Thomas Muller couldn’t have scripted a better 36th birthday. Playing in front of his parents for the first time in a Vancouver Whitecaps jersey, the German legend scored a stunning hat-trick, added an assist, and led the Whitecaps to a record 7–0 demolition of Supporters’ Shield leaders Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
The win secured Vancouver’s place in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs with six games still to play, and kept their chase for the Supporters’ Shield alive.
“I told my parents first of all, I have not birthday, I have matchday,” Muller said with a grin. “To win 7–0 against the top team, that’s a very special day.”
The victory was Vancouver’s biggest since joining MLS in 2011 and marked the most goals Philadelphia has ever conceded in a single game. Muller also became the first player in MLS history to score a hat-trick on his birthday.
Whitecaps Shine Across the Pitch
The Whitecaps showed no signs of rust after a three-week layoff. By the 30th minute, they were already 3–0 up. Alongside Muller’s brilliance, American winger Emmanuel Sabbi struck twice, 17-year-old Canadian Raayan Elloumi scored on his home debut, and Ali Ahmed back in the lineup for the first time since June’s Concacaf Champions Cup final delivered an early assist with electrifying runs down the left.
Head coach Jesper Sørensen praised his squad:
“It’s difficult not to get carried away after a 7–0 win, but this was a great test for us. The players came out really strong.”
Canadian Championship on Deck
Before dreaming of silverware in MLS, Vancouver’s immediate focus turns to the Canadian Championship semifinal second leg against Forge FC. The Whitecaps are chasing their fourth straight Voyageurs Cup, which doubles as a ticket to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
“It’s a chance to be Canadian Champion and qualify for the Champions Cup,” Muller said. “We enjoy today, but tomorrow it’s all about Forge.”
Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup Hunt
With playoff qualification secured, Vancouver sits third in the Western Conference with four points behind San Diego FC with two games in hand. They also trail Philadelphia by five points in the Shield race, again with two fewer matches played.
The Whitecaps are in the midst of a club-record run of four straight sellouts, and optimism around a Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup double or even a treble is growing.
Muller remains focused:
“We’re very strong as a group, but we need to be braver with and without the ball. It’s a long season, but we’re thinking about what’s possible.”
What’s Next?
The Whitecaps resume MLS action on September 20 against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. With momentum, fan support, and Müller’s leadership, Vancouver looks poised for a historic fall.
