Thomas Muller Praises Vancouver Whitecaps' Success Despite Looming Ownership Drama
FORT LAUDERDALE — Celebrating to 'Mr. Brightside' and savoring the triumph over LAFC before more than 53,000 spectators at BC Place during the Western Conference semifinal, the Vancouver Whitecaps appeared invincible.
They stood on the edge, yet progressed after LAFC struck the frame three times at crucial junctures. On Saturday, they experienced the flip side, rattling the woodwork three times with MLS Cup at stake against Inter Miami in a 3–1 defeat.
And that concluded it. "That's football," as both Whitecaps coach Jesper Sørensen and defender Ralph Priso remarked afterward, lamenting the opportunities they had to seize the advantage.
"It stings, but in the most positive way possible," German icon and Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Müller commented following the contest. "We can take pride in being involved in this journey... Slightly unfortunate with the instance when [Emmanuel] Sabbi struck the frame."
It marked Vancouver's third championship match of the campaign and second occasion they came up short of a title, though the 3–1 setback with scoring opportunities was vastly superior to the 5–0 demolition by Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup final.
"I informed the squad that when you stretch for something, it stings more intensely when you fall short," stated Sørensen. "It might have been 4–1 in our favor, it was extremely tight, and it could have been altered, but that's the game."
2026 Visions: Never Too Soon
The fairy-tale journey and memorable season may have concluded in heartbreak, but Müller couldn't suppress his optimism as he contemplated what lies ahead after his initial four months in MLS.
"Perhaps it's premature to discuss the upcoming season now," he shared with media, before referencing "next season" in almost every response. "We possess a youthful squad, an extremely gifted and ambitious group, a very driven group. With significant setbacks, it provides tremendous motivation for what's coming."
While he hasn't experienced many final defeats in a career featuring 35 trophies, he has observed a city's evolution up close, even without its ultimate triumph in South Florida.
His signing, vibrant character and the finest season in franchise history elevated soccer to the forefront of Vancouver's athletic discourse in ways unseen since the 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl.
More than 2,000 Whitecaps supporters traveled to Chase Stadium on one of the most extensive away trips in world soccer. Over 20,000 people gathered at a viewing event at BC Place back in Vancouver.
"I believe we captured many people's affection through our approach, and our squad is incredibly endearing. We hold tremendous respect for the supporters, the entire city, and its residents, and we will maintain this path as we have," the 2014 World Cup winner continued.
"In a place like Vancouver, a hockey town, we generated excitement. That's wonderful to witness personally and with the team. The bond with the fans was as strong as possible right now, so we appreciate every bit of support."
Standards Elevated With Uncertain Future
The 2026 season approaches quickly and enthusiasm for the Whitecaps and soccer in Vancouver has reached unprecedented heights.
However, the 2025 campaign arrives against troubling circumstances: The franchise is on the market, and MLS Commissioner Don Garber mentioned "difficult choices" may emerge if a new venue situation doesn't materialize.
Before the final, Hastings Racecourse, a prospective stadium site, declared it would cease horse racing immediately, creating opportunities for the Whitecaps to pursue a soccer-dedicated facility.
Still, relocation concerns persist, even as they prepare for a 2026 season where they'll have Müller from day one and set their sights on MLS Cup redemption.
"We desire to compete for Vancouver. Vancouver is an excellent soccer city," Sørensen emphasized. "These supporters mean everything, because football, this magnificent sport, isn't solely for the players, it's about fan engagement, atmosphere, tension and excitement, and we've managed to establish that in Vancouver."
With the campaign concluded, the Whitecaps can draw comfort from being so close. It came down to three posts, and as former coach Carl Robinson, who guided the club's 2017 MLS Cup playoff campaign, often said: "fine margins."
Those margins, however, have been elevated. The Whitecaps wish to remain in Vancouver, and their supporters now anticipate greatness like never before.
"We have built something around us that people desire to see and follow," said Sørensen. "There's a unity that has been wonderful to experience, and truly, it's been a privilege to participate in the culture... We will work diligently and see if we can extend this remarkable journey alongside the fans."