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

We’re back with another packed show of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, and Canadian football chat. We are spreading the love this Valentine's week and we're joined by Harjeet Johal to help us do it. The big talking point in Canadian soccer this past weekend has been the continuing battle between the women's national team and Canada Soccer. The players' fight for equality and better working conditions has turned quite ugly. We delve into the raft of statements that have been coming out from both sides and try and make what we can from what has become a giant mess and an embarrassment for the governing body. On the domestic front, the Whitecaps have three more preseason matches under their belt down in Palm Springs and are still unbeaten. We delve into those and the other Whitecaps news of the week from new signings still not yet announced to the appointment of Ricardo Clark as new WFC2 head coach. Plus we chat to head coach Vanni Sartini about the form of Cristian Dajome and what he would ideally like to see the MLS playoff format be amidst rumours that 62% of teams will make it to the postseason this year. We also hear from Canadian men's national team players Sam Adekugbe and Atiba Hutchison in the horrific aftermath of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, as they try and raise awareness of the relief efforts. You can donate to Sam and Atiba's Red Cross appeal for the victims HERE. Plus there's still time to chat to Vanni Sartini about his Love of Football, find out what the Whitecaps' Ryan Raposo is watching on his TV, look at the Vancouver FC news of the week, talk the Canadian Championship, and take another trip to the 13th Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. Here's the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.06: Intro and a love poem for football 07.55: Sam Adekugbe and Atiba Hutchison on the Turkish/Syrian earthquake disaster appeal 19.45: Hot Chocolate Boy - Butter Baked Goods 25.21: 2023 MLS playoff format rumours 31.40: Vanni Sartini's ideal MLS playoffs 39.40: Whitecaps still unbeaten in Palm Springs! 50.00: TVOD - Ryan Raposo in 2023 53.13: Ricardo Clark appointed WFC2 head coach 59.20: My Love Of Football - Vanni Sartini 67.31: Canadian Championship dates set 77.20: Vancouver FC News of the Week 84.58: The Canadian national teams' players take on Canada Soccer 117.00: Wavelength - Kunt and the Gang - Female Referee