A spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup final is guaranteed for a Major League Soccer side as Inter Miami travels to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the semifinals. This clash pits two strong MLS teams against each other to see who will advance to meet either Tigres or Cruz Azul. Their journeys to this point have been distinct. Inter Miami has often relied on the immense star power of Lionel Messi, complemented by solid contributions from other players, enabling them to secure wins even when not at their peak performance.
Vancouver, despite losing key player Ryan Gauld to injury, has seen striker Brian White step up remarkably, scoring consistently for the Whitecaps. With nine goals across all competitions, his form has even caught the eye of the United States men`s national team selectors. Under new manager Jesper Sorensen, Vancouver has shown flexibility, which has paid off. However, they are now set to face their most difficult challenge yet.
Here`s a look at the key storylines and match details:
Match Details: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami
- Date: Thursday, April 24
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Location: BC Place — Vancouver, British Columbia
- TV: FS1
- Odds: Vancouver Whitecaps +109; Draw +220; Inter Miami +200
Last Encounter
These two teams have only met once previously, in May 2024. That match also took place at BC Place in Vancouver, with Miami securing a 2-1 victory. Notably, both of Miami`s goal scorers from that game, Robert Taylor and Leonardo Campana, are no longer with the team, while Vancouver`s lone scorer, Gauld, is sidelined by injury. Both squads have changed considerably in just a year, seemingly for the better given their recent results. Lionel Messi`s participation in this game will undoubtedly alter the dynamic significantly.
What the Managers Say
While relatively new to Concacaf competitions, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano quickly grasped the importance of these matches. His emotional reaction to his team`s comeback win over Los Angeles FC to reach this stage highlighted the stakes, and he immediately labeled this upcoming game as crucial.
`This is a very important game for us, one of the most important in the history of the club,` Mascherano stated. `We have a 180-minute tie [over two legs], and Thursday is the first half. It is important that we play well and try to score as many goals as possible, as away goals are valuable in this tournament. We want to possess the ball and be proactive.`
The Concacaf Champions Cup represents one of Inter Miami`s main trophy targets this season. Given that away goals serve as a tiebreaker, even a 1-1 draw in Vancouver would be considered a favorable outcome for Miami. Vancouver`s attack has been prolific this season, netting 17 goals so far, meaning even Miami`s relatively solid defense will face a stern examination.
MLS`s Quest for Concacaf Dominance
Historically, only one MLS team, the Seattle Sounders, has won this competition. Many others have come close, but the tournament has largely been dominated by Liga MX clubs, who have claimed 17 of the last 20 titles. Teams from Costa Rica won consecutive titles in 2004 and 2005, and the Sounders triumphed in 2022, but otherwise, Mexican teams have reigned supreme. MLS clubs have managed to reach the final in three of the past five editions, a trend that will continue this season, and this matchup feels like one of their best opportunities in recent memory to secure Concacaf`s top club prize.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Vancouver Whitecaps: Yohei Takaoka, Tate Johnson, Ranko Veselinovic, Tristan Blackmon, Edier Ocampo, Pedro Vite, Andres Cubas, Sebastian Berhalter, Ali Ahmed, Brian White, Emmanuel Sabbi
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Lujan, Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi
Key Player to Watch
Brian White, Vancouver Whitecaps: Vancouver`s leading forward is enjoying a remarkable season, and his teammates know exactly where and how he wants the ball. Renowned for his aerial ability in MLS, White is expected to provide a significant physical challenge to the Miami defense. If they fail to contain him, the game could quickly turn in Vancouver`s favor. Noah Allen has had a good defensive season, but this match will be a major test for him and the rest of the Herons` backline. Even if White doesn`t score, his presence opens up space and chances for others, requiring Miami to balance marking him tightly while respecting Vancouver`s other attacking threats.
Key Storyline to Watch
Will Sebastian Berhalter or Lionel Messi Control the Tempo? It might sound surprising, but Vancouver`s midfield, particularly Sebastian Berhalter and Pedro Vite, has shown an impressive ability to pass the ball effectively, making it difficult for opponents like Miami to regain possession. Berhalter is establishing his own reputation in soccer; his father, Gregg Berhalter, is currently managing in MLS with the Chicago Fire. Even Mascherano has stressed his team`s need to control the game`s rhythm. Miami struggled in midfield against the Columbus Crew`s Darlington Nagbe in a previous match, and repeating that performance would likely result in a loss against Vancouver.
Prediction
Separating these two teams will be tough, as both are capable of scoring at any moment while also being defensively capable. The performance of the goalkeepers could be crucial, as any space given away can be exploited. However, the points are likely to be shared in Vancouver. In a battle of the strikers, expect both Brian White and Luis Suarez to find the net, resulting in a draw. Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 1, Inter Miami 1
Dominic Ashworth