'I have no birthday, I have matchday': Müller's Whitecaps hat-trick

Thomas Müller scored a hat-trick on his 36th birthday to help the Vancoucer Whitecaps into the Major League Soccer play-offs with the biggest win in club history, 7-0 over Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

Müller converted two penalties in the first half and headed the final goal in the 88th minute. He also had an assist for Emmanuel Sabbi, who had a brace. Mathías Laborda and teenager Rayan Elloumi got the other goals.

“I have no birthday, I have matchday,” former Bayern Munich and Germany great Müller said.

“I had some phone calls from friends, and they all told me the same: score some goals. And that’s what we did,” he added.

“Philly is still top of the league. To win 7-0 against them, even at home, that’s a very special day."

The victory saw the Whitecaps clinch a play-off spot from the Western Conference. They now turn their attention to the Canadian Championship event where they face Forge FC in a semi-final return leg on Tuesday, with the score locked at 2-2.

"We can be proud for two days, and then we go again,” Müller said.