Vancouver Whitecaps took a significant step towards their first Concacaf Champions Cup final appearance by defeating Inter Miami 2-0 in the first leg of their semifinal tie. The match, held before a record crowd exceeding 53,000 fans, saw Vancouver display greater intensity from the outset, winning challenges and securing second balls, even managing to dispossess Lionel Messi in critical moments within the box. Coach Jesper Sorensen`s team appeared well-prepared for the challenge, delivering a strong performance despite the absence of key players like Ryan Gauld.
The opening goal came in the 24th minute when striker Brian White continued his impressive form, heading home a precise cross from Pedro Vite. After taking the lead, Vancouver didn`t sit back but instead maintained offensive pressure, preventing Miami from settling into the game.
Inter Miami had their moments, but managed only two shots on target throughout the entire match, allowing Vancouver to control the flow and tempo—a situation Miami manager Javier Mascherano was reportedly concerned about. While Miami recently secured a win against the Columbus Crew, the previous match showed warning signs, including losing the expected goals (xG) battle and narrowly avoiding a loss. Despite tactical adjustments in midfield, such as bringing in Federico Redondo, the central control was firmly held by Vancouver`s Pedro Vite and Sebastian Berhalter.
Sebastian Berhalter was particularly impactful, covering vast areas of the pitch. He is forging his own reputation in American soccer, separate from the legacy of his father, Gregg Berhalter, who represented the USMNT at the highest levels as both a player and coach before now managing the Chicago Fire. Sebastian has developed considerably since his move from the Columbus Crew system to Vancouver and is enjoying a breakout season under Sorensen, contributing significantly to the Whitecaps currently leading the Western Conference.
This match featured two of MLS`s top teams this season, and the Whitecaps` victory underscored that success in crucial knockout games doesn`t always require globally recognized superstars. While Inter Miami previously overcame a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Los Angeles FC in the quarterfinals, Vancouver`s two-goal advantage provides a much more comfortable cushion for the return leg.
The away goals rule remains a potential tiebreaker in the Concacaf Champions Cup. As the aggregate stands at 2-0 to Vancouver, only a 2-0 victory for Miami at home would force extra time. If Vancouver manages to score even once in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami would then need to score four goals (to win 4-1 on aggregate) to advance, a formidable challenge even for a squad of their talent level.
Although Inter Miami has achieved success since Messi`s arrival, including lifting a trophy, their early exit from the MLS Cup playoffs under former coach Tata Martino raised questions that linger under Javier Mascherano. A strong MLS regular season alone is not sufficient for the club`s ambitions. Mascherano had acknowledged the importance of this semifinal tie. Now trailing, Miami must show the same fighting spirit they displayed against LAFC, but the Whitecaps are expected to be a more resilient opponent, less likely to crumble under pressure.
With depth players like Robert Taylor having departed and reports suggesting Julian Gressel may also be leaving, Javier Mascherano`s squad management becomes increasingly vital as fixtures accumulate. Inter Miami is set to host FC Dallas this weekend before facing the crucial second leg of this semifinal on April 30.
Between now and the return match, Luis Suarez desperately needs to rediscover his scoring touch. The Uruguayan striker has gone six games without a goal contribution and eight without finding the back of the net himself. While Miami could previously compensate when other players like Tadeo Allende were in scoring form, they require the output of the prolific striker who scored 25 goals across all competitions last season for these decisive knockout encounters. If Suarez cannot find his form, Inter Miami could face significant difficulties in the long run.
