Thomas Müller is in the MLS final in his first season with the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Canadians won 3-1 against surprise team San Diego FC and will now face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Vancouver had a tough task ahead of them against regular season winners San Diego FC, but got off to a dream start in California. After eleven minutes, the Canadians, with Thomas Müller unsurprisingly in the starting lineup, were already leading 2-0. First, Ian Pilcher lost the ball in his own penalty area to the strong Andres Cubas. Vancouver’s 29-year-old midfield maestro has had an outstanding season so far and showed that again in this scene: after a fine one-two, Cubas found himself free in front of goal and, from a tight angle on the left, played a cross-goal pass to White at the far post – 1-0 (8′).
Shortly afterwards, Emmanuel Sabbi dribbled his way through on the right, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega, who had narrowed the angle well. Then, however, something strange happened: the rebound landed at the feet of Ali Ahmed, whose shot was just blocked on the line by center back Manu Duah. Unfortunately for San Diego, he only hit Sisniega, who had rushed back and was almost desperately flying around, and the ball finally bounced off his back past the powerless Christopher McVey to make it 2-0 (11th minute).
San Diego impressed early on
San Diego seemed impressed by the double strike and tried to respond, but couldn’t make an impact as hoped. Even Anders Dreyer, who had almost shot the league to pieces in recent weeks and months (19 goals and 19 assists in the regular season and four goals and two assists in the playoffs), remained pale.
The reason for this was the Canadians, who repeatedly impressed with their good pressing, often winning the ball near the penalty area and not allowing the hosts to build up their game in an orderly fashion. Ali Ahmed then fooled the overwhelmed Pilcher with a solo run and crossed from the left baseline to White, who only had to tap in from close range to make it 3-0 at halftime (45+2).
Sisniego experiences personal nightmare
San Diego’s dream of becoming the second team after Chicago Fire in 1998 to win the MLS Cup slipped further away. However, a long-range shot from Hirving Lozano, who came on at half-time, was unfortunately deflected by Tate Johnson and ended up in the net past Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka after exactly an hour, bringing some excitement back into the game. The Californians then had a good half hour to possibly turn the tide.
San Diego’s ability to score multiple goals against the Whitecaps had been evident since their 5-3 away win at the end of June. On this evening, however, the famous soccer miracle failed to materialize. Instead, Sisniego had a thoroughly miserable evening when, in the 79th minute, he risked life and limb on an opposing counterattack and brought down Ryan Gauld well outside the penalty area. Referee Joe Dickerson had no choice but to send the Mexican off with a red card.
With a man advantage, the Whitecaps had no problem securing the victory and advancing to the MLS final on Saturday (3 a.m. CET). There, they will face Inter Miami with Lionel Messi. The Florida team had previously defeated New York City FC 5-1 and will enjoy home advantage due to their better regular season record.
