Muller Leads Vancouver to Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over St. Louis

In a dramatic finish, Thomas Muller scored his first Major League Soccer goal with a late penalty kick, securing a 3-2 comeback victory for the Vancouver Whitecaps against St. Louis City SC on August 23, 2025. This thrilling match at B.C. Place showcased Vancouver’s resilience after trailing for significant portions of the game.

Vancouver (14-6-7) initially fell behind when Eduard Lowen netted a header in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from Conrad Wallem. The Whitecaps struggled defensively early on, committing several turnovers that allowed St. Louis to exploit gaps in their back line.

Matching Goals and Momentum Shift

Despite the early setback, Vancouver almost equalized in the 27th minute when Emmanuel Sabbi‘s powerful shot struck the post. Another opportunity arose just before halftime, but Muller’s header was narrowly off target.

In first-half injury time, the Whitecaps earned a crucial penalty when St. Louis midfielder Chris Durkin fouled Tristan Blackmon in the area. Following a video review, referee Fotis Bazakos confirmed the call. Brian White stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, marking his 14th goal of the season and leveling the match.

Vancouver controlled 54.8 percent of possession in the first half, outshooting St. Louis 7-5, though both teams managed two shots on target. The second half began with an aggressive push from Vancouver, who took five shots within the first ten minutes.

Decisive Moments and Late Drama

St. Louis regained the lead in the 73rd minute when Joao Klauss found the net after a swift counterattack led by Sang Bin Jeong. This goal put the visitors ahead 2-1, but the Whitecaps responded quickly. Daniel Rios, who came off the bench, equalized in the 79th minute with a well-placed header from a corner kick taken by Sebastian Berhalter.

The match took an exhilarating turn in injury time. As Mathias Laborda fell in the box after contact, Bazakos reviewed the play and awarded another penalty to Vancouver. Muller, seizing the moment, took the kick and skillfully placed it into the net, marking his first MLS goal in the 14th minute of injury time.

The victory was celebrated by a sold-out crowd of 26,031, including notable figures like Florida Panthers’ winger Sam Reinhart. White, who had an impactful game, left the field in the 74th minute due to an injury that raised concerns among fans and staff.

The Whitecaps will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host the Philadelphia Union on September 13. Meanwhile, St. Louis will seek redemption against the Houston Dynamo on August 30.

This report was originally published by The Canadian Press.