AFTN Soccer Show

Episode 542 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Out With The Old and In With The New)

Happy New Year everybody! The AFTN Soccer Show is back with our first show of 2023, so there's no better time to kick off our year end reviews and year to come previews, starting with a Vancouver Whitecaps focused show.

2022 was certainly a bit of a mixed bag for the Whitecaps both on and off the pitch. It felt in many ways a season of regression. Can they advance again in 2023 and can they take the great leap forward that they really need to do after 12 fairly mediocre MLS seasons to date? We look at all the highs and all the lows and ponder what may be in store for them this year as they fight for glory in MLS, the Canadian Championship, the CONCACAF Champions League, and the new Leagues Cup.

With the team back in training at the end of this week, we take a look at the new season that's coming up fast, delve into the schedule, the transfer rumours, and chat about the players selected in last month's MLS SuperDraft, getting some thoughts from head coach Vanni Sartini and Sporting Director Axel Schuster along the way.

Plus we pay tribute to the legend that was Pele, find out if Stephanie Labbe fancies a chocolate digestive, and reveal the top three in AFTN's 2022 Festive Fifteen.

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

01.53: Intro
05.19: Pele tribute
19.05: Whitecaps Year in Review (Part One) - Canadian Championship success and the CCL path ahead
45.20: Whitecaps Year in Review (Part Two) - MLS, WFC2, and L1BC
69.54: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Stephanie Labbe
71.53: Hopes for the 2023 Whitecaps
82.09: Whitecaps 2023 schedule discussion
92.35: Prioritizing the six trophies the Whitecaps will play for
102.20: Whitecaps transfer news and rumours
107.26: Whitecaps draft picks discussion with Vanni and Axel audio
132.08: Wavelength - Luis Alberto del Parana - O Rei Pele

Episode 541 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Dig Out The Orange Ball - 2022 Christmas Special)

It's Chriiiiiisssssstmaaaaaassssss!

The weather outside may be truly frightful, but fear not because we've got a bumper AFTN Soccer Show Christmas special to keep you entertained. There's fun, there's games, there's music, and there's lots of football and Christmas chat. You can play along with all the games during the show, including our latest Jeopardy rounds, which you can find the questions for HERE.

We talk about the proposed expanded club World Cup coming in 2025. Could we see it held in the US and Canada? And with that in mind we have an early look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. Plus we delve into our all-time favourite World Cup mascots and shock results.

All of that and we hear what Christmas is like in the Axel Schuster and Stephanie Labbe households, we talk about our favourite Christmas movies, and bring you three more songs from AFTN's 2022 Festive 15.

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

01.36: Intro
07.15: Football Jeopardy
31.55: An Axel Schuster Christmas
44.23: Outburst - Football Edition (part one)
54.05: An extended Club World Cup for 2025
70.47: Christmas Movies Flash Five
91.27: Outburst - Football Edition (part two)
106.22: A Stephanie Labbe Christmas
111.13: An early look ahead to the 2026 World Cup
118.55: World Cup Shock Results Flash Five
135.53: 20 Questions - World Cup players
149.30: World Cup Mascots Flash Five
167.15: Wavelength - The Whitehawk Isolators - Christmas For All

Episode 540 - The AFTN Soccer Show (It’s All Gotten A Bit Messi)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian soccer and World Cup chat.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is over and Argentina have won a third title in what was an absolute classic final against France with Lionel Messi finally becoming a World Cup winner. Will this finally put an end to the boring Messi v Ronaldo debates? How will the tournament be remembered, where will it rank amongst the others, and how was it actually to be at it on the ground?

We chat about all of that and a lot more, as Zach gives us some insight as to what it was like to be at the tournament in aspects like ticketing, transportation, the weather, the stadiums, atmosphere, and merchandise as he regales us with tales of Arabian nights.

Plus a Flash Five of our favourite World Cup mascots, we round up the Whitecaps, MLS, and CPL News of the Week, and we continue our 2022 Festive Fifteen.

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

01.30: Intro
02.35: Argentina are World Cup champs again
20.09: Does this finally clear up the Messi v Ronaldo nonsense?
26.18: Where does this World Cup rank in the tournament's history?
34.35: Canada's World Cup - an on the ground perspective
64.50: Zach's Qatari tales - getting there, accommodation, conditions, opening ceremony
105.35: Zach's Qatari tales - getting around, ticketing, the stadiums, merch
134.12: How to go viral with a German flag
152.55: MLS and Whitecaps News of the Week
161.47: CPL News of the Week
168.16: Wavelength - USA Soccer Guy - Kick That Soccer Ball

Episode 539 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Koné ＞ Kane)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian soccer and World Cup chat.

The 2022 World Cup is down to four teams. We look back at an exciting weekend of quarter-final action and the main talking points coming out of the four matches, where win or lose, no-one seemed to like the referees! Plus we look ahead to this week's semi-final action.

Turning our attention back to the domestic game, we look at rumours that Vancouver Whitecaps' Derek Cornelius is moving to Malmo in Sweden and chat about a move that has been confirmed, CF Montreal's Ismael Koné to English Championship side Watford, plus we hear from the man himself about his time at the World Cup in Qatar, his time at CF Montreal, the move to the Hornets, and his development with CS Saint-Laurent.

Plus Goldie Lookin' Chain make a return to our Wavelength feature and we continue our 2022 Festive Fifteen.

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

01.30: Intro
03.12: Grant Wahl RIP
14.00: World Cup chat - Brazil v Croatia
23.40: World Cup chat - Argentina v Netherlands
35.32: World Cup chat - Morocco v Portugal
44.15: World Cup chat - England v France
62.45: World Cup chat - a look ahead to the semis
77.20: Whitecaps' Cornelius going to Malmo?
79.30: Ismael Koné media call and discussion
95.55: Wavelength - Goldie Lookin' Chain - Football, Football, Football

Episode 538 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Shooting For The Stars with special guest Stephanie Labbe)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian soccer and World Cup chat.

The World Cup is into the knockout stages and only eight teams remain. We look at the action and talking points since the last show and ponder some more about what's next for Canada, their players, and head coach John Herdman.

Back here in Canada the exciting, and long overdue, announcement that a domestic women's league is finally coming to the country in 2025 was made on Monday. We're joined by Harjeet Johal to talk about what we know about it all so far and how we hope things will play out.

Right now there's two clubs named as founding members, Vancouver Whitecaps and Calgary Foothills, and we sit down for an in-depth chat with the 'Caps General Manager of Women's Soccer, national team legend Stephanie Labbe to talk about the new league, her role with the club, and her golden career.

All of this and there's still time to chat Whitecaps transfer rumours, the continuing exodus in Montreal, and we kick off our 2022 Festive Fifteen.

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

01.28: Intro
03.10: Whitecaps and CF Montreal News of the Week
14.49: Canada three and done in Qatar as thoughts turn to the future
30.00: Chris Jones makes Michael angry
45.15: World Cup 2022 chat
81.10: Stephanie Labbe interview
114.17: A new professional women's league is coming to Canada
147.20: Wavelength - New Order - World In Motion

Episode 537 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Group Effed)

We're back with another packed show of Canadian national team and World Cup chat.

After the promise and excitement of the Belgium game and the raised expectations that came with that excellent performance, Canada crashed and burned at the World Cup in their second match against Croatia and have been eliminated with one group game remaining.

There's a lot to be proud of from a team that wasn't supposed to be in Qatar, rose in the rankings at a phenomenal pace, and ignited a whole new interest in and respect for the Canadian men's national team. They deserved to be there and they showed they belonged, performing tremendously in three of the four halves of football they've played so far. But there's also rightful criticism that can be levelled at the team for their team selection, tactics, and questionable off field decisions.

We delve into all of that and a lot more and pose the question, what now for Canada? Not just in their one remaining match in Qatar but as they move forward and build, both on and off the pitch, heading into 2026.

Plus we look back at all of the action so far in Qatar as the second round of group games come to a close and chat about some of the main talking points making the headlines.

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

01.30: Intro
04.05: Canada eliminated after Croatia loss
29.43: Supporter and media postgame takes
47.52: What now for Canada now and heading into 2026?
71.35: The 2022 World Cup - Groups A and B recaps
84.35: Wavelength - Kunt and the Gang - Let's Have A Wank For England
89.40: The 2022 World Cup - Groups C, D, and E recaps
102.00: The 2022 World Cup - Groups G and H recaps

Episode 536 - The AFTN Soccer Show (A New Generation Calling with special guest Axel Schuster)

We're back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, World Cup, and Canadian soccer chat.

The 2022 World Cup is in full flow and after a wait of 13,316 days, Canada were back playing a group game at the finals. We talk about their battling performance against one of the world's best teams, Belgium, the disappointment in not taking all three points, and look at the huge positives they can take into their remaining matches.

Plus we look back at all of the action so far in Qatar in Groups A to F and chat about some of the main talking points making the headlines off the pitch.

Turning our attention to the club game, we sit down for a 37 minute chat with Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster to chat about the season past, the offseason work in progress, and look at what the team needs to do to be a top four side in the MLS West next year. How did he view this season? Where does he see the club's progression taking them to? What are the pressing positions needing filled to get them there? We talk all of this and much more, including the rebranding of WFC2 and the club's plans for the women's game.

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

01.30: Intro
10.08: Canada's battling loss to Belgium
48.30: The 2022 World Cup so far
92.05: Alex Schuster interview
131.55: Unpacking Axel
155.50: Wavelength - Beekeeper - Howler Group of Death - Black World Cup Winter

Episode 535 - The AFTN Soccer Show (The Future Is Now)

We're back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, World Cup, and Canadian soccer chat.

It's been a busy week in Whitecapsland with new players coming in, some departures like Lucas Cavallini finally confirmed, and the preseason plans officially announced. We're joined by Harjeet Johal to chat about all of that, plus we look at some of the players available from other clubs in the various MLS clubs and ponder who would be a good fit in Vancouver.

It was a good season for CF Montreal and we're joined by Eve Powell from The Ball Is Round podcast to chat about it all, look at the offseason roster decisions announced this week, look ahead to 2023, chat about another rebrand at the club, and look at the six players from the club that will be off representing Canada in Qatar.

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup now just one day away, we take a look at all the runners and riders in Groups E to H, including Canada in Group F, and making a rash of predictions along the way.

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

01.25: Intro
03.50: Whitecaps roster decisions finalised
22.10: Three new Whitecaps players signed
36.10: Which players would be a good fit in Vancouver?
59.50: Eve Powell talks all things CF Montreal
109.15: World Cup Group E preview
113.40: World Cup Group F preview
125.50: World Cup Group G preview
130.20: World Cup Group H preview
135.20: World Cup predictions
143.40: Wavelength - Tinty and the Bucket Hats - Waka Waka Cymru (Men of Harlech)

Episode 534 - The AFTN Soccer Show (World Cup preview)

We're back with another packed show of World Cup and Canadian soccer chat.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup gets underway in Qatar next Sunday. There may have been a lot of issues in the run up to this first winter World Cup, but now that it's here, we're very excited and we get in the mood with a special preview episode this week.

Canada's squad for the tournament was revealed this past Sunday. We delve into who has made it on the trip to Qatar, who hasn't, and give our thoughts on what formation John Herdman should head into the tournament with and what that starting XI should be.

We also take a look at all the runners and riders in Groups A to D, making a rash of predictions along the way. And there's still time for this year's AFTN World Cup draft.

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

01.32: Intro
09.25: Canada's World Cup squad analysis - Goalkeeper and Defenders
39.09: Canada's World Cup squad analysis - Midfielders and Forwards
75.00: World Cup Group A preview
81.51: World Cup Group B preview
89.28: World Cup Group C preview
94.04: World Cup Group D preview
103.10: AFTN's World Cup draft
114.35: Wavelength - Andy Cameron - Ally's Army

Episode 533 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Believe Us Now?)

We're back with another packed show of Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian soccer chat.

The World Cup in Qatar is just weeks away and as the tournament gets closer, the injury concerns for the Canadian national team continue to grow, with two players confirmed out and a scare with Alphonso Davies' hamstring.

We delve into all of that but we cheer up with a world premiere of the new Canadian World Cup - Nobody Believed Us. We chat with the man behind it, friend of the show, Neil Grant and give the song its first spin.

Turning to club football, the newest Canadian Premier League side Vancouver FC had its official launch this week. We take a look at what we learned, hear from owner Rob Friend, chat with inaugural head coach Afshin Ghotbi, and talk with CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan about the new club, future expansion, and FC Edmonton's fate.

Plus we look back at a dramatic MLS Cup final, look at Don Garber's latest annual MLS State of the League conference, and chat about the rumoured changes to the league's playoff format.

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

01.30: Intro
05.55: Canada World Cup injury concerns grow
32.04: Neil Grant interview - part one
42.30: Wavelength - Neil Grant - Nobody Believed Us (A Canadian World Cup song)
45.53: Neil Grant interview - part two
60.00: Vancouver FC officially launched - with Rob Friend audio
81.43: Vancouver FC head coach Afshin Ghotbi interview and discussion
93.28: CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan interview
106.05: LAFC win MLS Cup
122.08: Don Garber's State of the League address
127.55: New MLS playoff format on the horizon?

Episode 532 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Spinning Straw Into Gold with special guest Ryan Gauld)

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

It's our annual awards season at AFTN and we kick off handing out the gongs with our ones for Whitecaps Player of the Year, Young Player, Academy Player, Female Player, Unsung Hero, and the best game, goal, and save of the season past.

Will Ryan Gauld win any? No spoilers but we do sit down for an in-depth chat with the Whitecaps Designated Player to look at the season past and the excitingly busy 2023 that lies ahead. How did he feel both he and the team performed? How much did his early season concussions hinder him? Where did it go wrong this year? How much is he looking forward to fighting on four front next season and playing continental competition? Is he getting fed up with people asking him why he's not in the Scotland squad? And could he perhaps line up for Canada one day? We cover all of that and more!

The MLS Cup final is now set. We look at this weekend's two Conference finals, as well as the CPL Championship game which saw Forge FC win a third title in four years. Plus we look ahead to the big CPL event in Langley on Wednesday night that will see the new team's official name, identity, and more revealed.

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

01.30: Intro
06.10: AFTN Whitecaps Player of the Year award
09.30: Ryan Gauld interview
36.20: AFTN Whitecaps awards - part two
68.25: MLS playoff round-up
77.10: CPL final round-up
84.02: CPL in Langley reveal on Wednesday
91.05: Wavelength - A Love Supreme - Niall Quinn's Disco Pants

Episode 531 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Hot Chocolate Weather with special guest Vanni Sartini)

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

The Whitecaps offseason is officially underway, with some squad decisions already announced, some still being considered, and the planning for a 2023 season that will be fought on four fronts already in full flow.

We look at the news coming out so far, plus sit down for our second annual end of season chat with Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini. How did he view this past season? Did the Canadian Championship win see the team take a step forward or did their MLS standing see them regress? What did he learn about himself as a coach this year? Was he too slow to make the necessary changes, especially defensively? And how much change is needed for next year to compete? We talk about all of that and a lot more in a 40 minute chat.

The MLS and CPL seasons are getting close to their end, with the two conference finals set in the former and the championship game set in the latter. We look at the matches that got them to that stage, and we bring you some postgame audio from a seething Tommy Wheeldon Jr as refereeing decisions play a big part in Cavalry's downfall.

Plus we chat about Canada's draw for the 2023 Women's World Cup and the latest loggerheads between Canada Soccer and the Canadian men's national team that leaves a dark cloud over the preparation for the upcoming World Cup.

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

02.47: The tragic passing of Masato Kudo
09.28: Good Women's World Cup draw for Canada
12.50: Canada Soccer and CanMNT still at loggerheads
32.16: Vanni Sartini interview
77.55: Unpacking Vanni and Axel's end of season comments
101.23: MLS playoff round-up
125.35: CPL playoff round-up
138.45: Wavelength - Apocalypse Babys - Harry Kane

Episode 530 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Big Decisions)

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

The MLS and CPL postseason are in full flow and it's been an exciting weekend of action, which we round up in this episode.

Sadly for the Whitecaps the season is over and the big decisions have to be made as who should stay and who should make way. If the team is to take the much needed next step of becoming a side that isn't just trying to scrape into the lower playoff places but to be a top four side in the West, some difficult decisions need to be made to improve the squad significantly. We give our thoughts of who should be in, out, and who's on the bubble.

Plus it's been a great year for Quebec soccer. We chat with CS Saint-Laurent U17 head coach Maxwell Arhin about his side's win at the recent U17 Boys nationals in Surrey, the rise of the game in the province, and bringing CF Montreal player Ismael Kone through at youth level.

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

01.30: Intro - the great Panini rip-off
08.25: Whitecaps In/Out/On The Bubble - Goalkeepers
23.07: Whitecaps In/Out/On The Bubble - Defenders
47.00: Whitecaps In/Out/On The Bubble - Midfielders
59.02: Whitecaps In/Out/On The Bubble - Forwards
76.20: MLS playoffs round-up
87.30: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - Terry Buchanan Midfield Hardman
94.10: CPL playoffs round-up and awards
111.25: Maxwell Arhin interview

Episode 529 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Turn Out The Light)

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

The Whitecaps run to the playoffs are over and just as quickly as the team raised our hopes, disappointment reigns once again as they fall short of the finishing line. We look back at the season ending loss in Minnesota and ponder what's next for the team and what changes need to be made.

Will the 'Caps ever truly take that next step and become a real threat in the league? Do they have the players and the front office support to achieve that feat? There's been movement in regard of the latter this past week and it's not been so much out with the old and in with the new, as back with the old guard. But there has at least been on appointment in the new General Manager of Women's Soccer, Stephanie Labbe.

Some of it has left a sour taste in the mouths of fans. We look at that and round up the end of regular season action across both MLS and the CPL.

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

01.35: Intros and giving thanks
08.10: The Whitecaps season ends in Minnesota
42.23: Disappointment reigns, so what's next?
74.54: Whitecaps FO comings and returnings
99.50: MLS playoffs all set
113.45: CPL final four set to battle
117.07: Wavelength - Kunt and the Gang - My Cousin Looks Like Pavel Pogrebnyak

Episode 528 - The AFTN Soccer Show (A Series Of Fortunate Events)

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

What a few weeks it's been in Whitecapsland. What looked like mission impossible to get into the playoffs has seen an amazing run of results, sparked by three straight wins for the 'Caps, to leave Vancouver with a win and they're in scenario on MLS Decision Day.

We look at how they got to this point, the form of Ryan Gauld, the late move to four at the back, and cast our eye over the main talking points coming out of the 'Caps latest win against Austin, which boiled over at the end and had us all talking about Lucas Cavallini again.

We also look at the MLS West playoff picture after some stunning games this past weekend, look ahead to that big Decision Day clash in Minnesota next Sunday, chat about the latest results and news from the CPL, and dive into a bulging mailbag to answer some listener's questions about the team, the future, and player abuse.

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

03.20: Win and the Whitecaps are in
17.25: Austin powered past
39.22: Listener's mailbag
63.29: The MLS West playoff picture
72.40: Minnesota United preview
85.45: Canadian Premier League chat
96.40: Wavelength - Fanclub - Henrik Larsson

Episode 527 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Keeping The Flame Alive)

We're back with a shorter than usual but still packed episode of the AFTN Soccer Show for your listening pleasure as we talk Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and the Canadian men's national team.

What a week it was in Whitecapsland as a six point home stand kept Vancouver's season alive and dealt a blow to their Cascadian rivals from Seattle. We delve into the 'Caps' wins against the Sounders and the Galaxy and look at the lie of the land in the MLS West and the tall order Vancouver have ahead of them if they are to get to the playoffs.

We also look at the exciting end to the CPL season and have a quick chat about the Canadian national team's upcoming friendlies and continuing World Cup prep.

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

04.00: Where has this Whitecaps team been?
16.20: The 'Caps win over LA
26.30: Seattle soundly beaten
41.30: The lie of the land in MLS West
54.08: CPL chat
66.26: Wavelength - Jason McCue - Soccer
70.20: Canada's World Cup prep continues

Episode 526 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Getting Nowhere Fast)

We're back with another packed episode of the AFTN Soccer Show for your listening pleasure as we talk Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Panini stickers, with our usual splattering of fine tunes thrown in for your aural pleasure.

After the Whitecaps' latest loss, the season is all but mathematically over and the regression and recent form has been sad to see. We look back over the 'Caps loss in Colorado and the goals and controversial moment that got them there. So what now for Vancouver?

How safe is Vanni Sartini's job? How secure are the players and how many do you even want back? How much of a rebuild is needed and why are the club going through this again? With four games remaining, how should the 'Caps approach these final matches and what will it take to get the fans back in the stands?

We chat about all of that and a lot more and talk about the ever rising cost of completing Panini sticker albums and talk about some of our favourites from through the years. And there's even time for some Wrexham chat.

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

02.00: The rising costs of Panini sticker albums
11.27: Wavelength - My Brother Woody - Panini Sticker Album Blues (1987)
17.48: More Panini sticker chat
28.27: Whitecaps latest loss in Colorado
60.05: What now for the Whitecaps, this season and next?

Episode 525 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Every Point’s A Prisoner)

We've been away a long time (well three weeks) but we're finally back with another jam-packed episode of the AFTN Soccer Show for your listening pleasure as we talk Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and the Canadian Premier League, with our usual splattering of fine tunes thrown in for your aural pleasure.

Our last show came after the Whitecaps capitulation down in LA. There's been four games since then and we've seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and the very ugly side of the 'Caps in that time as the team went from having their heads above the playoff line for the first time this season, to rapidly sinking below it and in danger of disappearing without a trace.

With every point a prisoner, the Whitecaps have left the cell door wide open and some of their performances have been criminal. We look back over the past few weeks, take a look around the current lie of the land in MLS, and what it all means for the 'Caps. Plus we have to talk about the C word - Cava.

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

01.30: Back from Bonnie Scotland
16.15: The last few weeks in Whitecapsland
29.24: Earthquakes leave 'Caps playoff hopes in ruins
59.10: MLS round-up and the lie of the land
76.31 The C Word - Cava
87.55: CPL chat
96.45: Wavelength - Admiral Fallow - Subbuteo

Episode 524 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Californication)

We're back with another jam-packed episode of the AFTN Soccer Show for your listening pleasure as we talk Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer.

Football conjures up so many feelings. From the highest of the highs to the lowest of the lows, fans across the world can feel so many emotions, with different groups experiencing vastly differing emotions from the same game or moment. You can go from loving your team, to hating them in the flash of an eye, or the scoring of a goal. It's why we all love the game so much.

Vancouver Whitecaps fans have certainly gone through the emotions during their MLS era so far and in this episode we take a look at an interesting week both on and off the pitch for the club.

On it, the team put in a horrendous first half performance at the LA Galaxy, falling to a 5-2 defeat that hits their playoff aspirations hard. We look back at the main talking points coming of the match, the poor defensive play, some head scratching line-up decisions, and where it all leaves the 'Caps with nine games to play.

Off the pitch, MLS finally published their report looking into the historic abuse allegations against the Whitecaps going back to their women's team in 2008 and 2011. We look at the report's findings and the fall out from it.

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

01.33: Steve's back!
04.40: Whitecaps capitulate in LA
48.48: The curious case of Cristian Gutierrez
56.50: MLS publishes report into historic Whitecaps abuse allegations
95.00: Wavelength - Keshco - The Ballad of Ali Dia

Episode 523 - The AFTN Soccer Show (Pump It Better)

We're back with another jam-packed episode of the AFTN Soccer Show for your listening pleasure as we talk Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, and football on Canadian TV.

The Whitecaps left it late again to get the job done against Houston Dynamo on Friday night, but two late goals gave them a dramatic last ditch victory and with other results going their way this weekend in the West, it's going to be a fascinating run-in to end the regular season.

We delve into the main talking points coming out of the match, look at the fantastic MLS debut from Simon Becher and hear from the man himself, look at the importance of WFC2 to the Whitecaps, look at the lie of the land in the Western Conference, and hear the postgame thoughts of the gaffer Vanni Sartini and match winner Lucas Cavallini.

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

02.18: Chat about football on Canadian TV
12.30: Whitecaps late late show beats Houston
44.35: Simon Becher's dream debut
51.00: The importance of WFC2 to the Whitecaps
60.50: The enigma that is Lucas Cavallini
64.57: A look ahead to the Galaxy game
74.00: The lie of the land in the MLS West
83.45: Whitecaps comings and goings
88.55: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - Do You Wanna Touch Of The Ball