Sat Dec 06 20:20:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sebastian Berhalter’s Resurgent Career Culminates in MLS Cup Showdown

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – December 6, 2025 – Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Sebastian Berhalter is set to compete in MLS Cup 2025 presented by Audi against Inter Miami CF on Saturday, marking a remarkable turnaround for the 24-year-old who once contemplated leaving professional soccer.

Berhalter, son of Chicago Fire FC head coach and former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, struggled early in his career with the Columbus Crew and on loan with Austin FC. However, a move to Vancouver and a renewed commitment to his development have propelled him to become a key player for the Whitecaps.

“I think I had to work hard to get where I’m at”, Berhalter said on Thursday, “It’s nice to see taking the next step”.

This season, Berhalter has earned MLS Best XI and All-Star honors, playing a crucial role in Vancouver’s historic season. He also earned his first USMNT call-up in May, starting five of six matches at the Gold Cup and contributing two assists.

Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen praised Berhalter’s dedication and coachability, expressing hope that he will be included in the USMNT’s 2026 FIFA World Cup roster.

“When you have a player who’s so committed to his football, to his career, and to his development as a player, and so committed to his team and his teammates, then of course, you hope always the best for a player like that, said the Danish manager”.

The Whitecaps will face Inter Miami, a team they defeated in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals earlier this year. Berhalter scored in both legs of that series, giving the Whitecaps confidence heading into the final.

“Those two games give us confidence that we can go out there and do a good job, compete and work hard and get the job done, he said. Two good games just gives us the belief, the fact that we can go out and do it.”

Berhalter and the Whitecaps are determined to lift the club’s first-ever Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.

“It’s been a good year, but nine months ago, we’re sitting there with the buddies in preseason saying, ‘our goal is to win MLS Cup.’ So, that’s what we want to do here,” Berhalter stated.

The match kicks off Saturday at 2:30 pm ET and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass, Apple TV, FOX, FOX Deportes, TSN, and RDS.

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