Vancouver Whitecaps secure playoffs with 7-0 win, Müller scores hat trick

Thomas Müller scored a hat trick on his 36th birthday as the Vancouver Whitecaps delivered a commanding 7-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union, a top team in the MLS standings. Müller converted two first-half penalties and added a late header, marking his first MLS hat trick in just his third appearance since joining the Whitecaps from Bayern Munich. Vancouver set a club record with seven goals and became the seventh team in MLS history to win a regular-season game by such a margin. The Whitecaps secured a playoff spot for the third consecutive year, with additional goals from Mathias Laborda, Emmanuel Sabbi (who scored twice), and Rayan Elloumi, the latter netting his first MLS goal. Philadelphia fielded a weakened lineup due to injuries and suspensions, contributing to their defensive struggles. Vancouver also saw a notable milestone with Seymour Reid becoming the youngest player in club history to score a regular-season goal.