Vancouver's Whitecaps Defeat Inter Miami 3-1, Eliminating Lionel Messi's Team from the Champions Cup
In a stunning turn of events, Brian White and Pedro Vite found the back of the net within two minutes of each other as the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Inter Miami 3-1 in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal. The triumph denied Lionel Messi and his squad the opportunity to reach the tournament's finale.
Sebastian Berhalter also contributed to Vancouver's tally, ensuring the aggregate score moved to 5-1 in their favor. The Whitecaps will now face either Cruz Azul or Tigres UNAL in the Champions Cup final, scheduled for June 1.
Following a 0-2 aggregate defeat in the initial leg last Thursday, Miami needed an impressive victory by at least three goals to progress. Although Jordi Alba opened the scoring nine minutes into the game following a setup by Messi, the reigning MLS MVP could not find the net for the fourth consecutive match.
Vancouver quickly erased a one-goal deficit in the second half, equalizing through White in the 51st minute and securing the lead via a deflection from Vite just two minutes later. Berhalter, with assists on the first two goals, capped off the scoring in the 71st minute with a well-placed shot.
The Whitecaps' coach, Jesper Sorensen, praised his team's performance, expressing satisfaction that they had established a substantial lead in the first leg, allowing them to maintain composure in the second.
Berhalter, responsible for all five Whitecaps' semifinal goals, will, unfortunately, be absent for the final due to yellow card accumulation.
Alba put Miami on the board with his first goal of the season, receiving a pass from Luis Suarez who had received the ball from Messi. Despite multiple opportunities, Suarez was unable to convert any of them, extending his goalless stretch to 10 matches.
Miami's losing streak now extends to three consecutive matches, their longest run since Messi joined the club in July 2023. "We need to improve," stated Miami coach Javier Mascherano, acknowledging the need to learn from their recent setbacks.
While specific historical records show no instances of MLS teams losing a semifinal first leg 2-0 and failing to advance, MLS clubs have faced challenges in the competition, particularly against Liga MX teams, which have historically dominated the tournament. Notable MLS successes in the competition include DC United (1998), LA Galaxy (2000), and Seattle Sounders (2022).
The media highlighted Sebastian Berhalter's performance, as he was responsible for all five goals scored by Vancouver Whitecaps in their semifinal victory against Inter Miami, following which he will unfortunately be absent for the Champions Cup final due to yellow card accumulation. Sports analysts discussed the Whitecaps' impressive performance in the media, noting that their substantial lead established in the first leg allowed them to maintain composure in the second, securing a spot in the tournament's finale against either Cruz Azul or Tigres UNAL.
