Whitecaps Dominate Union 7-0: Muller Nets Hat Trick on Birthday

The Vancouver Whitecaps secured a decisive 7-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on March 15, 2024, clinching a playoff spot in a commanding performance. The match, held at BC Place in Vancouver, featured a hat trick from Thomas Muller, who celebrated his birthday in style.

With this win, the Whitecaps improved their record to 15 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws for the season, marking their third consecutive playoff appearance. Muller, at 36 years old, was instrumental in the match, scoring two penalties in the first half and adding a goal and an assist in the second half. His contributions helped the team dominate the game against the Union, who had entered the fixture at the top of the league standings.

Dominance on Display

The Whitecaps controlled the pace of the game, boasting 59.2 percent possession and outshooting Philadelphia 20-8. The home crowd of 26,031 witnessed the club’s largest margin of victory in regular-season MLS history.

The scoring began in the 18th minute when Sebastian Berhalter assisted Mathias Laborda, who headed the ball into the net from a corner kick. Just six minutes later, Ali Ahmed provided a cross to Emmanuel Sabbi, who fired a quick shot into the top corner, making it 2-0. Sabbi celebrated his goal with an impressive backflip.

The Whitecaps continued their offensive push and increased their lead to 3-0 after a handball by Philadelphia’s Jesus Bueno led to a penalty. Muller stepped up to take the kick and converted with a low shot into the bottom corner. Just before halftime, Muller struck again, scoring his second penalty after Ahmed was fouled at the edge of the area.

In the second half, Muller turned playmaker, assisting Sabbi for the team’s fifth goal in the 61st minute. Sabbi’s powerful shot further extended the lead. The Whitecaps’ scoring continued with Rayan Elloumi heading in a goal from a Berhalter cross in the 80th minute, marking his first goal in Major League Soccer.

Muller capped off the night by scoring his first MLS goal from open play in the 88th minute, sealing the game with a header that left Union goalkeeper Andrew Rick with no chance. Muller joined the Whitecaps last month after an illustrious career with Bayern Munich, where he scored 250 goals across all competitions.

Looking Ahead

The Whitecaps played without their star striker Brian White, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. This match also marked a historic achievement for the club, as it was the first time they scored four first-half goals in MLS history and their third consecutive sellout—another first in the league era.

Next, the Whitecaps will face Canadian Premier League side Forge FC in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal on March 20, 2024. They will return to MLS action on March 25, 2024, when they visit Sporting Kansas City.