Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter's journey to the MLS Cup 2025 is a story of resilience and determination. Just a few years ago, at the young age of 20, Berhalter contemplated retiring from professional football. After struggling to find his footing with the Columbus Crew and during a loan spell with Austin FC, the pressure and disappointment became overwhelming. He even called his father, Gregg Berhalter, now the Chicago Fire FC head coach and former USMNT manager, expressing his desire to quit.
“It was almost like I knew how bad I was,” Berhalter confessed on the Footy Prime podcast. “It just hit me, I was like maybe this isn’t good enough. I’m turning every single ball over at training … I didn’t think I love this.”
His father's brutally honest ultimatum – work harder or walk away – served as a wake-up call. Berhalter chose the former. He dedicated himself to rebuilding his habits, structuring his days, seeking mentorship, and creating a support system around him.
This season, at 24 years old, Berhalter's hard work has paid off immensely. He has become a key player for the Whitecaps and has even earned recognition from the United States men’s national soccer team, a program that previously overlooked him. In 2025, he achieved career-best numbers, including four goals and 11 assists in MLS play.
Berhalter's contributions have been crucial to the Whitecaps' success, helping them reach the MLS Cup 2025 final against Inter Miami CF. He's become a central figure in Vancouver’s tactical setup, especially with Ryan Gauld available as a super-sub. He understands the importance of the moment but remains focused: "It's a great achievement, but we got one more game."
Vancouver will face a tough challenge against an Inter Miami side led by Lionel Messi. The Whitecaps are aiming to become the first MLS Cup champion to win on the road since New York City FC in 2021. With Berhalter's dedication and the team's collective effort, they hope to achieve this feat and lift the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
Key Players to Watch
- Sebastian Berhalter: The resilient midfielder who has overcome adversity to become a vital part of the Whitecaps squad.
- Thomas Müller: The German star and Bayern Munich legend who joined the club in August and has quickly made an impact.
- Brian White: Vancouver's leading scorer, who will be looking to find the back of the net in the final.
The Road Ahead
The MLS Cup 2025 promises to be an exciting match between two teams hungry for their first championship. Will Berhalter and the Whitecaps complete their remarkable journey with a victory? Tune in to find out!