Müller's Whitecaps Unleash 'Brutal Beauty' to Crush LAFC and Exorcise MLS Cup Playoff Ghosts
The Vancouver Whitecaps created franchise history on Saturday, overcoming LAFC on penalties despite being reduced to nine players, securing their inaugural Western Conference Final appearance before 53,397 spectators.
Since entering MLS in 2011, the Canadian club had never progressed beyond the Conference Semifinals. In the previous two campaigns, LAFC eliminated them in the opening playoff round—but another defeat to the Black and Gold was unthinkable this season.
With this context, seasoned champion Thomas Müller delivered a message.
"He's composed," USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter explained regarding Müller's pre-game text. "He messaged everyone to stay calm, take deep breaths if feeling anxious, practice box breathing and stay prepared. When you receive such a message at 11 p.m., you think 'this is it.'"
It required 120 minutes, a penalty shootout, a dismissal, surrendering a 2–0 advantage, spectacular strikes and several crossbar hits, but the Whitecaps finally conquered their nemesis. They ultimately defeated their greatest challenge.
That message likely resonated with the Whitecaps players approaching the penalty spot, particularly Mathías Laborda, whose decisive kick concluded the match after Son Heung-min and Mark Delgado failed with their attempts.
"That exemplified the harsh magnificence of our sport. I'm incredibly proud of this group. We endured hardship," Müller stated after the match, despite being substituted before extra time and penalties. "It's remarkable that we accomplished this."
Finding Strength
While Müller watched from the sideline, the Whitecaps found inner strength. Berhalter delivered another exceptional display, DP midfielder Ryan Gauld, recently returned from a seven-month layoff, performed admirably, and 17-year-old Rayan Elloumi proved his worth.
It represented a collective achievement, and ultimately, fortune may have played a role. However, this Vancouver Whitecaps squad can no longer be characterized as unable to triumph in crucial moments, even against Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min.
"That was an entertaining match, spanning two hours, you experience everything," manager Jesper Sørensen told media afterward, continuing his impressive inaugural campaign with the organization. "You must maintain belief in your capabilities... and yes, you require some fortune at the end, but we received that, and we won't question it."
Defeating LAFC Represents One Achievement
The Whitecaps stand nearer to an MLS Cup championship than ever previously.
Technically, they're merely 180 minutes from claiming the title, and could potentially host two additional matches if Minnesota United overcomes San Diego FC, and New York City FC advances from the Eastern Conference.
However, simply surpassing LAFC represented a crucial objective, one that had eluded the Whitecaps for years. Without this breakthrough, the record-setting regular season and Concacaf Champions Cup final appearance might fade into memory.
But the reality remains: two matches remain ahead. Conquering LAFC marks a significant achievement, yet they're only at the midpoint, certainly envisioning greater opportunities and a potential first MLS Cup, possibly at home.
"Everyone contributed. It's not solely my effort, but the players as well. They possess strong conviction and we maintained self-belief," Sørensen continued. "We've encountered numerous challenges this year with injuries and absent players... we discussed our focus areas and survival strategies, and it succeeded."
Vancouver Supporters Deliver
With Müller, Son and a rivalry featured, the Whitecaps established history both on the field and in the stands, surpassing the club's MLS-era attendance record with 53,397 filling BC Place Stadium, which will welcome 2026 World Cup matches in seven months.
The capacity crowd exceeded the Whitecaps' previous MLS-era attendance mark established in April when they defeated Lionel Messi's Inter Miami before 53,837 in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal.
"I couldn't hear my teammates during play," Laborda remarked. "I was scanning around, wondering where everyone was? But that was truly special, and hopefully we can duplicate that experience."
Each supporter received a rally towel, a custom that has spread throughout North American athletics but rarely appears at stadiums or soccer venues, typically reserved for smaller NHL and NBA arenas.
However, in the city that helped originate this phenomenon through an NHL coach's demonstration between the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks in 1982, it seemed appropriate for the crowd to wave these towels.
Now, the Whitecaps hope this isn't the conclusion, but regardless, they've rekindled the city's passion in 2025, and with LAFC eliminated, everything seems achievable.
"I'm thrilled for everyone creating these memories alongside nearly 54,000 people and experiencing this type of match," Sørensen concluded. "I believe the happiness you can share through sports is incredible, and it's a wonderful sensation for all. It was extraordinary."