“Space German” choreography
© Imago
A goal in added time spoiled Thomas Müller’s premiere for the Vancouver Whitecaps. The 2014 world champion in his almost 30-minute debut for the Canadians against Houston Dynamo FC in the North American Major League Soccer did not get beyond a 1: 1 (1: 0). The long-time Bayern star had hit the supposed 2-0 shortly after his substitution, but the goal was not given because of an offside position.
Müller had substituted after 61 minutes with great cheers of the 26,031 spectators and was immediately sought as a playing station by his teammates. After two minutes on the artificial turf in Vancouver, he delighted the fans, who had prepared a small “Space Space” choreography, again: a brilliant shot from the offensive player landed in the opposing goal. Referee Jon Freemon, however, refused to recognize the goal.
Müller skilfully distributed the balls and staged his teammates. He gave commands and appeared dangerously in the guest penalty area a few times. He also helped out on the defensive. There were always applause from the followers for his commitment. The whitecaps missed it in the further course to score the second goal – and were punished bitterly at the end: Artur equalized to the 1-1 final score in the first minute of stoppage time. Brian White had already achieved the lead for Vancouver after six minutes.
With 46 points, Vancouver is in third place in the Western Conference and on a direct course in the playoffs. Next Saturday (local time) for the Whitecaps in the MLS against St. Louis.