Thomas Müller made his MLS debut. © APA / RICH LAM

Müller hype in Vancouver without a happy ending

Thomas Müller couldn't quite put his feelings into words after his Major League Soccer debut. "It's a mix of everything," said the new Vancouver Whitecaps star.

August 18, 2025

From: dpa/sn

"The result is disappointing, to be honest. But those were great first moments." A goal conceded in stoppage time to make it 1-1 and an offside call for what appeared to be his first goal spoiled Müller's perfect debut in Canada.

Shortly after being substituted in the 61st minute, the Bayern legend thrilled the already euphoric Whitecaps fans even more. A perfect shot from the 2014 World Cup winner landed unstoppably in the Houston Dynamo net for what could have been a 2-0 lead. But an offside whistle shattered the celebrations. "I score, the fans go crazy, and then it's offside," the 35-year-old fumed.

But the former international's first 30 minutes showed that the German isn't just about to let his career in North America end. The hype generated by Müller's arrival in Vancouver is sure to keep coming after his first appearance. With 26.031 spectators, the arena was sold out for the first time this season. The club also expects unprecedented crowds for the remaining games.

Müller wants to win titles again

With the Whitecaps, he's third in the Western Conference standings and on course for the playoffs. In the separate Canadian Championship, the team is in the semifinals and has the potential to become Canadian champions for the fourth time in a row. Just the thing for title-hunter Müller. "I played for Bayern in Europe for so many years, but it was time for an adventure. But an adventure is only exciting if you can play for titles," explained Müller.

Thomas Müller received a euphoric welcome in Vancouver. © APA / ELIZABETH RUIZ RUIZ

After the setback against Houston, Müller wants to further integrate into the team and find some sense of normalcy in his "first regular week" in Vancouver. The next home game is against St. Louis on Saturday (local time). "We have to win. We need the three points," he demanded. After his first appearance, Müller is likely to be in the starting lineup for the next game.