"There's Still Time" - the Away From The Numbers soccer podcast. A regular podcast all about Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer (MLS) and the world of football.
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We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup chat and interviews. The Whitecaps got the last of their league business done and dusted on Wednesday night in an uneventful 0-0 draw with Minnesota United and now their full attention can turn to Sunday's Champions Cup final against Cruz Azul down in Mexico City. We pick over the bones of a Minnesota match that didn't bring the fireworks a top of the table clash would perhaps usually bring, before we also turn our attention to the final. What threat do the Mexicans pose, who are their dangermen, and how has their season been? We delve into all of that and get some thoughts from Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen and Canadian men's national team head coach Jesse Marsch about the final. We've a slew of interviews for you this episode. First up is Whitecaps winger Jayden Nelson. We chat with Jayden about Sunday's final, his first season with the 'Caps, and his return to the national team for the upcoming Canadian Shield and Gold Cup matches. Next up is a chat with Whitecaps striker Daniel Rios. The Mexican's experience will be crucial as they look to secure a historic victory over Cruz Azul and we chat with Daniel about the match, football in Mexico, and what brought him to Vancouver. We also chat with MLS 360 host Kevin Egan about the Cruz Azul match and the Whitecaps season so far. What has he made of them, what does he feel are their chances in the final, and how important is this tournament to MLS in global terms? All of this plus music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month, and we've a Spanish language Wavelength song! Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.29: Intro - what a time to be alive! 04.05: Whitecaps frustrated by Minnesota in latest draw 28.00: Jesper Sorensen looks ahead to the Champions Cup final 38.00: Jesse's Marsch's thoughts on the Whitecaps cup run 42.30: Jayden Nelson interview 56.05: Daniel Rios interview 68.32: Kevin Egan MLS analyst interview 82.58: Whitecaps v Cruz Azul Champions Cup final preview 93.52: Wavelength - Cruz Azul Canta
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, and international football chat. It was back to two-game weeks for Vancouver Whitecaps and that meant getting back to their winning ways. After being made to work hard to come away with a draw in Winnipeg at Valour in the Canadian Championship, the 'Caps produced a stunning comeback victory to take three points in MLS action at Real Salt Lake, giving themselves some breathing space at the top of the table for the rough weeks to come. We delve into both of those matches and chat with Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster about what the club's run to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final means both on and off the pitch in terms of financial, recruitment, attendance, and global recognition. Plus we chat about preparing for the final, adding to the squad, and discuss the future of Pedro Vite. We also look at the upcoming international absences that will decimate the Whitecaps squad for a five to six week period and get the view of 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and Canada's Jesse Marsch around it. Plus we hear from one of those call-ups, Sebastian Berhalter, and his proud dad Gregg Berhalter. All of this plus music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos continue their residency as our Album of the Month, and we've more Britpop and Wavelength songs. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.25: Intro 03.45: Whitecaps made to work hard in Valour draw 15.10: Whitecaps get back to winning ways with comeback victory at RSL 38.42: Axel Schuster interview 82.41: Whitecaps set to be decimated by international call-ups 96.35: Jesse Marsch talks Whitecaps' Canadians 103.00: Sebastian and Gregg Berhalter on Seba's USMNT call-up 108.30: Wavelength - Chas and Dave with Tottenham Hotspur's 1981 FA Cup Final Squad - Ossie's Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley)
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, Canadian Premier League, and general football chat. The Whitecaps put in their worst performance of the season, but still came away with a battling point in a scoreless draw down in Austin. We delve into the main talking points coming away from a match that was an off day for many and unfortunately all in the same game. A mere blip or some cause for concern that the brutal schedule is catching up with the 'Caps ahead of their CONCACAF Champions Cup final? That schedule continues apace as the 'Caps kick off their quest for a Canadian Championship fourpeat in Winnipeg. We preview the Valour game and hear from their head coach Phillip Dos Santos. Plus we sit down for a chat with the man whose penalty in last year's Voyageurs Cup final clinched the vital victory that set up this year's historic Champions Cup run, Bjorn Inge Utvik. We chat with Bjorn about that spot kick, the tournament, the cup run, having a fellow Scandinavian as head coach, and life in Vancouver. Plus we round up all the week's action in MLS and the CPL, look at the FIFA Congress coming to Vancouver next year, and music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop classic from Pulp, and we celebrate Crystal Palace's historic and joy-inducing FA Cup win in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro - East Fife are going up and a lot to make us glad 12.10: FIFA Congress coming to Vancouver in 2026 18.05: Whitecaps fail to impress in scoreless Austin stalemate 39.46: MLS round-up as results good for Vancouver 57.07: CPL review - record crowd and teams in trouble 108.51: Britpop discussion - Pulp 114.40: Whitecaps face Valour in Canadian Championship 129.30: Bjorn Inge Utvik interview 140.50: Crystal Palace's FA Cup win a joy for fans of unfashionable teams 151.06: Wavelength - Doc Brown - OMG (One More Game)
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Championship, Canadian Premier League, and Northern Super League chat. It was just a one game week for the Whitecaps. Did that affect them, as they got off to a slow start before coming back to draw 2-2 with LAFC? We look into that and delve into the talking points coming out of the match. Plus we get the thoughts of head coach Jesper Sorensen. We also delve into our travels to two Canadian Championship matches this past week as Zach took in Vancouver FC's first ever win in the competition and Michael headed to Winnipeg with TSS Rovers for a close, but ultimately heartbreaking, narrow defeat. We also hear the postgame thoughts from Rovers' head coach Brendan Teeling. Plus we round up all the week's action in MLS, the CPL, and the NSL, talk superpowers with Sebastian Berhalter, Ranko Veselinovic, Tate Johnson, and Ralph Priso, and music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've another two Britpop songs, and another fun Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro - Spotify issues, spectacles, VHS movies 08.05: Comeback 'Caps battle to LAFC draw 43.13: Are the Whitecaps stronger in two game weeks? 50.15: MLS round-up 72.20: Whitecaps Superpowers - Seba, Ranko, Tate, and Ralph 81.51: Vancouver FC get first ever Canadian Championship win 100.30: Heartbreak for TSS Rovers in Winnipeg 117.10: Radiohead discussion 123.35: CPL and NSL review 145.05: Wavelength - Everton 1995 FA Cup Squad - All Together Now
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Canadian Premier League chat and interviews. All aboard the Vancouver Whitecaps runaway train. There's no stopping it and the final destination is unknown! What another fantastic week it's been in Whitecapsland. The team booked their berth in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final with a 5-1 aggregate win over Inter Miami. They are now 90 minutes away from winning a major trophy and qualifying for both the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Inter-continental Cup. Crazy times and we break it all down in this episode and ponder where this ranks both now and potentially in the club's history compared to the 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl win and what impact it could have on the club and football in the city. We bring you an interview with Whitecaps defender Ranko Veselinovic about the victory, the season, his defensive partnership, and the reaction he's had back home in Serbia. Plus we chat with Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster, head coach Jesper Sorensen, and Ranko's centreback partner Tristan Blackmon. Plus we look at the Whitecaps' latest MLS win against Real Salt Lake, round up all the week's action in the CPL and Canadian Championship, talk football superstitions with Ranko Veselinovic and Tate Johnson, and music-wise Scottish band Baby Chaos begin their residency as our Album of the Month, we've another Britpop song from Supergrass, and another fun Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro 04.25: What time is it? Five past Miami - the 'Caps are Champions Cup final bound 59.05: Football Superstitions - Ranko Veselinovic and Tate Johnson 66.15: A chat with Jesper Sorensen 72.35: Axel Schuster audio 77.12: The Whitecaps are 90 minutes away from TWO Fifa tournaments 81.57: Where does/can this rank in Whitecaps history? 99.08: An early look ahead to the Champions Cup final 111.05: Ranko Veselinovic interview 118.45: A chat with Tristan Blackmon 123.10: No hangover for Whitecaps in dominant RSL victory 144.35: CPL and Canadian Championship Week in Review 180.45: Wavelength - Ralph McTell - The Winners Song
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Canadian Premier League chat and interviews. The Whitecaps keep on rolling on two fronts in what is already proving to be a season of amazing highs and it's not even the end of April yet. First the 'Caps dominantly dispatched Lionel Messi and his star-studded Miami side on Thursday in their Champions Cup semi-final first leg and then they followed that up by heavily rotating their starting line-up and going and getting a result in their top of the table clash in Minnesota on Sunday. We look back at two huge victories, the unsavoury incident at the end of the Minnesota match with Emmanuel Sabbi, and look ahead to Wednesday's second leg of the semi in Florida. We've three interviews for you in this episode. First up is one of the men of the hour, the man who's now scored in back-to-back matches, Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. We chat with Seba about his goal and his experience in that Miami match, and the performances of the team so far this season. We also chat with 'Caps midfielder Ralph Priso about the Miami game, the team, and his move to Vancouver. We also have a great chat with MLS Apple TV host, and former Whitecaps and Canadian women's national team player, Kaylyn Kyle about the Whitecaps great start to the season, the win over Miami and what to expect in the second leg, her love for the club, and her excitement at the launch of the Northern Super League. Plus we round up all the weekend's action in the CPL, talk football superstitions, find out if Ralph Priso fancies a chocolate digestive, and music-wise Camille Schmidt rounds off her residency as our Album (and Artist) of the Month, we've two Britpop songs, and a fun Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro - Lapu Lapu Day tragedy 06.10: Whitecaps send Miami and Messi packing 33.46: Football superstitions 42.15: Second Leg hopes and expectations 51.32: Sebastian Berhalter interview 57.00: Whitecaps rotate heavily in Minnesota win 68.52: Emmanuel Sabbi incident in Minnesota 86.18: Kaylyn Kyle interview 100.48: Ralph Priso interview 107.35: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Ralph Priso 111.30: CPL Week in Review 138.25: Wavelength - Funny Football Songs - Old Man Suarez
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Canadian Premier League, and Northern Super League chat. Another veritable footballing feast. Vancouver Whitecaps' huge month continues apace, but is it starting to catch up with them? We chat about Saturday's somewhat flat goalless draw in St Louis and look ahead to this week's Champions Cup semi-final with Inter Miami and the Messi circus it will bring with it. Plus we chat with Whitecaps midfielder J.C. Ngando about his and the team's excellent start to the year and defender Sam Adekugbe talks to us about his ownership stake in NSL side Calgary Wild and the importance of that league and the CPL to the continued growth of the game here in Canada. Zach regales us with tales of his trip to Calgary to see Vancouver FC take on Cavalry in CPL action, plus we look at another tumultuous week behind the scenes at VFC that saw four key staff members unceremoniously fired. We also chat about the inaugural match in the NSL that saw Vancouver Rise come away with their first ever win, we hear some postgame thoughts from Anja Heiner-Moller and Quinn, and we chat with NSL President Christina Litz about the relationship between the NSL and the CPL and how she'd like that to look moving forward. We also round up all the weekend's action in the MLS and CPL, and music-wise Camille Schmidt continues her residency as our Album (and Artist) of the Month, Oasis feature in our Britpop segment, and Cousin Feo is back in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro - premature celebrations, World Cup posters, and more football dating 09.51: Stalemate in St Louis 17.33: MLS round-up 30.45: J.C. Ngando interview 40.47: Miami preview - let the Messi mayhem begin 55.15: Zach's joy and heartbreak in Calgary 77.00: More Vancouver FC turmoil off the pitch 93.05: CPL Week in Review 107.00: Vancouver Rise win first ever NSL match - with Heiner-Moller and Quinn audio 119.55: Sam Adekugbe talks Calgary Wild ownership and the importance of the NSL and CPL 123.06: Christina Litz on the relationship between the NSL and CPL 131.40: Wavelength - Cousin Feo ft Flashius Clayton - Messi
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, Northern Super League, and League1 BC chat. The Whitecaps are on fire right now and are showing no signs of slowing up. Top of the MLS Western Conference, first in the Supporters Shield race, Champions Cup semi-finalists, and all while missing some key players. Their latest triumph was a 5-1 shellacking of Austin FC on Saturday. We delve into all the highs of that one, the standout performance from four-goal Brian White, and hear some postgame thoughts from Austin head coach Nico Estevez. We also ask Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen if his start in Vancouver has exceeded all expectations, talk to Tristan Blackmon about THAT goal in Mexico City, and our feature interview is with the 'Caps rookie playing well beyond his years right now, Tate Johnson. Plus we look at MLS still considering, but delaying, a switch to a schedule more aligned to elsewhere in the world. As the NSL kicks off its historic inaugural season this week, we chat about the league with Vancouver Rise Sporting Director Stephanie Labbe and Janine Sonis, and talk takeout food with Quinn. Plus we round up all the weekend's action in the CPL and L1BC, and music-wise Camille Schmidt continues her residency as our Album (and Artist) of the Month, Powder feature in our Britpop segment, and Generation 69 are in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro - Gold Cup and football dating 10.10: Whitecaps' 5-star performance against Austin 56.05: Tristan Blackmon talks THAT goal and more 63.22: Jesper Sorensen on the rise of Tate Johnson 66.12: Tate Johnson interview 73.20: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Tate Johnson 74.44: MLS schedule change pushed back for more talks 83.45: Stephanie Labbe interview 100.38: Take Me Out - Quinn 102.40: Janie Sonis (nee Beckie) talks NSL 111.05: CPL Week in Review 144.40: L1BC Week in Review 150.10: Wavelength - Generation 69 - Oi and Football
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Canadian Soccer League, Northern Super League, and Canadian national team chat. Are you still recovering from the Whitecaps beating Pumas to reach the Champions Cup semi-finals? We are and our voices can testify to that! We look at the historic night in Mexico City, how everything played out, and look ahead to facing Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the semis. Plus we hear from the Great Dane himself, 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and Axel Schuster tells us if Vancouver might still be active before the MLS transfer window shuts. We also recap all the action from the first weekend of the 2025 CPL season, chat with Canadian women's head coach Casey Stoney about her time in charge so far and the launch of the NSL, and our feature interview this episode is with Vancouver Rise forward Holly Ward about her career so far, coming to her new hometown team, the NSL, and her first involvement with Canadian senior women's team. Plus music from Sinergy, Got Got Need, and Cousin Feo. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.57: Intro - lucky hats and items in the mail 06.52: Whitecaps stun Pumas to set up Miami semi showdown 40.25: Axel Schuster on Whitecaps transfer window plans 48.55: Unpacking Mark Noonan from Ep664 63.40: CPL Week in Review 109.55: Casey Stoney audio 114.38: Holly Ward interview 122.45: Wavelength - Cousin Feo - Maradona
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Northern Super League, and Canadian national team chat. What a week it's been for the Whitecaps. They dominated Colorado Rapids to stay top of the MLS West, they gave themselves a great chance of advancing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Pumas, and news broke on Friday that a new, soccer-specific stadium to call their own was in the works. We delve into all the action on and off the pitch and hear from Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster about the stadium news. We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is a chat with Vancouver Rise President Sinead King about getting the new team up and running in a new league, the challenges faced and those to come, and where her love of football came from. We also chat with Vancouver's Canadian women's national team hero Julia Grosso about being back in the city, her career, that gold winning penalty, and lots more. Plus we look at Canada's win over Argentina and the U17 women qualifying for this year's World Cup in Morocco. Music-wise The Bees Band feature in Wavelength with a song featuring the legend that was Stan Bowles, Camille Schmidt continues her residency as our Album of the Month, there's Britpop songs from Menswear and The Boo Radleys. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.29: Intro - rainy days, L1BC, US Open Cup 13.50: Axel Schuster on Whitecaps new stadium plans 27.00: A new Whitecaps stadium - the merits and pitfalls for a PNE plan 53.40: Whitecaps impress in Colorado victory 79.50: Sinead King interview 111.30: CanWNT win against Argentina 119.00: Julia Grosso interview 135.00: Wavelength - The Bees Band - Somebody Give Me The Ball
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Canadian Premier League chat and interviews. It was late agony at BC Place for Vancouver Whitecaps as they conceded an away goal against Pumas UNAM with just three minutes remaining in a game they bossed. Still, they got a draw and it's all to play for next week in Mexico City as we pick over the bones of the first leg. We've two feature interview for you in this episode. First up is a 25 minute chat with Canadian Premier League Commissioner Mark Noonan ahead of the 7th season of the CPL. We chat with Mark about the state of the league, expansion, the TV deal with TSN, capitalizing on the 2026 World Cup, and more. Next up is former Whitecaps midfielder Marco Bustos who returns to the CPL for a second stint with Pacific FC. What brought him back, can they recapture the glory days of their championship season, how is a turned over Pacific side looking, and how was life in Sweden? We chat about all of this and more, plus we preview all eight CPL teams and look at how their offseason rebuilds have gone and their chances for the season ahead. Music-wise feature in Wavelength, Camille Schmidt kicks off her residency as our Album of the Month, and there's a couple of Britpop songs from Nilon Bombers and Kingmaker. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro - US Open Cup drama 07.12: Whitecaps concede late in agonizing draw with Pumas 28.35: CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan interview 64.35: Pacific FC season preview 75.23: Marco Bustos interview 106.50: Vancouver FC season preview 128.20: Calgary FC season preview 135.53: Valour FC season preview 141.03: Forge FC season preview 149.06: York United season preview 157.35: Atletico Ottawa season preview 163.38: HFX Wanderers season preview 169.55: Wavelength - Babybird - Football
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian national team chat. The Whitecaps didn't get back to winning ways in Toronto but they took a point on the road and that's rarely a bad thing. We delve into the goalless draw against TFC and the main takeaways from the match, that sadly saw injuries to Andres Cubas and Mathias Laborda. Can we read much into the recent blips? Will the team be hampered now against Pumas in the Champions Cup? And how does the weekend's results leave the 'Caps in the lie of the land in the MLS West? We talk about all of that and more and chat with WFC2 standout Nelson Pierre, who made it three goals in three games on Saturday. We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is a chat with MLS Apple TV analyst, and former scourge of MLS defences everywhere, Sacha Kljestan. We get Sacha's thoughts about the Whitecaps start to the season, their key players, and the MLS West, plus we talk about his continuing US Open Cup run with Des Moines Menace, switching to punditry, and the US national team woes and whether Brian White can save them. Turning our attention to the CPL, we chat with Pacific FC head coach James Merriman ahead of the new season that gets underway next weekend. We look back at last season, the offseason rebuild, the season ahead, plans for youth players and L1BC, and more. Plus we find out if new Pacific addition, Whitecaps loanee goalkeeper Max Anchor, fancies a chocolate digestive! And after another eventful week for Canada Soccer we talk about the blame game and fingerpointing around Alphonso Davies' injury by Bayern Munich and his agent against the CSA, plus Zach regales us will tales of his trip to the CONCACAF Nations League finals and we look at the admonishment handed out to former men's national team coach John Herdman. Music-wise Athena feature in Wavelength, Sleeper wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month, there's a Britpop song from Joyrider, and special song from Franz Ferdinand that we're dedicating to Lorenzo Insigne. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.25: Intro - football galore and spring break 15.06: Whitecaps goalless and with more injury concerns after Toronto stalemate 33.40: The lie of the land in the MLS West 42.55: Nelson Pierre interview and WFC2 chat 56.10: Sacha Kljestan interview 83.43: James Merriman interview 110.05: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Max Anchor 117.10: Zach's trip to the Nations League finals 133.53: Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich, and the Canada Soccer blame game 155.30: Herdman admonished by disciplinary hearing 162.15: Wavelength - Athena - Holigan
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and CONCACAF Nations League chat and we're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo this week to talk about it all. Canada went into the CONCACAF Nations League finals with real hope of lifting their first trophy in 25 years, but a semi-final loss to Mexico shattered those dreams, before a feelgood win over the US end the tournament on a high for Les Rouges. We pick over the bones of both matches, the lessons that can be learned from them, and what some of the performances of individual players may mean for the future. Is Alphonso Davies still trying to do too much? Are some of the old guard needing to step aside? Do we have a number one goalkeeper at the moment? We chat about all of that and more. Turning our attention to the club game, Vancouver Whitecaps lost their first MLS match of the season, when a short-handed and disjointed side fell at home to Chicago. A mere blip to their good start, some real concerns about depth, or a mixture of both? We look back at the game, what can be taken from it, and look ahead to getting back on track in the Canadian derby against a poor Toronto side. Our feature interview this episode is with a Whitecaps first-teamer that's gone out for loan to the CPL for the season, goalkeeper Max Anchor. We chat to Max about his move to Pacific FC, his footballing journey so far, some of the new goalkeeper rules, and more. It's also Football Violence Awareness Month at AFTN Towers and we review the Netflix Polish football hooligan drama Kibic, while Antisocial feature in Wavelength. Plus Sleeper continue their residency as our Album of the Month, there's another Britpop song from Ash, and we talk World Cup qualification, the US Open Cup, and the new UK Ballers League. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro - World Cup qualifiers, US Open Cup 12.45: Canada's Nations League rollercoaster 51.50: Whitecaps depth tested in Chicago loss 79.06: Max Anchor interview 102.40: Pacific FC chat 110.45: TVOD - Kibic (Hooligan) 116.00: Wavelength - Antisocial - Official Hooligan
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Jesper Juggernaut rolls on in Vancouver, with the Whitecaps putting in a tremendous performance to make history against Monterrey in Champions Cup action, then following that up with another victory in MLS play to stay top of the table. We look back at both matches, the main talking points coming out of them, and the key performances. Plus we hear Jesper Sorensen's first thoughts of playing through an international break, chat with Brian White about that night in Mexico and heading off to play for the USMNT, and chat with J.C. Ngando about breaking into the 'Caps first team after going out on loan last season. We have two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is new Apple TV MLS analyst Dax McCarty. We chat with the 19-year MLS veteran about (primarily) hanging up his boots and moving into TV-land, get his thoughts so far on Vancouver Whitecaps this season, chat about him playing US Open Cup next week with Des Moines Menace, Brian White's US national team call-up, and more. Our second feature interview is with the man who has started every match for the Whitecaps so far this season, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. We talk with Seba about the 'Caps start to the year, next week's Berhalter derby with his dad Gregg as Chicago come to town, his free kick prowess, and more. Plus we kick off a new food feature with him and have a pizza party! It's Football Violence Awareness Month at AFTN Towers and we look back at the movie The Football Factory and feature a very NSFW song in Wavelength that samples lines from the film! All of that plus Sleeper continue their residency as our Album of the Month and there's another Britpop song from Supergrass. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.40: Intro - border crossing for football, stadiums that fit team needs 13.42: Whitecaps' monumental night in Mexico against Monterrey 46.40: Vancouver remain perfect in MLS play after dominant Dallas win 62.51: J.C. Ngando audio 69.57: Another short-handed international window next vs Chicago 73.30: Brian White audio 78.05: Chicago preview and more MLS chat 89.20: Interview with MLS analyst Dax McCarty 120.25: Sebastian Berhalter interview 134.10: Sebastian Berhalter's Pizza Party 139.32: TVOD - The Football Factory 145.30: Wavelength - DJ Paul Elstak - You're A Hardcore Hooligan
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and FIFA chat. The Whitecaps keep rolling with a very strong performance against Mexican powerhouse CF Monterrey in Champions Cup action, followed by a victory over CF Montreal in MLS action in their Canadian derby that saw them go top of the Western Conference standings. We pick over the bones of both matches and the main talking points coming out of them. We look at the standout performances, chat about Jesper Sorensen's early enforced use of his squad depth, and ponder just how much Ryan Gauld's knee injury could derail the 'Caps excellent start depending on how severe it is and how quickly the club act to bring in another piece. We also chat with Montreal's Canadian midfielder Victor Loturi about coming back to Canada to play in MLS, his time in Scotland, and how playing in the CPL shaped him as a player. It's also been a newsworthy week for FIFA with the 2026 World Cup countdown continuing apace and we talk halftime shows, government taskforces, bitcoin, weather concerns, further expansion to 64 teams, and Canada's latest plans. All of this, plus Sleeper kick off their residency as our Album of the Month, there's another Britpop song, and it's Football Violence Awareness Month in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - CPL preseason, extra podcasts, jersey chat 12.30: Will Whitecaps' blistering start be derailed by Gauld injury? 22.28: Whitecaps very much in the hunt against Monterrey 60.05: Dominant Vancouver dispatch Montreal 100.41: Victor Loturi interview 110.15: FIFA World Cup 2026 chat - halftime shows, bitcoin, 64 team expansion, weather concerns 150.20: Wavelength - Slaughter and the Dogs - Where Have All The Bootboys Gone? 157.20: Goodbyes - Bayern are 125, East Fife back to winning ways, Clyde Only Fans controversy!
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup chat, and we're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo again to do it all this episode. It's been a good start to the Jesper Sorensen era in Vancouver. Advancing in the Champions Cup with an aggregate win over Saprissa and a dominant dismantling of Portland in MLS action has certainly put a spring in the steps of those of a blue and white persuasion. We take a look at the takeaways from both matches and look ahead to the visit of the LA Galaxy in MLS action and Mexican giants CF Monterrey in the next round of the cup next week. Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster held a media roundtable on Wednesday. We bring you that in full and unpack some of the main talking points around the make up of the roster, new additions, the latest on the sale, the MLS schedule, and more. All of this, plus Pop Will Eat Itself wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month, there's Norwegian Oi in this episode's Wavelength, and another Britpop song. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro 06.57: Whitecaps see off Saprissa in Champions Cup 31.15: Tough Monterrey test now awaits in Round of 16 44.15: Whitecaps destroy Timbers in MLS season opener 82.10: Axel Schuster media roundtable 128.00: Unpacking Axel 145.40: Wavelength - Premier League - Kick Off Time
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup chat, and we're joined by AFTN writer Felipe Vallejo to do it all this episode. The Whitecaps finally played their first competitive game of 2025, and while the end result of the Champions Cup clash with Saprissa wasn't what they were hoping for down in Costa Rica, there were a lot of positives and and an away goal to take from the tie. We delve into the match, look ahead to the MLS season opener in Portland and hear from 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and Timbers boss Phil Neville. As the new MLS season gets underway, we preview what is shaping up to be an interesting and unpredictable Western Conference, with some clear standout teams, some movers and shakers, and some teams that we just don't know what to expect from them yet this season. We cast our eyes over the Whitecaps' 14 Western rivals and bring you a special collaboration piece we did previewing Vancouver themselves on the Soccerwise podcast. All of this, plus former Whitecaps captain Kendall Waston runs through our infamous food segments, Pop Will Eat Itself continue their residency as our Album of the Month and feature again in this episode's Wavelength, there's another Britpop song, and we pay tribute to the recently departed Jam drummer Rick Butler. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.25: Intro 05.35: Whitecaps lose late to Saprissa 28.34: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? Or Jam? Or Takeout food? - Kendall Waston edition 32.40: Portland preview with Phil Neville audio 48.10: MLS West Season Preview - Austin, Colorado, Dallas, Houston, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Minnesota 91.00: MLS West Season Preview - Portland, RSL, San Jose, San Diego, Seattle, SKC, St Louis 132.10: Michael's Whitecaps season preview on Soccerwise podcast 167.30: Wavelength - Pop Will Eat Itself - Reclaim The Game Funk FIFA
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup chat and interviews. The wait is almost over, with the first competitive matches of the season coming up thick and fast this week for the Whitecaps in both league and cup action. The 'Caps have added two players to bolster their roster, with another key piece, experienced Mexican forward Daniel Rios, set to join on loan for the season any day now. Are the team ready to go? We chat with 'Caps coach Jesper Sorensen and ask just that, plus talk tactics, transfers, and more in the first of three one-on-one interviews this episode. Our feature interview is spread over two parts, as we sit down with former Whitecaps captain Kendall Waston in an extensive 50-minute interview to chat about his time in Vancouver, his love for the city, his successes here, the truth about his controversial departure, his footballing career and journey, playing at two World Cups, and now facing his former side in Champions Cup action. As if all of those interviews weren't enough, we bring you a third one this episode as we chat with new Whitecaps winger Emmanuel Sabbi for the first time to talk about his move to Vancouver and MLS, his footballing journey so far, what he brings to the team, going up against Jesper Sorensen's sides in Denmark, does he fancy a chocolate digestive, and more. All of this, plus Pop Will Eat Itself continue their residency as our Album of the Month and feature in this episode's Wavelength, there's another Britpop song, a prog rock number to explain a few things, and it's our final Hot Chocolate Boy of the year. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro - 'Caps looking sharp, Cavs fall just short, new Peak kit 09.07: Whitecaps add two as season set to begin 14.20: Jesper Sorensen talks tactics, transfers, and the season ahead 26.25: Daniel Rios set to be newest Whitecap 31.25: Hot Chocolate Boy - La Saison de Patisserie and Top 3 45.25: Kendall Waston interview - part one 83.55: Kendall Waston interview - part two 119.10: Emmanuel Sabbi interview 129.25: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Emmanuel Sabbi 130.45: Wavelength - Pop Will Eat Itself - Touched By The Hand of Cicciolina
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian soccer chat and interviews. As the Whitecaps wrap up their preseason in Spain, we've a special feature interview for you this episode as we sit down for our first one-on-one chat with new 'Caps coach Jesper Sørensen. We chat for 30 minutes with Jesper about his footballing journey so far, both on and off the pitch, his influences, his inspirations, and what this season might hold in store for both him and the team. It's a new era and the Whitecaps will look a little different out there. We also wrap up the last preseason match, look at the impact Trump will have on travelling Whitecaps supporters this season, and ponder what the turbulent offseason will mean for attendances at BC Place. Plus we look at Cavalry FC doing Canada proud in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, hear from head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr, and look at the rumoured Canadian Premier League expansion in 2026 in BC and Ontario. All of this plus we talk Alphonso Davies re-signing at Bayern Munich, a weekend of cup drama in England and Scotland, characters in football crowds, our Hot Chocolate Boy and Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? segments are back, Pop Will Eat Itself continue their residency as our Album of the Month, we've another Britpop song, and Wavelength features a song about Danish legend Michael Laudrup. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - Phonzie re-signs, cup drama and upsets, characters in the crowd 14.15: CITR Radion's 2025 Fundrive 17.40: Whitecaps wrap up preseason in Spain with another win 22.42: Whitecaps fans shun Portland and US travel 36.47: Hot Chocolate Boy - To Live For and Eternal Abundance 49.05: Jesper Sørensen one-on-one interview 86.28: Unpacking Jesper - will the fans be patient? 106.30: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Jesper Sørensen 112.30: Cavalry FC do Canadian soccer proud 131.55: CPL expansion coming to BC and Ontario? 141.00: Wavelength - Cousin Feo - M. Laudrup
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian Premier League, and Canadian national team chat and interviews. What a week it's been in Whitecapsland! The big news was the sudden departure of Designated Player Stuart Armstrong to English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday and we're joined by Harjeet Johal to chat about the mess of how all of it played out. We also look at the latest two preseason matches for the 'Caps that saw a draw and a win, plus the team skipping this year's Leagues Cup and what that might mean to the Canadian Championship games. We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is new Whitecaps winger Jayden Nelson who talks about his move to Vancouver, his footballing journey so far, his highs and lows over in Europe, the driving motivations to impress ahead of next year's World Cup, and just what do they put in the Brampton water?! Next up is the man he is trying to impress, Canadian men's head coach Jesse Marsch. We chat with Jesse about his love of the game, where it all started, who shaped him along the way, where he calls home after a career of travels, and what legacies he'd like to see in the country after next year's World Cup. After all of that, we hear from him on getting ready for 2026, bringing games to Vancouver, the BC Place pitch, and more. We also look at the big move for local lad Grady McDonnell, who heads to Club Brugges' second team in Belgium from Vancouver FC, in a big transfer for the CPL. All of this plus our Hot Chocolate Boy and Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? segments are back, Pop Will Eat Itself begin their residency as our Album of the Month, we've another Britpop song, and Wavelength features a song about Sheffield Wednesday for obvious reasons! Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - tariffs and what they could mean for Canadian football 15.54: Hot Chocolate Boy - Caffe Artigiano 23.55: A preseason draw and a win for Whitecaps in Spain 30.22: No Leagues Cup for Whitecaps, Saturday games for Can Champ? 38.00: Goodbye Stuart Armstrong - we hardly knew ye (with Har Journalist) 71.50: The Whitecaps are in a state of flux 94.20: Jayden Nelson interview 116.13: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Jayden Nelson 121.28: Jesse Marsch interview - Part One - what made the man? 138.25: Jesse Marsch interview - Part Two - the road ahead 158.02: VFC's Grady McDonnell transferred to Belgium 172.10: Wavelength - Big Ron's Barmy Army (aka Paul Carrack) - It's A Praise For Sheffield Wednesday
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, Northern Super League, and World Cup chat. The Whitecaps got their preseason action on the pitch underway last week in Spain with a narrow loss to Polish championship contenders Raków Częstochowa. We delve into what we gleaned from the match, the addition of Canadian winger Jayden Nelson to the team, talk Brian White's good week for his country, and find out just what is Sebastian Berhalter's Favourite Jam! Our feature interview this episode is with the man that got a goal and an assist in that first preseason match, Whitecaps centre back Tristan Blackmon. We chat with Tiki about his time in Vancouver so far, life under a new coach, his footballing heroes, and his new found love of darts among other things. Plus we look at what might be the legacy in Vancouver from the 2026 World Cup as the plan to improve Memorial Park gets shelved by the city, and we talk a busy preseason week in the CPL and NSL, as Vancouver Rise add more players and try out a few local and experienced faces. All of this plus Hot Chocolate Boy is back, the Rakes wrap up their residency as Album of the Month, we've another Britpop song, and Wavelength features a song all about Ajax, as we debate - is football art? Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - drama on the stage and late drama off the pitch 11.45: Hot Chocolate Boy - Dough Girls and 49th Parallel 21.27: Vancouver's legacy from the 2026 World Cup - or lack of? 46.20: Whitecaps preseason gets underway with a narrow loss 50.56: Jayden Nelson joins the 'Caps 58.16: Brian White - an American hero 63.50: Sebastian Berhalter's Favourite Jam 69.46: Tristan Blackmon interview 99.55: Vancouver Rise add players and try out many more 114.15: CPL news of the week 127.25: Wavelength - Robbie and the Kock - Ajax Is Art
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat. The Whitecaps unveiled their new head coach, Jesper Sorensen last week. We look at our initial impressions of the Dane from what was said and the lack of additions to the 'Caps squad. Maybe the new MLS roster rules will help the Whitecaps bolster their numbers. We delve into the new cash trade mechanism in the league and the new off-roster homegrown rules, plus we get the thoughts of Vancouver CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster on it all. Turning our attention to the CPL, Vancouver's roster has been decimated by the retiral of Ben Fisk, the release of players, and the pending transfers of a couple of young starlets. It's early days, but they need a big rebuild, something provincial rivals Pacific are starting to do nicely, with a couple of familiar faces set to return. We chat about all of that plus the drama out east at Forge over Beni Badibanga. All of this plus Hot Chocolate Boy returns, the Rakes continue as Album of the Month and we've another Wavelength song to honour the recent passing of the legendary Scot, Denis Law. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - beavers, cereals, and podcast places 08.16: Hot Chocolate Boy - Melt Confectionary and To Live For 19.02: MLS roster changes and the thoughts of Axel Schuster 35.05: Cash transfers now possible in MLS 47.55: New MLS Homegrown off-roster improvements 60.30: The short lived Anderson Duarte rumour 63.30: Jesper Sorensen introduced - initial thoughts 77.15: Retiral, releases, and transfers decimate Vancouver FC roster 114.50: An old CPL face set to return, as a current one refuses to 125.00: Wavelength - The Men They Couldn't Hang - Denis Law and Ali McGraw
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Rise, Northern Super League, Canadian women's national team, and League1 Canada chat. It's been quite the week in Canadian women's soccer circles. On the domestic side, the NSL teams are adding to their rosters apace, with Vancouver Rise announcing their marquee signing, Quinn. We bring you the introductory press conference from the Canadian international midfielder and talk about what their signing means to the league and to the Rise. Plus we find out if they fancy a chocolate digestive and chat with Rise President Sinead King about the signing, playing out of Swangard, future signings, and more. On the international stage, the Canadian women's national team have a new head coach, Casey Stoney. We look at the appointment and talk to Casey about her previous Canada memories and the launch of the country's new domestic league, plus we hear a bit from her introductory presser about why she took the job and the baggage that's coming with it. We also bring you the second part of our interview with TSS Rovers Sporting Director Colin Elmes, as we talk about the eco-system of Canadian soccer, the chances of TSS making the jump to the CPL, and exciting news about a possible new stadium for the club. Plus we look at how the CPL clubs plan to, and should, utilize League1 Canada, hear from York's Pasquel Brothers and Forge's Bobby Smyrniotis on that subject, look at the Canada Soccer directive affecting players who have to decide between amateur nationals and the Canadian Championship, and we say farewell to a couple of legends - Denis Law and David Lynch. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.29: Intro 06.25: Quinn joins Vancouver Rise 20.50: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Quinn 22.54: Rise President Sinead King interview 31.00: Casey Stoney on becoming CanWNT coach and NSL 45.26: TSS Rovers' Colin Elmes Interview - Part Two 86.06: RIP David Lynch 93.12: Players lose out in Canada Soccer Canadian Championship directive 104.00: League1 Canada and the CPL teams 117.40: Wavelength - Rod Stewart and Denis Law - Angel
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, League1 BC, and Canadian college chat. Vancouver Whitecaps' coaching search is over and the new man at the helm is 51-year-old Dane Jesper Sørensen. The former Brondy and Denmark U21 head coach bring a wealth of experience to Vancouver as a player and a manager. We delve into the appointment and ponder what will the hire mean to the 'Caps? Some fans are enthused, some feel it's underwhelming, but we won't know until the season plays out. The appointment sees every MLS coaching search complete. We look at the other hires around the league this year, including Robin Fraser to Toronto FC. A surprisingly underwhelming appointment or a shrewd one? Plus we look at some coaching extensions in the CPL. We've two feature interviews to bring you this week. First up is part one of a two-part interview with TSS Rovers Sporting Director and co-owner Colin Elmes. This episode we chat with Colin about the successful 2024 for the Rovers, look ahead to what 2025 might have in store for them, as the Whitecaps potentially await in the Canadian Championship, and talk finances, losses, and the question everyone always asks, what is all that share money used for?! Turning our attention to the college game, 2024 was a very successful one for BC schools. None more so than UBC Thunderbirds, who achieved an unprecedented USPORTS double on the men's and the women's side. We chat with UBC midfielder Joven Mann about a great year for the team and him personally, his footballing journey through the Whitecaps, and the adventure that now awaits after he was selected by HFX Wanderers in the 2025 CPL draft. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro 07.45: The Whitecaps finally have their man - welcome Jesper Sørensen 29.50: The MLS managerial merry-go-round is complete 45.47: Ghotbi and Dos Santos given CPL extensions 53.40: TSS Rovers' Colin Elmes Interview - Part One 98.05: UBC Thunderbirds' Joven Mann interview 118.35: Wavelength - Nine Steps To Ugly - Bobby Charlton's Haircut
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Canadian Premier League chat. Our extensive interview with Axel Schuster in the last episode certainly produced a lot of chatter and we unpack some of what the Whitecaps CEO told us in this episode around the search for a new coach, the search for new owners, the search for new players, and more. Our first feature interview of 2025 sees us sit down for an in-depth chat with the man that lifted his first CPL North Star Cup last year, Tommy Wheeldon Jr. We chat with the Cavalry head coach about the successful 2024 for the team, the chance to take on Mexican opposition in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the return of an Albertan derby, taking the next step forward in 2025, Jay Herdman, Myer Bevan, the state of the CPL, his beloved Everton, and more. We also look back at Pacific's two latest additions, the current quiet time at Vancouver FC, and look at an interesting year for York United, both on and off the pitch, as we chat with Mexican owners the Pasquel brothers about their first year in charge. Plus we get the thoughts of Bobby Smyrniotis, James Merriman and Tommy Wheeldon Jr about the need for some kind of VAR in the CPL and look at the stadium issues that plague Canadian soccer. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.35: Intro - another new year awaits 07.30: Unpacking Axel Schuster's State of the Whitecaps interview 38.33: Pacific add two, all quiet at VFC, and Forge busy again 68.32: The Pasquel brothers' first year in charge at York 75.20: Canadian soccer has a stadium issue 93.30: Tommy Wheeldon Jr interview 142.25: The vital need for some kind of VAR in the CPL 149.55: What we'd love to change in the CPL 169.45: Wavelength - Robb Johnson - Life Is Football
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian national team, and general Canadian football chat. It's our last show of 2024 - our New Year Special! What a year it's been. For the Whitecaps it was one that promised so much, saw some relative highs amongst disappointment, and then ended in turbulent fashion with the sacking of head coach Vanni Sartini and the announcement that the club was up for sale. Never has the phrase "out with the old, in with the new" been more applicable to the team. We sit down with Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster in our 40 minute annual "State of the Whitecaps" interview to chat about it all, to look ahead to 2025, and more. What's happening with the coaching search? What's the sale interest been like? What players could we see coming in? There's a lot to talk about. We also bring you our Canadian national teams end of year review, in what was a wild 2024 both on and off the pitch, plus we chat with Cindy Tye about her year with the U20s and senior women's team. All of this plus we look at the other Whitecaps news of the week as two players get set to depart, the breaking news that Vancouver FC's Rob Friend has taken up a CEO job in Malaysia, we hand out our final end of the year awards (heroes and villains edition), and music-wise we wrap up our 2024 Festive 15 with the songs that came in at the top three positions. Who will take the coveted number one spot?! And we finish 2024 with an absolute quality Wavelength song from Armchair Loyal. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.41: Intro- Christmas, New Year, and 2024 musings 26.17: A 2024 Football In Memoriam 29.00: Whitecaps News of the Week 36.00: Vancouver FC's Rob Friend become CEO of Malaysian FA 43.11: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #3 Fontaines D.C. - In The Modern World 48.20: Axel Schuster's State of the Whitecaps interview 88.56: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #2 Electric Callboy and Babymetal - Ratatata 94.10: Canadian national teams Year in Review 125.37: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #1 Fontaines D.C. - Starbuster 131.38: More AFTN End of Year awards - heroes and villains edition 162.25: Blankety Blank! 169.20: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - Shit 'n' Miss
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show and it's our 2024 Christmas Special, so jump on the Polar Express for a couple of hours of Festive Fun as we have football chat, presents, games, music, and a few surprise guests dropping in throughout the show to chat about a whole variety of things! So dig out the egg nog, have another mince pie, and ponder do you really need that item in the Boxing Day sales?! Major League Soccer gave Whitecaps fans an early Christmas present as they released the 2025 schedule last week, giving fans in Vancouver and throughout the league a chance to plan ahead early and perhaps book some trips with discounts in those very sales. We delve into what is a tough, tantalizing, and at times disappointing set of fixtures for the 'Caps. Plus we chat a bit more about the 'Caps seemingly completed search for a new coach and ponder is the MLS draft now redundant after it felt buried this year? Bringing in the Christmas cheer, we sit down with Whitecaps goalkeepers Isaac Boehmer and Yohei Takaoka, and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter to chat about what Christmas is like in their respective families, their traditions, and what they're hoping to find under the tree this year. All of this plus we have three Christmas hits from 1974 to round off our year of Whitecaps 50th anniversary celebrations, look back at what Christmas was like in 1974, we play some fun games that you can join in on at home, and Michael even gives you a potted version of the musical Oliver! Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.20: Intro - getting into the Christmas spirit, gift exchanges 22.23: Whitecaps MLS schedule throws up challenging 2025 45.10: A Berhalter Family Christmas 51.10: Who Am I? - Part One 62.38: Mud - Lonely This Christmas 68.00: A 1974 Christmas 78.13: Connect Four 90.35: The Whitecaps new coach - who could it be?! 95.06: Is the draft now redundant in MLS? 102.50: The Wombles - A Wombling Merry Christmas 107.38: A Boehmer Family Christmas 117.45: Who Am I? - Part Two 133.47: Showaddywaddy - Hey Mr Christmas 139.10: A Takaoka Christmas 144.20: Christmas Countdown 158.00: Wavelength - Robb Johnson - When My Grandfather Played Football 176.10: Glasvegas - Silent Night
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Rise, and Canadian Premier League chat. The offseason keeps rolling on apace in the North American soccer leagues. MLS held a somewhat farcical untelevised SuperDraft on Friday. The Whitecaps added two players and we chat with one of them, University of North Carolina Freshman Tate Johnson who was picked by the 'Caps in the first round. We also chat with Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster about the team's two draft picks and we get a tantalising little tease about the search for a new manager. It looks like it's done and it's not a Canadian! It's been a busy week for the new club in town, NSL side Vancouver Rise, who announced their first five signings. We look back at who has been revealed so far, hear from the club's first signing, Canadian defender Shannon Woeller, and talk with club President Sinead King about a couple of off the pitch aspects of the new team. Turning our attention to the CPL, we look at the offseason so far for the two BC teams, Pacific and Vancouver, as roster decisions are made and rebuilding begins. Plus music-wise we continue our 2024 Festive 15 with the songs that came in at the numbers 4 to 6 positions. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro 03.50: Whitecaps add two in farcical MLS SuperDraft 15.18: Axel Schuster on draft picks and manager search 30.05: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #6 Fontaines D.C. - Romance 34.00: Vancouver Rise add first five players 68.41: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #5 Soft Play - Everything and Nothing 75.55: Pacific FC's offseason so far 94.19: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #4 Idles - Gift Horse 100.10: Vancouver FC's offseason so far 123.30: Wavelength - Cha Cha 2000 - Tired Legs At The End Of The Game
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and Canadian soccer chat. The Whitecaps' owners dropped the bombshell announcement last week that the club were up for sale. That's naturally led to a lot of questions, concerns, worry, and more for supporters. We're joined by Harjeet Johal to delve into a lot of those questions in this episode, including will the team stay in Vancouver, who might the new owners be, does the lack of their own stadium and tangible assets affect things, what does it mean for the search for a new head coach and more. Plus we hear some thoughts from Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster about the sale. In happier Whitecaps news, we look at the draw for them and the other Canadian teams in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup and Canadian Championship, which has thrown up some pre-Christmas crackers for the season to come. Plus we hear from Cavalry President Ian Allison, as he explains why they need to play their Pumas tie on Vancouver Island, and music-wise we continue our 2024 Festive 15 with the songs that came in at the numbers 7 to 9 positions. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.47: Intro - why is my wife eating our Christmas food now?! 06.25: Vancouver Whitecaps are up for sale 21.20: Axel Schuster on Whitecaps sale 33.33: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #9 Sputn1k - Oh No 36.15: Will the Whitecaps stay in Vancouver and other big questions 78.16: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #8 The Jesus and Mary Chain - Discoteque 83.40: Whitecaps to face off against Kendall Waston's Saprissa in Champions Cup 93.25: Cavalry and Forge draw Mexican opposition in Champions Cup 103.55: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #7 Ice3peak - Hate You 107.45: Canadian Championship draws throws up tantalizing ties 121.22: More Whitecaps and WFC2 roster decisions announced 127.14: Wavelength - The Mercernaries - Hands Off The Hibs 133.10: Some final thoughts on the Whitecaps sale and some weekend's football action
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and general soccer chat, in what's been another eventful week in the world of Canadian football. It's D & D time in North American soccer, but instead of rolling the dice for some fantasy fun, it's clubs doing so in terms of a multitude of Drafts and Draws. Last week saw an insufferable draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, that doesn't bode well for what the one for the 2026 World Cup will look like, and there's a plethora of draws and drafts coming up over the next fortnight. Seattle will be hosting six matches in the Club World Cup. Will there even be one or will the players revolt? And what lessons, good and bad, might we glean for 2026 from the tournament's format and kick off times? MLS Commissioner Don Garber gave his annual State of the League address last week. We pick over the bones of the main takeaways and talking points around the future schedule, how MLS will approach the various cup competitions next year, Apple TV metrics, and more. Our feature interview this episode is with the Whitecaps Canadian Championship hero, goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer. It's been quite the 2024 for Isaac and we recap it here, as he battles for the number one jersey with the 'Caps next year. Could he also earn his first Canadian call-up in Jesse Marsch's Camp Poutine? And how is Muffin getting on? We get all the important answers! All of this plus Ryan Gauld muses about Scotland's Nations League campaign and looks ahead to this Friday's UEFA World Cup qualifying draw, Forge FC head coach Bobby Smyrniotis talks to us about the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup draw and next year's Canadian Championship, and music-wise we kick off our 2024 Festive 15 with the songs that came in at the numbers 10 to 12 positions. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.24: Intro - advent calendars, a day with Dick, Spotify wrapped 15.21: Seattle host six matches after insufferable Club World Cup draw 39.40: Whitecaps, Cavalry, and Forge will soon learn Champions Cup fate 43.23: Bobby Smyrniotis on Champions Cup and Canadian Championship 52.37: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #12 Lambrini Girls - Company Culture 57.05: Garber's MLS State of the League - the main talking points 93.07: LA Galaxy win 6th MLS Cup 105.06: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #11 Sputn1k - Boys Never Cry 108.15: Isaac Boehmer interview 132.36: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #10 Mogwai - Lion Rumpus 137.25: Ryan Gauld talks Scotland, Nations League, and World Cup qualification 145.25: Wavelength - Halftime Oranges - Yesterday's Hero
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and general soccer chat, in what's been another eventful week in the world of Canadian football. The fallout from Vanni Sartini's sacking continues in Vancouver in what has been somewhat of a managerial merry-go-round in MLS these past two months and he was joined in the employment line this past week by John Herdman in Toronto. We look at Herdman's departure at TFC, ponder what's next for him and Vanni, and look again at some of the candidates to replace them in what is now a very busy market. Plus we get the thoughts of Whitecaps captain Ryan Gauld on Sartini leaving the Whitecaps. Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps 18-year-old midfielder Jeevan Badwal. We chat with the homegrown star about his whirlwind past two years, signing his first MLS deal, what lies ahead, the pressure of trying to be the South Asian player that breaks through, playing in a World Cup, and more. We continue our Whitecaps awards for 2024, handing out gongs for Game, Goal, Save, and Miss of the Year. Plus we talk MLS Cup, FA Cup, Alphonso Davies' DUI, and music-wise we kick off our 2024 Festive 15 with the songs that came in at the numbers 13 to 15 positions. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.06: Intro - Tayay fever, Ted Lasso, Phonzie DUI, FA Cup drama 17.22: It's LA v NY in MLS Cup as Puig tears ACL 24.50: Ryan Gauld on Vanni Sartini's departure 40.26: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #15 Kosmetika - Pictures Are Gone 45.00: MLS Managerial Merry-go-round - Herdman out in Toronto 61.15: MLS Managerial Merry-go-round - What's next for Whitecaps and TFC? 76.43: Few surprises with Whitecaps roster decisions 83.41: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #14 Mayflower Madame - A Foretold Ecstasy 89.11: Jeevan Badwal interview 118.15: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Jeevan Badwal 122.00: AFTN's 2024 Festive 15 - #13 Mog - Playing Along 125.45: AFTN's Whitecaps 2024 awards - Game, Goal, Save and Miss of the Year 149.17: Wavelength - Paul Nicholas - Yesterday's Hero
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Rise, Major League Soccer, and international soccer chat, in what's been quite the week in the eventful world of Canadian football. After six years at the club, over three of them as head coach, Vancouver Whitecaps fired Vanni Sartini. We react to the news announced on Monday morning and hear the thoughts of CEO Axel Schuster on why the decision was taken, the search for a successor, and how he feels the season went. What is next for the club in that regard and was this the right decision? Plus in happier news, we kick off our Whitecaps end of season awards with seven players awards. Let us know if you agree with our choices! One coach may be departing the city, but Vancouver Rise announced their first head coach this week. We hear from Anja Heiner-Moller about coming back to Vancouver, while Stephanie Labbe talks about the hire and roster build, and Rise President Sinead King chats about the search for a stadium to call home - will it be Swangard and what would it mean for its existing tenants. Plus we look at the Globe and Mail's expose of a horrific culture with the Canadian women's national team, chat about the over saturation of international matches and how it affects the players, with the thoughts of Jesse Marsch and Stephen Eustachio, Prolapse wrap up their residency as our Album of the Month and there's more Britpop songs. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.29: Intro - Ted Lasso, finally! 09.37: Vanni Sartini fired - our thoughts and those of Axel Schuster 62.10: Whitecaps 2024 awards - part one 85.15: Vancouver Rise have their first head coach 100.33: Steph Labbe and Rise roster build and coach appointment 108.39: Sinead King on the Rise and Swangard Stadium 120.55: Toxic culture revealed within CanWNT 157.05: The international calendar and match overload for players 177.00: Wavelength - Peter Dean - Can't Get A Ticket For The World Cup 181.35: The price of World Cup 2026
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian and international soccer chat. The Whitecaps season ending and season preparing period is now underway. We bring you some audio from Vanni Sartini's end of season press conference as he ponders the season that was, what went well, what didn't, and what needs to change for next year. We also muse about Vanni's tactics, pieces needed, his future, and more as we look ahead to a busy month to come with player decisions needing to be made, the trade window and free agency opening, and the expansion draft for San Diego upcoming. What 12 players should the Whitecaps protect? We're joined this week by AFTN writer Scott Strasser to talk about all things soccer in Calgary as we look back on Cavalry's fantastic season that saw them win a first ever CPL championship title and look ahead to the new women's team in town, Calgary Wild, in the Northern Super League. We also look at the fallout from the investigation report into Dronegate and ask what it means for John Herdman and others, and look back at the Canadian men's national team's win in Suriname. Plus Prolapse continue their residency as our Album of the Month, there's more Britpop songs, and we have a song about recently retired Irish international Aiden McGeady in this episode's Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - congrats SFU, Bluesky, social media, Swifties 17.00: Vanni's end of season Whitecaps musings - what went right, what didn't? 60.27: The Whitecaps month ahead and the decisions to be made 94.50: Scott Strasser talks all things Calgary soccer 147.30: Dronegate investigation report released 162.45: Canada men win in Suriname 167.57: Wavelength - The Deprivations - Little Red Elvis
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat. It's that sad time of the year. A time of endings. Teams' seasons are done. Players and coaches will be moving on. Leagues are over. The college season finishes and champions are crowned. What are we to do with our lives now?!! Well, talk about all of it for the next couple of months on the podcast of course, and look ahead to all of the seasons next year! The Whitecaps season came to a fighting, but also frustrating, end in LA on Friday night. The narrow 1-0 loss to LAFC in their third and deciding first round playoff match-up brings to an end a 50th anniversary season for the club that feels that it could, and should, have given so much more. We look back at the LAFC game and ponder what's next for the club, the players, and Vanni Sartini as we move into 2025. Was this year one of progression, regression, or just more of the same for the 'Caps? Turning our attention to the CPL, we look back at Cavalry lifting their first North Star Cup league championship, unpack some of the things coming out of Commissioner Mark Noonan's State of the League address, delve into the runners and riders for the confirmed two team league expansion in 2026, and revisit last week's chat about what we feel is wrong at Vancouver FC. All of this plus we look at a fantastic week for college soccer in BC, as UBC Thunderbirds win a historic two U SPORTS national championships and Capilano Blues go on an upset run for the ages to win bronze in the CCAA. Plus Prolapse continue their residency as our Album of the Month, there's more Britpop songs, and Goldie Lookin' Chain make a storming comeback in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro 06.55: Capilano Blues defy the odds to win CCAA bronze - my week at nationals 14.03: UBC win historic double U SPORTS championships 18.40: Whitecaps season ends in LA 43.35: Was Whitecaps' 2024 season one of progression, regression, or more of the same? 59.55: Whitecaps have some key player decisions to make 67.42: Does Vanni continue as 'Caps coach into 2025? 80.10: Miami playoff loss will cause tears of disappointment and joy! 91.00: Cavalry beat Forge to lift the CPL championship 106.25: Mark Noonan's State of the CPL address 127.10: CPL expansion - the runners and riders and where the two new teams should be 145.50: What's wrong with Vancouver FC - part two 163.10: Wavelength - Goldie Lookin' Chain - Full Kit 168.40: Trump and football - past, present, and future
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Vancouver FC, and Canadian Premier League chat. It was a beautiful Sunday at BC Place, surely what that old Daniel Boone song was eluding to all those years ago. Vancouver Whitecaps not only kept their season alive, they did it in some style in a 3-0 win over LAFC. It was a victory that gives a lot of hope going into Friday's 'lose and you're done' game three decider in LA. We're joined by Harjeet Johal to chat about the match, the main talking points coming out of it, and look ahead to the huge match coming up on Friday. Turning our attention to the Canadian Premier League, we look at two familiar foes facing off in next weekend's championship game, plus it's our end of season Vancouver FC review, where we look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Langley side's second season in the league. There's a lot of focus on the last two there, and the last part of the show sees Michael explain all the things that he feels is wrong with VFC, with Zach offering some counter views. All of this plus Prolapse kick off their residency as our Album of the Month, there's more Britpop songs, and we have an Ipswich song as a tribute to Trevor Whymark in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro - UBC champions x 2, college nationals, FA Cup drama 10.53: RIP Trevor Whymark and Alzheimer's in football 16.20: Har goes to Hollywood - and LAFC 28.45: Whitecaps thrash LAFC to set up game 3 decider 66.05: It's Cavalry v Forge again for the CPL championship 70.30: Vancouver FC end of season review 106.45: Everything that's wrong with Vancouver FC 154.05: Wavelength - Edward Ebeneezer and Supporters - Come on the Town
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, Northern Super League, and Canadian national team chat. The Whitecaps' playoff run is in full swing, starting with a total demolition of Portland in one of the games of their MLS era, followed up by a battling but ultimately narrow losing effort at LAFC. We pick over the bones of both matches and some of the main talking points coming out of them from both a player and coaching perspective. Do the 'Caps have what it takes to take LAFC to three games? We also chat about the rumoured change to the MLS schedule that would see them play an August to May season. Is it really feasible? Turning our attention to the CPL, we look at the playoffs that got underway this week and the ending of BC hopes as Pacific crash out. Plus on the women's side, Vancouver Rise are wanting to play out of Swangard Stadium. We look at their recent pitch to the City of Burnaby to make this happen and the potential obstacles that lie in their way. All of this plus there's Canadian men's national team chat, Kinky Machine wrap up their stint as our Album of the Month, there's more Britpop songs, and Armchair Loyal return to Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - another busy week 06.50: More details emerge on forced Whitecaps stadium switch 09.16: Whitecaps five star performance in Portland 40.22: Whitecaps lose first game in LAFC series 67.47: Is MLS set to change to an August to May schedule? 80.15: CPL playoffs underway as Pacific bow out 106.44: Vancouver Rise want to play at Swangard 126.36: Canadian Men's national team chat 142.25: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - It's A Man's Game Apparently 147.40: A little bit of politics!
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, Northern Super League, and Canadian national team chat. What a weekend of disappointment it was for both lower mainland teams, as Vancouver Whitecaps couldn't avoid the MLS Wild Card game and Vancouver FC couldn't make the CPL playoffs at all. We kick the show off with a look at the Whitecaps stuttering into the postseason, their latest loss to RSL, and the tough task ahead on Wednesday down in Portland in the play-in game. Can they suddenly re-find their spark and who should be the guys trusted to do that? We also look at the BC Place stadium debacle that has seen the 'Caps have to play their earned home game on the road - the latest in a long line of PR headaches for the club this pivotal anniversary year. Moving on to the CPL, we look at how the last weekend of the regular season played out and look ahead to the postseason. One that saw joy for Pacific as they clinched a playoff berth and heartbreak for Vancouver, as their season came to an end. Where did it all go wrong for VFC after such a good start and what changes need to be made? Turning our attention to the women's game, we hear some tasty tidbits about the Northern Super League from Diana Matheson and discuss how things are shaping up six months out of First Kick, and Katie Collar talks about joining the Canadian national team coaching staff. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.45: Intro - it's been a wet one 07.25: Whitecaps in MLS Play-in game after RSL loss 25.35: Timbers playoff preview 48.17: Stadium debacle the latest PR nightmare for Whitecaps 80.10: The CPL playoffs are set - Pacific postseason bound 96.45: Vancouver FC's season is over 132.15: Diana Matheson audio 148.10: Northern Super League discussion 163.18: Katie Collar talks joining CanWNT staff 171.25: Wavelength - State Waste - Punk Rock Football Player
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian Premier League chat and interviews, as decision day in both leagues looms. It's a CPL heavy episode as we look at the battle facing the two BC teams trying to make the playoffs. We look at the path ahead for both Pacific and Vancouver, hear from VFC head coach Afshin Ghotbi, and we bring you two feature interviews. First up is Pacific forward Dario Zanatta. The former Whitecap talks about his move back to Canada to play in the CPL with his hometown team, the highs and lows of his nine year spell in Scotland, his season with Pacific so far, and the battle for the postseason. Next up is Vancouver's Miki Cantave. We chat with Miki about his career so far, his European adventures, coming back to Canada, joining VFC, playing for Haiti, and his friendship with the Whitecaps' Fafa Picault. All of this, plus we look ahead to Vancouver Whitecaps' big Decision Day showdown in Utah as they battle for MLS placing, hear from assistant coach Michael D'Agostino about the big game with RSL, and we catch up with former Valour, and current Portland Thorns, head coach Rob Gale about his transition into the women's game and taking a familiar face with him. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.25: Intro - future podcast plans 09.10: All to play for in CPL's "The Outcome" day 15.19: VFC's Afshin Ghotbi's thoughts heading into Ottawa 35.50: Dario Zanatta interview and discussion 74.25: Miki Cantave interview 110.05: Rob Gale interview 122.07: RSL v Whitecaps preview 136.33: Wavelength - Sir Robert Orange Peel - Rage Quit
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, CPL, and women's soccer chat and interviews, and this episode we're joined by Harjeet Johal. The Whitecaps' playoff path looks grim, with a first round match-up against one of the strong LA teams looming, and even then, possibly only if they get through a play-in game. A loss to LAFC on Sunday saw them winless in six MLS matches. We pick over the bones of that one, the emotional comments of Vanni after the game, and what it all means to the team as they head into Decision Day. We've two interviews in this episode, both with former Whitecaps players who now ply their trade with LAFC. First up is the man who sits second in the all-time scoring list for MLS, Kei Kamara. Kei chats about his return to Los Angeles where his journey to the pros really all started for him, the win over the 'Caps, and how the way he left Vancouver still doesn't sit comfortably with him. We also chat with goalkeeper Thomas Hasal about his move to LA after injury, learning under a legend like Hugo Lloris, and hopes for the future. Turning our attention to the CPL, it's going down to the wire for Vancouver, Pacific, and Valour. We look at the weekend's action, the last games coming up next Saturday, and chat with the three head coaches about it all - Afshin Ghotbi, James Merriman, and Phillip Dos Santos. All of this, plus there's a look ahead to the Whitecaps Girls Elite's Champions Cup match-up with Christine Sinclair's Portland Thorns, we chat about the women's game in Canada at domestic and international level, there's more Britpop chat and music, Kinky Machine continue their stint as our Album of the Month, and NEESKENS return in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.30: Intro - giving thanks 09.28: Whitecaps lose it late to LA 40.37: Whitecaps playoff path looks grim 56.20: Kei Kamara interview and discussion 68.48: Thomas Hasal interview and discussion 80.30: Canadian women's soccer discussion as Sinc and the Thorns come to town 101.10: CPL round-up and coaches audio 157.45: Wavelength - NEESKENS - The Architects of Football
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, CPL, and international football chat and interviews. The Whitecaps are slumping and at the worst possible time, with the MLS playoffs fast approaching. Back-to-back home losses against Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United have seen the 'Caps in danger of being in the play-in game to get into the full postseason. We pick over the bones of those two horrible performances, try and pin down where it's all going wrong and why, and look at the lie of the land across MLS. At least Ryan Gauld is back and our feature interview is with the Whitecaps captain as we talk about earning his first senior Scotland cap and his whole experiences around his first two games. Plus we find out what is he going to do with his jerseys and how disappointing was it to find out you don't get an actual cap any more?! We also look at MLS continuing to play matches in the international break and Vanni Sartini, Axel Schuster, and Jesse Marsch weigh in with their thoughts on that. Turning our attention to the CPL, we look at the weekend's action and the fierce battle for the 5th and final playoff spot. Plus we chat with head coaches Afshin Ghotbi, Patrice Gheisar, Tommy Wheeldon Jr, and James Merriman after the latest round of matches. Plus we catch up with Jay Herdman to talk about his loan move to Cavalry, how he's fitting in, and his first CPL goal. All of this, plus there's more Britpop chat and music, Kinky Machine begin their stint as our Album of the Month, and Sir Robert Orange Peel return in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - road trips, gas prices, and footballing fortnights 09.45: Whitecaps' back to back home defeats cause concern 44.12: Where is it all going wrong for the 'Caps and why? 59.53: MLS round-up and the lie of the land 80.40: Playing through the international window - Axel, Vanni & Marsch weigh in 101.05: Ryan Gauld interview 117.22: CPL round-up and coaches audio 157.45: Jay Herdman on Cavalry loan deal 162.30: Wavelength - Sir Robert Orange Peel - Spiralling Out Of Control
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS chat and interviews. It's been a successful week for the Whitecaps. They won a third straight Canadian Championship and booked their spot in the 2024 MLS playoffs, all while turning in two less than inspiring performances. We look back a both the Toronto and Portland Timbers matches, hear some cup final audio from Isaac Boehmer, Bjorn Inge Utvik and Brian White, and look at the MLS West playoff race. There's a big week ahead for the Whitecaps Girls Elite too, as they host San Diego Wave in CONCACAF Women's Champions Cup action. We preview the match and bring you interviews with head coach Katie Collar and forward Jessica De Filippo. All of this, plus there's more Britpop chat and music, Big Country wrap up their stint as our Album of the Month, and Italian band Neeskens feature in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.10: Intro 03.35: Whitecaps threepeat in Canadian Championship 15.11: Bjorn Inge Utvik post final audio 18.25: Isaac Boehmer post final audio and discussion 27.35: Brian White post final audio 30.59: Canadian Championship needs further change 37.55: Whitecaps book playoff spot after uninspiring draw with Portland 73.45: Whitecaps Girls Elite vs San Diego Wave preview 76.00: Katie Collar interview 84.35: Jessica De Filippo interview 93.48: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Katie Collar 95.30: Christine Sinclair announces retirement 99.00: Wavelength - Neeskens - Go Johan Go! Kick That Fucking Penalty
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, CPL, and Canadian national team chat and interviews. It was a two-game week for the Whitecaps, but a tough one where they only took one point and fell down the MLS West standings. We pick over the bones of the draw in Houston and the loss in LA, look at the lie of the land in the MLS West, and preview Wednesday's big Canadian Championship final with Toronto. We've three interviews for you. First up is WFC2 head coach Ricardo Clark to look at the 'Caps important win over Tacoma and the looming playoffs, plus we chat with WFC2 midfielder Liam Mackenzie about his development, signing his first pro deal, scoring his first pro goal, playing in the MLS Next All-Star game, and more. Last up is a chat with new Vancouver FC U19 head coach Todd May, as we talk with Todd about the aims of the team and how it all fits in to the CPL landscape. All of this, plus we look at the weekend's CPL action, there's more Britpop chat and music, Big Country continue their stint as our Album of the Month, and My Brother Woody are back in Wavelength. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro - the new look Champions League 11.42: Whitecaps get just one point from Houston and LA 42.50: The lie of the land in MLS 50.30: Canadian Championship preview 61.60: Ricardo Clark interview and WFC2 chat 68.53: Liam Mackenzie interview 81.50: CPL round-up 101.13: Todd May interview and VFC U19 discussion 119.52: Wavelength - My Brother Woody - Another Fucking Weekend Ruined
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, CPL, and Canadian national team chat and interviews. The Whitecaps got back to winning ways at the weekend, with a 2-0 win over San Jose, that wasn't pretty but crucially got the job done. We pick over the bones of that one, look at the season run-in and the in-form runners and riders, look at the signing of Jeevan Badwal to a MLS Homegrown deal, and chat with Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau about signing his own first team deal. Our feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. We chat with Seba about his journey to Vancouver, a life spent in football, carving his own path, where he sees his ideal position, the abuse his dad has received when US head coach and how it affects the family, and more. Turning our attention to the Canadian national teams, we hear from men's head coach Jesse Marsch about the rise of Ali Ahmed, what the rest of the year looks like, and talk to him about his own growth as a coach from when he first to came to Canada in 2011 with Montreal. We also hear from Ali Ahmed himself about his time in the recent Canada camp and coming back to Vancouver, plus we chat about the kickfest that was the Mexico game and look at the women's U20s defeat at the World Cup. All of this, plus we look at the weekend's CPL action, there's more Britpop chat and music, Big Country continue their stint as our Album of the Month, and Halftime Oranges are back in Wavelength with a song about footballers' hair! Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro - another busy week, match fixing 14.15: Whitecaps beat San Jose with another clean sheet 33.50: The lie of the land in the MLS West 48.40: Sebastian Berhalter interview and discussion 66.45: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Sebastian Berhalter 75.25: Canada crash out of U20 Women's World Cup to Spain 79.55: Canada kicked off the park in Mexican "friendly" 85.33: What rest of year looks like for the CanMNT 97.17: Jesse Marsch's growth as a coach 107.30: Ali Ahmed talks about being away with Canada 112.50: Jesse Marsch's thoughts on Ali Ahmed's continued rise 117.20: Jeevan Badwal signs a homegrown contract 124.16: Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau earns first team contract 130.50: CPL round-up 138.40: Wavelength - Halftime Oranges - Hair
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, Canadian national team, and international football chat and interviews. It's been another big week for Canadian soccer, at both club and country level, and we kick things off chatting about Canada's men's national team's historic, and dominant, win over the US on Saturday. It was a performance that showed the growth of the side under Jesse Marsch and also tantalizes with this being only just the beginning. We also look at the Canadian women's U20s run at the FIFA World Cup that's seen them reach the knockout stages. Turning our attention to the domestic game, an undermanned Whitecaps dropped another two points at home in MLS action. We chat about the Dallas game, the continuing costly home form, look at some of the depth players called into this match, and the current lie of the land in the MLS West. Plus we hear and talk about Caleb Porter's all-time epic rant about our least favourite referee, Tim Ford. We've two interviews in this episode. First up is WFC2 forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau. We chat with Nico about his experiences being called up to the first team, making his MLS debut in Montreal, his home debut against Dallas, and more. Next up is Vancouver FC defender James Cameron, and we chat with the BC boy about signing his first pro deal, his growth, the current season, his Canada experiences, and his hopes for the future. All of this, plus we look at the weekend's CPL action, there's more Britpop chat and music, Big Country continue their stint as our Album of the Month, and Armchair Loyal are back in Wavelength with a fitting song about referees! Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.27: Intro 04.00: Canada dominate US eh in friendly win 21.00: Canada women's U20s advance to World Cup knockout stage 33.50: Ryan Gauld gets his first Scotland caps 42.35: Undermanned Whitecaps drop two big points at home to Dallas 69.50: Caleb Porter loses it with referee Tim Ford 80.45: More Britpop chat! 68.05: Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau interview and discussion 98.15: A look at the Whitecaps' depth and player performances 111.55: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Fafa Picault 114.26: Whitecaps Girls Elite secure historic Champions Cup victory 121.35: James Cameron interview 140.50: CPL round-up 159.35: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - Public Elleray Number One
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, MLS, Canadian national team, and international football chat and interviews. It's our international special this episode as we cover the club and national team game from a wide variety of perspectives. We kick things off with a look at the Whitecaps win in Austin this past weekend. Comfortable and very important, it sets them up nicely for the MLS season run-in after 42 days since their last league match. We take a look at how things are looking the in the MLS West and Vanni Sartini shares some thoughts on the match and the task facing the team now with six players away on international duty for the upcoming match with Dallas. One of those players that will be away with Canadian international Ali Ahmed. We chat with him about the upcoming friendlies and talk with one of the WFC2 players that could be called up to replace the missing guys, Jay Herdman, about his experiences at last year's U20 World Cup and this year's Olympics with New Zealand. And talking of the U20 World Cup, we look at the great start made by the Canada at the women's one in Colombia and talk with head coach Cindy Tye. We've two fantastic feature interviews for you this episode. First up is the newest Whitecap, Scottish international DP Stuart Armstrong. We chat with Stuart about his move to Vancouver, his career so far, what the future may hold in store, playing for Scotland at two Euros, and more. It's a great career retrospective for fans of his, new and old. Next up is Whitecaps winger Fafa Picault. We chat with the forward about life in Vancouver, playing for Haiti, his football playing grandfather, and his deep love of music and food, in a really enjoyable interview that shows Fafa's passions to the fore. All of this, plus Zach tells tales of his footballing adventures in Costa Rica, we have a way too long, but thoroughly enjoyable, chat about Britpop, and Big Country kick off their stint as our Album of the Month. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.28: Intro - Oasis fever! 06.25: Zach's experiences of football in Costa Rica 25.23: Whitecaps dominate Austin in return to MLS action 43.35: The lie of the land in the MLS West 47.00: Vanni on the Austin win and facing Dallas short-handed 52.02: Ali Ahmed talks Canada's upcoming friendlies 58.37: Jay Herdman interview on his Olympic experience with NZ 69.15: Axel on how the Stuart Armstrong deal came together 76.03: Vanni on how Armstrong will fit into system 81.05: Stuart Armstrong interview and discussion 101.04: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Stuart Armstrong 106.55: Fafa Picault interview and discussion 137.40: Britpop discussion 150.16: Canada U20s kick of 2024 Women's U20 World Cup 157.53: Cindy Tye interview 164.05: FIFA trial of Football Video Support review cards 167.05: Canada's men back in action against US and Mexico 168.47: Wavelength - Damien Quinn - Celtic Medley
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver Rise, Vancouver FC, Canadian Championship, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and MLS Next Pro chat. Phew, that's a lot of bases to cover, but we do it and we're joined by Harjeet Johal to help us along! We kick things off looking at the Whitecaps Canadian Championship semi-final. The threepeat awaits when they play TFC next month, in a tournament that already needs another revamping. We delve into the win over Pacific and get the thoughts of both head coaches, Vanni Sartini and James Merriman. Keeping the Whitecaps chat going we look ahead to the return to MLS action, as Vanni shares his thoughts about the season run-in, and we chat with Ryan Gauld about his Scotland call-up. Plus we look at what the injury to Brian White might mean to the Whitecaps and ponder if there will be any cuss words dropped against Austin. The big news story this week on the women's side was the launch of new Northern Super League side Vancouver FC. We chat with Chief Business Officer Sinead King and Sporting Director Stephanie Labbe and discuss the new name and branding, where the team might play, what kind of crowds they're expecting, when with a head coach and players start to be announced, what quality we can expect from the new league, and more. All of this, plus we look at WFC2's playoff push and chat with head coach Ricardo Clark, look at Vancouver FC's hugely important and dramatic late win against Valour in the CPL, and chat with VFC's birthday boy match winner Ayman Sellouf and head coach Afshin Ghotbi. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.25: Intro 04.23: The Whitecaps Canadian Championship threepeat is on 20.15: The Canadian Championship format needs to change 31.08: Aussie's swearing upsets MLS! 36.15: The Whitecaps playoff hopes very much in own hands 46.27: Ryan Gauld finally earns Scotland call-up 57.05: Vancouver Rise FC are born - what we know so far 103.20: WFC2's playoff push continues 113.30: 10-man Vancouver FC win at the death 127.37: Wavelength - The LaFontaines - Scotland, Bonnie Scotland
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Pacific FC, Vancouver FC, and Canadian Championship chat and interviews. No MLS action for the Whitecaps this weekend because of the Leagues Cup final, so it's full steam ahead looking to next week's Canadian Championship semi-final second leg against CPL side Pacific FC. We preview the match and Pacific's huge slump in form, as the Whitecaps will be coming in cold for this one. Plus we hear some thoughts from both head coaches, the 'Caps' Vanni Sartini and Pacific's James Merriman. In the first of two feature interviews this episode we sit down with Pacific's key defensive piece Thomas Meilleur-Giguère to chat about the match, Pacific's season so far, his own personal footballing journey, and adapting to BC island life from the hustle and busy of city life in Quebec. We also chat with a defender that's left Pacific and gone back to college, Eric Lajeunesse. Eric played in the first leg and looks ahead to the second, as he talks about his time in the CPL so far and transitioning back to the college game with UBC. Our second feature interview is with a former UBC Thunderbird, and current Vancouver FC player, Sebastian Dzikowski. We chat with the forward about his time at college, transitioning to the pro game, and trying to break into a VFC side that's in a playoff dogfight right now. All of this plus there's still time to talk about the Whitecaps Girls Elite tough outing in Mexico in CONCACAF Champions Cup action, chat with centre back Keira Martin, and bring you a Wavelength song about a much maligned, and long forgotten, English cup competition. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro a decent weekend in MLS for the 'Caps 08.05: Whitecaps v Pacific Canadian Championship preview 17.25: Thomas Meilleur-Giguère interview 39.51: Eric Lajeunesse interview 49.20: Sebastian Dzikowski interview 79.52: Whitecaps Girls Elite go down to heavy loss in Mexico 90.20: Keira Martin interview 96.45: Wavelength - Armchair Loyal - The Full Members Cup
After an unplanned week off, we're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps chat, covering both the men's and the women's teams at the club, and we're joined by Felipe Vallejo to talk about it all. And what a history making week it's been for the Whitecaps' women's team. Not only did they play in the first ever CONCACAF Women's Champions Cup match, they won it, qualifying for the group stage where they'll host two NWSL sides at BC Place in October. We look at the historic win in El Salvador and what lies ahead in the group stages, plus we sit down for a chat with head coach Katie Collar to chat about it all. Our second feature interview this episode is with Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director Axel Schuster about the summer transfer window, the lack of moves so far and what may be to come, and the club's decision to declare for the 3 DP route under the new MLS roster rules. Is another DP heading to Vancouver? We'll also chat about growing the club's brand, attracting players to the city, changes coming for the boys' academy teams, and the club's new women's team that will be launched very soon. Plus there's still time to talk about the Whitecaps' forced postponement of their MLS match with LAFC this coming weekend and the worse case scenario that played out for them. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.25: Intro 04.20: Whitecaps break extended with LAFC postponement 20.45: Whitecaps Girls Elite make history and the Champions Cup task ahead 44.25: Katie Collar interview 72.10: Axel Schuster interview 106.15: Unpacking Axel - transfers, DPs, club growth, NSL team 125.35: Vancouver's NSL team brand launch and possible Whitecaps rebranding 129.26: Wavelength - The Tartan Specials - Sex and Drugs and Sausage Rolls
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Leagues Cup, Canadian national team and Olympics chat, and we're joined once again this week by Harjeet Johal to talk about it all. The Canadian women's national team's defence of their Olympic gold came to an end at the hands of Germany last week. We look at their fighting spirit on the pitch after a tumultuous two weeks off it, and ask what's next for the team and everyone involved? We also look at the men's Olympic football and Canada's failure to make it to the games since 1984. What's wrong with the youth program here in the country, especially after the men's U20s missed out on next year's World Cup? Turning our attention to the club game, Vancouver Whitecaps saw off LAFC and Tijuana to top their Leagues Cup group and set up a clash with Mexican giants Pumas. We look at the matches, the highs and the lows coming out of them, and chat with Belal Halbouni, Levonte Johnson, and Fafa Picault about what cup competitions mean to them. Plus we chat with 'Caps head coach Vanni Sartini about what he's learned as a coach playing against Mexican opposition and learn how he'd like the Leagues Cup to expand beyond the current month it's played out over. And there's still time to look back at this weekend's two League1 BC championship matches, chat with Whitecaps Girls head coach Katie Collar and captain Brianne Reed, talk with TSS Rovers men's head coach Brendan Teeling and history-making defender Nik White, and look at the latest action around the Canadian Premier League. Plus English new-rave band The Klaxons feature as our new Album of the Month. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 02.17: Intro 04.00: Canada's Olympic title defence is over 19.00: What's next for the Canadian women's national team? 26.12: The spying scandal drones on 47.40: Men's Olympic football - should Canada prioritise it more? 62.05: Canada U20s fail to make the World Cup - how do we fix the system? 78.38: More known about Vancouver's 2026 World Cup games 82.40: Whitecaps top Leagues Cup group 100.33: Whitecaps players excited for cup football 105.47: Vanni on facing Mexican opposition and expanding the Leagues Cup 118.20: This Week in Whitecapsland 1974 128.15: Whitecaps Girls Elite do the L1BC three-peat 133.17: Katie Collar interview 137.25: Brianne Reed interview 143.03: TSS Rovers make history with L1BC double 146.30: Brendan Teeling interview 148.40: Nik White interview 153.00: Wavelength - Baron Nichts - Soccer 159.51: CPL chat
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Wrexham A.F.C., Canadian national team and Olympics chat, and we're joined once again this week by Harjeet Johal to talk about it all. The soccer news in Canada this week has been dominated by the women's national team drone scandal at the Olympics and we delve into that in the first two parts as we work through the timeline of news that came out, the subsequent punishments and reactions, and what the future may hold in store for Canada Soccer, the team, and those involved. Plus we also look back at Canada's first two games in the defence of their Olympics title. Turning our attention to the Whitecaps, our feature interview this episode is with midfielder Ali Ahmed. We chat about Ali's experiences at Copa America with Canada, what he's learned under new head coach Jesse Marsch, and the Whitecaps season so far. The Whitecaps were in action against Wrexham at the weekend and we have full postgame coverage from that one as we look at whether the 'Caps fully capitalised on all the opportunities presented to them with the whole experience, the much anticipated grass pitch, and what it could mean for future matches like this here in Vancouver. Plus we chat with Wrexham head coach Phil Parkinson, and players Eoghan O'Connell, George Evans, and Steven Fletcher about the League One season to come, what they've learned from this #WrexCoastTour trip, and their thoughts on Vancouver. And there's still time to look ahead to this week's Leagues Cup matches with Vanni Sartini, Cork band The Frank and Walters wrap up as Album of the Month, we take you back to 1974, and we've a Wrexham themed song in Wavelength for you. This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 02.17: Intro - it's Christmas for Har! 07.20: Canadian drone scandal - the story so far 30.03: CanWNT wins against NZ and France 46.00: FIFA punishment to CanWNT and the fallout 61.15: The media's role in the accelerated unraveling 71.00: What now for Bev Priestman and Canada Soccer? 88.20: Ali Ahmed interview 112.48: This Week in Whitecapsland 1974 118.25: Wrexham v Whitecaps - a success or a wasted opportunity? 142.35: Phil Parkinson talks Wrexham's League One battle ahead 147.35: Leagues Cup preview and the thoughts of Vanni 157.21: A chat with Wrexham's Eoghan O'Connell 162.36: A chat with Wrexham's George Evans 166.37: A chat with Wrexham's Steven Fletcher 172.00: Wavelength - Ratarsed - Elliott Lee
We're back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadian national team, Copa America, and Euro 2024 chat, and we're joined once again this week by Felipe Vallejo to talk about it all. It was a two-game home stand for the Whitecaps this week and to quote Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine, you win some and you lose some, and I've lost the will to lose. That about sums up how I feel about the 'Caps home form, where they've now dropped 16 points so far this season. We look at the main talking points coming out of the win over Kansas City and the loss in the seven-goal thriller to Houston, including the concerning knee injury to their talismanic captain Ryan Gauld. The MLS transfer window is open. The Whitecaps rumours haven't been plentiful but the club will definitely be making some additions, but may also be losing some players. We look at the apparent imminent arrival of Colombian defender Edier Ocampo and the possible departures of Fafa Picault and Javain Brown, plus we look at the new MLS roster rules and how they may impact the Whitecaps in this transfer window and beyond. And there's still time to talk Canadian Premier League, League1 BC, and the Canadian national teams. Plus Cork band The Frank and Walters continue as Album of the Month, we take you back to 1974, and we've an England Euros 2024 song in Wavelength now that they didn't win it and aren't quite as insufferable! This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Recovery Family Law, family law lawyers in Surrey, working with clients to get excellent results. They support AFTN, go and support them for all your family legal needs. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 02.08: Intro 05.12: Whitecaps win at home to KC 14.20: Gauld injured as Whitecaps downed by Dynamo 45.33: Home form continues to plague Whitecaps 53.32: This Week In Whitecapsland 1974 59.40: New faces imminent but will Fafa and Javain move on? 78.20: The new MLS DP and U22 roster rules and the Whitecaps 92.00: Edier Ocampo to Vancouver transfer rumours 99.40: League1 BC semis set as Whitecaps women add players 107.12: Devin O'Hea joins Pacific and CPL round-up 129.55: Good start for Canada U20s at CONCACAF qualifiers 133.33: Canadian women set to kick off Olympic defence 136.45: Wavelength - Big Shaq - Like Wot