It didn’t take long for Thomas Müller to make his mark in Major League Soccer. Less than a month into his stint with the Vancouver Whitecaps, the German forward delivered a stunning hat trick in a 7–0 blowout win over the Philadelphia Union—one of the most lopsided victories in club history.
Perfect birthday present
The league took notice. Müller was named MLS Player of the Week, a nod to his dominant performance that included two goals from the penalty spot and a slick assist.
But it wasn’t just the stats that stood out—it was the timing. The former Bayern Munich star turned 36 that day, celebrating his birthday with a performance that felt more like a party on the pitch.
After converting two penalties, Müller capped off his hat trick with a header, finishing off a pinpoint assist from Giuseppe Bovalina. It was vintage Müller—smart positioning, sharp instincts, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
“I read that this was the biggest win in Whitecaps history,” Müller said after the match. “So we’ll enjoy it for two days—and then it’s back to work.”
Four goals in three games
This was only Müller’s third appearance for Vancouver. He had already scored from the spot in a 3–2 win over St. Louis City SC, and didn’t get on the scoresheet in his debut against the Houston Dynamo, which ended in a 1–1 draw. With four goals in three matches, Müller is proving to be an instant difference-maker.
The Whitecaps will look to keep the momentum going when they travel to face Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, September 20 at 8:30 PM EST.
With his trademark charisma and on-field brilliance, Müller is quickly winning hearts in Vancouver—and across the league.