Aug 23, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Thomas Muller (13) reacts in the course of the second half in opposition to the St. Louis Metropolis at BC Place. Necessary Credit score: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Pictures The Philadelphia Union have already certified for the MLS Cup playoffs. Now, the Vancouver Whitecaps will attempt to declare their very own spot within the postseason as they host the Supporters’ Defend leaders on Saturday night time.
Vancouver, presently third within the Western Convention with seven matches to go, has a number of paths to qualify for the playoffs, the only being a win or a draw in opposition to the Union.
The Whitecaps (14-6-7, 49 factors) may also clinch with a loss or draw by the San Jose Earthquakes or Actual Salt Lake, or with a loss by the Colorado Rapids.
Whereas Vancouver’s star attraction is Thomas Muller, the German legend was not its sole signing within the switch window. The membership additionally acquired Belgian defender Joedrick Pupe on Aug. 21, however his MLS debut is unlikely for Saturday.
“I feel it will be troublesome for him making it to Saturday,” Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen stated. “He hasn’t actually educated with the crew but. What I noticed regarded good and that is essentially the most constructive factor.”
The Whitecaps proceed to await the return of Ryan Gauld (10 objectives, 15 assists in 2024), who has missed all however three video games this season as a result of a knee harm.
“He is had some durations the place he is regarded good, been out on the pitch, and he had some setbacks,” Sorensen stated. “Proper now he seems to be steady and he does an increasing number of.”
The Union (17-6-6, 57 factors) can take a step nearer to the membership’s second-ever Supporters’ Defend with a win. They’re one level forward of San Diego FC with 5 matches remaining.
Whereas the presence of Muller will loom over Saturday’s proceedings, that may’t be the crew’s focus, Union head coach Bradley Carnell stated.
“It is an thrilling problem arising in opposition to a extremely good participant like Thomas Muller, (however) we wish to neglect the title on the again of the jersey for a change after which focus simply on our crest and never fear an excessive amount of about that,” Carnell stated.
Philadelphia shall be with out defender Olwethu Makhanya (purple card suspension).
In the meantime, beginning goalkeeper Andre Blake (hamstring), who hasn’t performed since Aug. 16 in opposition to the New York Pink Bulls, has returned to coaching, per Carnell.
–Discipline Degree Media
