Müller Settles into Vancouver Life | MLS Star
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, organized for clarity:
1.Thomas Müller‘s Arrival & early Performance:
Müller is playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
He scored a winning penalty in his first start for the team against St. Louis, while also wearing the captain’s armband.
A previous goal on his debut was disallowed for offside.
2. Cultural Adjustment:
Müller is adjusting to life in British Columbia.
The presence of fellow German Sebastian Schonlau is a “double-edged sword” – helpful for comfort adn understanding, but perhaps hindering full integration.
He’s finding he needs to adapt his humor for a Canadian audience (“translate one or two jokes”).
His jersey has been selling out quickly in Vancouver.
3. Whitecaps History:
The Whitecaps have a history spanning over half a century.
They are one of only four original MLS teams (from the mid-1970s) to retain thier name: Seattle Sounders, portland Timbers, and San Jose Earthquakes are the others.
The current club is legally distinct from the 1979 North American Soccer League (NASL) champions, but there’s a clear lineage.
Key figures from the 1979 team (Bob Lenarduzzi and Carl Valentine) are still involved with the club today.
The 1979 team won the Soccer Bowl, defeating the New York Cosmos (“stick it to the Big Apple”).
4. Müller’s Research:
Müller researched the Whitecaps’ history before coming to Vancouver.
He met Lenarduzzi and valentine.
* He watched a documentary about the club, learning about the 1979 championship.
Key Date: 1979 – The last time the Whitecaps were North american champions.