Thomas Muller is confident the Vancouver Whitecaps are “on their way up” despite their heartbreaking 3-1 loss to Inter Miami in the MLS Cup final.
The Whitecaps breezed past FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC and San Diego FC to claim the Western Conference crown, but their remarkable run came to an end against Lionel Messi and his star-studded teammates.
Edier Ocampo’s early own goal put Vancouver behind, although Ali Ahmed drew them level on the hour mark with a composed finish.
But despite their best efforts it was not to be for the Whitecaps as Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende sealed Miami’s first MLS Cup title with goals late on.
It is indeed not a feeling that Muller is used to. The German veteran had won 10 of the 14 finals he had competed in before Saturday and has a record 35 career titles.
But even if they are defeated, he believes the Whitecaps will only improve and get stronger from here.
“We are on our way up,” the World Cup winner told reporters after the final.
“We have a young group, a very young group, a very talented group and a very hungry group. And you know how it is with the big losses, that gives a lot of energy for the future.”
“Obviously we are very sad, especially the boys. They have been in this league for many years and the MLS Cup title would have meant so much to them. They have worked so hard to get this opportunity. They are suffering a lot right now.”
“It’s tough, you can imagine. But I think, and when we talk about it, it will hurt for a while. But I think we will get up and show up next season.”
“I’ve been here since August, so it was the last chapter of the season. I think the boys did a great job up until I came in, and even better after that. I’ve really enjoyed being part of this whole environment.”
“It wasn’t just fun. We can be proud to be part of this process so that we come back stronger next season, even stronger.”
You are always there for us. Our 12th man. pic.twitter.com/ok9DGDl6x8
— X – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) December 6, 2025
Muller took little time to adapt to the pace of MLS and endeared himself to the Vancouver faithful upon his arrival in the summer.
In total, he contributed nine goals and four assists in thirteen league appearances as the Whitecaps finished runners-up in both the CONCACAF Champions Cup and MLS Cup.
“We play with our heart. Nobody plays a perfect football match,” the German added.
“We don’t even do it in our good matches, but we gave everything, and that’s the most important thing, and the way we do it, the respect we also have, not only for the fans, also for the whole city, for the people in the city.
“So we are a very sweet team and we will continue this journey as we do, and I hope we will work very hard so that we can get a little bit more trophies next year.”
The former Bayern Munich player also had high praise for the city of Vancouver, appreciating how a city long rooted in hockey culture rallied behind the Whitecaps during their playoff push.
“It’s so nice to hear that we’ve created a hockey city in a city like Vancouver. We’ve created the buzz that we wanted to create when we talked about it two or three months ago, and that this has happened.”
“That’s really nice to experience that alone and with the group. I also think the connection between the fans, the club and the players was close. I wasn’t there in the past so I don’t know, but it feels like it was as close as it can be at the moment.”
“So we were happy with any support and I hope the buzz continues next season.”
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