The Vancouver Whitecaps have taken a significant step towards their first Concacaf Champions Cup final appearance, defeating Inter Miami 2-0 in the first leg of their semifinal tie. In front of a record home crowd, Vancouver looked the sharper side from the opening whistle, winning tackles and second balls effectively. They even managed to dispossess Lionel Messi in crucial moments. Coach Jesper Sorensen`s team was well-prepared and executed their game plan, despite being without key players like Ryan Gauld.
Star forward Brian White opened the scoring for Vancouver in the 24th minute with a headed goal from Pedro Vite`s cross. Instead of sitting back to defend their lead, the Whitecaps continued to press forward, maintaining offensive pressure on Miami throughout the match.
Inter Miami struggled to create clear chances, registering only two shots on target over the entire game. Vancouver effectively dictated the tempo and flow of play, which was a concern Miami manager Javier Mascherano reportedly foresaw. Despite a recent league win, warning signs about Miami`s form were present, including losing the expected goals battle in their previous match. Changes in midfield, such as introducing Federico Redondo, couldn`t prevent Vancouver`s central duo, Pedro Vite and Sebastian Berhalter, from controlling the game.
Sebastian Berhalter, in particular, was influential across the pitch, establishing his own name in American soccer separate from his father, Gregg Berhalter. Having developed since leaving the Columbus Crew system, he is enjoying a breakout season under Sorensen, contributing significantly to the Whitecaps` strong position atop the Western Conference.
This match pitted two of MLS`s strongest teams against each other this season. Vancouver`s victory demonstrated that success in knockout competitions doesn`t always require globally recognized superstars. They must, however, remain wary in the second leg, remembering Miami`s ability to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Los Angeles FC in the quarterfinals. The two-goal advantage, especially with the away goals rule, provides a vital cushion.
As things stand, only a 2-0 victory for Miami at home would force extra time due to the away goals tiebreaker. If Vancouver scores in Fort Lauderdale, Miami would then need to score four goals to advance, a formidable challenge even for a team of their talent level.
While Miami has achieved success with Messi, questions raised following their early MLS Cup playoff exit last season persist under Mascherano. A strong regular season alone is not enough for this team; they need to show the same intensity they did against LAFC in the return leg. However, unlike LAFC, the Whitecaps appear less likely to falter under pressure.
Squad depth is becoming a concern, with players like Robert Taylor having departed and others, such as Julian Gressel, reportedly on their way out. Mascherano faces the task of balancing his squad amidst a busy schedule. Miami is set to host FC Dallas in MLS this weekend before playing the crucial second leg of this semifinal on April 30th.
Between now and the second leg, Miami desperately needs Luis Suarez to find his scoring touch. The Uruguayan has now gone six games without a goal contribution and eight without scoring. While other players like Tadeo Allende previously compensated for this, Miami requires the prolific goalscorer he was last season in these do-or-die moments. If he cannot rediscover his form, Inter Miami could face significant challenges in the long run.
Dominic Ashworth