Vancouver Whitecaps beat Vancouver FC 4-2, claiming their 4th straight Canadian Championship and marking Thomas Muller’s 300th career goal.
Whitecaps Rule the 604 Rivalry
The 604 rivalry lived up to its hype on Wednesday night at BC Place as Vancouver’s two pro soccer teams clashed for the TELUS Canadian Championship. The Vancouver Whitecaps emerged victorious, defeating Vancouver FC 4-2 and securing their fourth consecutive national title.
For Vancouver FC, it was a historic run—the first Canadian Premier League (CPL) team ever to reach the Canadian Championship final. But on the night, history favored the Whitecaps.
Muller Makes History
The spotlight shone brightest on German superstar Thomas Muller. Not only did he captain the Whitecaps, but he also scored his 300th career goal between club and country, adding a 35th title to his storied career—the most decorated in German football history.
“I know we were favorites, but we treated the match seriously from the first whistle,” Muller said. “In the end, it was a well-deserved win.”
Whitecaps Strike Early
The Whitecaps wasted no time. Just five minutes in, Muller sent a perfect cross to Canadian international Ali Ahmed, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Four minutes later, Ahmed drew a penalty, and Muller calmly converted, giving Vancouver a 2-0 lead inside ten minutes.
The early dominance continued, with Emmanuel Sabbi and Sebastian Berhalter both hitting the post, followed by Muller narrowly missing a third goal. Vancouver FC, however, wasn’t ready to fold.
Vancouver FC Fights Back
At the 35-minute mark, a brilliant counter-attack gave the Eagles a lifeline. Thierno Bah’s run through midfield ended with a precision pass to Nicolas Mezquida, who slotted home past the Whitecaps’ goalkeeper. The score tightened to 2-1, and hope briefly flickered for the CPL side.
“Really proud of the group—they never gave up,” said Vancouver FC head coach Martin Nash.
But the Whitecaps responded instantly. Ahmed netted his second of the match on the restart, making it 3-1 before halftime.
Second Half: Defense Holds, Substitutions Spark
Vancouver FC tightened their defense in the second half, limiting Whitecaps’ chances. Aidan O’Connor’s perfectly timed tackle and Matteo Campagna’s defensive work frustrated Vancouver’s attackers.
Meanwhile, the BC Place crowd erupted when star Ryan Gauld returned to the pitch in the 79th minute. Minutes later, he made an immediate impact, finishing a slick pass from Jayden Nelson to extend the lead to 4-1.
Vancouver FC’s Late Surg
The Eagles didn’t quit. In the 85th minute, Bah set up Mezquida for a neat finish, reducing the deficit to 4-2. Bah finished the night with a goal, an assist, and multiple chances created, showcasing his immense talent despite the loss.
Whitecaps Eye Bigger Goals
With their fourth straight Canadian Championship, the Whitecaps cemented their dominance in Canadian soccer. They’ve now punched their ticket back to the 2026 Concacaf Champions League and still have the MLS Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup within reach this season.
Vancouver FC, meanwhile, turns back to CPL league play. Out of playoff contention, they face Forge FC, Atletico Ottawa, and Cavalry FC to close out their 2025 campaign.
The night belonged to the Whitecaps, the dynasty that refuses to fade—and to Thomas Muller, whose brilliance keeps rewriting soccer history.
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