Episode 688 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Melees and Malaise with guests Sebastian Schonlau and Michael D'Agostino)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Leagues Cup chat and interviews. The Whitecaps may have three weeks off, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to talk about! We delve into the 'Caps news of the week including the transfer speculation around Ali Ahmed, the injury to Brian White, and the striking issues and needs for the team right now. Turning our attention to MLS in general, we look at the lie of the land in the MLS West, the Thomas Müller and Son Heung-min effect on the league since their signings, and we delve into the Miami melee down in Seattle. We've two feature interviews for you this episode. First up is the Whitecaps new German centre-back Sebastian Schonlau. We chat with Basti about the move to Vancouver and MLS, the emotions and memories in leaving Hamburger SV, his own footballing journey, and more. Plus, does he fancy a chocolate digestive? We also sit down with Whitecaps assistant coach Michael D'Agostino about his playing and coaching journey, four years with the first team, the dynamics under new head coach Jesper Sorensen, what it's like to coach Thomas Müller, his favourite jam, and more! Music-wise, Hazel O'Connor starts her residency as our Album of the Month, we've a Britpop song from Salad, and a song about Mansfield Town in Wavelength. Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.26: Intro - Costa Rica soccer tales 20.00: Whitecaps News of the Week - Ahmed, White, striker needs 44.10: The lie of the land in MLS West 53.10: Miami Melee - Leagues Cup final ends in disgrace 77.22: Sebastian Schonlau interview and discussion 107.10: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive? - Sebastian Schonlau 113.45: Michael D'Agostino interview 144.37: Michael D'Agostino's Favourite Jam 150.55: The Müller and Son Effect in the growth of MLS 162.30: Wavelength - Apocalypse Babys - Yellows