Vancouver Whitecaps defeat Inter Miami 2-0 in CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final

Vancouver Whitecaps secure a 2-0 victory over Inter Miami in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final, leaving Messi's team with a tough task ahead.

Brian White #24 of Vancouver Whitecaps FC competes for possession against Maximiliano Falcón #37 of Inter Miami CF during the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final first leg at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 24, 2025. Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Inter Miami’s hopes of advancing to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final took a serious blow on Thursday evening as they were defeated 2-0 by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of their semi-final matchup. The result puts Lionel Messi’s side at a significant disadvantage going into the second leg next Wednesday, where they will need to overcome a two-goal deficit to keep their continental final aspirations alive.

In front of a passionate home crowd of 53,837 at BC Place, Vancouver executed a disciplined and dynamic performance, with goals from American duo Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter securing a deserved victory for the Canadian side. Despite their star-studded lineup, Inter Miami struggled to break down Vancouver's defense and were unable to make a significant impact, especially from Messi, who was kept quiet for much of the match.

Whitecaps strike first with early breakthrough

The Whitecaps quickly asserted themselves in the match, taking advantage of their speed on the flanks to put pressure on the Miami defense. Brian White was at the forefront of Vancouver’s early attacking play, helping set up a chance for Daniel Rios, whose shot was blocked by Miami's Marcelo Weigandt.

The breakthrough came in the 24th minute, when Vancouver midfielder Pedro Vite played a perfectly weighted chip into the box. White, who had made a well-timed run into space, rose above the defense to head the ball past Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. The goal marked White's 10th of the season in all competitions, and it gave Vancouver a well-deserved lead.

Messi, who was expected to be the standout player for Miami, struggled to find any rhythm. The Argentine was closely marked by Vancouver's defenders, and he had little opportunity to make an impact. His best chance in the first half came in the 29th minute, when he launched a long-range shot that flew high over the bar, much to the frustration of Miami fans.

Vancouver continues to pressure as Miami fails to respond

With the Whitecaps ahead, the momentum stayed with the home team as they continued to pressure Miami. Rios nearly added a second when he directed a header from a corner, but Ustari made a crucial save to keep the scoreline at 1-0. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the Whitecaps were firmly in control, and Miami’s prospects of staging a comeback seemed increasingly unlikely.

At the break, Miami coach Javier Mascherano would have undoubtedly demanded an immediate response from his team. The visitors came out with more intensity in the second half, but their play was predictable and lacked the fluidity required to break down Vancouver’s disciplined defense. Messi had another opportunity from a free-kick outside the box, but his effort was deflected and easily saved by Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.

Berhalter seals the win with late second goal

Vancouver’s relentless attacking play finally paid off with just five minutes remaining in the match. Jayden Nelson, who had been a constant threat down the left wing, raced past Miami defenders before delivering a low cross to the back post. There, an onrushing Berhalter latched onto the ball and finished with an emphatic strike to double Vancouver’s lead, ensuring that they would take a two-goal advantage into the second leg in South Florida.

Despite pushing forward in the dying minutes of the game, Miami was unable to find the goal they needed to give themselves a glimmer of hope. Vancouver held firm under pressure, and as the final whistle blew, they celebrated their 2-0 victory with the belief that they are now in a strong position to advance to the final.

Berhalter reflects on the win as Whitecaps look ahead to the second leg

Speaking after the match, Berhalter, who had been a key figure in Vancouver's midfield, reflected on his team's performance. “It feels good but we have got one more game and we can’t get ahead of ourselves… we have to take care of business,” said Berhalter. “Just the resilience, the character, the fight to keep going. We talked about this all week, we know we can do this and it’s not a surprise to us.”

Vancouver’s approach, characterized by quick counter-attacks and solid defensive play, had effectively neutralized Miami’s attacking threat, and their clinical finishing ensured that they will take a significant lead into next week's second leg. However, they remain cautious, aware that Miami’s talent can never be underestimated.

Tigres UANL and Cruz Azul draw in other semi-final

In the other CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final, Mexican clubs Tigres UANL and Cruz Azul played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, setting up an intriguing second-leg showdown in Mexico City. The result leaves both teams with everything to play for as they look to secure their place in the final.

For Inter Miami, the task is clear: they must now overcome a two-goal deficit against the Whitecaps if they are to reach the final and keep their hopes of continental glory alive. The second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter as Messi and his teammates aim to bounce back and turn the tie in their favor.

As the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on the return leg in South Florida next Wednesday, where Miami will need to find their best form to keep their Champions Cup dream alive.