Thomas Müller’s success story continues. The FC Bayern legend is just two wins away from the Major League Soccer championship. With the Vancouver Whitecaps he managed to achieve victory over Los Angeles FC in the quarterfinals. Müller then looked overwhelmed.
Thomas Müller’s hunt for the North American soccer league title continues. The 2014 world champions and Vancouver Whitecaps are in the Western Conference final after a 4:3 (2:0, 2:2) shootout over Los Angeles FC. If they win, they will advance to the Major League Soccer (MLS) final against the best team in the Eastern Conference.
The BC Place stadium in the Canadian metropolis was sold out for the first time, at least since Müller started hunting for goals there after moving from FC Bayern. However, the 36 year old striker failed to score and was replaced at the end of regular time. Müller had one shot on goal: his header in first-half stoppage time was saved, but then Mathias Laborda (45+1) made it 2–0.
Moments earlier, Emmanuel Sabbi (39) had given the Whitecaps the lead. For Los Angeles, Access Heung-Min Son (60/90+5) scored two goals. He arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer for 22 million euros. Like Müller, the former Bundesliga and Premier League striker is having a strong season.
Laborda converted a penalty for Thomas Müller’s team
Shortly before the end, the Whitecaps were outnumbered and Blackmon received a yellow-red card (90+2). After goalless extra time, the decision had to be taken via penalty shootout. Laborda scored the deciding goal to make it 4-3 and qualify for the semifinals for Vancouver. Los Angeles’ first shooter was Son, but he showed nervousness and only hit the post.
Vancouver’s entry into the Western Conference finals is already the best performance in the team’s history.
Vancouver will now meet the winner of the duel between San Diego and Minnesota, which takes place on Tuesday at 4 am. If the Whitecaps win there, Vancouver will qualify for the MLS final. Cincinnati, Inter Miami, Philadelphia or New York City FC are waiting there.
“What a night,” said an ecstatic Müller, almost overwhelmed: “I’m very proud of this team and to be part of this group. I’m happy for the fans, for the city.”
Müller has been playing in Canada since this summer and immediately took a key role in his new team after leaving FC Bayern. In eleven competitive matches in all competitions, he scored nine goals and set up four goals.
pk/dpa
