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Müller shouts out Whitecaps fans after memorable MLS debut in Vancouver

Adam Laskaris
Adam Laskaris
|
Aug 18 2025, 2:43 pm
Müller shouts out Whitecaps fans after memorable MLS debut in Vancouver
Anne-Marie Sorvin/Imagn Images

For a moment in Thomas Müller’s debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps, it seemed like the 35-year-old German star had found himself perfectly aligned with the soccer gods.

Just minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute, Müller rocketed a shot into the back of the Houston Dynamo net to give Vancouver a 2-0 lead.

But with the local fans erupting and Müller embracing his new teammates, the play was quickly called off for offside in the buildup by Brian White.

“It was a good shot, it was a great shot, in the end, it was not lucky, but if you follow the game, maybe [you’ll] score this goal once a season,” Müller told the media following the match.

Whitecaps coach Jesper Sørensen echoed the comments from his new star, who is set to become the highest-paid player in team history next season.

“It could have been a magic moment, with him scoring the goal just coming on the pitch, but a narrow offside, that’s what can happen in football. But I was quite happy with his performance,” Sørensen said.

Dynamo star Artur scored an equalizer in extra time to level the score at 1-1, with the Whitecaps settling for a draw on the day.

Müller had nice things to say about the lower-bowl sellout crowd of 26,031 at BC Place, particularly in the memorable moment that wasn’t.

“I have mixed feelings. I think the moment when I scored the [offside] goal, it was amazing. The noise in the stadium and also the reaction of my teammates. That was a great start for me,” said Müller.

“In the end, the result was a little bit disappointing. But that’s the game. I think [in the] second half we controlled them much better. We had big chances to score more goals, and if you don’t score, the door is always a little bit open.”

Vancouver is currently third in the MLS Western Conference, just one point back from second-place Minnesota United with one less game played. Eight games are remaining in the regular season, with the team hopeful to challenge for the MLS Cup.

The Whitecaps return home this coming Saturday, with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff against St. Louis City SC. Tickets are available starting at $41.

“In the end, we have to take the result, and we have to take our game and improve it in the next couple of weeks. I’m now fresh into this team, new into the league. I need a few weeks to figure out what is right or wrong, but to be honest, I feel very good after this game,” Müller added.

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