Thomas Müller and the Vancouver Whitecaps swept their way into the next round of the playoffs—and now it’s time for a break. Things got dramatic even before the penalty shootout against Dallas.
The Vancouver Whitecaps certainly did not expect to have as easy a game in their first away match of this year’s MLS playoffs as they did in their first encounter with FC Dallas, which was a clear-cut affair with a 3-0 home win. And that’s exactly how it turned out when the two opponents met again on Saturday night (CEST) in front of 11,004 spectators in Texas. Nevertheless, the Whitecaps were celebrating again at the end – after a double thriller.
Thomas Müller and his teammates prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout, reaching the Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2017. Müller confidently converted the first penalty. And because the next three Whitecaps shooters also kept their nerves in check, while Patrickson Delgado and Nolan Norris missed for the home side, Vancouver’s sweep in the best-of-three series was complete after eight shooters.
Regular time – there is no extra time in the playoffs after a 90-minute draw – had already ended dramatically. Dallas had been in the lead until stoppage time thanks to striker Petar Musa, who kept his cool in a one-on-one situation after Ramiro sent him on his way following a misplaced pass by the Whitecaps (25′). But with a late corner, the visitors forced a penalty shootout: Müller headed the cross to center back Ralph Priso-Mbongue, who beat Michael Collodi in the Dallas goal at the second attempt from close range. After that, the Canadians had two more good chances to turn the game around completely.
In the Conference Semifinals, which they have never advanced beyond in their franchise history, the Whitecaps will face either Los Angeles FC, featuring Heung-Min Son, or Austin FC, who will meet for the second time on Monday night. After winning 2-1 in the first leg, LAFC is also aiming for a sweep. Müller & Co. will be watching closely—and then have plenty of time to prepare. The semifinals don’t start until November 22, and the Whitecaps enjoy home advantage in the do-or-die game.
Extra time and penalty shootout: San Diego must stay behind
In the second Western Conference playoff match of the evening, wild card starters Portland Timbers, coached by Phil Neville, surprised San Diego FC and evened the series 3-2 in a penalty shootout. The visitors, who finished the regular season in first place in the West, had long had their sights set on advancing before late substitute Andrew Guerra extended Portland’s season with his goal to make it 1-1 (90+8). In a wild penalty shootout with a total of five misses, the Timbers finally capitalized on this momentum and can continue to dream of a coup against San Diego. The winner of the tie will face the Seattle Sounders or Minnesota United, led by Julian Gressel, in the semifinals.