Muller's last-minute strike earns dramatic win for Vancouver

The Vancouver Whitecaps moved one step closer to sealing top spot in MLS' Western Conference as they ran out 2-1 winners against Orlando City on Saturday.

Thomas Muller got the last-gasp goal to send Vancouver onto 63 points, just three behind overall leaders, the Philadelphia Union, and three ahead of San Diego FC, with just one regular-season game left to play.

The Whitecaps left it late to make their mark on the game, having trailed after Dagur Thorhallsson opened the scoring for Orlando in the 24th minute, as he capped off a blistering counter-attack.

But in the 81st minute, a goalmouth scramble ensued after Sebastian Berhalter saw his initial effort cannon back off the post, only for the subsequent clearance to take a fortuitous rebound off Nelson Pierre to restore parity. 

And in the final minute of second-half stoppage time, the Whitecaps completed the comeback, as Muller came up with the goods, firing past Pedro Gallese into the bottom-right corner. 

Elsewhere, the playoff-bound Seattle Sounders saw off the playoff-chasing Real Salt Lake 1-0.

Paul Rothrock gave the hosts the ideal start when he netted in the fourth minute, and just 10 minutes later Seattle were handed the chance to double their lead, after Brayan Vera gave away a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Jordan Morris.

However, Morris was denied from the spot as Rafael Cabral guessed correctly, getting a strong glove onto a tame effort, though that miss did not prove costly for Seattle.

Meanwhile, the LA Galaxy gave their home faithful something to cheer about after a dismal campaign, with a 2-1 win over 10-man FC Dallas. 

Following a 2-1 defeat to the same opponents last weekend, the Galaxy made amends as Elijah Wynder struck the first blow just before half-time, capitalising on a numerical advantage following Logan Farrington's earlier dismissal.

While Dallas responded through substitute Anderson Julio, the Galaxy snatched an 87th-minute winner through Gabriel Pec, as the Western Conference's bottom-placed side earned their third win in their last four games across all competitions. 

Data Debrief: Vancouver continue to build momentum

Vancouver have now extended their unbeaten run to eight games in MLS. The Whitecaps are on course to match their last unbeaten streak of 11 games.

Coming from behind on the road is a trait that has eluded the Whitecaps in recent years, with Saturday's win their first victory after trailing at half-time away from home in MLS for since October 2021 against the Portland Timbers (28 games).

Berhalter's second-half strike ensured that the Whitecaps have scored in their last 12 games in MLS, which is their longest run of games with a goal in the competition (since at least 2011, when Opta records began).