Thomas Muller Battles to Break Whitecaps' Playoff Curse in Showdown with LAFC
LAFC has previously crushed Vancouver Whitecaps' playoff aspirations, but Thomas Müller's arrival has transformed the dynamic as they face Son Heung-min's Black and Gold in the MLS Cup Western Conference semifinals.
In numerous respects, this matchup deserves final status. More than 55,000 supporters will pack BC Place, a 2026 FIFA World Cup host venue, and the Whitecaps view this as an opportunity to conquer their longtime nemesis after LAFC knocked them out of postseason play in 2023 and 2024.
"We're going to defeat them. That's my mindset for this match," a determined Müller declared to media, having learned about his team's painful past against LAFC. "I wasn't here during those previous years, so I carry no negative experiences or baggage. For me, this is simply my inaugural conference semifinal."
Speaking German on the Sekeres and Price program: "Wir müssen den Bock umstoßen ... [LAFC] is like a, like a very big deer, maybe a goat, and we have to get him out of the way."
Müller Brings Fresh Optimism Following Champions Cup Defeat
The Whitecaps have already compiled their finest MLS campaign en route to their first Western Conference semifinals since 2017. They established new benchmarks in victories, points, goals scored and witnessed center-back Tristan Blackmon claim the MLS Defender of the Year honor.
However, they stumbled during their most crucial moment, enduring a devastating 5–0 loss in June's Concacaf Champions Cup final against Liga MX's Cruz Azul. There was concern that the defeat might derail their season, but they stayed focused, climbing to the summit of the table and acquiring Müller in August.
"We face an enormous challenge because we must recover from a massive setback," manager Jesper Sørensen stated then in stunned disbelief. "We must accomplish that, being champions in football is one matter, being champions in life is another ... it concerns how you respond when facing adversity and how you demonstrate strength during difficult times."
On Saturday, the Whitecaps will fill BC Place for the second occasion this season, having previously sold out the Champions Cup semifinal against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.
"I was hoping to energize the supporters," Müller commented about Vancouver fans. "I discussed the crowds and everything with some teammates, and I learned about the Miami match. It was also sold out—certainly because of Messi. I understand everyone wanted to witness the greatest player in our sport.
"But this occasion is different. I believe this time it's sold out because of us. I think the primary reason is our performance this year."
Müller Questions Son, Bouanga and LAFC's Strength
While Müller may not carry the LAFC disappointment, he identifies weaknesses in their rival's structure.
Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga have ranked among the league's most dangerous offensive threats since August.
However, LAFC hasn't defeated any team that placed higher than sixth in the West and lacks substantial attacking production beyond these two stars. Bouanga, nevertheless, knows the Whitecaps intimately. He's netted 13 goals against the club, including four in MLS Cup playoffs.
"We understand this team's capabilities, but they depend heavily on Son and Bouanga," Muller noted. "When they realize they're not finding the net, they struggle to score. It's extremely challenging to neutralize these two during the match, but if we accomplish that, we have strong prospects."
Regarding his 13th encounter with the South Korean sensation and first on North American territory, even he recognizes the spectacle awaiting.
"You understand how the game unfolds, particularly here with media and cameras. So it focuses on the stars, the marquee players, the big names," he explained. "As a fan, you want to connect with the personalities behind the sport. Perhaps for me, as an athlete, it's about our squad versus theirs. But I also comprehend that it's Sonny against me."
Why Müller Adopted Vancouver
Müller has rapidly grasped what being a Vancouverite entails. He's made efforts to attend Vancouver Canucks games, participated in pregame coin tosses at Northern Super League semifinals and completely embraced the city's outdoor culture.
It's a path few stars choose, but it comes naturally and has endeared him to the community, allowing his championship mindset to spread throughout the city's sports culture.
"I believe it's more enjoyable for me to establish some connection. I want to belong because when I feel part of the community, my motivation to succeed for the city grows too, so I think it's somewhat selfish when you analyze the true philosophical aspects," Müller shared with Sekeres and Price.
"I want to belong to the city. I support the Canucks, and I want Canucks fans to also support us. So we are one community, and we can take pride in having these caliber teams in the top leagues, in the premier competitions."
Now, he aims to elevate the Whitecaps to unprecedented levels and could start alongside the club's DPs Ryan Gauld, Brian White and Andres Cubas for the first time on Saturday.
"I'm very composed, and I hope it becomes an unforgettable match," he concluded. "My heart rate is increasing. I can sense it now, and if we win this game, and if we advance to the next round, it signifies everything for us, and that's what we're striving for."