Poonicast.
The Poonicast, co-hosted by urban planning myth Gary Pooni, is a series of conversations that celebrates folks who are driving positive change in Greater Vancouver. We’re shining a spotlight on good people doing good things in the city and introducing you to some of our favourite locals. From actors and athletes to philanthropists and musicians, these hometown heroes will motivate and inspire you to make a difference in your own community.
Poonicast.
Episode 17: Murray Mollard: The Winning Pitch for Canadian Soccer - Part 2
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In Part 2 of their conversation, Gary Pooni and co-host Bob Lenarduzzi continue their discussion with Murray Mollard, author of Winning Pitch picking up where they left off on the state of Canadian soccer and what comes next.
Murray and Bob dig deeper into what it will really take to build a soccer nation with staying power, from the role of MLS academies and the CPL to the investors quietly making it all possible. They reflect on the key moments that defined Canadian soccer history, from the Gold Cup coin toss to what it felt like to finally qualify for a World Cup on home soil.
The conversation turns to the 2026 tournament itself, what Vancouver will look like, what Canada needs to do to get out of the group stage, and why this moment feels different from anything that came before it.
Murray and Bob also take on the Pooni Poll, share their favourite players past and present, and close out with one very well-earned keeper joke.
This podcast was recorded in April 2026.