AFTN Soccer Show

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

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