Thomas-Müller debut in Canada: Hype even without a happy ending

Thomas Müller could not really classify his feelings after his debut in the Major League Soccer. “It’s a mix of everything,” said the new star of the Vancouver Whitecaps. “The result is disappointing, honestly. But they were great first moments.”

A goal in added time to 1-1 and an offside whistle in his supposed premiere goal spoiled a perfect Müller premiere in Canada.

Shortly after his substitution in the 61st minute, the Bayern legend brought the already euphoric fans of the Whitecaps even more. A perfect shot from the 2014 world champion landed unsustainably for the possible 2: 0 in the goal of Houston Dynamo. But an offside whistle by referee Jon Freemon destroyed the cheers. “I meet, the fans are going through and then it was offside,” the 35-year-old was annoyed.

But the first international player’s first 30 minutes have shown that the German does not just want to end his career in North America. After Müller’s arrival in Vancouver, the triggered hype will certainly not get smaller after his first appearance. With 26,031 spectators, the arena was sold out for the first time this season. The club also expects an unprecedented rush for the other games.

After his first assignment and the many appointments before, Müller is looking for seclusion. “I was very busy the last few days, very busy,” he said. “Now I will come to rest and think about the past few weeks in my apartment. Now I’m happy that I have fought my first match.”

Müller was immediately integrated into the game on the artificial turf in the BC Place Stadium. He gave commands, grätschte and was to be found everywhere on the offensive, like in the best Munich times. His teammates immediately searched him, Müller immediately staged them and appeared dangerously in front of the guest goal a few times. There was always applause.

“I’m really happy to be here. The fans were incredible,” enthused the former Bundesliga star. Müller was enthusiastically received on the way to the stadium. When he was substituted after a good hour, there was loud cheers. In added time, however, the shock followed. “We should have won clearly. We had a lot of chances. But that’s how football is,” complained Müller.

With the Whitecaps, he is on playoff course as the third in the table in Western Conference. The team is in the semi -finals in the Canadian Championship played separately and can be in series Canadian champions for the fourth time. Just the thing for title collectors Müller. “I played in Europe for so many years, but it was time for an adventure. But an adventure is only exciting if you can play for titles,” explained Müller.

After the setback against Houston, Müller wants to further integrate into the team in Vancouver in his “first regular week” and find something to normal. The next home game is coming up against St. Louis on Saturday. “We have to win. We need the three points,” he said. After his first assignment, Müller should be in the start formation in the next game.