VANCOUVER, BC – On a vibrant Sunday afternoon at BC Place, Vancouver Whitecaps FC delivered a 4-1 masterclass against the San Jose Earthquakes, with captain Thomas Müller and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter emerging as the stars of the show.
The electric atmosphere was amplified by an Oktoberfest celebration on Terry Fox Plaza, where fans revelled in a pre-game party starting at noon, hosted by the Harvest Haus organizers. A lively German band, sizzling sausages, and $5 beers set the perfect tone for a day of football and festivity. Major League Soccer confirmed the duo’s brilliance on Monday, naming both Müller and Berhalter to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 38, with Berhalter earning MLS Player of the Matchday honors.
Note: the first goal was scored at 38.47 minutes! Both teams seemed to be struggling for dominance, but once the first goal was scored, that was it. The Whitecaps were back on a winning streak.
A Dynamic Duo Steals the Show
Thomas Müller, the German veteran, and Sebastian Berhalter, the American midfielder, orchestrated a performance that showcased individual brilliance and seamless teamwork. Müller contributed a goal and an assist, extending his scorching run to 10 goal contributions in five matches. Meanwhile, Berhalter delivered a career-defining display with two long-range golazos and an assist, marking his first multi-goal game in MLS regular-season play.Berhalter’s magic began in the 39th minute, when his perfectly weighted free-kick cross found 18-year-old Rayan Elloumi, who slid in to open the scoring. In the 74th minute, Berhalter unleashed a 29.17-yard screamer that dipped into the net for a 3-0 lead, showcasing his technical prowess. He sealed his historic night in stoppage time with another long-range strike, deflecting off the post for the 4-1 final—a goal set up by a pinpoint pass from Müller.
Müller’s Mastery Elevates All
Müller’s influence was the heartbeat of the victory, perfectly complementing the Oktoberfest spirit. The German captain struck in the 57th minute with a trademark finish into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Ali Ahmed. His vision and leadership were evident throughout, as he dictated the tempo, created space, and provided the assist for Berhalter’s second goal. Müller’s ability to empower his teammates while delivering his own brilliance underscored why he wears the armband, earning roars from the Oktoberfest-fueled crowd.
With 10 goal contributions in his last five appearances, Müller has been the catalyst for Vancouver’s playoff push, elevating the squad with his experience and playmaking. His third Team of the Matchday selection in just four MLS starts (Matchdays 30, 33, and 38) highlights his immediate impact.
Berhalter’s Breakout Moment
For Berhalter, the match was a milestone. His two goals and assist earned him his first-ever MLS Player of the Matchday award and his fourth Team of the Matchday nod this season (Matchdays 4, 25, 33, and 38). The 26-year-old has shattered personal records in 2025, with four goals, 11 assists, 15 goal contributions, and 2,116 minutes played. His 11 assists lead the Whitecaps, and he’s the only MLS player this season with at least 10 assists and 70 key passes in under 2,220 minutes—a testament to his efficiency.
Oktoberfest Sets the Stage
The Oktoberfest party on Terry Fox Plaza, organized by the Harvest Haus team, turned the match into a cultural celebration. From noon, fans donned lederhosen and dirndls, swaying to a German band’s lively tunes while enjoying authentic sausages and $5 beers. The festive spirit spilled into the stands, where supporters brought the same energy to cheer Müller, Berhalter, and the Whitecaps to victory, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
A Team in Sync
The Whitecaps’ depth shone through, with Elloumi scoring his second MLS goal in six appearances, Ali Ahmed recording his 10th assist in an unbeaten 21-game MLS run, and Jeevan Badwal adding his third assist of the season. Vancouver’s 91 goals across all competitions and 10-match unbeaten streak—matching their second-best run this year—signal a team peaking at the perfect moment.
Chasing Greatness
With a club-record 17 regular-season wins and a 15-0-3 record when scoring first, the Whitecaps are a playoff force. Their home dominance (12-0-2 when leading at halftime) makes them a nightmare for opponents. As they prepare to face Orlando City SC on October 11 with a chance to reclaim the Western Conference’s top seed, Müller and Berhalter’s partnership, fueled by the Oktoberfest energy, has Vancouver poised for postseason glory.A Shared SpotlightMüller’s leadership and Berhalter’s brilliance weren’t just individual triumphs—they were a testament to a team where stars lift each other up. With fans celebrating Oktoberfest, the German captain and American maestro illuminated BC Place, proving Vancouver Whitecaps FC is a force to be reckoned with.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC face Orlando City SC on Saturday, October 11 at 4:30 p.m. PT, before closing the regular season at home against FC Dallas on October 18.
About The Author
