An MLS club is guaranteed a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals as Inter Miami prepares to visit the Vancouver Whitecaps for the first leg. This encounter pits two of MLS`s premier teams against each other, with the winner advancing to face either Tigres or Cruz Azul. Their journeys to this stage have differed significantly. Miami has heavily leaned on its star power, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, but has also benefited from strong performances by role players, enabling them to secure wins even when not at their best.
Vancouver has faced adversity, losing arguably their top player, Ryan Gauld, to injury. However, Brian White has stepped up tremendously, scoring freely for the Whitecaps. With nine goals across all competitions, his scoring prowess has even brought him onto the radar of the United States men`s national team. Under new manager Jesper Sorensen, Vancouver has shown tactical flexibility, which has yielded positive results, but they now face their most challenging test yet.
Last Meeting
These clubs have met only once before, in May of 2023. That fixture also took place at Vancouver`s BC Place, where Miami secured a 2-1 victory. Notably, both of Miami`s goalscorers from that game, Robert Taylor and Leonardo Campana, are no longer with the team, while Vancouver`s scorer, Gauld, is currently injured. Both sides have seen considerable changes in just one year, and their performances this season suggest these changes have been beneficial. The presence of Lionel Messi traveling for this game instantly alters the dynamic.
What the Coaches Are Saying
Javier Mascherano, despite being relatively new to Concacaf competitions, quickly understands their gravity. His emotional reaction was clear when his Herons engineered a comeback against Los Angeles FC to reach this stage, and he immediately highlighted the critical importance of this upcoming match.
“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 game [over the two legs], and Thursday is the first half. It is important that we play a good game and try to score as many goals as possible, because road goals are valuable in this competition. We want to have the ball, be protagonists.”
Winning this trophy is a major objective for Inter Miami this season. With away goals acting as a tiebreaker, even a 1-1 draw in Vancouver would represent a favorable result for Miami. Vancouver`s impressive scoring record this season (17 goals) means Miami`s defense will be rigorously tested north of the border.
Can the Herons Reach the Top of Concacaf?
To date, only one MLS team, the Seattle Sounders, has managed to win this competition. While several have come close, the tournament has been largely dominated by Mexican Liga MX clubs, who have won 17 of the last 20 titles. Teams from Costa Rica claimed back-to-back victories in 2004 and 2005, and the Sounders triumphed in 2022. Apart from these instances, Liga MX has consistently prevailed. MLS sides have reached the final in three of the previous five editions, a trend that will continue this season. This current opportunity feels like one of the strongest chances for an MLS club to claim Concacaf`s most prestigious club prize.
Predicted 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
Player to Watch
Brian White, Vancouver Whitecaps: Vancouver`s primary attacking threat is having a remarkable season, and his teammates consistently know where to deliver the ball. Recognized as one of the best headers of the ball in MLS, White is expected to provide a physical challenge to the Miami defense. If they cannot contain him, the game could turn quickly. Noah Allen has performed excellently in defense this season, but this match poses a significant challenge for him and the Herons` backline. Even if White doesn`t score, his presence creates chances for teammates, requiring Miami to balance marking him with respecting Vancouver`s other attacking options.
Storyline to Watch
Will Sebastian Berhalter or Lionel Messi Dictate Tempo? It might sound surprising, but between Berhalter and Vite, the Whitecaps have shown an impressive ability to control possession and circulate the ball, making it difficult for opponents like Miami to win it back. Sebastian Berhalter is establishing his own reputation in soccer, distinct from his father, Gregg Berhalter, now with the Chicago Fire. Even Mascherano acknowledged his team`s crucial need to control the pace of the game. Miami was fortunate to defeat the Columbus Crew after losing the midfield battle to Darlington Nagbe; repeating that performance could lead to a loss in Vancouver.
Prediction
Separating these teams will be tough, as both are capable of scoring at any moment while also demonstrating defensive competence. The goalkeepers are likely to play a significant role, as granting even a small amount of space could prove decisive. Expect the points to be shared in Vancouver. In a battle of the number nines, both Brian White and Luis Suarez are likely to find the net, resulting in a draw. Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 1, Inter Miami 1.
