Müller's first goal as a Vancouver Whitecaps player propels them to a late win over St. Louis City SC

MEGAN SWAIN/ GATG

On August 23, 2025, the Vancouver Whitecaps took on St. Louis City SC for the second time this MLS season. The last game ended in a clean sheet draw, but this time the Whitecaps won, taking the game 3-2 off a late penalty kick that saw Müller score his first goal as a Whitecaps.

The visiting team opened the scoring in the 14’ after applying early pressure against the Whitecaps. When the opponent scores first, the Whitecaps have a record of 1-6-1, but with plenty of time left to play, the Whitecaps could still improve this record.

St. Louis did not let up after this first goal, continuing to get chances through the first 20’ that Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka saved and some that missed the net.

The Whitecaps held off St. Louis to keep themselves within one goal and started applying pressure later in the first half.

In the 4’ of stoppage time, the Whitecaps were awarded a penalty kick, which Brian White took. White has been on a scoring streak, scoring in his last three games, and made it four as he successfully scored to tie the game. This goal marks his 20th across all competitions and equals his career high from 2023.

St. Louis made a late push to try to regain the lead, but at the end of the first, the score was tied 1-1.

The start of the second half saw the script flip and the Whitecaps applied pressure early with chances coming from multiple players. Despite this, it was St. Louis that broke the tie, regaining the lead in the 73’.

Shortly after, in the 77’, the Whitecaps made a couple of substitutions, and Daniel Ríos entered the match. Two minutes later, in the 79’, it was Daniel Ríos who got a header and scored his third goal of the season across all competitions to re-tie the game.

St. Louis had a chance to regain the lead in the 85’, but Takaoka saved it, getting over to post to cover a small window left open in the corner.

The Whitecaps continued getting chances to get their first lead of the game, but kept coming up just short, but with at least 10’ of stoppage time, there was still time to capitalize on opportunities.

The breakthrough happened in the 14’ of extra time, when the Whitecaps were awarded a penalty kick. The buildup to Müller’s attempt had another sellout crowd of 26, 031 at BC Place on their feet cheering.

Thomas Müller successfully converted on the penalty kick to score in his first start as a Whitecap, score his first goal as a Whitecap, and score his first in the MLS.

Müller’s goal gave the Whitecaps their first lead of the game and was the game winner for a final score of 3-2.

Due to the scheduling change of their match against Orlando City SC, the Whitecaps now have a 3 week break before playing Philadelphia Union at home on September 13, 2025.