Muller scores hat trick, Whitecaps clinch playoffs with 7-0 rout of Union

Vancouver Whitecaps' Thomas Muller (13) celebrates his goal against the Philadelphia Union with teammates during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Vancouver, on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Thomas Muller told his parents he didn’t want to focus on his birthday on Saturday.

The 36-year-old German star wanted his full attention on playing his third Major League Soccer game for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Still, messages and phone calls filtered in from friends and family abroad all day.

“They all told me the same — score some goals," Muller said. “And that’s what we did.”

Muller scored a hat trick and contributed an assist as the Vancouver Whitecaps dismantled the Philadelphia Union 7-0.

The victory clinched a playoff spot for the ‘Caps (15-7-6) and shattered several records, including the club’s largest margin of victory in the MLS era.

It was a statement game for Vancouver, Muller said.

“We don’t stop, even if you are up or down or it’s a draw. We don’t stop,” he said. ”And that’s the message we want to send to each of us, first of all, to each of us internally, but also to the other teams. We won’t stop until the last minute.

“That should be our mentality for the rest of the season, and also for the future.”

Muller signed with the Whitecaps last month following 17 storied seasons with Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga. He scored 250 goals across all competitions, helping the club to 33 titles, including 13 league championships.

The attacking midfielder has also excelled in international play, winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany and taking home the Golden Boot from the 2010 World Cup after notching five goals and three assists.

Expectations were high for Muller coming in, said Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen, and the world-class athlete has embraced his role.

“He really has taken the challenge upon himself to be a focal part of the team, not just be a guy that will figure it out, but immediately try to make an impact,” he said.

“Not just by scoring goals, but to push his teammates also to set the standard high for himself. And also showing the right example for his teammates. And that’s the most important thing.”

The Union (17-7-6) came into Saturday’s game sitting atop the league standings but the Whitecaps were the dominant side from the start, much to the delight of the 26,031-strong sellout crowd.

Vancouver controlled 59.2 per cent possession, outshot Philadelphia 20-8 and held a 12-2 edge in on-target shots as they earned their biggest margin of victory ever in regular-season MLS play.

Emmanuel Sabbi also scored twice, while Mathias Laborda and Rayan Elloumi each added a goal. Whitecaps ‘keeper Yohei Takaoka stopped two on-target shots to record his league-leading 12th clean sheet of the season.

Sebastian Berhalter set up the first goal of the night, floating a ball in off a corner kick. Laborda jumped up to put a header in past Union goalkeeper Andrew Rick in the 18th minute to give Vancouver a 1-0 lead.

Six minutes later, Canadian midfielder Ali Ahmed sent a slick cross into Sabbi and he fired a quick shot into the top of the net to boost the home side’s lead.

The ‘Caps added to the cushion in the 30th minute after Philadelphia’s Jesus Bueno was called for a hand ball inside the penalty area.

Muller stepped up to take the kick, then sent a rolling right-footed shot into the bottom of the Philadelphia goal.

The Union appeared to eat into the deficit in the 40th minute when right back Alejandro Bedoya sliced a pass to Mikael Uhre at the top of the six-yard box. The striker tapped a shot in past Takaoka.

Officials signalled the goal would be reviewed for a possible offside and, after looking at the video, referee Allen Chapman announced Bedoya had been out of position on the play. The goal was waived off and Vancouver’s 3-0 lead stood.

Muller added to the ‘Caps tally once again in first-half stoppage time after Ahmed was tripped up at the top of the penalty area.

He stepped up to the spot and sent another low shot into the bottom left corner of the net for his second goal of night.

Muller contributed his first MLS assist midway through the second half, ticking a pass to Sabbi at the top of the penalty area. The American forward collected the ball and launched a rocket into the top corner of the Philadelphia net in the 61st minute.

Elloumi added to the score in the 80th minute, heading in a shot off a Berhalter cross for his first-ever MLS goal.

The 17-year-old homegrown player came off the bench for Daniel Rios in the 68th minute to make his home debut for the ‘Caps.

Muller sealed the score in the 88th minute, heading a shot past Rick from in tight for his first MLS goal from open play.

Adding Muller to the roster has been a big boon for the ‘Caps, Sabbi said.

“The elevation is here, and that’s what we needed,” he said of Muller.

“We’re learning from him, and we’re also giving him tips on what we do, and he’s also integrated well. He’s a legend. I mean. You see the pass he played me, it’s crazy. So we’re just happy that he’s here and he gives us a boost.”

NOTES

Vancouver played without star striker Brian White, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. … The Whitecaps scored four first-half goals for the first time in their MLS history. … The game marked Vancouver’s third straight sell out — another first for the club in the MLS era.

UP NEXT

Vancouver: Host Canadian Premier League side Forge FC in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal on Tuesday. The ‘Caps return to MLS play on Sept. 20 when they visit Sporting Kansas City.

Philadelphia: Visit Nashville SC on Tuesday for a U.S. Open Cup match.

This report by Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press, was first published Sept. 13, 2025.