Two prominent Major League Soccer clubs are set to clash in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Inter Miami will journey north to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the opening leg of this crucial tie. As two of MLS`s top sides, they compete for a spot in the final against either Tigres or Cruz Azul. Both teams have reached this stage through different paths. Inter Miami has often relied on the brilliance of global superstar Lionel Messi, though solid contributions from supporting players have also secured wins even when the team wasn`t at its peak.
Vancouver, on the other hand, has navigated the tournament despite losing a key player, Ryan Gauld, to injury. Striker Brian White has stepped up significantly, scoring freely and even attracting attention from the United States national team selectors with his prolific form, netting nine goals across all competitions. Under the guidance of new manager Jesper Sorensen, the Whitecaps have shown tactical flexibility, which has paid off. However, the upcoming match against Inter Miami presents their most formidable challenge yet.
Previous Encounter
These sides have met just once before, in May of 2023. That previous match was also held at BC Place in Vancouver, 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 club, while Vancouver`s lone scorer, Gauld, is currently sidelined with injury. A lot has changed for both teams in just a year, seemingly for the better based on their current season results. Lionel Messi`s presence in this fixture immediately alters the dynamic compared to their past meeting.
Insights from the Coaches
While relatively new to Concacaf competitions, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino quickly grasps the magnitude of these games. The intensity was evident after his team`s dramatic comeback against Los Angeles FC to reach this stage. He views this match as critically important.
“This is a very important game for us, one of the most important in the history of the club,” Martino stated. “We have a 180-minute tie [across the two legs], and Thursday is the first half. It is crucial that we play well and try to score as many goals as possible, as away goals are valuable in this competition. We aim to control possession and be proactive.”
Winning the Concacaf Champions Cup is one of Inter Miami`s major objectives this season. With away goals serving as a tiebreaker, even securing a 1-1 draw in Vancouver would be considered a positive outcome for Miami. Vancouver has demonstrated potent attacking power this season, scoring 17 goals, which will severely test Miami`s defense when playing away from home.
MLS Ambitions in Concacaf
Historically, only one MLS team, the Seattle Sounders, has managed to lift this trophy. The competition has been largely dominated by Liga MX clubs, who have won 17 of the last 20 titles. Beyond Costa Rican teams winning consecutive titles in 2004-2005 and Seattle`s victory in 2022, the tournament has been a Mexican stronghold. Nevertheless, MLS teams have reached the final in three of the last five editions, a trend that will continue this season. This year feels like one of MLS`s strongest opportunities to claim Concacaf`s premier club prize.
Anticipated 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
Key Player Spotlight
Brian White, Vancouver Whitecaps: Vancouver`s primary attacking threat is enjoying a remarkable season, with teammates knowing precisely how to find him in dangerous positions. Recognized as one of MLS`s best aerial players, White is expected to challenge the Miami defense physically. Should they fail to contain him, the game could quickly turn in Vancouver`s favor. While Noah Allen has performed well defensively this season, this match represents a significant challenge for him and the rest of the Herons` backline. Even if White doesn`t find the net, his presence creates opportunities for others, forcing Miami to balance defensive focus between him and Vancouver`s other attacking options.
Tactical Battle to Watch
Who Controls the Tempo? It might seem counterintuitive, but Vancouver`s midfield duo, Berhalter and Vite, have skillfully controlled possession and tempo this season, making it difficult for opponents to regain the ball. Sebastian Berhalter is forging his own path in soccer, separate from his father Gregg Berhalter (now with Chicago Fire in MLS). Coach Martino acknowledged his team`s need to dictate the pace. Miami struggled to control the midfield against Columbus Crew`s Darlington Nagbe recently; repeating that performance could lead to a defeat in Vancouver.
Match Prediction
This tie is likely to be closely contested, with both teams possessing the ability to score while also being defensively capable. The performance of the goalkeepers will be crucial, as any player given space can create danger. Ultimately, the points are expected to be shared in Vancouver. In a battle of the number nines, both Brian White and Luis Suarez are likely to find the back of the net, resulting in a stalemate.
Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 1, Inter Miami 1
