPL, League1 BC, and football books in this episode with lots of great chat, interviews, and audio.

The Whitecaps extended their unbeaten league run with a goalless draw against Colorado on Saturday. We pick over the bones of that one and dissect the positives and negatives around the team right now. They've turned it around defensively, but can they get the goals flowing or is further help required? Plus we look at some other talking points around MLS.

Our feature interview is with author Farhan Devji whose biography of Canadian superstar Alphonso Davies came out today. We chat to Farhan about Phonzie's rise, his early life in Africa, his time at the Whitecaps, the move to Bayern Munich, and more.

Plus we round up the action across the opening weekend in League1 BC, hear from TSS Rovers head coaches Darren Russcher and Chelsey Hannesson, chat CPL, hear from Vancouver FC head coach Afshin Ghotbi after his side's latest point, and look ahead to the club's first ever home game in Langley this Sunday.

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

01.30: Intro
06.45: Whitecaps extend unbeaten MLS run to seven
28.13: MLS chat
36.25: Farhan Devji interview about his Alphonso Davies book
69.30: League1 BC chat
83.45: CPL chat with Afshin Ghotbi
117.15: Vancouver FC's home opener is finally here
124.15: Wavelength - The Choice - Sunday Soccer

Episode 560 - The AFTN Soccer Show (History Makers with guests Dino Rossi, Will Cromack, and Malcolm Johnston)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian soccer chat for what was a veritable feast of footballing action across the country, as we talk MLS, MLS Next Pro, Canadian Championship, CPL, and League1 in this episode with lots of great chat, interviews, and audio.

It's been a week for the history books as we delve into TSS Rovers fantastic win over Valour FC in the Canadian Championship and chat with head coach Will Cromack about the game, the next round, and what's next the club, the players, and himself. We also round up the rest of the action from the competition and hear from Pacific FC head coach James Merriman about facing the Rovers next and from Valour's Phil Dos Santos about his team's now infamous loss.

Our other feature interview this week is with League1 Canada commissioner Dino Rossi as we chat about the growth of the league across Canada, future expansions, the importance of the level to the game here in Canada, and more.

We also look at another historic game, Vancouver FC's first ever goal and win as a club, and hear from head coach Afshin Ghotbi and goalscorers Shaan Hundal and Gael Sandoval, plus Afshin talks about the club's recently announced affiliation with L1BC side Unity FC.

All of that plus we round up the Whitecaps news of the week and chat with WFC2 player Malcolm Johnston about his career, coming to Vancouver, and his hopes and aspirations for this season and beyond. Will he follow in his brother's footsteps and head to Europe?

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

01.42: Intro
03.00: Whitecaps News of the Week - WFC2 win again, Dajome departs, MLS roundup
10.55: Malcolm Johnston interview
22.07: Canadian Championship roundup
41.40: Will Cromack interview and TSS Rovers chat
78.00: Dino Rossi interview and League1 chat
112.25: Vancouver FC get their first ever win
134.30: CPL teams affiliate with League1 clubs
143.28: Wavelength - The Skinflicks - Smash The Referee

Episode 559 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This with special guest CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian football chat for what was and is a bumper week of soccer action across the country.

We're talking Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian Championship primarily in this episode and we kick things off with a look around the opening weekend's action across the CPL, with a particular focus on the first ever derby between Pacific FC and Vancouver FC. Zach shares his experiences, both good and bad, from the match and it's safe to say a tasty rivalry was born.

Our feature interview this episode is with CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan. We look at the direction he hopes to take the league under his helm as we talk expansion, creating a Division 2 set up, the role League1 plays in this growth, getting more eyeballs on the league, creating a women's league, and more.

Turning our attention to MLS, we look at Vancouver Whitecaps' goalless draw in Austin, a match that saw them increase their unbeaten run to six games and record three straight clean sheets, and we round-up the action in the MLS West.

We finish this episode off with a look ahead to the 2023 Canadian Championship that gets underway this week. We chat with Vancouver FC's Afshin Ghotbi about his side's first foray in the tournament, talk TSS Rovers versus Valour with head coaches Will Cromack and Philip Dos Santos, and Pacific FC's James Merriman and Manny Aparicio talk about the importance of the competition to the club and to them.

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

01.34: Intro - a feast of Canadian football
07.50: A BC derby is born - Pacific v Vancouver
45.20: CPL Season 5 kicks off
59.20: CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan interview
78.35: Unpacking the Commish
100.00: Austin v Whitecaps analysis
111.00: MLS West round-up
128.58: Canadian Championship preview
137.10: Afshin Ghotbi talks Canadian Championship
142.20: Will Cromack and Phil Dos Santos talk TSS v Valour
152.55: James Merriman and Manny Aparicio on Canadian Champiosnhip
159.37: Wavelength - Sportique - Sport For All

Episode 558 - The AFTN Soccer Show (CPL Kickoff Special with guests Philip Dos Santos and Callum Irving)

We’re back with another packed show of Canadian football chat and this episode is a bumper three hour special dedicated to the Canadian Premier League, which is set to kick off its 5th season.

With one team folding and one new team joining the league, we cast our eyes over all eight sides, looking at their offseason moves, and what 2023 may hold in store for them.

We particularly delve into newboys Vancouver FC and chat with goalkeeper Callum Irving about the season ahead and coming home to play his football again.

We also have an in-depth chat with Valour FC head coach Philip Dos Santos about his time in charge in Winnipeg so far, what he's expecting from his side this year, rebuilding the team with a two year plan, and the difficulties of recruitment. Plus we look ahead to next week's big Canadian Championship clash with TSS Rovers.

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

01.20: Intro and introducing Felipe
03.25: The CPL returns for Year 5 with new playoff format
19.18: Vancouver FC season preview
47.46: Callum Irving interview
56.53: Pacific FC season preview
71.51: Cavalry FC season preview
83.15: Valour FC season preview
95.25: Forge FC season preview
107.40: York United season preview
115.25: Atletico Ottawa season preview
121.55: HFX Wanderers season preview
133.05: Philip Dos Santos interview
168.33: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - Fun Facts About Footballers

Episode 557 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Birds Sing, But Crows Cry Out with Ali Ahmed, Antoine Coupland, and Giorgio Chiellini)

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

It's been a week of highs and lows for the Whitecaps. The latter came midweek with a heavy 3-0 loss to LAFC in CONCACAF Champions League action, but they got back in the saddle to beat Portland Timbers 1-0 on Saturday night to make it back-to-back home league wins and extend their unbeaten run in MLS to five matches.

We pick over the bones of both matches and ponder how the 'Caps should approach Tuesday's CCL second leg. We also chat with LAFC's Giorgio Chiellini about his CCL experience and nearly coming to Vancouver as a player. Can we ever attract players of that quality here? Plus we round up the action in an interesting and controversial weekend of action in the MLS West.

We've also got two feature interviews with Whitecaps young guns for you this week as we chat with Ali Ahmed about his transition to the first team, his excellent performance against Montreal, taking the next step, and fasting for Ramadan, plus we catch up with WFC2 standout Antoine Coupland about coming to Vancouver, his career so far, the pressure of breaking through as a 15-year-old and more.

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

01.34: Intro
03.50: Whitecaps crash and burn in Champions League - any hope left?
22.35: Giorgio Chiellini audio
27.35: Can Vancouver ever attract older, experienced players here?
37.43: Whitecaps beat Timbers
63.30: Ali Ahmed interview
73.33: MLS weekly round-up
102.00: Antoine Coupland interview and WFC2 chat
124.35: Wavelength - Ellie Dixon - Jota On The Wings

Episode 556 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Heartbeat, Increasing Heartbeat with guest Ricardo Clark)

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

What a fantastic weekend of football it has been. We've seen 19 goals in three BC Provincial Cup games, WFC2 won a penalty shootout, and best of all, Vancouver Whitecaps put up a five goal performance as they took apart a dreadful looking CF Montreal side.

Saturday's 5-0 win over their Canadian rivals was just what the doctor ordered to kickstart the 'Caps MLS season and has them fired up and full of confidence now for the month ahead. We pick over the bones of the match, hear from head coach Vanni Sartini and look at the fantastic contributions from the young guns Simon Becher and Ali Ahmed.

Both Becher and Ahmed stood out for WFC2 last season before making the jump to the first team and will be an inspiration to the guys on that team this year. WFC2 had a new gaffer at the helm this year, with Ricardo Clark taking charge and our feature interview this episode is with Rico as we chat about his transition to head coach, his daily routine, playing styles, hopes for the team this year and lots more.

Plus we round up the action around the MLS Western Conference, look ahead to Wednesday's CONCACAF Champions League clash against LAFC, and the legends that are Sparks make their debut as our Artists of the Month for April.

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

01.33: Intro
08.09: Five star Whitecaps destroy Montreal
39.45: Vanni on Montreal win
44.10: LAFC Champions League preview
52.00: MLS weekly round-up
67.02: Ricardo Clark interview
99.35: Wavelength - Grand Pocket Orchestra - Shitkicker

Episode 555 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Ten Years Of Tears with guests Axel Schuster and Gloire Amanda)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat, and not only that, it's our three hour 10th anniversary special! Ten years to the day that episode 1 dropped, we're back with number 555.

Once again we're covering a lot of bases in the four parts of the show. If you want to skip the somewhat self indulgent look back at the last ten years of the podcast in the first part and just get into the football chat, just skip ahead to the 45.20 mark where we delve into the Whitecaps latest match, a 1-1 draw in Minnesota.

We pick over the bones of that one, look at the concerning issues surrounding the 'Caps as they look for their first win of the season, and delve into how crucial April is for Vanni Sartini and the team. Plus we look around the rest of the weekend's action in the MLS West.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps General Manager and Sporting Director Axel Schuster. In a 35 minute chat, we talk to Axel about the 'Caps' start to the season, is there concern around the team's performance and are changes on the horizon, the departure of Director of Recruitment Nikos Overheul and what that means for the future direction of scouting at the club, and the important of WFC2 to that.

We also look at WFC2's season opening win on Sunday and chat with one of the academy alumni that has returned to the Whitecaps fold, striker Gloire Amanda about coming back to Vancouver, his MAC Hermann trophy success at college, and his recent two year stint in the Austrian Bundesliga.

All of that plus we talk Vancouver FC's new kits, Canada qualifying for the Gold Cup, find out if Tristan Blackmon fancies a chocolate digestive, see what Julian Gressel's favourite jam is, talk take out food with Vanni Sartini, and music-wise The Skinflicks continue as our Artists of the Month and Goldie Lookin' Chain return to Wavelength.

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

01.32: Intro - 10 years of the podcast
20.30: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Tristan Blackmon
24.25: Christmas/Anniversary gift opening - they are football related!
45.20: Whitecaps snatch point at the death in Minnesota
71.35: MLS round-up
85.10: Take Me Out - Vanni Sartini
90.53: Axel Schuster interview and discussion
130.00: Nikos Overheul leaves the 'Caps
134.55: Julian Gressel's Favourite Jam
139.12: WFC2 win season opener
141.05: Gloire Amanda interview
148.25: MLS Next Pro v CPL discussion
154.10: Vancouver FC kit launch and chat
160.50: Canada qualify for the Gold Cup!
166.30: Wavelength - Goldie Lookin' Chain - Unofficial 2002 World Cup anthem

Episode 554 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Shaky Shaky, Sweaty Sweaty)

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

We're covering a lot of bases in this show, both on the domestic and international stage. The Whitecaps were in action in both and we look back at their midweek loss in Honduras that saw them advance in the Champions League, their draw at the LA Galaxy that still sees them searching for their first MLS win of the season, we hear from Vanni Sartini on trying to fix the team's defensive frailties, and we look at the injury to new DP striker Sergio Cordova.

We also look around the rest of the action last weekend in MLS, including the late drama and controversy in Montreal, plus we talk Canadian national teams, and ponder what the new format for World Cup 2026 might mean for Canada and Vancouver in terms of hosting extra games.

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

01.35: Intro
05.22: Whitecaps move on in Champions League despite dire defending
25.40: Whitecaps still looking for first MLS win after LA draw
44.25: Sergio Cordova injury
48.43: MLS round-up
63.55: Vancouver FC - 4 weeks out from their first game
83.10: New CPL playoff format
93.00: Canadian national team news
101.35: More games for Vancouver at 2026 World Cup under new format?
117.20: Wavelength - Head Up - Stop Football Violence

Episode 553 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Every Day Is Like A Bygone Age with special guest Ryan Gauld)

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

What a busy week it's been. The Whitecaps were in action twice, in two different competitions, and we pick over the bones of both matches - against Real Espana in CONCACAF Champions League action and FC Dallas in MLS. There were highs, there were lows, there were continued frustrations, and we still don't really know how good this Whitecaps team are or aren't this year.

Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps captain and playmaker Ryan Gauld. We chat to Ryan about preseason preparedness, the start to the season for both the team and himself, and the exciting battles ahead in four competitions for the team this year.

All of that and there's still time for a one hour discussion about the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage in Ottawa on Thursday that saw four Canadian women's national team players give testimony against Canada Soccer and the mess the game is in here. A meeting that was insightful, infuriating, disappointing, and at times farcical with the severe lack of knowledge and proper understanding of the politicians asking the questions.

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

03.33: Whitecaps' come alive in CCL action
33.02: Whitecaps back down to earth after Dallas draw
50.00: MLS West round-up and the week ahead
62.20: Ryan Gauld interview and discussion
84.45: Canadian players take battle with Canada Soccer to parliament
145.45: Wavelength - The Skinflicks - Terrace Terror

Episode 552 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Shaken, But Can They Stir?)

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

Another week, another Whitecaps halftime lead given up, another loss. After all the talk about the need to get off to a fast start, it's all gone a bit wrong for the 'Caps to start the new MLS season. There's been two good halves of football and two horrible ones. Which showed the real Whitecaps? Can they turn things around quickly with two big games coming up this week and how much pressure is Vanni under after these two losses?

We pick over the bones of all of that, talk to Vanni about the form of Brian White and zonal marking and take a deep dive in the Whitecaps' CONCACAF Champions League opponents Real Espana. Plus we look around the action in week 2 of MLS and Football Violence Awareness Month returns in Wavelength!

01.35: Intro - it's our anniversary month!
03.25: Earthquakes v Whitecaps analysis
36.30: Brian White's form and the striker situation
40.20: Vanni and Michael disagree on zonal marking
45.25: How much pressure is Vanni under after poor start?
56.31: A deep dive into Real Espana and the CCL
78.08: MLS Week 2 round-up
96.50: Wavelength - Violent Affair - Hooligan

Episode 551 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Zoned Out)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat and we're joined by Harjeet Johal again this week to talk about it all.

It's big breaking news to kick things off as we look at the resignation of Nick Bontis as Canada Soccer President as the pressure mounted from the provincial associations, media, players, and fans. Where does this leave the CSA now and what does the future hold in store? Who will replace him, is it time for a new approach by appointing a former national team player, and can they be a unifying figure?

We entered the new MLS season full of confidence, hope, and expectations for the Whitecaps, and it only took 90 minutes of football to have us reconsidering all of that after a 2-1 home loss to RSL in the season opener! It wasn't a great start to the season and we pick over the bones of the match - the good, the bad, and the ugly, the latter of which just sees us screaming "zonal marking, aaarrrggghhhh". Plus we see who knows the most about the first Whitecaps goals of the season over the MLS years so far.

All of this and there's still time to look over the rest of the weekend's action around the MLS Western Conference and the Canadian teams out east, look at how the MLS Season Pass experience was on Apple TV, talk some Vancouver FC and TSS Rovers, and The Meffs are in this week's Wavelength.

02.16: Bontis gone from Canada Soccer!
26.03: Whitecaps v RSL analysis
81.43: MLS Week 1 round-up
106.15: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV - first thoughts
121.23: Vancouver FC and TSS Rovers News of the Week
126.30: Wavelength - The Meffs - Football

Episode 550 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Calm Before The Snowstorm)

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

It's the second part of our 2023 MLS season preview. We'll take a look around the Western Conference and give some predictions for both the Whitecaps and the rest.

Plus we'll look at the official announcement of the the 'Caps' new DP striker Sergio Cordova, hear some thoughts about him from Vanni Sartini and Axel Schuster, and we pay tribute to John Motson in this episode's Wavelength.

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

01.25: Intro
03.30: Cordova is finally an official Whitecap
12.50: Whitecaps season predictions
19.45: MLS 2023 season predictions
57.10: Wavelength - John Motson - FIFA 97 track

Episode 549 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Trip To A Dream Dragon with Vanni Sartini, Axel Schuster, and Yohei Takaoka))

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

The new MLS season is just days away. Excited yet? Well you should be because this feels like it could be a good year for the Whitecaps. We look at how ready the team feels heading into it's season opener at home to RSL and chat with head coach Vanni Sartini and Sporting Director Axel Schuster to gauge how they're feeling ahead of the new campaign.

Their final two preseason signings have finally been announced and we hear from new Japanese goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka about why he's chosen to make the move to MLS, why Vancouver is a great landing spot for him, and how excited he is to get this new chapter of his career underway. We also hear from Axel Schuster about why they were so keen to bring the J1 champion to the Whitecaps.

All of this plus we look at the Whitecaps new jersey and the announcement of a new shirt sponsor, take a look at the best and worst of the 2023 jerseys around MLS, and ponder whether the new Apple TV deal is going to be beneficial or detrimental to the Whitecaps in the short term.

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

01.30: Intro - RIP Christian Atsu, Whitecaps STH package, Hot Chocolate Festival is over
09.57: Vanni Sartini chats as Whitecaps preseason wraps up
22.56: How ready are the Whitecaps for 2023 season ahead?
46.02: Yohei Takaoka talks about coming to the Whitecaps and MLS
54.40: Whitecaps goalkeeping discussion with audio from Axel Schuster
68.38: Axel Schuster looks ahead to the 2023 season
79.40: Is Apple TV deal beneficial or detrimental to the Whitecaps?
95.12: The 'Caps have a new jersey and a new shirt sponsor
108.25: 2023 MLS jerseys discussion
129.20: Wavelength - Jackdaw4 - The Beautiful Game

Episode 548 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Spreading The Love)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat. We are spreading the love this Valentine's week and we're joined by Harjeet Johal to help us do it.

The big talking point in Canadian soccer this past weekend has been the continuing battle between the women's national team and Canada Soccer. The players' fight for equality and better working conditions has turned quite ugly. We delve into the raft of statements that have been coming out from both sides and try and make what we can from what has become a giant mess and an embarrassment for the governing body.

On the domestic front, the Whitecaps have three more preseason matches under their belt down in Palm Springs and are still unbeaten. We delve into those and the other Whitecaps news of the week from new signings still not yet announced to the appointment of Ricardo Clark as new WFC2 head coach. Plus we chat to head coach Vanni Sartini about the form of Cristian Dajome and what he would ideally like to see the MLS playoff format be amidst rumours that 62% of teams will make it to the postseason this year.

We also hear from Canadian men's national team players Sam Adekugbe and Atiba Hutchison in the horrific aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, as they try and raise awareness of the relief efforts. You can donate to Sam and Atiba's Red Cross appeal for the victims HERE.

Plus there's still time to chat to Vanni Sartini about his Love of Football, find out what the Whitecaps' Ryan Raposo is watching on his TV, look at the Vancouver FC news of the week, talk the Canadian Championship, and take another trip to the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

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

01.06: Intro and a love poem for football
07.55: Sam Adekugbe and Atiba Hutchison on the Turkish/Syrian earthquake disaster appeal
19.45: Hot Chocolate Boy - Butter Baked Goods
25.21: 2023 MLS playoff format rumours
31.40: Vanni Sartini's ideal MLS playoffs
39.40: Whitecaps still unbeaten in Palm Springs!
50.00: TVOD - Ryan Raposo in 2023
53.13: Ricardo Clark appointed WFC2 head coach
59.20: My Love Of Football - Vanni Sartini
67.31: Canadian Championship dates set
77.20: Vancouver FC News of the Week
84.58: The Canadian national teams' players take on Canada Soccer
117.00: Wavelength - Kunt and the Gang - Female Referee

Episode 547 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Sitting By The River Drinking Lemon Tea with guests Tosaint Ricketts and Ryan Raposo)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat and this episode is part of the CiTR Radio Fundrive week.

After the lack of news last week, there's a lot to chat about in Whitecapsland this time around as the team continue their preseason prep down in Palm Springs, California. They've got two more games under their belts and there's two new players set to join them very soon - striker Sergio Cordova and goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka. We chat about all of that and hear the thoughts of how things are looking as the new season approaches from 'Caps head coach Vanni Sartini.

We've two feature interviews for you this episode with two Whitecaps Canadians. We kick things off with a in-depth chat with Ryan Raposo. About to enter his fourth season with the team, Ryan is now one of the veterans on the side, despite his young age. We chat with him about his MLS journey so far, his standout 2022, and what lies in store for him in the season to come. We also chat with Vanni Sartini about what role he sees for the young Canadian in 2023.

From a player still in his fledgling career, to one hanging up his boots after a stellar 14 year one for clubs and country - Tosaint Ricketts. We chat to Tos about his decision to retire from playing, the highlights of his career, his front office role with the 'Caps, his recent punditry work at the World Cup and more.

Plus there's still time to chat about the new Apple TV MLS season pass that's been launched, take another trip in the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival, and there's music from new Artists of the Month, Television Personalities, Werd (SOS), and Arema Arega.

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

01.28: Intro and CITR fundrive info
09.07: Christian Atsu and the Turkish/Syrian earthquake disaster
13.05: Hot Chocolate Boy - Honolulu Coffee
18.22: Cordova and Takaoka signings incoming
41.10: Whitecaps unbeaten in Palm Springs!
47.22: Vanni Sartini talks preseason and more
60.25: Vanni on the role of Ryan Raposo in 2023
64.20: Ryan Raposo interview and discussion
92.58: Tosaint Ricketts interview and discussion
128.50: Apple TV's MLS season pass is live
130.45: Wavelength - Arema Arega - Always In The Air (Are You Ready?)

Episode 546 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Naked Ambition with guests Colin Elmes and Sian Bagshawe)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian, and North American football chat!

It's been pretty quiet on the western front when it comes to the Whitecaps (should we be concerned yet?), but there's been other stuff to talk about to make up for it, a lot of which we'll discuss in this episode.

The draw for the 2023 Canadian Championship has been made, we delve into that and look at the paths ahead for the three BC sides, one of those being TSS Rovers. We sit down for a chat with TSS head honcho Colin Elmes about the club's stellar 2022 on and off the pitch, what lies ahead in 2023, and the team's first ever shot at the Voyageurs Cup.

We also sit down for an in-depth chat with League1 BC General Manager Sian Bagshawe about the league's successful inaugural season, expansion, the upcoming season, and future plans.

Plus there's still time to chat about the new strategic partnership between CONCACAF and CONMABOL, we wrap up our musical tribute to Terry Hall, and take another trip in the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

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

01.28: Intro
06.33: Hot Chocolate Boy - Doughgirls
10.10: Whitecaps News of the Week, or lack of
22.40: Canadian Championship draw
35.55: Colin Elmes interview and TSS discussion
70.52: There's only one Minister of Defence
74.35: Sian Bagshawe interview and L1BC discussion
108.27: CONCACAF and CONMEBOL sign strategic partnership
117.51: Wavelength - Flacid Palms - Soccer Mum

Episode 545 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Reach For The Sky)

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer chat!

The Whitecaps preseason is in full flow and the Spanish part of it has now wrapped up with a couple of games under their belt against good quality European opposition. We look at the two matches and performances, talk about the continuing transfer rumours, and chat with head coach Vanni Sartini about the team's time in Spain, the Tai Baribo and Salif Sane transfer rumours, and the 'Caps Leagues Cup draw.

We have two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is 2022 draft pick Simon Becher, who recently signed his first MLS deal with the club. We chat about his year with WFC2, his goalscoring MLS debut, signing his first pro deal, and his hopes for the season ahead. We also chat with this year's first round draft pick J.C. Ngando about his journey to Vancouver and hear from the Whitecaps' Julian Gressel about his US national team call-up.

All of this plus Fatt Father features in this episode's Wavelength, we continue paying tribute to the legend that was Terry Hall, along with the recently passed Jay Briscoe and Anton Walkes, we find out if Simon Becher fancies a chocolate digestive, and take another trip in the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

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

01.27: Intro and Jay Briscoe/Anton Walkes tributes
09.35: Hot Chocolate Boy
13.38: Whitecaps wrap up Spain trip with two tough tests
30.25: Whitecaps Baribo and Sane transfer rumours
50.48: Julian Gressel on USMNT call-up
69.55: Simon Becher interview and striker discussion
90.51: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Simon Becher
99.22: Jean-Claude Ngando interview and discussion
112.55: Vanni on Whitecaps' Leagues Cup draw
117.43: Wavelength - Fatt Father - Soccer Dad (explicit lyrics)

Episode 544 - The AFTN Soccer Show (It Ain’t What You Do, It’s The Way That You Do It)

We're back with another packed episode of the AFTN Soccer Show as we chat Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Major League Soccer, and the Canadian Premier League.

The Whitecaps are in Spain and getting set for the first of what is now going to be two preseason matches in Espana against European opposition. We look ahead to those games and chat about the new man in camp, Senegal international centre back, Salif Sane. Is there a real chance he could sign or is this just a win-win situation for both club and player? Would he need to be a DP if he did? And what about those injury concerns?

We also look at some of the news coming out of Montreal as Kei Kamara looks to move on and they look to move on Kamal Miller. Could either or both end up in Vancouver? One man that was in Vancouver this past week was MLS Commissioner Don Garber. But why?!

Turning our attention to the Canadian Premier league, we bring you a quick 2022 season in review, as we sum up each club's year in one to three words, look at the demise of FC Edmonton and ahead to some future expansion plans, including a third team here in BC. This year sees Vancouver FC take to the pitch for their inaugural season. We look at their slow offseason build, chat with head coach Afshin Ghotbi, and hear from their first ever signing, goalkeeper Callum Irving.

All of this and Armchair Loyal are back in this episode's Wavelength and we continue paying tribute to the legend that was Terry Hall.

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

01.28: Intro and Mailbag on rules of the game
15.05: Whitecaps and MLS talking points from the past week
30.22: Why was Don Garber in Vancouver?
44.27: 2022 Canadian Premier League season in review
61.30: The demise of FC Edmonton and future expansion
71.25: Vancouver FC are coming, but are they ready?
84.33: Afshin Ghotbi chat Vancouver FC work in progress
91.47: Callum Irving audio and discussion
110.10: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - The Goalie's Faux Pas

Episode 543 - The AFTN Soccer Show (New Car Smell)

The boys are back in town! Vancouver Whitecaps 2023 preseason camp is underway and we've got your covered with all the news, rumours, and chat on this episode of the AFTN Soccer Show.

We hear from head coach Vanni Sartini as he talks about the preseason ahead and getting the team ready for the tough season to come, where the 'Caps will be fighting on four fronts. How many more players does he see coming, what will he do with the ones he has, where does new signing Mathias Laborda fit in, can the club avoid the Champions League hangover that many others suffer?

We delve into all of that and more, including the search for a new shirt sponsor, plus we bring you two interviews with two of the new Canadian faces in the squad - defender Karifa Yao and forward Levonte Johnson. We chat about their journey to Vancouver, their careers so far, and their hopes for the season to come. Plus we find out the burning question - do either of them fancy a chocolate digestive?

Plus we talk about the rise of Wrexham FC and is it a good or a bad thing for lower league football in the UK, chat about some possible rule changes we'd like to see implemented in the game, and pay tribute to another footballing legend gone way too soon, Gianluca Vialli.

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

01.30: Intro and Gianluca Vialli tribute
17.12: The Rise of Wrexham - good or bad for lower league UK football?
28.05: The Whitecaps preseason has begun
42.50: Vanni Sartini talks preseason and the campaign ahead
54.41: Bell ends
61.17: Unpacking Vanni - 22 man rosters, formations, Laborda
70.07: Karifa Yao interview and discussion
80.26: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Karifa Yao
85.12: 'Caps Chat - the goalkeeping situation, Tai Baribo rumours
96.25: Levonte Johnson interview and discussion
109.26: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Levonte Johnson
113.17: Talking Point -changes to the rules of football
127.58: Wavelength - Chelsea 2000 FA Cup Squad - Blue Day Tomorrow