The Maple Footy Podcast

Despite our team's progress over the last number of years we still stumble at the final hump... getting that trophy, It was a disappointing night on March 20th as Canada suited up for their clash with Mexico, it was never going to be easy, but we didn't help ourselves either. Some strange choices, past mistakes not being rectified, and a reluctance to make some hard choices in personnel all proved to be a bad mix for our boys in Red and White. I'm taking a look at where I think we went wrong and what could be done. Now it'll be eyes on the 3rd place match against the States, but more importantly onto the rest of our World Cup build. Including the Canadian Shield, Gold Cup, and friendlies in other international windows. So let's talk about it all.

In this episode of the Maple Footy Podcast, I welcome an extremely special guest... a player who was born in Kitchener and eventually found himself moving to England when he was still a teenager to be apart of the Blackburn Rovers Academy. Then signing with his brother in Scotland with Ross County, where he played teams like Aberdeen, Rangers and Celtic. He now finds himself back in Canada just an hour from Kitchener in Hamilton with Forge FC. We talk about his journey to this point, playing in one of the greatest stadiums in the world, his future goals and injury struggles. It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Ben Paton... so let's get into it!

The first episode in a busy week for the Maple Footy Podcast! We talk about this matchday that just passed, and it feels like a natural extension of last week. Teams played pretty conservatively, no one wants to give up their spots and cost their teams. Lots of teams stumbled, and the relegation battle feels done and dusted (although it has for a while). Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bournemouth all slipped up in their pursuits for Europe. Liverpool stay top of the table and they didn't even play in the premier league! It's been a week to forget for them, bounced out the UCL and pipped to the Carabao Cup by Newcastle. There was also a lot of Canadian action to talk about, big weeks for Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies. The MLS always brings talking points and Tajon Buchanan got his first start for the Yellow Submarine against... Real Madrid?? Let's talk about!

Match week 28... not many to go now! Kind of crazy to think, but with crunch time of the season comes a lot of teams playing pretty conservatively, not wanting to make THE mistake that could cost their team the season. And it feels like that's what we got here. A lot of teams are just not willing to make that mistake. Not too many shock results this weekend, but Nottingham Forest do shock Manchester City 1-0! Outside of that a lot of talk focused on the European race because that's where it feels like things are heating up! So let's talk about it...

Hamilton's Forge FC always seems to be forever first in something, whether they are the first to win the CPL Playoffs, the first to be crowned champions at home or the first to have a player on The Maple Footy Podcast! Today I sit down with one of Forge's newest recruits Maxime Filion. Filion was drafted during the CPL draft in the off-season and has already made his pro-debut for Forge during their CONCACAF Champions Cup games against Liga MX Side Monterrey. We take a dive into Max's journey to get to Forge, whether it was playing in University, going to the Czech Republic or battling back from two major injuries. Now he's gearing up for his debut campaign with the CPL Dynasty and one things for sure, after this conversation he'll definitely have a fan in us.

Midweek games mean a spontaneous drop! So here we are, game week 28... is this the week where it feels like Liverpool has become unofficial champions... it sure feels so. Arsenal strumbled again, and the relegation battlers all stumbled. The European race remains wide open as all sides are enjoying inconsistent form. Which is far from ideal... And of course, we catch up on the Maple Start! We should have called this the Alistair Johnston special edition of the Maple Start...so let's talk about it!

Big time match week for the Prem - lots of big results that'll have even bigger implications for the league table. Liverpool take advantage of an Arsenal slip-up, and Manchester United salvage a point against a familiar face and Everton. Chelsea well... they Chelsea'd and Aston Villa will be grateful for that. A big weekend at the bottom of the table too but only 1 side battling relegation will be happy. Massive weekend, with an extra long and exciting Maple Start! Let's talk about it all!

After about 2 weeks off, The Maple Footy Podcast is back! A quick aside find us on new socials @maplefootypod and @samlittle44 for all news! But yes the premier league is back, Liverpool and Arsenal both grabbed big wins, as did Manchester City. Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest all stumbled. But there's still a lot to talk about from this weekend so let's get into it! Let's gooo!

A weekend full of shock results was the theme this time out. Manchester City and United both had weekends to forget. Aston Villa, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Brighton all had some tough showings too. Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal were all flying high. Hey, even Tottenham won a game! Yeah I know... Wolves took advantage of their relegations dropping points, while Palace and Everton both enjoyed some impressive wins... so let's talk about it!

Matchday 23 is in the books, it's done and dusted. Some big and shocking results that will be felt throughout the table. Liverpool and Arsenal continue their title charges with wins over Ipswich and Wolves respectively. Bournemouth had a massive 5-0 over Nottingham Forest, and even Leicester got in on the winning fun. Chelsea were dreadful Tottenham too but with them, it's expected. Lot's to talk about so... lets!