Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter each scored in front of a record crowd of 53,837 at the BC Place Thursday to help Vancouver Whitecaps blank Inter Miami 2-0, giving the Canadian team a crucial lead in their Concacaf Champions Cup semi-final clash.
The Whitecaps, who last reached the tournament semi-final stage in 2017, got off to a flying start early on in the match when striker White came close to scoring on one occasion and created a solid chance for teammate Daniel Rios on another.
White has been brilliant for the Caps this tournament, having scored three times in six appearances already. His persistence was rewarded in the 24th minute when the American helped his team draw first blood after heading in an impeccable chip ball from Pedro Vite.
Vancouver Whitecaps Ali Ahmed, left, and Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi in Concacaf Champions Cup action Thursday, April 24. Photo courtesy Concacaf
Vancouver then doubled their advantage in the 85th minute when midfielder Berhalter capitalized on Jayden Nelson’s low cross to smash the ball past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari from close range and send the home fans into a state of uncontrolled jubilation.
“It was great, great support,” said head coach Jesper Sorensen after the match. “I think it was everybody [who]put all the energy in what they had.”
“And of course, I’m very proud of every player who stepped on the pitch because we also knew that this was a special occasion and we had to put everything on the pitch, and every player put everything on the pitch.”
Whitecaps turn the screws on Messi and Co.
Vancouver Whitecaps came into the semi-final match on a strong run of form. The Major League Soccer (MLS) side knocked out LIGA MX teams C.F. Monterrey and Pumas UNAM in the round of 16 and quarter-finals respectively.
The buzz before the kick-off was strong throughout the stadium as the fans from both sides were treated to the news that global icons Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets were all starting for Inter Miami – playing its first-ever Champions Cup semi-final.
BC Place was witnessing a first-ever appearance from Messi, who disappointed many fans the last time Miami travelled to Vancouver for an MLS regular-season game last year.
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The Argentine, who is currently second amongst the top scorers in the Concacaf Champions Cup with five goals in six matches, looked threatening in the first half as some of his magical moves opened up scoring chances for the Herons.
However, the blue-and-whites kept Messi and co. at bay in supreme fashion. Even though the American outfit made more passes in the match and dominated possession at 69%, Vancouver only allowed them to take nine shots with only two of them on goal.
“Our back line was incredible,” said Berhalter. “These guys have been solid all year. It was a good team performance. It’s always been our identity,” he further added. “That’s been our motto the whole season, sticking together. Whatever happens, we have each other’s back.”
Crucial second leg awaits Vancouver
The Whitecaps will now travel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to play the second leg at the Chase Stadium – the same venue that saw Messi power Inter Miami stage a staggering comeback against fellow MLS side LAFC in the quarter-final.
“We have nothing to lose. We must win and score at least two goals. The pressure is on Vancouver now to defend their lead,” said Miami coach Javier Mascherano after the match.
Inter found themselves in a similar situation to the one they’re in now when they needed three goals to advance against LAFC. Messi made it happen that day and that’s what the Whitecaps will have to be cognizant of when they take the trip down south.
“Got one more game,” said Berhalter. “We can’t get ahead of ourselves. Thank the fans for coming out here and making an incredible atmosphere, but we’ve got one more game so we gotta take care of business.”
The winner of this contest will face either Tigres UANL or Cruz Azul in the final on June 1. The first leg semi-final between the two LIGA MX sides ended in a 1-1 draw Wednesday.
