Inter Miami faced a significant defeat in their Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal, losing 3-1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium on Wednesday. This result sees Vancouver advance to the final. Sebastian Berhalter was the standout performer, contributing a goal and two assists, overshadowing even Lionel Messi. The Whitecaps effectively eliminated the favored Miami squad, including the World Cup champion, from the competition.
Initially, hope flickered for the Herons when Jordi Alba scored just nine minutes into the match, reminiscent of their comeback against LAFC. However, Vancouver quickly regrouped, and the first half concluded with Miami holding a narrow 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Vancouver, under coach Jesper Sorensen, make crucial tactical changes. Sebastian Berhalter provided assists for rapid goals by Brian White and Pedro Vite. This quick turnaround visibly affected Inter Miami players, suggesting the challenge was too great, even with Messi on the field. Berhalter then sealed the victory with his own goal in the 71st minute, exposing what appear to be significant weaknesses in the Miami squad.
While Lionel Messi has maintained strong individual form this season (eight goals, two assists across competitions), the team`s overall performance is faltering. Luis Suarez is experiencing a notable goalless run of eight games. Tadeo Allende`s scoring production has also decreased, and the defense continues to concede goals frequently. The squad composition, especially following departures like Leonardo Campana, Robert Taylor, and Julian Gressel, raises questions about the team`s depth and balance under manager Javier Mascherano.
With the Club World Cup approaching, Inter Miami`s current form suggests they may struggle to advance past the group stage. In contrast, the Whitecaps demonstrated excellent teamwork and executed their game plan flawlessly. Although Berhalter might miss the final due to accumulated yellow cards, Vancouver, coached by Sorensen, appears to have the collective strength to succeed even without him.
Miami needs to learn from Vancouver`s team-focused approach. The reliance on “Messi and friends” rather than building a cohesive unit presents a significant long-term challenge, especially considering Messi`s eventual departure. The team`s outlook seems difficult unless Mascherano can implement necessary changes and strategic adjustments. Failure to do so could mean a challenging season ahead.
Vancouver will now prepare to face either Cruz Azul or Tigres in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, scheduled for June 1st.
