Vancouver Whitecaps secured a significant 2-0 victory against Inter Miami in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup, thanks to Sebastian Berhalter`s late goal in the 85th minute. Playing before a record crowd exceeding 53,000, the Whitecaps displayed intensity from the start, winning tackles and loose balls, and even dispossessing Lionel Messi in key situations. Jesper Sorensen`s squad appeared thoroughly prepared, performing strongly despite missing key players like Ryan Gauld.
Striker Brian White boosted his case for inclusion in the USMNT setup by heading in Pedro Vite`s cross just 24 minutes into the game, giving Vancouver the lead. Instead of defending their advantage, Vancouver maintained an attacking approach, constantly pressuring Miami.
Although Inter Miami had moments, their inability to register more than two shots on target allowed Vancouver to control the match, a scenario Miami manager Javier Mascherano had been wary of. Even following a recent win against Columbus Crew, warning signs persisted for Miami, as they were outplayed in terms of expected goals (xG) and nearly lost. Despite midfield changes like the inclusion of Federico Redondo, Pedro Vite and Berhalter were the dominant figures in the game.
Sebastian Berhalter`s performance was comprehensive across the field. He is forging his own path in American soccer, distinct from his father, Gregg Berhalter, who had a prominent career as a USMNT player and coach (and previously worked with Chicago Fire). Sebastian has developed significantly since moving from the Columbus Crew system to Vancouver, and he is currently having a standout season under Sorensen, coinciding with the Whitecaps leading the Western Conference.
This match pitted two of MLS`s leading teams against each other this season. The Whitecaps demonstrated that success in knockout tournaments doesn`t solely rely on global superstars. However, they must remain cautious for the second leg, remembering how Inter Miami overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Los Angeles FC in the previous round. Scoring the second goal provides Vancouver with a valuable buffer.
In the Concacaf Champions Cup, away goals serve as a tiebreaker. Currently, only a 2-0 home win for Miami in the return leg would send the tie to extra time. Should Vancouver score in Fort Lauderdale, Miami would then need to score four goals to advance, a difficult challenge even for a team with their attacking capabilities.
Although Inter Miami has achieved success since Messi`s arrival, questions linger regarding their performance in critical knockout matches, particularly after their early MLS Cup playoff elimination last season. A strong MLS regular season alone isn`t sufficient for this squad, and the importance of this match was reportedly acknowledged by the team`s leadership. Now facing an aggregate deficit, Miami needs to summon the fighting spirit they showed against LAFC. However, unlike LAFC, the Whitecaps may prove less prone to faltering under pressure.
With departures of key depth players like Robert Taylor and reports of others like Julian Gressel also leaving, the team`s ability to manage its squad depth will be crucial for the manager. The schedule is congested, with Miami hosting FC Dallas this weekend before the crucial second leg of the semifinal on April 30th.
In the coming days, the manager will need star striker Luis Suarez to regain his goal-scoring form. Suarez is currently on a streak of six games without a goal contribution and eight games without scoring. Earlier in the season, Miami could compensate when other players like Tadeo Allende were scoring frequently. However, in high-stakes knockout matches, they require the finishing prowess of the player who netted 25 goals last season. If Suarez cannot rediscover his form, Inter Miami could face significant challenges moving forward.
