Whitecaps to continue learning from Muller after perfect MLS start

The Vancouver Whitecaps are determined to draw on Thomas Muller’s leadership in his first full MLS season, after his brace helped down Toronto FC on Saturday.

Having defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0 on matchday one, last season’s MLS Cup runners-up made it two victories from two games as they dominated at BC Place.

Muller scored twice in the first 37 minutes, converting a penalty after Walker Zimmerman fouled Aziel Jackson, then stealing in at the back post to tuck Mathias Laborda’s flick-on beyond Luka Gavran.

Another Whitecaps corner led to Brian White making it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time, as they extended their unbeaten run against Toronto to nine straight games (five wins, four draws).

Vancouver are unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches against fellow Canadian teams in all competitions (seven wins, four draws), only conceding four goals in those games.

Muller has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in his 14 MLS games, at least three more goal involvements than any other Vancouver player since his debut last August.

The German has only failed to score in two of his eight regular-season starts (nine goals in total) in MLS, but White says he brings more than goals.

“It’s similar to what he brought to the team last year,” White said of Muller.

“He’s seen the game at the highest level; he’s achieved the biggest things he can achieve in the sport.

“So I think it’s about all of us learning from him. He has so much leadership both on and off the field, so we’re all just trying to soak it up and follow his leadership.”

The Whitecaps are one of three teams to win their first two games in the Western Conference, alongside Los Angeles FC and the San Jose Earthquakes. San Diego FC could join them when they host St. Louis City SC on Sunday.

The Earthquakes defeated Atlanta United 2-0 on Saturday with goals from Preston Judd and Ousseni Bouda, with the latter being assisted by MLS debutant Timo Werner.

The former Chelsea striker said afterwards: “I think everybody can see that the people were very excited to see me play. That makes me pretty confident that it was absolutely the right decision to come here.

“Helping the team with this assist today was also giving something back to the fans, the people here who helped me in the first few days. It’s only a good sign for the next games when you have a welcome like this, and also for the rest of the season.”