/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73048846/1483261983.0.jpg "Mls: Muller’s Hat Trick Leads Vancouver To Crushing Victory Over Philadelphia")
Thomas Muller’s hat-trick led Vancouver Whitecaps to a 7-0 victory over Philadelphia Union. Other results included LAFC’s 4-2 win over San Jose, Columbus Crew’s 5-4 victory over Atlanta United, and Minnesota United’s 3-1 win against San Diego FC. Bouanga and Rossi also scored hat-tricks.
In a stunning display of dominance, the Vancouver Whitecaps delivered a resounding 7-0 thrashing to league leaders Philadelphia Union, propelled by a sensational hat-trick from birthday boy Thomas Muller. The match, played at BC Place, saw the Whitecaps record their biggest-ever MLS victory in spectacular fashion, sending a clear message to the rest of the league.
Muller, celebrating his 36th birthday, was the star of the show, converting two penalties and completing his hat-trick in the 88th minute. His performance was not limited to scoring, as he also provided an assist for Emmanuel Sabbi, who bagged a brace himself. Mathias Laborda and substitute Rayan Elloumi also found the net, compounding Philadelphia's misery and securing a playoff spot for Vancouver.
"Philly are still top of the league," Muller acknowledged. "To win 7-0 against them, even at home, that's a very special day, so we can be proud, and then we go again." His words reflected the team's elation but also their determination to remain focused. "What I love about this team is, and you saw it in all three games I've played now, is that we're not stopping. We don't stop, even if we're up or down or if it's a draw, we don't stop. That's the message we want to send.
"Firstly, to us internally, but also to the other teams. We won't stop until the last minute. That should be our mentality for the rest of the season and also for the future." Muller's leadership and unwavering commitment have quickly made him a pivotal figure in the Whitecaps squad.
“I also read that that was the highest win for the Whitecaps in their history, so we can be proud for two days, and then we go again.”
Thomas Müller on this historic victory on his birthday. #VWFC | #VANvPHI pic.twitter.com/XHuACMwFWP
— X – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) September 14, 2025
Elsewhere in the league, Los Angeles FC secured a 4-2 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes at Levi’s Stadium. Son Heung-min opened the scoring within a minute, while Denis Bouanga scored a hat-trick to seal the win for LAFC. Preston Judd scored for San Jose, but an own goal from Sergi Palencia further compounded their woes.
In a thrilling encounter, the Columbus Crew narrowly defeated Atlanta United 5-4. Diego Rossi's hat-trick helped the Crew establish a commanding 5-0 lead, but Atlanta mounted a spirited comeback, with Jamal Thiare scoring twice. However, the Crew managed to hold on for the victory.
Minnesota United continued their impressive form with a 3-1 win over Western Conference leaders San Diego FC. Nectarios Triantis scored a remarkable goal from 55 yards, looping the ball over San Diego goalkeeper CJ dos Santos in stoppage time.
Data Debrief: Bouanga brilliance does for San Jose
Bouanga has now scored eight times in eight regular-season matches against San Jose, who are one of five teams he has netted at least five times against in league play.
No other player has scored five or more goals against more than three different teams since Bouanga debuted in MLS in August 2022.
Muller, meanwhile, scored his first hat-trick in club football since April 2018, when he netted one for Bayern Munich against Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal.