Touchline Thoughts

Paige and Irfan bring you their World Cup (WC) Preview. Have a listen as they break down each group and talk about some stories surrounding the WC from the last few days. 

Pre-Match: CR7 & United Breakup - 0:45

Starting 11 - 7:25

Land Acknowledgement - 48:27

Final Thoughts - 50:21

Recorded on Nov 22, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or have anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials below.

Paige & Irfan are back after a few months - they have missed you!  The two chat Champions League and some major storylines!

Starting 11 - 4:48

Land Acknowledgement - 51:43

Final Thoughts - 53:39

Recorded on Oct 15, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or have anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials below.

With a week left before the Final at Wembley, Paige and Irfan bring you the Semi-Final Preview of the Euros. After some great matches so far, the two recap and predict who they think will win the major trophy. Enjoy!

Starting 11 - Euros - 0:36

Land Acknowledgement - 25:26

Final Thoughts - 27:30

Recorded on July 24, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

The Euros (July 6-31) are coming up in a couple of weeks! Join Paige and Irfan as they preview the Euros group by group. They also pick their winner, discuss which players to watch, and underline the importance of player exposure. 

Starting 11 - 0:49

Land Acknowledgement - 39:42

Final Thoughts - 41:35

Recorded on June 23, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

In the sixth instalment of our Spot Kick - Inside the 18, Interview Series, former Ottawa Fury and Loyola University Maryland Athletics soccer player Julia Hajjar joins Irfan & Paige. Tune in to hear about Julia's journey, NCAA experience, and a newfound love for academia/health. 

If you know someone in the soccer world you would like on our series or would like to be interviewed yourself, please shoot us a message and we will get them/you on our Interview Series.

Recorded June 18, 2022

The crew is back to recap the UEFA Women's Champions League and touch on the Europa League Final. They also go through the five major storylines from the past week. 

Starting 11

Land Acknowledgement - 18:02

Off the Bench

Final Thoughts - 24:15

Recorded on May 22, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Paige and Irfan return to chat about UEFA's new format; predict and set up the Champions League, Women's Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League finals; and, do a league wrap-up of the five main leagues (EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and Bundesliga). 

Starting 11 - 0:52

Land Acknowledgement - 21:52

Starting 11 continued…

Final Thoughts - 30:10

Recorded on May 14, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

The fifth instalment of the Spot Kick - Inside the 18, Interview Series episode sees Coach Joh of Skills 4 Soccer and Let's Kick it joins Irfan. Tune in to hear about Coach's journey as she shares her experience as a player and coach in the US system.

If you know someone in the soccer world you would like on our series or would like to be interviewed yourself, please shoot us a message and we will get them/you on our Interview Series.

Recorded April 24, 2022

Paige and Irfan return to bring you their thoughts on the quarter-finals and predict their semi-final winners for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. 

Land Acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 - 2:56

Final Thoughts - 27:37

Recorded on Apr 15, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Irfan is on his own today, but do not fear, as he brings to you a clip from Garage Door Sports Episode 112; he and Nick McVicar chat about the World Cup draw and Canada's chances. Following this conversation, five storylines from the week are shared. Thank you for listening! 

*Thank you to Nick and Garage Door Sports for sharing this conversation with us*

Land Acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 - 2:48

Off the Bench - 21:19

Sign off - 23:24

Recorded on Apr 9, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

The fourth instalment of the Spot Kick - Inside the 18, Interview Series episode sees Alyssa Walker of IFK Kalmar join Paige. Tune in to hear about Alyssa's football and life journey. 

If you know someone in the soccer world you would like on our series or would like to be interviewed yourself, please shoot us a message and we will get them/you on our Interview Series.

Paige and Irfan are back for another week! They chat about whether or not leagues should add an M/W in front of the Major Leagues' names. They also go over World Cup Qualifying. 

Land Acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 - 2:51

Off the Bench - 13:34

Final Thoughts - 32:58

Recorded on March 26, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Paige and Irfan chat about the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League draws and give their predictions. They also talk about Chelsea,  their ownership, and potential ramifications for the club moving forward. Additionally, they discuss Barcelona Femení's domination and Camp Nou's name change. 

Land Acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 - 4:23

Off the Bench - 29:27

Final Thoughts - 55:03

Recorded on March 20, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

MILESTONE ALERT! We have reached 50 Episodes!!! Thank you to all our wonderful listeners, supporters, and guests for being with Touchline Thoughts during this amazing ride. 

Paige & Irfan spend the first half of the show reminiscing about their favourite moments & episodes. The second half of the show covers the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Canadian Men's National Team weekend win, Greenwood saga, #TransferDeadline2022 transfers, & Christian Eriksen's return. 

Land Acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 - 3:23

Off the Bench - 17:18

Final Thoughts - 32:15

Recorded Feb 2, 2022

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Irfan & Paige come back for one more episode before the end of the year. They chat about COVID-19 hitting the football world and the UWCL quarter-final matchups. 

Land Acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 - 3:05

Final Thoughts - 27:17

Recorded Dec 21, 2021

Happy Holidays to everyone and have a safe and wonderful rest of December! Happy New Year as well! 

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Paige & Irfan are joined by Matt Fodey to talk some UCL and Europa League draws, the FIFPRO 11, and Sergio Aguero & the health of the players.

Land Acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 - 4:35

Final Thoughts - 45:52

Recorded Dec 15, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Irfan & Paige chat about the Ballon D'or, the congested winter schedule's impact on players, and conversations on the NWSL's trades & expansion draft. Off the Bench covers the five major storylines from this past week. 

Land Acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 - 5:12

Off the Bench - 37:48
(Jude Bellingham, Julia Grosso, RB Leipzig & Jess Marsch, CPL and MLS News)

Final Thoughts - 39:53

Recorded Dec 6, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Paige & Irfan speak on United's interim manager, Ralf Rangnick, another coach in the NWSL coming under fire, COVID impacting sports again (Benfica v Belenenses), and Champions League (men) match-week 5.

Starting 11 - 2:52

Final Thoughts - 49:01

Recorded Nov 28, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Irfan & Paige are back to cover the coaching changes, NWSL Championship, and league surprises (women and men) so far in the season. 

Starting 11 - 3:39

Off the Bench - 34:32

Final Thoughts - 1:04:59

Recorded Nov 21, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

The third instalment of the Spot Kick - Inside the 18, Interview Series episode sees Katja Snoeijs of FC Girondins de Bordeaux and the Netherlands National Team join Paige & Irfan.

If you know someone in the soccer world you would like on our series or would like to be interviewed yourself, please shoot us a message and we will get them/you on our Interview Series.

*POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING*

Paige & Irfan speak on a few topics in this week's episode. In the Starting 11, a farewell and congratulations are in order for Carli Lloyd, the #CANWNTGold Tour, followed by a conversation on the topics of sexual abuse, assault, and consent in the soccer world. Off the Bench sees an intriguing conversation surrounding vaccination statuses of professional players and a roundup of the matchups from the weekend. 

Starting 11 - 3:04

Off the Bench - 39:31

Final Thoughts - 1:14:35

Recorded Oct 28, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Paige & Irfan speak on the quick thinking from Dier/Reguilón, Steve Bruce, Benzema's chances at a Ballon D'or, Bundesliga and Serie A round-up, the offside(?) in the Nation's League final, and NWSL's Players Association and playoff picture. 

*WARNING COURSE LANGUAGE IN THE FINAL THOUGHTS*

Land acknowledgement - 0:00

Off the Bench - 2:57

Final Thoughts - 37:01

Recorded Oct 20, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Irfan & Paige speak on three storylines from this past week; Ballon D'or nominees for both the women's and men's sides, Barcelona President Laporta's claim of trying to have Messi play for free, and a short conversation on the Newcastle United takeover. 

Land acknowledgement - 0:00

Off the Bench - 4:52

Final Thoughts - 27:19

Recorded Oct 10, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Paige & Irfan speak on the major news stories surrounding the soccer world in the past week. The two hosts cover Man City WFC's slide to start the season, the wonderful story of FC Sheriff Tiraspol, the trouble in Barcelona and potential coaching changes, Glen Kamara, Rangers, Sparta Prague, & the continued racism, and finally, the NWSL's sexual coercion 'cover-up'. 

Land acknowledgement - 0:00

Off the Bench - 2:55

Final Thoughts - 1:11:10

Recorded Oct 3, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

This Spot Kick - Inside the 18, Interview Series episode sees Nara Estefania join Paige. Hear what Nara has to say about her journey from Brazil to the US and now to her playing career in France. 

If you know someone in the soccer world you would like on our series or would like to be interviewed yourself, please shoot us a message and we will get them/you on our Interview Series.

Paige & Irfan speak on the NWSL announcing their new timing and playing surface for the Championship game on Nov 20. They also look into the recent UWCL draw and cover some weekend highlights from the EPL. 

Land acknowledgement - 0:00

Starting 11 

Final Thoughts - 50:40

Recorded Sept 13, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Irfan & Paige are joined by Hayley McGoldrick to chat about how to choose a team for new fans of the game. We cover areas of interest when choosing a team, such as ownership, players, kit colours, style of play, history of the Club, Accessibility, and more.

What team would you suggest a new fan should start following? 

Fanatics Segment - 3:45

Transfers and Rumours - 50:28

UEFA Award winners - 1:02:53

Final Thoughts - 1:07:56

Recorded Aug 29, 2021

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Irfan & Paige are joined by Josh Dadjo! The trio talks about the contenders, pretenders, and potential champions in the five major leagues for the upcoming season.

Episode details:

Starting 11 - 9:15

Final Thoughts - 1:02:54

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Irfan & Paige bring you another episode where they share a big announcement re: the show, go over Canada's Gold medal win over Sweden, and talk about Messi & PSG's new relationship. 

Episode details: 

Big Announcement: 2:05

Starting 11: 4:42

Final Thoughts: 46:42

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, would like to join us on the show, or anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Paige & Irfan create a mockdraft from the top 3 teams based on last year's standings from the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. They were inspired by the recent expansion draft by the Seattle Kraken of the NHL. 

Complete your own mockdraft from the lineups we post and let us know what team you've built. 

Rules:- 

Episode details:
Fanatics: 

Final Thoughts: 57:37

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Join Paige & Irfan for another episode, as the two cover the start of the #Olympics2020 and the racist incidents that followed the #Euro2020 final. Enjoy!

Starting 11:

Final Thoughts: 1:04:00

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy, please reach out to us on our socials located below.

Paige & Irfan are back for another episode where they cover the start of the women's and men's coaching/transfer news. Plus, they preview the semi-finals of the #EURO2020. 

Starting 11: 3:39 - 53:41 min

Final thoughts and wrap up: 55:13 min

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy, please reach out to us on our socials, located below.

Our first interview in our Spot Kick - Inside the 18, Interview Series with Coach Maria Procopio brings to you a perspective like none other. Coach Maria shares with us her journey as a three year-old, a lover of the game of soccer, all the way to her current coaching credentials. Her life from outside the touchline translates to a plethora of experience and knowledge into the game, which has shaped her immensely. 

If you know someone in the soccer world you would like on our series or would like to be interviewed yourself, please shoot us a message and we will get them/you on our Interview Series. 

Paige and Irfan are BACK for another episode. This time they cover the second match week of the Euros and they give their thoughts on what has been going on so far. 

Starting 11: 3:25 - 34:28 min

Irfan & Paige speak on the scary moments relating to Christian Eriksen. They recap days 1&2, England vs. Croatia's match, and predict the remaining matches in Group C. Download Touchline Thought's bracket, from Twitter, to predict your tournament winner...good luck!

3:22 - 40:03 - Starting 11

41:28 - Off the bench

43:21 - Final Thoughts

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy, please reach out to us on our socials, located below.

Paige, Irfan, Kyle, & George conclude Episode 31 with their Predictions of the Winners (Favourites and the Underdogs) and which players might stand out throughout this Euro tournament. 

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy, please reach out to us on our socials, located below.

Paige & Irfan are joined by Kyle and George, two avid soccer fans. The quartet preview the six Euro groups from A to F. Hear what they have to say about each team's key players, style of play, and any stats we need to know prior to the start of the tournament. 

Looking for a specific group?
Group A: 4:32 / Group B: 14:54 / Group C: 26:04 /Group D: 40:28 / Group E: 53:09 / Group F: 1:07:08

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy, please reach out to us on our socials, located below.

Irfan is joined by Hayley McGoldrick for Episode 30. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, Paige was unable to be there for this episode. 

In the Starting 11 (4:24-45:49), Irfan & Hayley cover the early season of the NWSL. They give us their takes on Mal Pugh, Margaret "Midge" Purce, Tziarra King, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman. Hayley also gives us her thoughts on the new expansion teams. Plus, the two admit who the leagues best team is right now. 

As an avid lover of Arsenal, Hayley's teams are the topic of this week's Extra Time segment (47:23-1:10:12). The two talk about Arsenal FC (47:23-1:00:15) and Arsenal WFC (1:00:16-1:07:52). Big questions such as: what does Arsenal do to fix their team to stay competitive? How long does Arteta last at the club? Where does Viv Miedema end up or does she stay at Arsenal? Who could be the new Arsenal WFC coach? 

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy, please reach out to us on our socials, located below.

Paige & Irfan start the episode by continuing to cover the questions and topics, you, the listeners wanted. In the Starting 11 Segment, they cover:
- The Premier League Hall of Fame
- FIFA WC potentially moving to every 2 years
- The Canadian Women's National Team (CWNT) at the Olympics
- Picking our early Olympic Gold Medallist

The Off the Bench segment returns for the first time in a while. We uncover five major stories such as the UCL/UEL final losses for the Manchester clubs, the coaching carousel, one of the best young keepers in the game, Gianluigi Donnarumma, about to leave AC Milan, Barcelona's FA additions, & Luis Suarez winning a La Liga with...Atletico Madrid. 

If you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy, please reach out to us on our socials, located below. 

Paige & Irfan start the episode by covering the questions and topics, you, the listeners wanted. In the Starting 11 Segment, they cover:
- the American Talent playing in Europe v NA
- Laporte playing for Spain
- Harry Kane's future
- Announced Euro teams and the potential GK/RB headache for England

For the Extra Time Segment, they go over the women's league standings (Primera División, Frauen-Bundesliga, Division 1 Féminine, & Serie A Women) before they wrap up their seasons. 

You may reach out to us if you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy.

#SuperMom Rachel Melhado joins Irfan & Paige for Episode 27. Rachel shares with us her experience as a professional athlete, as a mom, and the importance of her family. She also gives us a sneak peak into her future goals relating to soccer, as well as, her next steps after playing, i.e., being a working professional.

You can reach out to us if you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy.

Touchline Thought's new co-host Paige Culver joins Irfan Manji for another great episode. The two discuss the collapse of the Super League (yikes - what a mess), Racism in the game and in commentary, and finally, pick their winners for the upcoming UWCL, UCL, and Europa League finals. 

You can reach out to us if you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy.

Hey listeners! We are going through a small revamp over the last few weeks. This means that our team over at Touchline Thoughts is preparing to launch three new items to continue our outreach to you, the listeners, and to the fans of the wonderful game itself. Over the next little while, we will unveil a new social media platform, a new logo, and joining the Touchline Thoughts family very soon, a new co-host.

We will be back with some content, but in the meantime, you can reach out to us if you have comments, topics you’d like us to cover, and anything on your mind, regarding footy.