San Diego FC faced the Vancouver Whitecaps twice in the 2025 MLS regular season and did not lose either of the games.

However, both of these matches were before the Canadian side made the splash signing of Thomas Müller in August.

SDFC defeated Vancouver 5-3 in Canada on June 25 and then tied 1-1 at Snapdragon Stadium on July 19. While the Whitecaps were playing well in those times, the Thomas Müller signing has greatly benefited this side.

The Whitecaps finished on par with San Diego on points with 63, but SDFC were favored in the standings based on matchups.

Thomas Muller scores a screamer for Vancouver Whitecaps 🤩 pic.twitter.com/dXMOepnmgE

— GOAL (@goal) October 6, 2025

Vancouver has only lost one game in all competitions with Muller on the pitch and has won five games and just two draws in this stretch. The World Cup champion has scored nine goals and has provided four assists in 11 games played.

While Muller’s production has slowed down in the playoffs with just a goal from three games played, his impact goes far beyond goals and assists.

The veteran forward has been a versatile player during the entirety of his career, serving as both a playmaker and goalscorer. Muller has played as a pure striker in the past and now has more of a playmaking role behind the striker at Vancouver.

Most balls in Vancouver’s attacking third will find Muller in the offensive buildup, and when the team wants to retain possession. You have to be wary of shots from range and potential through balls coming from Muller in his attacking midfield role.

Vancouver is a team that usually finds comfort in controlling possession, but will struggle to do so at Snapdragon Stadium. Possession was nearly split the first time San Diego and Vancouver faced each other, but it is hard to imagine that will be the scenario in Mission Valley.

Offside in the build-up…

But Thomas Müller nearly had his first goal within SECONDS. 😳 pic.twitter.com/wzDihNdCIg

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 18, 2025

However, Vancouver has gained a different dynamic with Muller in the attack and midfield that can be highly beneficial in a high-intensity match like this.

The former German international is the type of player who can change the game completely in a split second. However, Vancouver cannot rely on Muller on the defensive side of the ball, and there are several concerns there.

MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon will miss this match due to a red card he picked up against LAFC. That is a monumental blow to the backline that had already suffered the loss of Ranko Veselinovic in July due to a knee injury.

The backline is a huge issue for the Canadian side, but the offense will need to step up with Muller leading the way. This is expected to be a very tough match for the Western Conference at Snapdragon Stadium, and it will be interesting to see Muller’s role in this match.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.