Thomas Muller's Congratulatory Slip-Up Exposes Secret USMNT Defender Signing
Manager Mauricio Pochettino and the United States men's national soccer team are set to bring in a fresh defensive player, as revealed by Vancouver Whitecaps FC's Thomas Müller.
Although Müller continues his playing career and netted his inaugural MLS strike on Saturday evening during a 3–2 rally victory against St. Louis CITY SC, he also ventured into the world of news reporting following the match.
During discussions about the Whitecaps' upcoming three-week hiatus, Müller disclosed that central defender Tristan Blackmon would receive a USMNT call-up for the approaching exhibition matches, which could result in him missing crucial Whitecaps fixtures during international duty periods.
"With the fresh [additions] arriving, they get some additional time. However, we're competing during the international break in October, we were without several players then, and now Tristan gets selected for the U.S.," Müller stated, before chuckling and recognizing that news of Blackmon's maiden call-up hadn't been officially announced by the Whitecaps or U.S. Soccer.
"Ultimately, that's how things go. I know what I know. Congratulations to Tristan and congratulations to the U.S."
The USMNT has scheduled exhibition games in September versus South Korea and Japan, plus October matchups against Ecuador and Australia. Nevertheless, Müller didn't specify which particular squad Blackmon would join.
Blackmon, age 28, has been with Vancouver for portions of the past four campaigns and has emerged as a vital component of their defensive unit, contributing to the club's three Canadian Championship victories and their journey to the Concacaf Champions Cup Final this year.
Prior to joining the Whitecaps, Blackmon captured the 2022 MLS Cup championship with LAFC, where he launched his professional journey following his college soccer stint at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.
Throughout his MLS tenure, he has appeared in 171 regular season contests and recorded seven goals plus seven assists. This campaign, he has contributed to the Whitecaps achieving a league-leading 12 shutouts in regular season play and an impressive cup competition run.
Despite his notable performances, he has never made a final USMNT roster, with his sole previous recognition being inclusion in the 60-player preliminary list for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, which featured numerous MLS players, though Blackmon wasn't selected.
Earlier this season, ESPN disclosed that Canadian men's national team manager Jesse Marsch had discussions with Blackmon regarding potentially playing for Canada and obtaining citizenship. However, this option would disappear if the USMNT caps Blackmon internationally.
"Simply a discussion," Blackmon commented about his conversation with Marsch. "Learning about each other, nothing definitive. Understanding me as a player, and that there's a possible chance for this to potentially happen down the road. I can't predict the future, I don't possess a crystal ball, no one does. We'll see what unfolds."
Müller may not be pursuing journalism professionally yet, but he's landed his first major exclusive.