The Vancouver Whitecaps flew to San Diego Friday afternoon, ahead of Saturday’s match in the Western Conference Final.
The Whitecaps had three full days of training this week as players recuperated following a gruelling 120-minute match versus LAFC. At this juncture, several players have some type of minor knock that they’re working through to be able to play at their absolute best.
Great vibes with Thomas Müller and the Vancouver Whitecaps on the flight to San Diego
🎥: @esmuellert_ pic.twitter.com/DzRZqm8WHR
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) November 29, 2025
Müller’s gesture
Vancouver has been a tight-knit team all year long. The bond and the spirit that the players, coaches, and staff have formed was on full display following the Whitecaps’ thrilling penalty shootout win.
While the jubilant Whitecaps ran on the pitch to celebrate, Thomas Müller was the first player to hug injured teammate Belal Halbouni.
It was a classy gesture from the German superstar.
THE VANCOUVER WHITESCAPS ARE MOVING ON!
The celebration starts but Thomas Müller makes sure no one takes it in alone. 🤝 @WhitecapsFC // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/vFdYZBlVvu
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 23, 2025
“It was special in a negative way,” Müller said when asked about the moment by Daily Hive. “The whole team, club, whole stadium was super happy. It was also very sad in the same moment… for Belal.”
The ACL injury to Halbouni is not as bad as first feared, Müller indicated. He’ll be sidelined for 7-10 weeks.
“He gave it all for us. He came on strong when he was subbed in,” Müller added.
“I saw him sitting there and my first thought was ‘okay give him some support, give him some love.’ After that we celebrated and the last two days he was smiling again.”
Cold plunge ritual
Sebastian Berhalter and Giuseppe Bovalina have an icy routine that involves jumping into the waters of Vancouver’s Sunset Beach.
For the last year and a half, the Whitecaps duo has been doing cold plunges the day before matches. Berhalter and Bovalina tend to spend four or five minutes in the cold water.
Early mornings. Cold water. Relentless mindset. Sebastian Berhalter is built different. 🌊
Watch the full episode on MLS YouTube. 📺 pic.twitter.com/Xmljb9bHzU
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 12, 2025
“I think it’s just been something that I wanted to push myself a little bit,” Berhalter told reporters this week. “It was something that I felt like everything I did in a day was pretty comfortable and nothing was really uncomfortable in a day.”
“I woke up one morning and I was like, I’ve got to feel a little bit of something. I need to feel a little bit of discomfort. I did it by myself one time and the next time I asked Giuseppe. It’s something that we look forward to because we know it’s going to be a little bit tough.”
Big moment for Tate Johnson
It’s rare that a 20-year-old defender has the impact that Whitecaps rookie Tate Johnson has had. Johnson plays the game like a fearless seasoned veteran.
The team’s unsung hero has recovered from a shoulder injury that forced him to exit the Whitecaps’ second playoff game against FC Dallas on Nov. 1. Johnson could be a key candidate to come into the lineup for the suspended Tristan Blackmon, and the injured Halbouni.
“I think it just speaks to how much depth we have with different injuries all year,” Johnson told Daily Hive. “I think guys being able to step up has helped us a lot this year. Everyone’s excited and ready for Saturday.”
“I think the team has a lot of confidence in Tate,” said Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen said.
“He’s been playing a great season. It’s unpredictable sometimes how fast can players get into the team and be a regular player for a team when they come directly from college. I think he’s shown that he’s really been able to take things in that we try to teach him.