Episode 596 - The AFTN Soccer Show (So Many Colourful Rays with special guests Damir Kreilach and Ben Fisk)

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver FC, Major League Soccer, Canadian Premier League, and general football chat. The busy North American soccer offseason continues apace and the Whitecaps are making moves and getting their preseason underway over in Marbella. We delve into the Whitecaps News of the Week as we talk about the addition of veteran Haitian winger Fafa Picault, camp trialists, and look at the announced kick off times for the 'Caps MLS matches this coming season and some good ticket sales. We have two featured in-depth interviews for you this episode, both with experienced midfielders looking to shine with their new clubs in Vancouver. One new to the city and one making a return. First up is Whitecaps offseason signing Damir Kreilach. We chat with the Croatian about his career so far, making the switch to Vancouver, his hunger after a couple of years derailed by a back injury, his Kreilach's Corner initiative, and more. Next up is a Whitecaps academy alumni, Ben Fisk. We chat with Ben about coming home to play for Vancouver FC in the CPL, his journey between leaving the 'Caps in 2013 to returning to the city over a decade later, his hopes for the season, playing with his childhood friend Callum Irving, and more. All of this, plus we say goodbye to a true footballing legend, 'The Kaiser' Franz Beckenbauer, look back at this week in 1974, and feature a fine splattering of music to boot. Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.32: Intro - cold weather, continental cups, sponsor an episode 08.58: Hot Chocolate Boy returns! - Glenburn Soda 14.28: Whitecaps News of the Week - Picault signs, Marbella, kick off times, ticket sales 41.50: Damir Kreilach interview 73.00: Anyone Fancy A Chocolate Digestive - Damir Kreilach 77.05: Ben Fisk interview 121.11: This week in 1974 130.50: RIP Franz Beckenbauer - The Kaiser in Vancouver 149.00: Wavelength - Bownik - Franz Beckenbauer